The FourBlock Podcast

"Everyone you meet right now is battling with some internal struggle with a stressor that is completely unfamiliar."

This week we welcome Jaz Azari, who joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss cultural stress in the COVID-19 world. Passionate about preserving mental health and wellbeing, particularly within the military community, Jaz has written about and presented on the topic of "cultural stress." As cultural stress applies to unique stressors on servicemembers working with and among foreign populations, Jaz uses this concept as a frame to discuss stressors created by the COVID-19 world.

On this episode, Jaz reinforces how stress is both universal and part of life in a pandemic; defines and explores facets of cultural stress; describes types of stress, including what can happen as a result of stress and why it's important; speaks to military health research and Post Traumatic Stress; delves into factors that can help mitigate or, in their absence, contribute to increased stresses; and shares advice for what you can do to cope with the realities of COVID-19.

Jaz is a former Foreign Service Officer and Department of Defense civilian, with more than fourteen years of experience working on foreign policy, defense, security, environment, science, technology, health and entrepreneurial issues, and communications. Having studied abroad and served overseas in positions from teaching English as a Second Language in Tianjin, China, to working as a Human Terrain System Social Scientist embedded with an Army Stryker Brigade in Diyala, Iraq, to serving as the Staff Assistant to the U.S. Ambassador in Nairobi, Kenya, Jaz lives with the desire to continually explore and understand the world and its citizens; to listen to others' stories, their histories, and their unique Weltanschauungs; and to use interactions to promote open, honest dialogue. Through her novels, Jaz also strives to use fantastical lands and characters to raise challenging moral, philosophical, and ethical questions. In this COVID-19 world, Jaz offers a simple motto to keep moving forward: "Carpe Diem" – "Seize the day."

Jaz has published on topics including terrorism and military psychology. She holds an M.A. in War Studies from King's College London and a dual B.A. in International Relations and German Studies from the Schreyer Honors College at the Pennsylvania State University. Jaz is fluent in German.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

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Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"At the end of the day, we are making decisions about people – their livelihoods, their careers, their futures – and I think that that is an honor and needs to be treated as such."

An evangelist for change, Julie Teahan creates environments where people and organizations thrive, where "families" are formed to deliver transformative and sustainable results. This week, Julie joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss organizational leadership, culture, and performance management. In this episode, Julie discusses the importance of an ongoing and empowering performance management system and shares how these systems are adapting to allow for a more curated experience. She also shares some of the factors that influence behavior and motivate employees, discusses the need for a high-engagement leadership model, and reflects on the question, "Can people change?"

Julie is currently a partner at Guidehouse, a commercial and public sector advisory firm with more than 8,000 employees across 50 locations worldwide. For the past 20 years, she has been an organizational Sherpa, using a combination of strategy, behavioral science, creativity, endless energy and a lot of coffee to help organizations navigate their journey to something better. Julie also serves on the Board of Directors for Help Heal Veterans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free therapeutic arts and crafts kits to hospitalized and homebound veterans.

Julie grew up in West Virginia, where she learned three lessons: 1) everyone is a neighbor, 2) peaks and valleys work in concert together, and 3) hard work is rewarding. As an alumna from Loyola University of Maryland as an inductee to their prestigious Green and Grey Society, Julie still subscribes to the school's motto of "Strong Truths Well Lived," using her strengths for good. Her graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Science has armed her with a mastery understanding of what influences behavior and how managing those influences can impact an individual, group or an organization.

As the mother of three children, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make choices that optimize their personal and professional growth and allow them to live their best life. She speaks frequently at conferences, seminars and workshops on a variety of topics, including flexibility in the workplace, personal branding, employee engagement and change management.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Sean Kelley is a passionate and inspirational leader, startup advisor, and board member who uses an inclusive mindset and direct approach to effect global change. This week, Sean joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to reflect on leadership and culture in corporate America and what it means to be a people-first, systemic builder of culture.

Sean discusses what he learned about leadership from corporate America when he first transitioned out of the military to the civilian workforce, what corporate America taught him about leading in a diverse environment, and what he learned from working in founder-led cultures for some of America's top corporate leaders. He also describes how his military training informed his leadership style in the corporate world and shares actionable advice for veterans in career transition right now.

Over his 30-year career, Sean has led teams at all levels of organizations in operations, supply chain management, diversity & inclusion, and talent acquisition. He's been an advocate for diversity and inclusion his entire career, leaving a legacy of compassion, collaboration, inclusive leadership, team spirit, and operational excellence everywhere he has worked. His corporate career culminated in 2020, after scaling the global talent acquisition team for Amazon's Worldwide Operations.

Sean began his career serving as a U.S. Navy Supply Corps officer specializing in submarine logistics, completing two deployments at sea aboard USS Pogy (SSN-647). Prior to joining Amazon, Sean contributed to the success of Starbucks and Microsoft, both during pivotal stages of growth and transformation.

As a talent acquisition and diversity leader, Sean is known as an innovator, visionary strategist, and collaborator across organizational boundaries, unafraid to challenge the status quo to open the door more widely to the technology industry. He has built strategic talent partnerships, delivering long-lasting impacts, with HBCU Connect, City Year, the National Center for Women & IT, and numerous Veteran Serving organizations including Team Red, White & Blue, the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring our Heroes, and Student Veterans of America.

Sean is nationally recognized as a leading expert in corporate Military Affairs, recruiting, and transition programs. He architected Military Affairs strategies for both Microsoft and Amazon, firsts for each company and establishing both as leaders for the industry globally. At Microsoft, he led the creation of the company's flagship veteran program, the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, creating a model for future career skills bridge programs across the industry.

Sean's leadership propelled Amazon in far exceeding the company's 2016 Joining Forces pledge to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by 2021, more than doubling that outcome. He was awarded the US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes 2018 Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award recognizing Individual Excellence in Veteran Employment.

Sean holds a B.S. Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.S. Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. He serves on the National Board of Trustees for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, is a strategic advisor to the CEO of The HBCU Foundation, and contributes to local entities that serve families experiencing homelessness, joblessness, and general distress.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

"If you can get better at knowing people, understanding people, taking care of people, you'll be a better salesperson." This week, we welcome Jason Smith, former U.S. Air Force Captain, sales expert, keynote speaker, business coach, trainer, and military veteran community leader. Jason joins FourBlock founder Mike Abrams to discuss his own transition struggles, address the negative stereotypes associated with sales careers, and share expert insights & actionable advice for veterans looking to start a successful career in sales or become a better salesperson. Jason is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, serving on active duty for four years and reaching the rank of Captain. Jason left active duty unexpectedly due to medical reasons and transitioned into a role as a manufacturing process engineer at General Electric. Jason's Enterprise Sales career began with Red Hat Software as a new business development rep in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, he has driven sales and developed business development plans for IBM and Fiserv, where the strategies he designed and executed consistently yielded revenue attainment in excess of 300% of target while creating multiple loyal reference clients for his companies. He founded CIGRIE, LLC in 2016 as an alternative to traditional strategic consulting for small businesses in Atlanta. In 2018 CIGRIE was selected as an affiliate of ASLAN Training & Development, to deliver their 23-year training curriculum to major Enterprises globally for companies like, SolarWinds, KVH, FLIR, and American Airlines. Jason serves as a City Leader for Bunker Labs, a national non-profit supporting veteran entrepreneurs. For the past three years, he has also served as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Atlanta cohort of FourBlock, providing career transition training and support for veterans.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

This week, U.S. Army veteran and original FourBlock alumnus Andy Roberts reflects on his recent experience in the healthcare industry transitioning from his role in human resources, mergers and acquisitions to working on the ground and rapidly standing up testing sites in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Andy joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss his role in the healthcare space, share advice for how to successfully merge organizational cultures, and recount how his experience in the Army has informed his work in the civilian world.

Andy Roberts is currently a Senior Advisor in HR Emergency Management for Northwell Health in Lake Success, NY. At the time of this recording, Andy was serving as the Director of Human Resources, Mergers & Acquisitions for Northwell Health, the largest provider of healthcare in New York and one of the largest in the United States. In this role, Andy is responsible for leading the post-deal integration of hospitals and large practices that join Northwell, which includes the alignment of culture, processes, structure, policy and technology.

During the pandemic outbreak of 2020, he was tasked with standing up COVID-19 testing sites for Northwell Health and helped manage the rollout of antibody testing, which enabled 45,000 team members to be tested in about two weeks' time. He is now standing up a new department at Northwell dedicated to emergency management within human resources operations.

Andy previously served as the Director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services for Northwell Health, during which time he oversaw a variety of programs that cared for military veterans and their families. Prior to working for Northwell, he served as the Deputy Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs and as the Membership Associate for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Andy is a graduate of West Point and former Army Officer who deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004. In Iraq, he served with the 4th Infantry Division as a battery commander of about 90 soldiers. He is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

This week, Colonel Bill Murray joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to take a deep dive into the real estate industry, sharing expert insights and actionable advice for any prospective homeowners, investors, or real estate professionals.

Bill spent 28 years in the Marine Corps as a CH-53 heavy lift helicopter pilot, holding nearly every command within the wing and culminating as the commanding officer of the Marine Aircraft Group 24 based out of Kaneohe Bay, HI, where he led thousands of Marines and sailors in missions throughout the Pacific and around the globe.

Throughout his time on active duty and continuing today, Bill also owns and manages RTR Property Group, where he works with a team of real estate professionals to locate, purchase, and develop real estate throughout the United States. Past investments have included residential, industrial, and commercial properties valued in the millions of dollars. Bill also serves as the Chairman of the FourBlock Board of Directors and is one of our founding Board Members.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

During targeted operations overseas, there were veterans who didn't hesitate at the thought of charging into a building and rooting out a terrorist. Back here at home, some of these same vets are fearful of walking into a room and starting a simple conversation with someone that they don't know.

The difference between charging into a building in Iraq and walking into a room full of people back here at home boils down to one thing: preparation. This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams dives into this topic and discusses how to prepare for networking situations back at home.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

"A lot of my resilience comes from others – it doesn't come from within."

Gunnery Sgt. Ralph DeQuebec enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002 at 19 years old. During his third combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2012, he was critically injured from a blast of an improvised explosive device, losing both of his legs above the knee. He received a Purple Heart for his actions in combat.

During his four years of recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he discovered the sport of para-ice hockey. He would go on to win a gold medal in the 2018 Paralympic Games in South Korea.

This week, Ralph joins FourBlock founder Mike Abrams to share his incredible story of resiliency. Ralph discusses personal details of his third deployment, injury, and years-long recovery process; opens up about overcoming tremendous loss and adversity; and explains how getting involved in ice sled hockey helped pull him out of the darkest time in his life, gave him a new sense of purpose and showed him that he could love life again.

Ralph is currently the Captain of the Colorado Sled Hockey Warrior Avalanche and the co-founder of We Are All One Story. He is also training for the 2022 Paralympic Games in Bejing.

To learn more about We Are All One Story, visit https://weareallonestory.net/.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Before veterans deploy overseas or go on a mission, they study and try to understand everything possible about the enemy, culture, weather, terrain and local population. However, when faced with a new mission of starting a civilian career, some veterans don't always take the time to really understand the corporate landscape or the company to which they are applying.

This week, founder Mike Abrams discusses the importance of having a firm understanding of how companies identify, screen and hire new employees, and shares advice to help veterans improvise, adapt and overcome the unique challenges they face when transitioning into a new career.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

As a veteran, when you go into a job interview and you are being asked questions by someone who has never served in the military, it's your responsibility to make the interviewer feel comfortable asking you questions about your overseas experiences.

This week, FourBlock founder Mike Abrams explains how to effectively describe what you did in the military on your terms and to open the conversation up for the interviewer to better understand your skills and experiences.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.

General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.

But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective.

Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/

Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.

Follow FourBlock on Social Media

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter