The Next Shift Podcast

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This week's episode is a conversation with Paul Collette, a retired US Probation Officer and Veteran Navy Reservist, who started his career at NYPD and is now an Addiction Recovery Expert. Paul is also a consultant and instructor on sensitive national policy and high risk investigations. 

Paul shares what it was like to get into NYPD in the early 90s and why he decided to move to to Federal law enforcement, with US Probation. He became a "Sex Offender Specialist" and it eventually took a toll on him and his mental health, as well as his family. 

Like so many have experienced...when Paul decided to step down after eight years of working with sex offenders due to severe burnout, no one checked in on him and he was shocked. He used the step down in rank to focus on getting his Master's Degree in Addiction Counseling. 

Paul talks about living and breathing Federal LE and embracing life as an entrepreneur. He didn't know a life like this existed and has been pleasantly surprised at how many skills from LE translated into entrepreneurship.

When asked what he thinks his new purpose was, he answered that he wanted to embrace the NEW version of himself and be a guide for others. 

Make sure to connect with Paul on LinkedIn, here. 

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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This week's episode is a crash course on all things Next Shift Academy. 

I don't know how I JUST realized I've never broken it down, anywhere other than social media...which may not be seen by more than 10% of my network, EVER...and those on my e-mail list get occasional e-mails about it, so I figured I would break it down here. 

When I first started doing market research for Next Shift...one of the most common answers to "what would have made the transition easier" and "what resources would have been helpful," were..."others to talk to who had been through it," and "either video trainings or something like an academy."

Well, two years later...Next Shift Academy was born and it is not only a place that allows you to network with those who have been there, done that...but also those right alongside you...AND there are LIVE calls each week for us to all come together and learn from/teach each other. You are NOT alone and you are NOT "just a cop," WE are here to remind you of that!

There are DAILY posts to encourage reflection and engagement from members, WEEKLY zoom calls called SHIFT Sessions on topics meant to encourage mindset/perspective shifts, BI-WEEKLY power hour calls to work on what you did not make time for throughout the week and have some accountability, and there are MONTHLY week long challenges to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and create accountability. 

Next Shift Academy is for anyone looking to transition out of LE within the next year (NOW is the time), those struggling with the transition (making it happen or after/adjusting to civilian life), and even those who want to lay the foundation of what life after LE can look like, NOW and be prepared for the unexpected. 

You can join us, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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This week's episode is a reminder to never forget where you come from...you might end up back there...in a NEW way!

I loved this chat with Mario Tonzelli, a prior LEO turned Regional VP of Contract Security...who's also a husband and a father. 

Mario's story is incredible and showcases a full circle career! As a teenager, he worked as a security guard for his current company...then he got into music and eventually fell out of love with it, decided to go the CJ route in college, ended up serving six years as a Capitol Police Officer, then eight years as a Railroad Police Officer, and unexpectedly transitioned out, due to a layoff (with a new baby at home), and is now the Regional VP of his current company.

Mario highlights the importance of networking, especially with organizations like ASIS, which helped him land his first role after being laid off, within THREE months! Mario is the epitome of leaning into the discomfort and making shit happen! His resilience shows through in MULTIPLE parts of his story.

Mario also talks about the importance of communication and treating your relationship like a partnership, because that is exactly what it is. This transition...planned or not...affects everyone in the family. 

Make sure you connect with Mario on LinkedIn. 

If you're looking for a place to network, but aren't even sure what direction to go in, YET...join us in Next Shift Academy and get direct access to those preparing for, going through, and embracing their transition to life after law enforcement. You will not only be able to create genuine connections with other members, making them more willing to introduce you to their networks...you will be able to prepare for and navigate this transition alongside others. You are NOT alone. 

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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Just because you are struggling or have struggled, doesn't mean you're a failure or you're weak or something is wrong with you. Struggle is part of life and no matter how much we try to avoid it...it WILL catch up to us at some point. 

Learning how to not just survive, but to THRIVE in life, even THROUGH struggle, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. And the BEST news...you do NOT have to do it alone. 

Whether you chose to find people online...like myself or this week's guest, Travis Gribble...or you choose a culturally competent therapist, or check yourself into inpatient treatment or rehab, or you attend a "retreat" to help you work through your struggle...or ALL of those options....YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

In this episode, we catch up with Travis to see what he's been up to since his first appearance on the Next Shift Podcast and chat with him about the work he's doing with Boulder Crest Foundation. You can check out his first episode, here.

Travis gives a brief intro into who he is and his transition, the work he's done on himself since retiring in 2022, and shares about the Struggle Well experience, put on by Boulder Crest Foundation. He himself has gone through the program and shared that even though he'd done a ton of work on himself/his mind since retiring...he learned so much and has seen significant growth.

If you've never heard of Boulder Crest Foundation, you can check them and their various programs out, here. 

Make sure you follow Travis on Instagram and LinkedIn, where he is always sharing incredible insights and information to serve our brothers and sisters in blue. If you would like Travis to speak at your conference or agency, check out his website, here.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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Last week was the FIRST ever DEBRIEF event for LEO spouses and it was more amazing than I ever thought it could be. Several wives of either current/former LEOs showed up in support of one another and not only shared their stories, but reassured the others that they are NOT alone. This event reinforced that this job takes a toll on more than just the officer, so I wanted to shake things up a bit and share a perspective not often talked about when it comes to the transition to life after LE. 

This week's chat is with Danika Pfeiffer, the spouse of my very first coaching client EVER, Kory! It was an honor to sit down with her and hear not only what it was like being a LEOW, but approaching the talk about him transitioning out of LE due to her career and a move, and how things are since his transition to the private sector. 

Danika has been with Kory since college, getting into law enforcement, and now getting out of law enforcement. She is the one who actually found the Next Shift page on Instagram and sent it to him. He reached out, set up a call, signed as a client, did the work, made some sacrifices, and made the transition within about six months of deciding he was leaving. 

I'm so honored to share Danika's perspective on the transition to life after LE, because it really IS a family affair and takes both/all parties being on board to make it successful. 

If you are or know a LEOW struggling with feeling alone, the lifestyle, or the transition, please know that you are NOT alone. The next spouse DEBRIEF has not been determined yet...there WILL be one and you can sign up here and the Zoom link will go out the night before the call.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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Addiction does not discriminate. It can take hold of anyone at anytime and this week's episode is proof of that. 

This week's episode is a chat with Davin Cole, retired LEO from San Fransisco PD, who's career did not end on his terms. Davin suffered an on duty injury, was prescribed opioids for pain, eventually had surgery, functioned at work for years....but off duty, was addicted to the opioids and was drinking on top of his addiction. 

Davin served for a few years at a Sheriff's Department before moving to SFPD, where he spent a majority of his career in the K-9 unit and got to implement a Homeless outreach program. While Davin was acting LT, he was about to go on vacation with his family and had run out of pills. No one in his family had any and the laws had changed, so the doctor wouldn't refill his prescription yet. Out of desperation to not be withdrawing on his vacation, he robbed a pharmacy and was arrested as he exited. 

His department picked him up at his house the next day, after he made bail, and took him to inpatient rehab. They also backdated his retirement, so he didn't lose out on it, but it still presented some challenges he didn't expect...like not being able to carry a firearm, due to felon status, and lack of job opportunities. A year after his arrest, he was sentenced to one year in jail and spent 6 months in County lockup.

Prior to being sentenced, Davin learned he had undiagnosed CPTSD and depression...which were only exacerbated by his addiction.

Make sure you follow Davin on LinkedIn and reach out with any questions about his story or if you're struggling. You are NOT alone. 

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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This week's episode is a chat with Valerie Hartmann, prior Chicago PD turned Threat Investigation Manager for a well known Security Company.

What I love about Val's story is that she understood the transition out of law enforcement is a LONG game. Val had enough self-awareness to know that after almost six years of policing in the big city...it was not for her and neither was being stuck on midnights.

Instead of getting out of law enforcement all together, she went to a suburb, which she says crated the path for her to get out of law enforcement. She went into an SRO position and conducted numerous threat assessments for just over four years, before taking those skills into the private sector.

I have "known" Val for a few years now and have watched her put in the work...networking, resumes, applications, interviews...it was approximately two years of all that before she got the position she is in now.

Val is a testament to putting in the work will bring you opportunities and continuing to network, even after landing a new role is crucial. There are opportunities all around us!

Make sure to follow Val on LinkedIn and reach out to her with any questions regarding the transition, threat assessments, and/or life in the private sector.

If you are feeling stuck and not sure which direction to go...download the FIT Method workbook and take inventory of what your wheel of life looks like, then do the work to work through it.

If you feel like life is spiraling and you're not sure how to get out of the spiral, but don't want to work through the workbook and instead feel supported by others who've been there, done that...join us in Next Shift Academy. 

Try us for a month and see how much better you feel about the future. If you love it, stay...if you don't, feel free to stay and keep putting in the work or cancel your membership. 

No matter the struggle you're feeling and/or facing...you are NOT alone, you are NOT stuck, and you are NOT "Just a cop," we got you!

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

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This week's episode is a conversation with Nick Daugherty, retired LEO turned President/Owner of Financial Cop, LLC.

Nick is based in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and worked for the Grand Prairie Police Department, where spent 14.5 years full-time and 6 years part-time. Nick spent time as Patrol, SRO, Patrol Sergeant, Fleet Manager, and Training.

As you can see from the title, Nick is someone who calls it like he sees it...mostly because he's been there...chasing a salary and living in the OT trap to pay bills. His simple advice to those struggling financially, other than becoming aware that it's YOU and your habits...not the salary that are the problem...is BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET.

This is an eye opening, thought provoking episode that will challenge you to look at your spending habits and encourage you to take control of your financial wellness...which often alleviates stress in so many other areas of life.

You can connect with Nick through his website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter.

If you are feeling stuck in a financial rut or in any area of life that is impacted by finances...download the FIT Method workbook and take inventory of what your wheel of life looks like, then do the work to work through it.

If you feel like life is spiraling and you're not sure how to get out of the spiral, but don't want to work through the workbook and instead feel supported by others who've been there, done that...join us in Next Shift Academy. 

Try us for a month and see how much better you feel about the future. If you love it, stay...if you don't, feel free to stay and keep putting in the work or cancel your membership. 

No matter the struggle you're feeling and/or facing...you are NOT alone, you are NOT stuck, and you are NOT "Just a cop," we got you!

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

Send us Fan Mail

This was a fun twist to an episode!

I have been wanting to do a Q&A episode for awhile now and last week I decided to test the waters to see if there was any interest. I posted a question box in my stories and explained what I was wanting to do, asking for any and all questions my network had for me. I got multiple responses so I went ahead and recorded the episode! Don't worry LinkedIn fam, I'll be posting a poll there next month!

I am going to try to record one Q&A episode a month, to make sure YOUR voice is being heard and your questions are being answered. All questions will remain anonymous.

This is YOUR podcast, just as much as it is mine....so I want to hear from you about topics you want covered, guests you want to hear from, and questions you have...that as we all know, others probably have as well but aren't willing to ask.

Let's keep sharing and growing alongside each other as we work to and through this transition. It's been the greatest honor getting to know you, hear/share your stories, and help you through what you once thought "impossible."

If you're ready to get UNSTUCK and feeling like there's no way out, join us in Next Shift Academy. We will help you go from just trying to survive in the chaos and confusion to THRIVING with clarity and confidence as you plan for and prepare for your Next Shift. Take control, TODAY!

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift

Send us Fan Mail

This week's episode is a chat with Josh Malczak, a prior LEO turned Sales rep, who is out here sharing lessons learned and insights as to why cops make great salesmen.

I "met" Josh on LinkedIn and was instantly drawn to his posts and insights. His "Lessons from the Lounge" posts are what first caught my attention, then as I dug into the content, I found myself shaking my head in agreeance and commenting.

Josh spent 16 years as a cop in the Pittsburg, PA area, after becoming obsessed with cops when his mom worked at a local borough and being laid off from a Mill job he was working. Josh worked at two different smaller agencies and built the Taser program from the ground up. He loved being an FTO and understood the huge responsibility it was. He spent time in Community Relations and was head of the Union, responsible for negotiations. Josh also owned his own Detail Shop and when the job plus his business became too much to handle, he left the PD to go all in on his business.

Once he was able to go all in on the business, it blew up and someone offered to buy it. After a year or so of thinking about it...he decided to sell his business. He worked sales for a few different companies before landing where he is now. He noted the "red tape" often involved in big companies versus smaller companies.

Some things Josh has learned about sales is that they are relationship based...NOT transactional and cops make good salesmen because they're direct communicators who can communicate with anyone, they're direct communicators, and have great organizational/planning skills. Josh suggests that Outside B2B sales is where it's at due to better hours, value, and problem solving.

Be sure to follow Josh on LinkedIn and reach out with any questions you have about the transition out of LE and/or getting into sales.

If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND  @the_jessflores

If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!

Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review. 

You can NOW wear the mission of The Next Shift Podcast, with merch! Check out our current designs, here.

See you Next Shift