Host: Scott Schimmel
Guest: Diego Ugalde – Former Navy SEAL, Founder of The Trident Approach & WarriorSide

In this compelling episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, host Scott Schimmel sits down with former Navy SEAL and leadership coach Diego Ugalde to discuss the critical aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life. Diego shares his personal journey, from struggling to find direction after service to embracing entrepreneurship and deep self-awareness.

The conversation dives deep into the power of storytelling, the importance of connection, and how veterans can redefine their future with clarity and confidence. Diego also discusses his work with WarriorSide, a program that helps veterans craft authentic and empowering narratives.

✅ The Power of Storytelling – How the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and why veterans need to be intentional about the narratives they share.
✅ Navigating Transition – Diego’s experience with The Honor Foundation and how it opened doors to new possibilities.
✅ Entrepreneurial Mindset – Why starting The Trident Approach and WarriorSide felt like the right path for Diego.
✅ The Role of Connection – How relationships and community are more powerful than any single tool or therapy.
✅ Facing the Darkness to Find the Light – The journey of personal transformation and how veterans can tap into their true potential.

🗣️ “The one thing more powerful than psychedelics, more powerful than therapy, more powerful than all the medications we have, is connection.” – Diego Ugalde
🗣️ “If you tell yourself a story that is misaligned with truth, it’s like drinking teaspoons of poison every time you say it.” – Diego Ugalde
🗣️ “Vector Accelerator is all about creating the space for veterans to find clarity before they make major life decisions.” – Scott Schimmel

🔹 Learn more about Vector Accelerator: www.vectoraccelerator.org
🔹 Connect with Diego Ugalde: www.warriorside.org
🔹 Check out Diego’s book: Leading from the Deep: A Navy SEAL Psychedelic Approach to Conscious Leadership
🔹 Upcoming WarriorSide Event: March 29 at House of Blues, San Diego – Get tickets here

🎙️ Subscribe to Vector Accelerator Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
💬 Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates and community discussions.
✉️ Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a fellow veteran who could benefit from Diego’s insights.

Summary

In this episode of the Vector Accelerator podcast, Scott Schimmel and James Seastrom discuss the challenges and experiences of transitioning from military to civilian life. James shares his journey of exploring various career paths, the importance of networking, and the role of coaching in personal development. They delve into the significance of self-reflection, building meaningful connections, and the launch of James's podcast, 'Be Formidable,' which aims to inspire and empower others.

Takeaways

Transitioning from military to civilian life is challenging.
Exploring different career paths is essential for clarity.
Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Mental health plays a crucial role in job satisfaction.
Curiosity in conversations can uncover valuable insights.
Coaching can facilitate personal growth and self-discovery.
Self-reflection is key to understanding one's goals.
Building meaningful connections enhances professional growth.
Launching a podcast can be a powerful platform for sharing stories.
Embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections.

Sound Bites

"My transition was perfect."
"Explore titles and roles."
"I want to resource humans."
"I would have moved myself."
"Coaching is where I want to be."
"I want to be a keynote speaker."

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
02:59 Exploring Career Paths and Job Titles
05:55 Navigating Job Offers and Relocation Decisions
09:03 Finding Fulfillment in Work and Mental Health
11:59 The Importance of Networking and Curiosity
14:50 The Role of Coaching in Personal Development
17:45 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
21:10 Building Meaningful Connections
24:03 The Journey of Becoming a Coach
27:05 Launching the Be Formidable Podcast

About James

James Seastrom is a Navy Veteran, currently a Leadership & Life Coach, and personal trainer in the Austin Metro area. James served as an ordnance and weapons specialist, deploying seven times in support of Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom, Humanitarian missions, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

After his service, he took a leap in working as an actor in Southern California. After discussions with his family, he took a job working as a Consulting Practice Manager at NetSuite, where he led and developed transitioned veterans and early career consultants in product delivery to meet customer needs.

James holds certifications in coaching from iPEC coaching, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from American Public University System, and is currently working on his International Coaching Federation (ICF) coaching accreditation and his Master of Arts in Psychology from Liberty University.
Outside of work, James volunteers his time with various Veteran Service Organizations and the community with a desire to help build stronger bonds and connect people with their passions and purpose.
Lasting Thought: “Transition is never complete. It is an ongoing process, becoming who you want to be throughout the various stages and seasons in life. Using each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Socials

LinkedIn : LinkedIn.com/in/james-seastrom
Instagram : @theformidablecoach
YouTube : YouTube.com/@beformidablecoaching
Be Formidable Podcast available on Apple & Spotify streaming services.

Summary

In this conversation, Scott Schimmel and Joe Lara discuss the concept of Vector, a program designed to help individuals, particularly veterans, navigate their career transitions. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, self-discovery, and the traits necessary for success, such as humility, courage, and discipline. The discussion highlights the transformative journey individuals undergo when they engage with the program, ultimately leading to clarity and new opportunities.

Takeaways

Sound Bites

"It takes that much discipline."
"Transformation is a perspective."
"Transformation will come."
"Those conversations are awesome."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vector and Its Purpose
02:50 The Importance of Clear Communication
06:04 The Process of Self-Discovery
08:57 Key Traits for Success in Transition
12:05 The Role of Humility, Courage, and Discipline
15:05 The Journey of Transformation
17:58 Building Connections and Opportunities
21:08 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Vector Accelerator Podcast, host Scott Schimmel continues his conversation with Joel Stern, a corporate recruiter with 25+ years of experience. They dive into why networking is a game-changer for veterans, how to prepare for job interviews, and why following up strategically can make or break your career transition. Joel shares powerful insights on how to approach networking with confidence, prepare for interviews like an athlete, and leverage connections to land the right opportunity—not just any job.

✅ Networking is a Long Game – Start before you need it. Build relationships based on adding value, not just asking for help.
✅ Prepare Like an Athlete – Just like training for a mission, interviewing requires reps, research, and refining your story.
✅ Use Notes the Right Way – It’s not a quiz. Having key points written down can actually show preparation and thoughtfulness.
✅ Follow Up With Intention – A thoughtful email reinforcing your interest and key discussion points can set you apart.
✅ Your Worth Isn’t Defined by a Job Offer – Rejections happen. Keep improving, keep networking, and keep moving forward.

💬 “You don't just show up at tip-off time and you're ready to go. You're there early, you're stretching, you're taking reps, you're practicing.” – Joel Stern
💬 “The power of networking gives you much more benefit of the doubt.” – Joel Stern
💬 “An interview isn’t a quiz. If you reference notes appropriately, it actually shows you’ve prepared and thought ahead.” – Joel Stern
💬 “If you build relationships by adding value, people will want to help you when the time comes.” – Scott Schimmel

[00:00] Introduction – Scott Schimmel introduces part two with Joel Stern
[02:15] Why networking is critical for veterans transitioning to civilian careers
[06:30] How to approach networking without feeling transactional
[11:45] The right way to prepare for an interview – it’s all about reps
[17:20] Should you use notes in an interview? Joel breaks it down
[23:05] The importance of post-interview follow-up and what to say
[30:10] The long game of networking – adding value before asking for help
[36:50] Closing thoughts: Why rejection doesn’t define you

Veteran transition, military career change, networking for veterans, career development, job search strategies, interview preparation, corporate hiring, LinkedIn networking, post-military success, veteran mentorship, career growth

🎙 Guest: Joel Stern, Corporate Recruiter
🕒 Duration: 26 minutes

Episode Summary:
In this episode, seasoned recruiter Joel Stern shares key strategies for veterans and job seekers to position themselves effectively in job interviews. He highlights the importance of self-awareness, storytelling, and networking while offering practical insights into how candidates can take an active role in the interview process.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Understand Your Value: Know what you bring to the table. Employers look for candidates who can either make money or save money for their organization.
✅ Prepare Your Story: First impressions matter—be ready to articulate your journey, skills, and how they align with the role.
✅ Interviewing is a Skill: Like any skill, it requires practice. Don't wait until a high-stakes interview to refine your responses.
✅ Make Genuine Connections: Research the interviewer and find common ground to build rapport.
✅ Stay Positive and Hopeful: The job search process can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset and resilience will keep you moving forward.
✅ Self-Reflection is Crucial: Before selling yourself to an employer, get clear on your motivations, priorities, and values.
✅ Engage in External Processing: Talking through your experiences with others helps refine your message and build confidence.
✅ Know Your Audience: Research the company and the person interviewing you to tailor your responses effectively.
✅ Be an Active Participant in the Interview: Don’t just answer questions—steer the conversation by highlighting your strengths and aligning them with what the employer needs.
✅ Networking Leads to Opportunities: Many jobs are filled through referrals, so be intentional about building relationships.

Memorable Sound Bites:
🔹 "Make me money or save me money." – Employers hire based on value.
🔹 "Can I have a beer with them?" – Cultural fit matters in hiring decisions.
🔹 "You have to find windows of hope." – Maintaining optimism is key to a successful job search.

Chapter Breakdown:
⏳ 00:00 – Setting the Stage: Introduction and Setup
⏳ 00:22 – Understanding the Role of a Recruiter
⏳ 02:25 – Transitioning from Military to Civilian Careers
⏳ 04:32 – The Importance of First Impressions
⏳ 07:21 – Navigating the Interview Process
⏳ 10:24 – Building Connections During Interviews
⏳ 13:19 – The Role of Fit in Hiring Decisions
⏳ 16:29 – Maintaining Hope During Job Searches
⏳ 18:08 – Self-Reflection and Career Clarity
⏳ 21:33 – The Power of External Processing
⏳ 23:10 – The Importance of Preparation
⏳ 23:17 – Introduction to the Series and Upcoming Topics
⏳ 24:16 – Transition Readiness and Resources for Veterans

Resources Mentioned:
Vector Accelerator – A program designed to help veterans find clarity and confidence in their transition to civilian careers.
LinkedIn Networking Tips – Strategies for making meaningful connections before an interview.
Interview Preparation Guide – Steps to refine your story and boost confidence in interviews.
Connect with Joel Stern:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelwstern/

Follow Vector Accelerator for More:
🌐 Website: VectorAccelerator.org

🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who could benefit from these insights!

About Joel Stern

Joel has a background in corporate recruiting and operations, working with established and early stage startups. He’s worked for an accounting/consulting firm, law firms, an infamous mortgage lender, a regional bank, and fintech and biotech startups. He went to UC Riverside and graduated with a business degree.

Fun fact, in 2013, Joel’s wife took an expat assignment and moved the family to São Paulo, Brazil where they lived for 2 years. It was an awesome experience as Brazil hosted the World Cup and was preparing for the Olympics! Shortly after arrival, Joel met a neighbor who turned into a business partner.

In his free time, he enjoys a good round of golf, sprint triathlons, fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serving on the Board for his fraternity. He lives in San Diego with his sweetheart of 24 years and their 18 year old daughter, who brightens up their world.

Episode Title: The Science of Hope: How Veterans Can Build Resilience and Purpose

Guest: Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino – Quantitative Psychologist, Hope Researcher, and Founder of HopeWired

Host: Scott Schimmel – Co-founder, Vector Accelerator

In this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, we dive deep into the science of hope with Dr. Evie Trevino. A leading quantitative psychologist and expert in hope theory, Dr. Trevino unpacks how hope is not just wishful thinking but a measurable and actionable framework that directly impacts well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction.

For transitioning veterans, hope is often tested through career uncertainties, identity shifts, and loss of community. Dr. Trevino explains why hope plays a critical role in successful transitions and how the Vector Accelerator program has been scientifically proven to increase veterans' sense of purpose, relationships, and overall hopefulness for the future.

✅ What is Hope? – Hope is the belief that the future is bright and that you have the power to make it happen. It requires both pathways (mental strategies) and willpower (motivation and energy) to overcome obstacles.

✅ The Science Behind Hope & Well-Being – Hope is one of the strongest predictors of resilience, mental well-being, and success. It can be measured and improved through intentional practice.

✅ Why Veterans Struggle with Hope During Transition – Repeated setbacks in job searching, loss of identity, and lack of community support can deplete hope, making it difficult to stay motivated.

✅ How Vector Accelerator Helps Veterans Rebuild Hope – Dr. Trevino’s research shows that 72% of veterans who complete the Vector Accelerator program experience an increase in hope, along with gains in sense of purpose, relationships, and resilience​.

✅ Practical Hope-Building Strategies:

✅ How Organizations Can Measure Their Impact – Dr. Trevino explains how nonprofits and veteran service organizations can use data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve their programs.

📌 Vector Accelerator Program: www.vectoraccelerator.org
📌 Take the Hope Score Assessment: www.hopewired.com
📌 Connect with Dr. Evie Trevino: HopeWired.com

🔔 Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe to the Vector Accelerator Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Evie Trevino
[01:12] What is Hope and Why is it a Science?
[02:26] How Trauma and Transition Deplete Hope in Veterans
[05:58] Case Study: Job Search Rejection and Its Impact on Hope
[07:10] The Role of Community & Mentorship in Rebuilding Hope
[09:25] How Vector Accelerator Measures & Increases Hope
[12:10] The Data-Driven Results of Vector Accelerator’s Impact
[14:32] Practical Steps to Cultivate a Hope Mindset
[18:46] The Role of Positive Self-Talk in Resilience
[22:02] How to Connect with Dr. Trevino & Measure Impact

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, host Joe Lara sits down with Bobby Land, a Special Operations veteran and executive leader, to discuss the challenges of military-to-civilian transition. Bobby shares his personal journey from a 30-year career in the Army to finding fulfillment in the private sector. He opens up about the doubts, struggles, and ultimately, the clarity that led him to his current role at Carrington Mortgage Holdings. They dive deep into the importance of self-awareness, intentional career exploration, and how veterans can apply their skills in meaningful ways post-service.

Guest Bio:
Bobby Land is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret with a distinguished 30-year career in Special Operations. He served on operational deployments throughout South and Central America, as well as multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Northeast Syria. Following his military retirement, Bobby joined Carrington Mortgage Holdings, where he currently serves as a Product Innovation Manager. Through The Honor Foundation (THF) and Carrington Cares Foundation, he discovered a renewed sense of purpose, transitioning his leadership and problem-solving skills into the corporate world. A servant leader, mentor, and hotrod enthusiast, Bobby is passionate about helping veterans navigate their post-military careers with confidence.

Chapters & Timestamps:
[00:00] - Introduction to the Episode, Meet Bobby Land
[02:15] - Why Bobby Joined the Military & His Early Career
[08:45] - Transitioning from Special Forces to Civilian Life
[14:30] - The Emotional Toll of Leaving the Military & Family Support
[19:10] - Discovering The Honor Foundation & the Power of Self-Reflection
[25:55] - Lessons Learned in Transition & the Importance of Asking “What If?”
[30:40] - How Bobby Land Found a New Mission at Carrington
[37:20] - The Overlap Between Military Skills & Corporate Leadership
[42:10] - Why Culture & Environment Matter in Career Choices
[47:35] - The Value of Networking & the “50 Cups of Coffee” Strategy
[53:00] - Final Advice for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Self-awareness is the foundation of a successful transition – Veterans must understand their strengths, values, and motivations before jumping into a new career.
✔️ It’s not just about the job, but about the environment – Finding the right culture and leadership style is crucial for long-term fulfillment.
✔️ Leverage your military experience in new ways – Problem-solving, leadership, and mission execution apply in every industry.
✔️ Networking is everything – The more people you talk to, the more opportunities open up.
✔️ You’re not alone in this process – Resources like The Honor Foundation and Vector Accelerator exist to support veterans in making confident career choices.

Connect with Bobby Land:
📌 LinkedIn: Bobby Land
📌 Carrington Cares Foundation: Learn More

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Vector Accelerator Podcast and leave a review! 🚀

🎙️ Host: Scott Schimmel
🎙️ Guest: George Frausto

Episode Overview
In this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, Scott Schimmel sits down with George Frausto, a Navy veteran with 23 years of service as a corpsman, to talk about the realities of transition, overcoming missteps, and rediscovering purpose after military service.

George shares his biggest transition fail—not taking the time for self-reflection and networking early enough—and how that led to lessons that shaped his post-military journey. He also discusses the importance of self-discovery, how to filter out career paths that don’t align with personal values, and why taking on non-traditional roles can be the key to professional reinvigoration.

This conversation is a must-listen for veterans (regardless of rank) who are trying to navigate their next chapter and want practical, real-world advice on making the transition successfully.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why landing a job right away isn’t necessarily a success
✅ The biggest mistake senior veterans make when transitioning
✅ How collateral duties in the military can shape your civilian career
✅ Why self-reflection is critical in career planning (and how to do it)
✅ How to identify what you don’t want to do in your next career
✅ The importance of networking and how to shift your mindset around it
✅ How to structure your transition like a job search without burning out
✅ Why taking a non-traditional role (even part-time) can reignite your motivation
✅ The role of mentorship and career coaching in finding the right fit
✅ Why Vector Accelerator’s self-paced program helps veterans navigate transition with clarity

Memorable Quotes:
💬 "My biggest failure was not networking and not figuring out who I was outside of the military." – George Frausto

💬 "Veterans often take on roles and figure them out quickly. We’re wired for problem-solving and adaptability." – George Frausto

💬 "If you don’t take time for self-reflection, you’ll end up in a job that doesn’t make you happy—even if the paycheck is great." – George Frausto

💬 "I had no idea how much I accomplished in the military until I went back and read my service record." – George Frausto

💬 "Taking a job at H&R Block wasn’t about the work—it was about engaging professionally, staying sharp, and keeping momentum." – George Frausto

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Transition Challenges
05:20 The Importance of Networking
11:28 Self-Discovery and Reflection
18:01 Finding Fulfillment in Work
20:11 The Value of Vector Accelerator
30:15 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Resources & Links:
🔗 Vector Accelerator Program – vectoraccelerator.org
🔗 Take the Transition Readiness Quiz – vectoraccelerator.org
🔗 Connect with George Frausto on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgefrausto/
🔗 Follow Vector Accelerator on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/vector-accelerator

About George Frausto
Field Sales Executive, George Frausto has over 13 years of experience in medical simulation, spearheading sales efforts across diverse U.S. markets and increasing revenue by 13% through effective client engagement and territory management. He expanded the government and military
customer base by acquiring 24 new clients through strategic prospecting, aligning with organizational goals to enhance market presence. George also developed and delivered impactful presentations, fostering consultative relationships with clinical call points and supply chain partners. His expertise in the SLED markets led to a 10% growth by implementing targeted
strategies, demonstrating his ability to meet organizational objectives and adapt to evolving challenges. George stood up and managed a simulation center for the Navy with hospital-based high-fidelity simulators, trauma simulators, immersive environments, and task trainers. He consulted military simulation centers on setup, equipment selection, and procurement.

George grew up in Blue Island, Illinois, and enlisted in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, serving for 23 years before retiring as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. While on active duty, he served stateside and overseas at Military Treatment Facilities and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Storm on the USS RALEIGH (LPD-1) and with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operations Iraqi Freedom I & II. His last duty station was as an Instructor at the Surface Warfare Medical Institute (SWMI).

George has a passion for ensuring that his military successors receive the best training and tools to prepare them to care for their sailors, soldiers, and Marines in peacetime and conflict. In his free time, George enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Lisa, sons Jordan and Jarod, daughter Isabella, and their spoiled dog Tinker and cat Nala.

🎙 Hosts: Joe Lara & Michael Halterman
🎙 Guest: Scott Harvey, Navy Veteran & Leadership Consultant

In this insightful fireside chat, Joe Lara and Michael Halterman sit down with Scott Harvey, a Navy veteran who spent 21 years in service before transitioning to the civilian workforce. Scott shares his transition story, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. He dives deep into the struggle of finding purpose and fulfillment beyond just landing a job, and how programs like Vector Accelerator help veterans navigate this complex process.

💬 "You don't have to stay in that first job for as long as I did—there's no four-year contract in the civilian world." — Scott Harvey

💬 "Most of us join the military at 18 or 19 and spend 20 years following orders. Now you have complete freedom, and that can be overwhelming." — Scott Harvey

💬 "Self-reflection is hard. But if you don’t take the time to understand yourself, you might end up in a job that looks good on paper but feels completely wrong." — Joe Lara

💬 "Don’t transition alone. The best thing you can do is connect with others who are going through the same thing or have already been there." — Michael Halterman

✔ Take the Transition Readiness Quiz: VectorAccelerator.org
✔ Join Our Weekly Azimuth Chat (Live Sessions for Veterans): Details on VectorAccelerator.org
✔ Follow Scott Harvey on LinkedIn
✔ Connect with Hosts Joe Lara & Michael Halterman on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes! Follow us for more fireside chats and expert insights into veteran transition and career success.

📢 Share this Episode! Know a veteran who’s transitioning? Share this conversation with them—it could change their future.

🎙️ Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, Scott Schimmel and Joe Lara dive deep into the science of mattering—why feeling valued and knowing you add value are fundamental to both personal and professional success. Scott shares his experience working with youth and veterans, exploring how connection, belonging, and mattering shape identity.

The discussion also unpacks the mental and emotional challenges of military transition, including self-doubt, identity shifts, and the struggle to translate military skills into civilian life. They offer a powerful reflection exercise for veterans: calling someone they trust to ask, “What is it about me that you love?”—a small but transformative step toward clarity and confidence.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔ The Science of Mattering: Understanding how feeling valued and adding value impact well-being, motivation, and mental health.
✔ The Transition Identity Shift: Why career moves aren’t just about skill translation but about rediscovering who you are.
✔ Self-Doubt & Civilian Fit: How many veterans struggle with seeing their value in a new context.
✔ The Power of Reflection & Community: Journaling, conversations, and intentional networking are crucial for successful transitions.
✔ A Challenge for Listeners: Pick up the phone and ask someone you respect: “What is it about me that you love?”—then listen.

Chapters

00:00 The Science of Mattering
08:56 Connecting with Veterans
15:50 Self-Discovery in Transition
22:39 Creating a Supportive Environment
32:57 The Journey of Vector Accelerator

Sound Bites

"It's not that hard."
"Mattering really matters."
"You have so much to offer."
"Do you see me?"
"You matter for who you are."
"What is it about me that you love?"

🚀 Next Steps:
💡 Feeling stuck in transition? Start your journey with Vector Accelerator—a self-guided course designed to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a fulfilling next chapter.
👉 Join today at VectorAccelerator.org

🎧 Listen now, share with a fellow veteran, and step into your next mission with clarity and purpose.