Dr. Michael Hackney | Operations Executive | 008

Dr. Ryan Zieno | Optum & Self-Efficacy | 012

Dr. Ryan Zieno, a former sailor, shares his journey from aspiring law enforcement officer to joining the military as a Navy corpsman. He discusses the importance of self-efficacy in military transition and highlights the need for resources and support for Veterans. Dr. Zieno also talks about his doctoral research on self-efficacy and transition success, emphasizing the need for continued research and the development of programs to increase efficacy in transitioning service members. He explores the role of Veteran-serving organizations and the challenges of navigating the vast number of options available. Dr. Zieno concludes by discussing the importance of reflection and lifelong learning in shaping one's post-military identity and future career path. Takeaways Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in military transition and should be nurtured and developed throughout a service member's career. There is a need for continued research on self-efficacy and transition success to better support transitioning service members and veterans. Navigating the vast number of veteran-serving organizations can be challenging, and it is important to choose quality resources and support networks. Reflection and lifelong learning are essential in shaping one's post-military identity and future career path. Sound Bites "Building self-efficacy takes time" "Take the uniform off and figure out what you're interested in" "Transitioning service members need to develop self-efficacy for life after the military" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 The Role of Self-Efficacy in Military Transition 10:20 The Need for Continued Research on Transition Success 19:12 Navigating the Landscape of Veteran-Serving Organizations 29:26 Reflection and Lifelong Learning in Post-Military Identity

Phil Kendro | Veterans Beer Club | 011

The conversation covers Phil Kendro's military background, career transitions, involvement in the movie industry, and the founding of the Veterans Beer Club. It also delves into the challenges of Veteran transition, the importance of networking, and the impact of organizations in the Veteran space. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the growth of the Veteran Beer Club, partnerships with universities, the importance of community service, the impact of meaningful employment on Veterans, the current recruiting crisis, the ASTEM program, and the role of Mount Soledad Memorial Association. Phil also discusses his independent consulting work and the importance of networking and collaboration. Keywords veteran transition, career transitions, military background, movie industry, Veterans Beer Club, networking, challenges, organizations, impact, veteran beer club, partnerships, universities, community service, meaningful employment, recruiting crisis, ASTEM program, Mount Soledad Memorial Association, independent consulting, networking, collaboration Takeaways Phil Kendro's diverse military background and career transitions showcase the adaptability and resilience of Veterans in the workforce. The Veterans Beer Club serves as a valuable networking platform for Veterans, providing job opportunities, community service connections, and a sense of camaraderie. The conversation highlights the challenges Veterans face during transition, emphasizing the importance of professional networking and the need for effective support services. Phil Kendro's involvement in the movie industry and the Miramar Air Show demonstrates the diverse opportunities available to Veterans post-military service. The Veteran Beer Club has grown from local chapters to forming partnerships with universities and other organizations, providing opportunities for veterans to connect and support each other. Community service plays a crucial role in the transition of Veterans, providing them with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Meaningful employment is essential for preventing Veteran suicide and maintaining overall well-being, and Veterans have unique skills and experiences that make them valuable assets in the workforce. The current recruiting crisis in the military is influenced by cultural and societal perceptions of Veterans, and efforts to promote the positive contributions of Veterans are crucial. The ASTEM program aims to engage youth in aviation, science, technology, engineering, and math, fostering interest in these fields. The Mount Soledad Memorial Association serves as a living memorial, honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans, and providing educational and commemorative experiences for visitors. Independent consulting work allows for flexibility and diverse opportunities, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration in professional endeavors. Sound Bites "It's supposed to be clean and easy and frictionless, but it's the first world problem and you're here now and you made it. So I appreciate that." "There's always that one person that wants to go do this as part of the career and be involved in the movie industry and be that person that is involved with the movie sets." "I think the transition was the most difficult time of my entirety of Marine Corps time." "Getting those high schoolers, middle schoolers going to colleges and trying to get them to come out to the airfield." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 01:08 Phil Kendro's Military Background and Career Transitions 05:29 The Veterans Beer Club: Empowering Veterans Through Networking and Support 12:58 Challenges of Veteran Transition and the Impact of Organizations 33:26 The Impact of Meaningful Employment on Veteran Well-being 36:22 Addressing the Current Recruiting Crisis in the Military 43:57 Engaging Youth in Aviation and STEM Education 46:36 Honoring Veterans at Mount Soledad Memorial Association 49:51 Navigating Independent Consulting and Professional Networking

Joshua (JP) Prado | California Miramar University | 010

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson and Joshua Dominic Prado (JP) discuss the journey of transitioning from military service to civilian careers. They explore the challenges faced by Veterans in finding employment, the importance of education and training, and the various programs available to assist in this transition, including SkillBridge and the Workshop for Warriors. JP shares his experiences in talent acquisition and the significance of building a supportive network for Veterans. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of job applications and the role of AI in education and career development. Takeaways Podcasting requires more effort than anticipated. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Finding the right first job is crucial after military service. Veterans often take on multiple roles in the reserves. Training and education are vital for career development. Networking plays a significant role in job acquisition. Grassroots marketing is effective for recruiting Veterans. Extended transition programs are essential for success. SkillBridge provides valuable internship opportunities for Veterans. Education is a powerful tool for career advancement. Sound Bites "I'm not normally a talkative kind of person." "I wanted to do something opposite of running around." "I kind of dabbled in everything and got a feel for what might be my future career." Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Transition: From the Navy to Civilian Life 17:36 Building a Bridge: Connecting Veterans with Employment Opportunities 23:14 The Power of Transition Programs: TAPS and Skill Bridge 26:12 Recruiting Veterans: Strategies for Success 30:01 Leveraging Military Experience: Transferable Skills for Civilian Careers 36:00 Skill Bridge Programs and Transitioning Veterans 41:06 The Importance of Education in the Transition Process 49:55 The Growing Importance of AI in the Job Application Process 58:38 The Future of the Application Process 01:01:33 California Miramar University: A Unique Education Option for Veterans

Shawn Dawley | Public Speaker | 009

In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson interviews Shawn Dawley, a retired Air Force Veteran who now runs his own business in leadership training and keynote speeches. They discuss Shawn's transition from the military to civilian life, his experience at Humana, and his current role at InGenesis, Inc. They also touch on the importance of networking, tailoring resumes for civilian jobs, and finding fulfillment in post-military careers. Shawn Dawley partially retired and started doing keynote speaking and developing clients through referrals. However, three years ago, when there was a significant influx of unaccompanied minors at the southern border, the US government issued contracts to private sector companies to handle the situation. Shawn worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the border. Eventually, he left to start his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, which focuses on keynote speeches, one-on-one executive coaching, and workshops. He addresses common challenges in leadership, such as change and emotional intelligence, and tailors his approach to different industries. Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones. Takeaways The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but networking and leveraging personal connections can help in finding job opportunities. Tailoring resumes to highlight transferable skills and experiences is crucial when applying for civilian jobs. Finding fulfillment in post-military careers may involve exploring different industries and roles that align with personal interests and values. Building relationships and maintaining a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and support in the civilian world. Shawn Dawley started his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, after partially retiring and doing keynote speaking. He worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the southern border due to the influx of unaccompanied minors. Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional impact of change and tailoring leadership approaches to different industries. Sound Bites "I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. It'll be eight years next month, which I feel like I was on that podium giving that retirement speech like it was yesterday." "I was able to find a business role within that slice of humanity. I think there are probably 50,000 employees and so there's a lot of stovepipes and departments and I was able to find one that kind of married up." "I got in front of some senior executives and we just had conversations. Their wheels are spinning. They're thinking, okay based on the portfolio of his experience how he presents himself in the interview, what do we have? Is there a role where we could leverage what he might have to offer?" "I partially retired and my wife and I were doing a lot of traveling and I was keynote speaking, but I wasn't pushing real hard to develop clients." "When the flood gates opened on the southern border, there was a significant number of unaccompanied miners." "I really enjoyed seeing other people grow and develop." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 02:57 Overview of the Conversation Topics 05:14 Shawn's Military Background and Retirement 08:23 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Joining Humana 15:13 Networking and Finding Job Opportunities 21:23 Shawn's Role at Humana and Working with the Government 24:49 Finding Fulfillment in Post-Military Careers 25:15 Transition to InGenesis, Inc. 25:41 Partially Retiring and Keynote Speaking 27:12 Working at the Southern Border 32:28 Discovering a Passion for Developing Others 37:28 Building a Book of Business 48:07 Common Challenges in Leadership 55:27 Opportunities to See Shawn Dawley Speak 57:47 Advice for Veterans Transitioning Out of the Military

Dr. Michael Hackney | Operations Executive | 008

In this episode, Dr. Mike Hackney, an expert in organizational change and leadership, discusses his background in the military and his experience with robotics and AI in the food industry. He highlights the advancements in robotics and AI in manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines. Dr. Hackney also shares his research on the knowledge gap of managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI. He explores the opportunities for Veterans in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies. The impact of AI on the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines is also discussed. In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson discusses the role of AI in manufacturing and automation, the importance of luck and self-efficacy for Veterans in employment, and his experiences in leadership and transitioning from the military. He also mentions his upcoming book on military leadership and shares insights on complacency and team dynamics. Takeaways Advancements in robotics and AI have revolutionized manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and automotive assembly lines. There is a knowledge gap among managers and executives in the food industry regarding robotics and AI, creating opportunities for research and education. Veterans with technical skills and expertise in robotics and AI can find opportunities in the field, both in technical roles and as consultants for companies implementing new technologies. AI is impacting the design and creation of new factories and assembly lines, providing additional ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency. AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing Companies leading the way in AI automation for manufacturing include major industrial equipment manufacturers Veterans have a unique perspective on risk management and can contribute to the development of new AI processes Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen Transitioning from the military to civilian employment can be challenging due to the lack of intrinsic teamwork Creating your own teams and finding fulfillment in civilian jobs is possible Awareness and tenacity are key in finding resources and support during the transition Complacency is a common issue in all groups and can be addressed through awareness and proactive measures Dr. Derek Wilson has written books on airplane safety, business leadership, and military fiction Sound Bites "Everything I became familiar with in 2017, 2018 is all left in the dust." "That's a perfect example of how artificial intelligence and mechanicals at that level are going to do something that 20 years ago, anyone would have thought was impossible." "We certainly looked at the background of veterans in a much more positive way than someone that had maybe had five or six jobs since high school." "AI programs can help design layouts and optimize processes in manufacturing" "Increasing luck involves taking on new experiences and talking to strangers" "Veterans often have a better perspective on what is important and are more proactive in making things happen" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Manufacturing 11:10 The Knowledge Gap in the Food Industry 14:52 Hiring Veterans in the Food Industry 24:57 Dr. Hackney's Doctoral Research on Robotics and AI 28:02 Opportunities for Increased Veteran Entrepreneurship 33:46 The Impact of AI on Factory Design 35:54 AI Automation in Manufacturing 39:15 The Role of Luck and Self-Efficacy for Veterans 46:33 Leadership and Transitioning from the Military 51:16 Addressing Complacency in Teams 58:43 Creating Fulfillment in Civilian Jobs