Life After The Military: Mike Black
U.S. Air Force Colonel (Retired) Mike Black joins the podcast to share valuable lessons learned during his Air Force career; how he planned and executed his transition; how he applied his lessons learned to perform as a successful small company Chief Operating Officer in the private sector; and, provided great advice to guide veterans as they prepare for their transition.
Key Takeaways:
0:00 Introduction
1:50Â Mike shares his experiences at the White House Communications Agency when supporting President Obama and his administration
4:30 Mike talks about performing as a Corporate Chief Operating Officer
7:45 Mike talks about his formal education and the 5 F’s: Family, Flying, Fitness, Fairness, and Fun
12:58 Mike talks about how his military experience prepared him for his own transition
15:41 Mike discusses his role as a mentor to other veterans
18:51 Mike shares what went well and what did not go well during his transition
23:00 Mike talks about leading a high performing team in the private sector
28:25 Mike explains what he’d do differently if he were to transition again
32:22 Mike shares the key questions he asked himself to decide on what he wanted to do after the military
36:27 Mike provides advice to corporate leaders on how to integrate veterans onto their teams
44:02 Mike talks about the importance of a clearly defined vision and mission and his personal vision board
51:36 Lee closes out the podcast
Life After The Military with Howie Cohen
Howie Cohen, the Director of the Pivotal Moments Charlie Mike channel and a veteran of over 27 years of military service, shares how military schools and assignments helped him develop the skills and tools to transition successfully from the military. Howie provides very detailed advice and guidance for men and women in the military to plan, prepare for, and execute a successful transition. Howie also shares what did not go well for him and what he’d do differently if he were to transition now.
Learn more about Howie on our Charlie Mike Page, our About Page, and LinkedIn
Key Takeaways:
0:00 Lee Elias opens the podcast and introduces Howie
2:36 Howie shares valuable lessons learned from his military experience which included Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Ranger School, and assignment to the 3Rd Ranger Battalion.
11:14 Howie shares stories of experiences at the White House Communications Agency – supporting the Bush 43 Administration and meeting Pope John Paul VI.
17:44 Howie describes how he prepared for and executed his transition out of the military.
24:52 Howie talks about what went well, what did not go well, and what he’d do differently during his transition.
31:37 Howie describes how the three companies he worked for helped him integrate into their work environment and culture.
36:35 Howie talks about his step into entrepreneurship and following his passion.
41:02 Howie provides very detailed, specific advice on how to prepare for transition from the military.
56:08 Howie provides advice to organizational leaders on how to help veterans integrate into their organizations.
Life After The Military: Janet Cruz M.D.
Janet Cruz M.D. is Family Medicine Physician, the author of Stay In Medicine and a former U.S. Air Force Officer. In our first episode of Crossing the Line of Departure, she shares her story of joining the military and how it prepared her for civilian life.
Check out Janet's book, Stay In Medicine, here
