ATLVets

How can military veterans successfully transition their leadership skills and experiences into thriving corporate careers? In this speaker series conversation, host Zack Knight talks with Gabe Soltero, a former Navy pilot turned program manager for military hiring at Home Depot. Gabe shares his journey from a 25-year military career to the corporate world, offering valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing veterans in transition. The conversation delves into the importance of adapting communication styles, leveraging transferable skills, and the role of support networks in successful career transitions. Gabe also highlights Home Depot's commitment to veteran hiring and retention, shedding light on innovative programs and policies that support military families. [00:00 - 05:44] From Navy Wings to Corporate Ladders: A Pilot's Journey Gabe Soltero's 25-year Navy career and passion for flying The compelling recruitment pitch that led him to choose the Navy Transition from ROTC to flight training and living the dream [05:45 - 14:32] Charting the Course: Career Path in Naval Aviation The rigid yet diverse career progression in the Navy Balancing technical skills with leadership responsibilities The importance of people and leadership in military retention [14:33 - 20:58] Landing in Atlanta: Navigating the Civilian World The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life at 47 Exploring opportunities in Atlanta's corporate landscape Learning to translate military experiences for civilian audiences [20:59 - 24:35] Home Depot's Veteran-Friendly Initiatives: More Than Just Hiring Gabe's journey to finding his place at Home Depot The company's impressive veteran hiring statistics and retention strategies Home Depot's approach to fostering career growth for veterans [24:36 - 28:55] Mastering the Art of the Humble Brag: Veteran's Guide to Self-Promotion The importance of smiling and approachability in job searches Learning to speak in terms of "I" instead of "We" Tailoring military experiences to civilian job requirements [28:56 - 39:46] The Backbone of Service: Family Support in Military Transitions The crucial role of spousal and family support during career transitions Involving family members in decision-making processes Balancing military service with family unity

"When you transition, you need to start talking about the I. And veterans struggle with that." - Gabe Soltero The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran professional development. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org/22aday and take action to support our veterans.

“Once I learned that first position just was not where I wanted to be long term, I said, you know what, I'm just going to move on and that's okay.” - Gabe Soltero The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran professional development. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org/22aday and take action to support our veterans.

“I had to learn to tell my story in a way that somebody with zero military experience could relate to it.” - Gabe Soltero The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran professional development. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org/22aday and take action to support our veterans.

VetOPS, short for Veterans Optimizing Professional Success, is a comprehensive program dedicated to supporting veterans and non-veterans in achieving career success. Through tailored workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, VetOPS equips participants with essential skills and resources necessary for a successful transition to civilian life and professional growth. With a focus on empowering veterans and fostering their continued success, VetOPS serves as a beacon of support and empowerment within the veteran community. The best part is that you don't have to be a veteran to attend, you can be a veteran supporter and community member. Veterans offer so much value to the professional world, this is the opportunity for you to learn alongside veterans about their mission focus mindset and discipline in their professions. Link: https://lnkd.in/eMjysqZ6

Join us for an exclusive evening with Gabe Soltero from The Home Depot! Network with peers, enjoy drink specials and light bites, and be inspired by Gabe’s remarkable leadership journey. Gabe is a dedicated advocate for veterans, a former U.S. Navy officer, and a proud Puerto Rican baseball fan. Don’t miss it! https://lnkd.in/eQf4AsUT #networking #supportveterans #supportveteranownedbusiness #homedepot #gabesoltero #youreinvited #featured

"There's so much opportunity in this room to take action, to take the next step, to advance the line" - Zack Knight Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes. The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved! If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

"There's so much opportunity in this room to take action, to take the next step, to advance the line" - Zack Knight Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes. The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved! If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

"The very least we can do is make sure that you have dignity and security for the rest of your life." - Lynda Cox Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes. The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved! If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

How can a national organization like Tunnel to Towers effectively collaborate with local communities to combat veteran homelessness and provide sustainable support? Zack Knight sits down with Lynda Cox, the VP for Development and Government Affairs at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, they discuss the organization's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness and provide comprehensive support through their national case management network. Lynda shares the foundation's humble beginnings, inspired by the heroic actions of firefighter Stephen Siller on 9/11, and how it has grown to help veterans and first responders nationwide. She emphasizes the importance of collaborating with local service providers and understanding the unique needs of each community to address the root causes of homelessness effectively. Throughout the conversation, Zack and Lynda highlight the role of organizations like Tunnel to Towers and Advancing in Line in providing holistic support, from housing to workforce development and entrepreneurship opportunities. [00:00 - 07:06] Advancing in Line's Mission and Growth Update on Advancing in Line's recent initiatives, including the VetOps program for professional development Advancing in Line celebrates its one-year anniversary as an official 501(c)(3) organization Tunnel to Towers Introduction [00:00 - 13:26] The Beginnings of Tunnel to Towers Tunnel to Towers was founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11 The foundation initially focused on supporting widows and orphans created that day Tunnel to Towers expanded its mission to help injured veterans and first responders [13:27 - 20:10] Eradicating Veteran Homelessness: A Bold Mission Tunnel to Towers declared its mission to eradicate veteran homelessness The foundation has helped over 4,000 veterans and their families come off the streets in the last two years Lynda emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and collaborating with local communities [20:11 - 31:12] The Power of the National Case Management Network Tunnel to Towers' national case management network The network consists of over a thousand service providers nationwide, addressing veterans' specific needs Lynda highlights the importance of not just providing housing, but also addressing the root causes of homelessness [28:00 - 35:59] Translating Military Experience to Civilian Success Veterans often struggle to translate their military experience to the civilian world Zack and Lynda discuss the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life Tunnel to Towers aims to provide holistic support, including workforce development and self-actualization