Michael Sowells’ Post

As I sit waiting for my flight to Orlando to speak at the Ironworkers IMPACT conference, I can’t help but think about how much we have accomplished in the last few years. I started this journey by having a conversation with my dear friend Tanya. She’s a Marine Veteran and we started talking about the issues we both faced with leaving the military. We came from very different backgrounds, her a decorated admin type, and me a paratrooper. Yet, we shared a number of common elements in our story of transition, the demons that come out from deep within, and the lack of support we felt going through it all. That was where my plan for transitioning veterans where it all started. Just two veterans talking about life. This conversation led to me helping get the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) started in Alaska. Shortly after this program was running, I was introduced to a man who helped me turn my passion into something tangible, Gary Olson. Gary had just started the Alaska Military Heritage Museum and had a program to bring generations of veterans together to restore historic aircraft. He and I believed building a stronger community would be paramount in long term success of veterans. The real plan on how to make this all work came when I proposed using the restoration program as a training tool to put veterans to work in aviation. We had a DC 3 in a hangar and we’re holding classes and people were getting employed, but it still wasn’t sticking quite like we thought. Then came the Ironworkers. They saw what I had done with helping VEEP get going, the movement we were having in aviation, and they asked me to help design a program for them to be able to bring in more veterans. Thats where it really clicked for me. It wasn’t about doing anything as fantastical as restoring a DC 3, it was about identifying the needs of industry and building programs that equip veterans to fill those needs. Now fast forward to today. The first group of veterans to go through VEEP are becoming Joirneymen, VIPER’s aviation program is coming to life at Nellis Air Force Base where we will be able to equip 100’s of Airmen to pursue careers as A&P, and the first veterans is interviewing for a career at a utility as an IT Engineer. All because I shifted focus from trying to catch the eye of supporters, to what our mission truly is, to end suicide through the elimination of unemployment, under employment, substance abuse, homelessness, and by connecting veterans to a support system. We now have software that enables us to connect veterans to opportunities in an efficient manner. We have programs that lead to careers in construction, aviation, and energy. We are still on the rise and have yet to reach our potential, but we are growing. It has been an amazing experience and every single veteran who we help makes all the struggles worth it. To see just one succeed, just one life made better, is extremely rewarding. I look forward to the next chapter!

As the holiday season is upon us, it's essential to spare a thought for the brave men and women in the military who are away from their families. I am grateful to all of our service members, but especially my brothers and sisters in submarines, who are often cut off from the outside world during what can be a challenging time of the year for some. Reflecting on my time as a U.S. Navy Submariner, I've realized its profound impact on my approach to business and life. Serving underwater, where teamwork isn't just a buzzword but a lifeline, taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration and trust. In the close quarters of a submarine, you quickly learn that every action impacts the whole crew, mirroring how each role in a company contributes to its overall success. The critical nature of decision-making in a submarine, where the margin for error is slim, honed my ability to assess situations quickly and act decisively. This skill has been indispensable in the fast-paced business world, where timely and effective decision-making can mean the difference between success and failure. Moreover, my submarine experience instilled a deep sense of discipline and resilience, traits that have been vital in navigating the challenges of the corporate environment. The rigorous demands of submarine life, where adaptability and endurance are paramount, prepared me for the ever-changing business landscape, teaching me to remain focused and steadfast in adversity. Above all, my time in the Navy reinforced the value of integrity and accountability. In an environment where lives depend on each individual's honesty and responsibility, I learned the importance of these virtues in building trust and credibility, both in and out of uniform. These lessons from my submarine service continue to guide me, shaping my leadership style and approach to life's challenges. Leading a team in confined and challenging environments has equipped me with an empathetic, decisive, and inclusive core leadership style. The experiences I had and the values I've embraced are more than just military lessons; they are universal principles that fuel success in any endeavor. #opentowork #opentoconnect #customersuccess

Meet Max, a rescued lab mix with endless joy. 🐾 His tail never stopped wagging. Rain or shine, Max radiated happiness. ☀️☔ As a veteran recruiter, I’ve seen many veterans face challenges transitioning to civilian careers. But their resilience mirrors Max’s spirit. Veterans tackle tough situations with enthusiasm and hope. 💪 Max taught me this: Joy isn’t about circumstances. It’s about attitude. → Embrace each day with enthusiasm. → Find joy in the little things. → Share that joy. Veterans, approach your journey with joy and resilience. Your attitude can turn challenges into opportunities. To all veterans: Like Max, you have the power to bring joy and make a difference. What have your pets taught you? Share your stories below.

Hiring Managers | Veterans are employees of choice. The community has the same characteristics of elite employees at top-flight companies. Are there best practices or a priority on hiring Veterans at the company you work for? Let me know in the comments. And if so, tag or DM me the company. #Veterans #Careers #ZeroVeteransUnemployed

Hey there! Quick life update—(because all business is boring) I had upper jaw surgery a month ago, and wow, it's been a journey. Raising twins seemed challenging, but this took it to a whole new level. Despite the ups and downs, I managed to ring in the New Year in San Diego with a cozy bonfire on Mission Bay, complete with the NYE SeaWorld fireworks and s'mores! #notcomplaining Now that it's 2024, I'm diving into the exciting world of helping organizations align business strategy with diverse talent, starting with veterans. As a former corporate leader and USMC military spouse with seven years in the military and veteran talent scene, including DOD SkillBridge, I've seen first hand the incredible value they bring to organizations. You know what's even better? Seeing veterans and diverse employee populations, like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), not just as standalone groups in siloes but as contributors to overall business strategy and organizational success. In 2024, my mission is to help companies transform to attract and retain veterans, and build a diverse workforce at the same time. Military veterans for the win! They bring a mix of diversity, mission-focus, resilience, innovation and purpose that can't be beaten. Let's make 2024 a year of growth, engagement, and success together. #veteransfirst Happy New Year, Sara #veteranengagement #letsdothis #startwithveterans #purposedriven #missionfocused #useyourresources #bottomline #engagement #buildabridge #culturalresponsiveness #profits #engagement #peoplefocused #investinbigpicture

Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open. At Military & Patriots Group, we believe in the power of an open mind. Just as a parachute is essential for a safe landing, an open mind is crucial for growth, innovation, and success. In our journey, both in military service and in our business ventures, we’ve learned that adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new ideas are the keys to overcoming challenges and achieving greatness. Let’s strive to: Embrace Change: Be open to new opportunities and experiences. Change is the catalyst for growth. Foster Collaboration: Work together, share knowledge, and support each other. Teamwork makes us stronger. Encourage Innovation: Think outside the box. Fresh ideas and creative solutions drive progress. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Keep learning, evolving, and expanding your horizons. Knowledge is power. Join us in keeping our minds open and ready for the adventures ahead. Together, we can achieve anything! Connect with us at https://lnkd.in/d6Zzx8bk #MotivationMonday #OpenMind #GrowthMindset #MilitaryPatriotsGroup #Innovation #Teamwork #CRE

What works… Coming from the world of aerospace and defense, then advanced technology consulting, and now commercial real estate, the phrase I personally can’t stand is “this is the way we have always done it”. This is what hold people and business back. Adapt, Improvise, overcome. Opening your mind to diverse possibilities is key to achieving maximum results for what you want. Not just in real estate but in life.

Letting others help you is smart, not weak. When we work together, we can do more and go further. Joining forces turns small steps into big leaps. Together, we achieve greatness. #people #teamwork #greatness

Week SIX of my Skillbridge Fellowship at Lockheed Martin through Hiring Our Heroes completed! The time is FLYING but not a single minute of it is wasted. This past week I really put my nose to the grindstone, building a foundation for an incredible project with the goal of assisting new employees utilizing the effectiveness of mentorship. In addition, the needle moved a bit more on a very ambitious project that isn’t quite ready for announcement BUT when it does happen (and I really believe it will), I’ll take a victory lap on this platform. Lastly, we launched our second round of the pilot virtual workshop where meaningful advice and information was shared between knowledgeable and experienced Lockheed employees to those in our military communities (active duty, veterans, spouses, dependents, and caregivers). On a more personal side, it is stunning to think I’m halfway through my Fellowship. I’m asked pretty frequently if my Skillbridge is going to get me a job and that’s a tough one to answer. First and foremost, no, my Skillbridge by itself is NOT going to get me a job. It’s important to understand that a Skillbridge is just that, meant to bridge the gap between my military skills and experiences and that of the non-military (ie, “civilian”) workplace. To that end, my Skillbridge has been value added on a daily basis! But that doesn’t “get me a job”. What it DOES give is the best tools to enhance my brand and the things which make me marketable! It DOES allow me the access and experiences to a new, exciting business cultures and ways of getting things accomplished! Those are the ways that Skillbridge is going to help me “get a job”. And not just a “job”. A meaningful, fulfilling, career in a space that energizes and motivates me… where I can add value, create meaningful change, and continue investing in others so they can one day do the same. Have a great weekend!!  #militarytransition #militarycommunity #skillbridge Corrine Jamie Eric Ray Samantha Allison Carlos Jordan Beth