The CDL School & Troops Into Transportation’s Post

The Career Transition Strategies Workshop facilitated by Noël McCall / MilBridge Consulting, LLC, was valuable to me. If you are transitioning, this is a good workshop to attend to help you prepare successfully. Although I have attended workshops and fellowships in the past covering transition topics in fine detail, I believe it is imperative to stay sharp and incorporate lessons learned to continually improve - especially when choosing the right company culture, position within your chosen passions, and path to pick the right job after the military. Here are some key takeaways from the workshop: *Military to Civilian Transition: Further focusing my resume, pitch, and interview response narrative. *One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance to refine my career path.  *Networking Strategy Improvement: Continuously working on uncovering hidden job opportunities. Networking goes beyond seeking job opportunities, as it allows you to help others as well. This is the area I seek most to improve, as it is a key differentiator for success. *Personal Branding: Understanding my brand, ensuring I was still on azimuth, and further refining/learning how to communicate it effectively. I was able to compare an assessment with similar ones to better ascertain my skills, strengths, and weaknesses. *Negotiating Offers: Setting expectations and exploring options. Huge thanks to Noël McCall and Al Lampkins for hosting this workshop. Thanks also to Veterans Bridge Home and @The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic. #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #ProfessionalGrowth

Companies and industries can learn from this initiative and look for their ways to further their mission, takes into account the views of key stakeholders and be good corporate citizens. Doing what’s right is more important than a politicized ESG rating. Helping veterans transition into the workforce should always be on the short list of what’s right to do. Kudos to the medtech industry for MedTechVets and to the construction/design industry for ACE Mentor Program of America.

As I reflect on my training days with Naval Special Warfare, I can't help but remember a crucial lesson that resonates with all of us: the significance of rest and recovery. Despite my unwavering dedication to preparing for the physical tests, I should have noticed the importance of scheduling rest days, which led to unforeseen setbacks, i.e., I was getting weaker and slower.  It's a lesson that translates seamlessly into our daily lives. Pause momentarily and ask yourself, how often do I embrace stillness amidst the constant hustle? Prioritizing moments of rest and reflection can profoundly impact our professional and personal performance. Remember to build moments of stillness into your routines, nurturing well-being and optimizing potential. #RestAndReflect #OptimizePerformance #LifeLessons

Taking on the Murph, I recently embarked on something completely new for me the Murph. Named in honor of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, this challenge pushes physical limits and mental toughness to a whole new level. The Murph consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, followed by another 1-mile run, all while wearing a weighted vest. It's not just about physical endurance; it's about honoring sacrifice and embracing resilience. Why did I take it on? The Outlier Project #WOWchallenge Trying something you have never done, challenging yourself, and redefining what you’re capable of. Happy World Outlier Week! Scott MacGregor The Outlier Project

Well done

Thank you to Navy Federal Credit Union CEO, Dietrich Kuhlmann, for sharing his valuable insights on transitioning from military service and the defense industry to finding your passion. Mr. Kuhlmann left us with a powerful message: understand your value, and don’t discredit your military experience. Education serves as the engine and bridge to a successful transition, and your first job post-service may not be your last—find what works for you. He also shared five keys to finding the right fit: 1. Identify your passion and align it with the industry or company you’re pursuing. 2. Seek fulfillment in your work. 3. Ensure you have opportunities for growth within the sector or organization. 4. Location is crucial—don’t overlook its importance for both you and your family. 5. Compensation: Know your worth and earn it. Thank you, Mr. Kuhlmann and the William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

What's your mission statement? In the wise words of David Goggins, US Navy SEAL, we're reminded that personal growth starts with a clear mission statement - one that YOU create and live by every day. What's your mission in this crazy career ride? Would love to hear them in the comments! #DavidGoggins #Mission #CareerInsights #MissionStatement #ProfessionalGrowth

"Everyone at my company is a ____________" Last week at my Vistage Worldwide, Inc. meeting at Camp Pendleton with the United States Marine Corps, we learned that "every Marine is a rifleman." No matter your day job in the Marines, everyone is expected to be proficient in marksmanship. They have to maintain their skills by demonstrating proficiency every year. So it doesn’t matter if you are in supply, aviation or sitting at a desk, you are expected to be competent at handling a firearm and prepared to use it. I love how simple and inclusive is this concept. It creates a cultural expectation. It sets standards. It creates fraternity that we are all in this together because we all do the same thing. At my previous company--where we created custom etched wine gifts--everyone was a box maker. Everyone was expected to be competent at making shipping boxes. Whenever we got surge orders that had to ship, it was expected for everyone to jump in and help as necessary. It wasn't often, but it did happen and when it did, we were all in it together and we made it happen, as a team. What is the common expectation that everyone does in your company? What's the impact? #vistage #sandiegobusiness #ceoleadership #culture

Something to think about

Every year Marine Corps Recruiting Command brings the Master Gunnery Sergeant selects together for guidance and mentorship from some of its most senior Master Gunnies. For those of you that are not in the military Master Gunnery Sergeant is the final enlisted rank. I now find myself one of the "old" guys. I was able to offer a bit of advice through my experiences. I talk about three simple things: 1. It's lonely at the top. The list of people you can vent or complain to gets a lot shorter. The phone rings a lot less because of one simple truth. Most junior Marines don't want to talk to you. It does not mean you're not approachable or that you do not care. Do not take it personally. Think back to when you were a younger Marine. Did you want to chat it up with the Master Gunny or the Sergeant Major? The answer is no you didn't. Congratulations you are now a victim of your own success. The faster you come to terms with it the better off you will be. 2. Do not let your ego get in the way of making the right decision or recommendation to your Commanding Officer or anyone else you advise.  I have been there. Here is an example of where I almost sank the ship: In December of 2021 I was a part of Recruiting Station Nashville and the Department of Defense introduced a new system that created a lot of unintended consequences. We missed our mission. I recommended to the boss that those who were behind need to work 7 days a week. Well, about two/three weeks into that piece of sage advice I realized we were going to hurt people. I thought we needed to do more and work harder. I was so blinded by the loss in December that I figured I had all the answers. Turns out I didn't know the question. Which brings me to the last point. 3. I just told you I didn't know the answer to the question. I should have asked for help. It's ok to ask for help regardless of whatever rank you are. Just because you wake up one day as a Master Gunny or Sergeant Major doesn't mean you know everything. It is a singular privilege to mentor the future of my MOS. Good luck Marines.