The FourBlock Podcast: Recent Episodes
FourBlock
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams is an Afghanistan veteran, the founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Join us on the latest episode of the FourBlock Podcast as hosts Michael Abrams and Lindsey Pollak engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Tom Croff, the head of the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering. With a rich background that transitions from serving as an Electrician's Mate in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Program to spearheading critical projects in the aviation sector, Tom brings a unique perspective on navigating career shifts and leveraging military skills in the civilian workforce.
In this episode, Tom reflects on his career path, sharing pivotal moments of his time in the Navy, including his role as a Junior Instructor, where he cultivated his expertise in complex technical disciplines. We delve into his transition to the engineering industry and how his military discipline and knowledge fueled his success in a new arena.
At the helm of numerous projects at Orlando International Airport, Tom discusses the engineering of the airport’s latest terminal and Matern’s approach to innovation in electrical engineering within aviation. His experiences provide valuable insights for veterans who aim to explore careers in the engineering industry after their military service.
To close out the episode, Tom shares his seasoned advice to veterans considering a similar path. This episode is a great guidepost for veterans seeking to translate their military experience into a successful civilian career, particularly in the dynamic field of engineering.
Tom has run the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering for over 21 years and has overseen hundreds of projects in the aviation industry. He has worked with the Orlando International Airport for many years assisting with electrical, security and low voltage systems work.
Most recently, he has been leading a project on the Orlando International Airport's new terminal. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the early/mid-nineties as an Electrician's Mate in the Nuclear Power Program. During his service, he spent most of his time at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, where he was a junior instructor helping the chiefs and senior chiefs teach heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and AC theory.
When he transitioned out of the military, he started his career in electrical construction and then switched to engineering in the early 2000s.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
On this episode of the FourBlock Podcast, discover why veterans' skills are in high demand in aviation and hear actionable advice on resume building, networking, and interview preparation from Britney Ratcliff, Director of Human Resources at Metro Aviation®.
Britney brings her extensive experience in recruiting and human resources to the discussion along with a passion for supporting transitioning service members.
In conversation with Lindsey Pollak and this week’s guest host Queta Rodriguez, Britney shares valuable insights into how veterans can navigate the job market successfully and speaks to how Metro Aviation® supports veterans in making the transition from military to civilian work, employing more than 330 military veterans in many different roles throughout the company.
Family-owned and operated since its inception in 1982, Metro Aviation® is the largest privately held, traditional air medical operator in the U.S. and the largest air medical completion center in the world, operating more than 160 aircraft for more than 40 programs in over 25 states nationwide.
Whether you're a veteran or someone interested in supporting veterans in their career journeys, this episode offers valuable tips and perspectives that you won't want to miss!
Britney has years of recruiting, safety, and human resources experience, a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Administration, and a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.
Over the years, Britney has actively served as a volunteer for multiple local organizations, including the 2021 President of the NWLA SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapter. She enjoys working in aviation, connecting with other professionals, providing resume and career search assistance, and offering support and guidance to transitioning service members.
To learn more about Metro Aviation and available opportunities, visit choosemetro.metroaviation.com.
Meet a few of Metro Aviation’s veterans and see what they have to say about making the transition and why they chose Metro Aviation at metroaviation.com/miltociv/.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, it’s an honor to welcome two members of the leadership team from Battle Tested Security, a company that provides innovative event solutions and proudly employs over 800 veterans: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Founder and CEO Casey Holiday, and U.S. Army Veteran and VP of Military Strategic Partnerships Robert Cox.
In a candid conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Casey shares how he went from feeling lost after transitioning out of active-duty service to founding a premiere live event security company that aims to improve the lives of veterans. Casey also provides actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and invaluable lessons learned from his personal experience.
Rob shares the challenges he faced finding his way in the civilian workforce and provides empowering advice for fellow service members preparing to make their own military transitions.
With personal stories military members can relate to and helpful guidance throughout the conversation, this episode is a must-listen for veterans and entrepreneurs alike.
Founded in 2016, Battle Tested Security is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business committed to employing as many veterans as possible.
Casey is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in the event security industry. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina and outside of Baltimore, Maryland, Casey honed his discipline and leadership skills as a United States Marine Corps veteran. With a distinguished career as an 0311 in 1st Battalion 8th Marines, Casey served two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Since transitioning out of the military, Casey has established several successful companies and currently serves as the CEO of Battle Tested Security.
Casey is continuously seeking new challenges and opportunities to serve and empower veterans. He is currently in the process of creating his latest venture, BTG Development Group, a company dedicated to providing effective workforce placement, entrepreneur development, and benefit support to our nation's veterans.
Rob has more than 11 years of experience in the U.S. Army and two years as Battle Tested Security’s VP of Military Strategic Partnerships.
As a Certified Mindfulness Instructor and the Founder/CEO of InsightFoolish.com, Rob is also dedicated to helping people improve their mental and emotional wellbeing through customized meditation practices. He is always looking for opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in his community and beyond.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams sits down with Kevin Schneider, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who went on to become an architect and now works as a Project Architect at LRS Architects, Inc.
As a veteran who successfully transitioned into the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Kevin possesses invaluable advice for fellow veterans embarking on their own journeys into the civilian workforce. He generously shares his personal story, insights, and tips to help pave the way for others.
In conversation with Mike, Kevin delves into what inspired him to join the U.S. Marine Corps and shares insights into his Marine Corps experience, highlighting the invaluable skills he gained, the challenges he faced, and how these experiences shaped the trajectory of his military transition and civilian career journey.
Whether you're a veteran seeking guidance, or someone intrigued by the world of architecture, don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore Kevin’s journey from the Marines Corps to expert architect and passionate mentor.
After serving in the U.S. Marines, Kevin earned his Masters in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. When he's not in the office, he is usually running, camping or exploring the outdoors.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome USAA’s* Military Affairs Relationship Director Charles “Chuck” Bunch, a 20+ year retired U.S. Air Force veteran who works alongside fellow retired officers and senior noncommissioned officers on USAA’s Military Affairs team to advocate for those who are currently serving in our military, all those who have honorably served in the past, and their families.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Chuck shares personal stories and lessons learned from his military experience, his transition into the private sector and current role with USAA, and the relationships that helped him along the way.
USAA has been a longtime partner of FourBlock’s since 2016. Since then, USAA has hosted more than 30 sessions of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program in support of transitioning service members across the country. In 2022 alone, USAA supported more than 250 veterans across five FourBlock program locations.
As the Military Affairs Relationship Director for Veteran Engagement, Chuck leverages his military relationships to provide advocacy for military families and shepherds USAA’s VETNet Employee Resource Group (ERG) for the enterprise.
Prior to joining USAA, Chuck served as the Pathfinder Program Site Manager for USO San Antonio. Chuck’s leadership resulted in the successful design, development, launch, and execution of the USO Pathfinder transition program.
Upon joining USAA in 2019, Chuck was selected by the San Antonio Business Journal as an honoree of the inaugural Veteran in Business Awards. This award reflected his community leadership and honored San Antonio military veteran business leaders for their impactful contributions in the workplace and their support of fellow veterans.
Through his continued devotion and passionate support for the military community, Chuck was nominated for the 2022 G.I. Jobs Employee Veteran Leadership Awards list. This exclusive list recognized employee veterans that exemplified determination, teamwork, advocacy of military hiring initiatives, devotion to mentorship, and servant leadership in their organizations and respective communities.
Chuck had the privilege of serving 20 years in the USAF. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.
Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University. Chuck is married to his lovely wife Kriesti, and they enjoy spending time with their son, Jered and daughter-in-law, Haley.
*USAA is a multi-city sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
If you are in the military entering the civilian world or are you a veteran who has transitioned already but still struggling to find your path, this episode is a must-listen. This week, we welcome author and Founder of Mission Edge Ken Davenport. In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Ken shares how his passion for helping people achieve greatness in their lives led him to starting a social enterprise to help nonprofits and small businesses grow and devoting much of his time to helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. Most recently the author of "The Stoic Transition: A Guide" to help veterans live their best lives after the military, Ken details how his early life led him to discover the concept of stoicism and how it can help veterans embrace their power to thrive in their next adventures. Ken Davenport is an entrepreneur and writer based in San Diego, California. Ken’s built multiple businesses, lived in Switzerland as a kid, did his graduate work in London, spent a nomadic year in Tokyo, where he learned Japanese (or tried), and now spends much of his free time helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. A former Board member at the Travis Manion Foundation, Ken helped bring FourBlock to San Diego and also teaches Boots to Business at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
"I want to give back to the community that gave me so much." This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Labor and Employment attorney Allison Kruse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current associate at Stinson LLP, who serves as the chair of the firm's Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG). In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Allison shares what first inspired her to attend the Air Force Academy and join the military and details her experience transitioning from the Air Force into law school and then the private sector. Allison delves into her unique familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations and how it benefits and supports her clients at Stinson. She then shares more about her participation with the firm's Veterans ERG, why she is inspired to continue giving back, how Stinson helps support and integrate veterans within the law firm, and her advice for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. As we close out Women's History Month, Allison also shares some of the women veterans and leaders who inspired her in her career and influenced her professional values, as well as words of wisdom for young women starting their journey in the military or transitioning out. Allison is an associate at Stinson LLP, a law firm with 450 attorneys and 12 offices nationwide. She primarily focuses on employment related matters and navigating various facets of employment relationships. She handles each case with precision and integrity, working diligently to deliver results that take her clients to new heights. Before attending law school, Allison was a Contracting Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Her prior experience in leadership roles enables her to relate quickly with clients and solve complex issues. Allison has received multiple awards and recognitions for her outstanding service while serving.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and Senior Program Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)* Gregory (Greg) Doubek. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Greg shares why he was called to serve and decided to join the Army, his personal military transition story, and some of the advice he received and lessons learned along the way.
Greg also raises an important point for those in transition about taking the uniform all the way off and provides guidance on how veterans can adjust to their changing role in the civilian workforce and add value regardless of the type or level of work.
In addition to his role as Senior Program Manager at GDIT, Greg serves as the co-lead for GDIT’s Veteran Employee Resource Group (Honor ERG), and he provides details about the company’s commitment to supporting transitioning military, veterans, and their families through its military hiring program and Honor ERG. He also shares actionable advice for getting started in the IT and Cyber world, whether you have experience in that field or you’re transitioning fields entirely.
Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army in 1991. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Art from the University of Vermont, and a Master's of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Following his 26 years of service as a US Army Signal Officer, Greg joined the General Dynamics Information Technology Team and is currently a Senior Program Manager, managing two Multiple Award Task Order Contracts with a contract ceiling totaling over $25B. Prior to his current position, Greg was also a Portfolio Manager and a Capture Manager where he developed successful strategies to grow business by over $40M, and led a team of Project Managers spanning eight task orders, 160+ personnel, and the Profit & Loss across a $19M portfolio of Department of Defense (DoD) contracts supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
His last active-duty assignment was as the Deputy of the National Leadership Command Capability at DISA in Fort Meade, MD. He led a team of more than 450 personnel while executing an annual budget of over $800M, and guided the funding, contracting, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of diverse, robust and secured IT systems supporting our nation’s most senior Federal Government and DoD leaders.
Prior to that, he was hand selected by the DISA Director to build the first ever 24/7 operations center that controlled defensive cyberspace operations across the DoD, which culminated in the creation of the Joint Forces Headquarters - DoD Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN), at Fort Meade, MD, where he served as Chief of Current Operations and led 65 personnel in the command and control of defensive cyberspace operations across 15,000 networks spanning the DoD’s 40+ combatant commands, services, and agencies.
Before serving at JFHQ-DODIN, he was the Division Chief of IT Services, at the Joint Spectrum Center, in Annapolis, MD, where he led 20 personnel and managed a budget of $2.5 million, while maintaining IT systems that supported 250 personnel and a data center that hosted electromagnetic spectrum software applications for the DoD.
Before moving to Annapolis, Greg was the Director of the Southwest Asia Theater Network Operations & Security Center (TNOSC) in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He led 90 personnel in the 24/7 operation of enterprise IT and cybersecurity systems that provided decision making capability and connected U.S. and coalition leaders and forces throughout Southwest Asia.
Greg’s early Army assignments included Platoon Leader at the 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion (Chaparral) and Company Executive Officer for the 29th Signal Battalion at Ft Lewis, WA. Subsequently, he served as Company Commander in the 17th Signal Battalion in Kitzingen, Germany, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management at the National Support Element in Taszar, Hungary, as well the Division Chief of the Networks Division at DISA-Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. Following his second tour in Germany, Greg served as the Network Engineer for the Pacific TNOSC at Ft Shafter, Hawaii.
Greg’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal and the Parachutist Badge.
Greg is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and is ITIL V3 Foundation certified.
Greg lives in Arnold, Maryland with his two children. When not working or volunteering to support transitioning military, he enjoys biking, hiking, camping and snowboarding. An avid long-distance hiker and mountain climber, Greg is currently section hiking the Appalachian Trail and has climbed Mt. Rainier, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and trekked to Mt. Everest Base Camp.
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdoubek/. *GDIT is a sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome The Boeing Company’s* Shane R. Chapman and Devon Rumsey, who give us an in-depth look at Boeing’s commitment to supporting veterans in transition and share actionable advice for veterans and military spouses interested in beginning a new career with the company.
A U.S. Army Veteran with 30 years of service, Shane now leads the Boeing Global Services Military and Veterans Program (BGS MVP), providing guidance and support to veterans and military spouse candidates and referring them to be seen by a hiring manager for interviews.
After more than nine years in the U.S. Navy from 2013-2022, Devon currently serves as a Workforce Development Specialist at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, where he works to create pipelines with organizations and military stakeholders to aid transitioning service members and military spouses in finding gainful employment across The Boeing Company.
A sponsoring partner of FourBlock since 2018, Boeing has played a significant role in helping FourBlock expand programming in Washington, D.C. and along along the West Coast. The company has also provided support for the Military Spouse Career Readiness Program as well as the Career Readiness Coach program, which connects working professionals with current FourBlock participants to provide them one-to-one guidance and feedback and to ensure that each veteran is on a path to success during their transition. Boeing has hosted multiple class sessions for FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program across the country.
Shane R. Chapman is an Army Veteran with 30 years of Service and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He has lead organizations from the platoon to brigade levels. Shane has spent several tours of duty in Europe and has more than 8 years of operational and combat deployments.
As a notable military assignment, Shane was selected by the Chief of Staff of the Army to create the Soldier for Life Program. In this role, he partnered with government agencies, private companies, and universities to create hundreds of public-private partnerships now known as the Career Skills Programs.
Shane started his career with Boeing in 2019. Initially, he served as a strategic advisor on leadership development and training to Boeing Global Services. He now works in Human Resources, focused on sourcing, recruiting, and hiring Veteran talent.
Devon spent just over nine years in the Navy from 2013-2022 and a Nuclear Electrician 1st Class on Submarines. He spent four years on the USS Pittsburg in Connecticut where he deployed three times to the European area of command. Devon finished up his service with three years in Navy recruiting in Seattle Washington where he ran three regional offices.
He came to Boeing in April of 2022 after separating from the Navy and currently serves as a Workforce Development Specialist whose main role is to create pipelines with organizations and military stakeholders to aid in transitioning service members and military spouses find gainful employment across The Boeing Company.
To learn more about how The Boeing Company supports veterans and their families, visit https://jobs.boeing.com/veterans.
Note: At the bottom of the page, you can find the direct link to the Military and Veterans Program candidate portal where you can receive 1 on 1 support with your Boeing career journey, as well the link to the Boeing SkillBridge portal.
*The Boeing Company is a national sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program.
Find Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-chapman-boeing-mvp/
Find Devon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-rumsey-0143aa229/
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Transitioning service members, do you know how to make the most of your military training once you transition into the civilian workforce?
Corporate leaders, do know how to optimize your veteran employees’ potential for success?
That’s why author and consultant Captain William Toti, US Navy (Retired) and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, wrote “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.”
With more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and more than 40 years of experience in the defense industry, Captain Toti knows what it takes to make the most of your military training and what more is needed to rise up the ranks in the C-suite.
Having successfully progressed from captain of a nuclear submarine to a captain of industry, Captain Toti joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams on this week’s episode of The FourBlock Podcast to share his personal experience, professional expertise, and practical insights to help transitioning service members make the most of their military training and learn what more is needed to rise up the ranks in the C-suite. For employers, he also shares what corporate leaders can do to maximize the potential for their veteran employees’ success.
Captain Toti has more than 40 years of experience in defense. In three years as CEO of Sparton, he was able to restructure and double the company’s value, taking it through the sale of Sparton by Cerberus Capital Management to Elbit Systems of America. Prior to joining Sparton he spent more than a decade running multi-billion-dollar global defense businesses, for both products and services, including as president of the Integrated Maritime Systems sector at L3, as vice president of the defense segment of HP, HPE, and DXC, as president of Cubic Global Defense, and as vice president of Raytheon’s Mission Support Operations. He has served on Boards of Directors of ERAPSCO, JT3, and the Italian defense company Calzoni.
Captain Toti also served for more than 26 years in the U.S. Navy, including tours as commander of Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command Norfolk, as commodore of Submarine Squadron 3, and as commanding officer of the nuclear fast attack submarine USS Indianapolis (SSN-697). He served for more than nine years in the Pentagon, including tours as special assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, as Navy representative to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, and as deputy director of the Navy War Plans Cell, Deep Blue. Mr. Toti is the creator/author of the US Navy’s current “Full Spectrum Antisubmarine Warfare” concept of operations.
Captain Toti holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in spacecraft systems engineering, the pre-doctoral Electrical Engineer degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and has done executive coursework at the Harvard Business School. He served as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Brookings Institution and as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow in International Affairs. He has more than 30 published articles and op-ed pieces and was the U.S. Naval Institute Author of the Year in 2001. He was a 2012 member of the White House Roundtable on Military Credentialing in support of an initiative to help transitioning service members receive civilian credentials and licenses.
Captain Toti has worked to support the survivors of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35) for more than 25 years, was named an honorary survivor and their honorary captain in 2005, and has been featured in several global release documentaries on that storied ship, including “USS Indianapolis: Live from the Deep” (2017, PBS), “USS Indianapolis: Legacy Project” (2016, Tiny Horse Productions), and “USS Indianapolis: the Final Chapter” (2019, PBS).
His narrative titled “Antoinette,” describing his experiences during the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon was incorporated into the book Operation Homecoming, published by Random House (2006). He was featured in the 2016 PBS documentary, “9/11: Inside the Pentagon” and the 2020 History Channel documentary “9/11: The Pentagon.”, and the 2021 National Geographic six-part docuseries, “9/11: One Day in America.”
Captain Toti is a seven-time recipient of the Legion of Merit, a recipient of the “Wash 100” list of most influential leaders in the government contractor sector (2016), HP Executive of the Year (2013), the FedScoop 50 Industry Leadership Award (2012), and the Rear Admiral John J. Bergen Industry Award from the Navy League of the United States (2010). He is a lifetime member of the U.S. Naval Institute, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the National Eagle Scouts Association, and as an adult leader was awarded the Honor Medal by the Boy Scouts of America (2002).
You can find Captain Toti’s book, “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership" at https://a.co/d/5SDmFDE.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
U.S. Army Veteran David Touchton served in Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying to the Middle East on September 9, 2001, just two days before the September 11 attack. On the FourBlock Podcast this week, David shares the impact that had on him and his fellow service members, his career path, and his commitment to continuing to pay it forward to fellow veterans today. David spent several years in the Army before receiving an honorable discharge due to an injury and going into the private sector. He held multiple positions of escalating responsibility as a Facility Security Officer before making the leap to launch his own security company. Founded in 2013, FSO Services helps companies ensure the best security posture against today’s modern threats. In conversation with host Mike Abrams, David explains how he transitioned into a career in industrial security and how he got the idea to start his company serving clients that work with the Department of Defense. He identifies some of the biggest challenges and threats that clients could face as they safeguard national security information and how FSO Services helps resolve them. To close out the episode, David shares the reasons he feels veterans have an advantage when transitioning into industrial security and what steps they can take to successfully move into the industry.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
How can employers go beyond thanking a veteran for their service?
Retired Air Force LtCol Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz has devoted her post-military career to equipping civilans to become Veteran Champions. With hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Kathy shares personal insights from her upbringing as a Navy ‘brat,’ her nearly 30-year career in the Air Force as a Public Affairs Officer and Nurse, and experiences educating and engaging civilians in support of troops and their families in response to 9/11.
Noticing how different her experiences and mindset were from most Americans, and observing the pride civilians feel when serve Veterans meaningfully, Kathy discusses why she is compelled to narrow the military civilian divide and equip people who have never served in the military to become Veteran Champions. She shares best practices for employers and actionable advice for individual employees and company recruiters to move from veteran friendly to veteran ready.
An award-winning businesswoman, Kathy coaches employers how to improve their bottom line by excelling at hiring and retaining Veteran talent, and as a thought leader pioneer, she equips volunteers to build Military Ministries to cultivate a sense of belonging and promote spiritual resiliency for military-connected people. Master’s degrees in Nursing and Political Science frame her practice and perspectives. She is also a John Maxwell trained speaker, trainer, and coach. She is the author of “Beyond ‘Thank You For your Service,’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians.”
While not serving in uniform, Gallowitz established and managed Buckeye Sports and Orthopedic Specialists and was the President of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. She has first-hand experience hiring Veterans.
As the owner of Vanguard Veteran, she equips civilians to become Veteran Champions as the “Veteran-hiring Concierge” and “Military Ministry Builder.”
Kathy serves on the Veteran-hiring Advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Mangement, member of the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chair, Arizona Governor’s Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission. Her husband, Ed is a retired career active-duty soldier with four combat tours. Together they have six sons, one daughter and three grandchildren.
Vanguard Veteran Overview:
https://vanguardveteran.start.page
Complimentary "Veteran-Ready" Employer Assessment:
https://vanguardveteran.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/may-2021_-vr-employer-assessment.pdf
Vanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and Training:
https://vanguardveteran.com/veteran-champion-consulting-training/
Invite Vanguard Veteran to Speak:
https://vanguardveteran.com/invite-me-to-speak/
O*Net Online Mlitary Crosswalk Search:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
“Beyond ‘Thank you For Your Service:’ the Veteran Champion handbook for civilians:” https://bit.ly/BeyondThankYouForYourService
Society of Human Resource Management Veterans free at Work Certificate:
https://www.shrm.org/foundation/ourwork/initiatives/engaging-and-integrating-military-veterans/PublishingImages/Pages/Inclusion-Captains-Veterans/Veterans%20at%20Work%20flyer.pdf
Women Who Lead: A monthly free virtual Leadership Discussion Forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans that I facilitate to empower women leaders and foster mutual support. We hope you will join us! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/137542143253
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Navy Veteran Eric Quinn, the CEO of full-service construction consultancy KMI International. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Eric discusses his time in the Navy, sharing why he joined, how it changed the trajectory of his career, and the leadership skills he gained during his service. He takes us through his transition to the business world, his move to the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and how he worked his way to where he is today.
Throughout the episode, Eric provides invaluable insights on leadership and building trust, sharing his personal experience from his time in service military and his successful career. To close out the episode, Mike asks Eric what advice he has for transitioning service members as well as any veterans looking to start a career in the AEC space.
Eric Quinn leads KMI as the company’s CEO. His leadership career began at an early age while he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy, learning quickly the importance of having the right team in place to accomplish the mission.
His focus is on having the best people, processes, and organizational structure in place to deliver the highest quality of services for KMI’s clients. Eric will tell you that one of his primary focuses is maximizing the potential in people he leads to ensure KMI is a distinct company with a stellar reputation, thus becoming the most sought-after employer in the industry.
Eric held leadership positions in several organizations, including Procter & Gamble, ES3, and President of GBI Tile and Stone, before coming to KMI to serve as the company’s COO, later being promoted to CEO. His background in mathematics gives him a strong understanding of figures and analytics, but he also has extensive experience in business development and generating revenue.
His proudest accomplishments included turning around a former company in order to save hundreds of jobs, as well as helping facilitate a partnership between his current company, KMI, and the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The partnership includes a student chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), and guest lectures by KMI to mentor the next generation of construction managers and give them the tools they need to succeed.
Eric has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to welcome Vice Admiral Timothy “TJ” White, a 30-plus year national security practitioner, strategist, and cyber operations expert leading joint military formations and combined intelligence community organizations.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Admiral White shares insights from his impressive career in the Navy and what continued to make it fun and challenging for more than three decades; a detailed discussion of cybersecurity in a military context; and his transition to the civilian sector and starting his own business. He closes the episode with invaluable insights about what makes a good leader and motivating advice for fellow service members in transition: “Cultivate your curiosity and be passionate about it.”
Admiral White has commanded at all levels within the Navy and Joint Service, most recently as the Commander, United States Fleet Cyber Command / United States TENTH Fleet / United States Navy Space Command and previously as the Commander, United States Cyber National Mission Force / USCYBERCOM. He is a former Director of Intelligence for United States Indo-Pacific Command and has served globally in various combat zones and conflict areas supporting competition dynamics. A former CINCPACFLT Shiphandler-of-the-Year, he misses his days driving a Battleship.
He is a 1987 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds additional diplomas from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, National Defense University and myriad professional education institutions.
Admiral White’s focus of effort remains risk assessment and consequence management with respect to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, supply chain, technology policy, and trust relationships. OneNetworkConnection, LLC was created to help individuals & organizations understand the value and opportunity found in collective cybersecurity by leveraging technical acumen, expanded operational horizon, and trusted strategic vision to assess and manage current and future risks.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to welcome Vice Admiral Timothy “TJ” White, a 30-plus year national security practitioner, strategist, and cyber operations expert leading joint military formations and combined intelligence community organizations.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Admiral White shares insights from his impressive career in the Navy and what continued to make it fun and challenging for more than three decades; a detailed discussion of cybersecurity in a military context; and his transition to the civilian sector and starting his own business. He closes the episode with invaluable insights about what makes a good leader and motivating advice for fellow service members in transition: “Cultivate your curiosity and be passionate about it.”
Admiral White has commanded at all levels within the Navy and Joint Service, most recently as the Commander, United States Fleet Cyber Command / United States TENTH Fleet / United States Navy Space Command and previously as the Commander, United States Cyber National Mission Force / USCYBERCOM. He is a former Director of Intelligence for United States Indo-Pacific Command and has served globally in various combat zones and conflict areas supporting competition dynamics. A former CINCPACFLT Shiphandler-of-the-Year, he misses his days driving a Battleship.
He is a 1987 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds additional diplomas from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, National Defense University and myriad professional education institutions.
Admiral White’s focus of effort remains risk assessment and consequence management with respect to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, supply chain, technology policy, and trust relationships. OneNetworkConnection, LLC was created to help individuals & organizations understand the value and opportunity found in collective cybersecurity by leveraging technical acumen, expanded operational horizon, and trusted strategic vision to assess and manage current and future risks.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean that you have to be always right or have all the answers. It means establishing an environment where you can get to the right answer.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, it is an immense honor to welcome three-star United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant General (ret) Lori Reynolds.
As the most senior woman in the USMC for nearly a decade – and only the third woman to achieve her rank – she is recognized for her ability to identify and retain diverse, global workforces to deliver innovation and value.
In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Lori imparts invaluable insights from her incredible 35-year career with the USMC starting off as a communications officer and going on to command at every level. She shares how she developed her leadership philosophy, how it evolved over time, and some of the common threads that enabled her to be successful throughout her career navigating diverse leadership roles within USMC. She provides her perspective on the information battle that’s happening today, what the future holds, and career advice for young professionals just starting out in this information environment.
Lori is a three-star United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General (ret) and board member who most recently developed, led, and managed the Corp’s $12B global information portfolio spanning intelligence, IT, networking, cyber security, space, and information. She guides complex global organizations to manage large-scale risk and transform operational information into strategic business intelligence assets.
Lori served on the USMC Corporate Board with responsibility for strategic oversight of a $50B budget and global strategy, capabilities, and missions.
She regularly reported to and was accountable to Congressional committees on risk, cybersecurity, and strategy. In addition, she serves on board transformation, cyber security, risk, and DEI committees.
Lori founded LEReynolds Group, a consulting firm, building on her 35-years of success and leadership in the United States Marine Corps.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean that you have to be always right or have all the answers. It means establishing an environment where you can get to the right answer.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, it is an immense honor to welcome three-star United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant General (ret) Lori Reynolds.
As the most senior woman in the USMC for nearly a decade – and only the third woman to achieve her rank – she is recognized for her ability to identify and retain diverse, global workforces to deliver innovation and value.
In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Lori imparts invaluable insights from her incredible 35-year career with the USMC starting off as a communications officer and going on to command at every level. She shares how she developed her leadership philosophy, how it evolved over time, and some of the common threads that enabled her to be successful throughout her career navigating diverse leadership roles within USMC. She provides her perspective on the information battle that’s happening today, what the future holds, and career advice for young professionals just starting out in this information environment.
Lori is a three-star United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General (ret) and board member who most recently developed, led, and managed the Corp’s $12B global information portfolio spanning intelligence, IT, networking, cyber security, space, and information. She guides complex global organizations to manage large-scale risk and transform operational information into strategic business intelligence assets.
Lori served on the USMC Corporate Board with responsibility for strategic oversight of a $50B budget and global strategy, capabilities, and missions.
She regularly reported to and was accountable to Congressional committees on risk, cybersecurity, and strategy. In addition, she serves on board transformation, cyber security, risk, and DEI committees.
Lori founded LEReynolds Group, a consulting firm, building on her 35-years of success and leadership in the United States Marine Corps.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
In an exciting first for the FourBlock Podcast this week, co-hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams are joined by two special guests: Natalie Schibell, a FourBlock alumna and 10-year U.S. Navy veteran who now serves as a VP, Research Director at Forrester, and Jessica Marotta, the Talent Acquisition Manager at Forrester who first found Natalie through FourBlock Connect, our online networking and community-building platform available exclusively to FourBlock participants, mentors, and partner companies.
In this episode, Natalie and Jessica discuss how they met on the FourBlock Connect platform, the conversations that ensued, and the hiring process at Forrester.
Jessica shares what using the platform has helped her learn about recruiting the veteran community, and her philosophy for hiring: “I’m not just finding the best fit for Forrester; I’m finding the best fit for Natalie.”
Natalie shares details about her incredible military career, her transition, and the interview process with Forrester, noting that: “I felt like not only was [Jessica] a recruiter, but she was also a friend.”
A Talent Acquisition professional dedicated to behavioral based interviewing and equitable sourcing practices, Jessica has more than 20 years of recruiting experience. She started at Capital One and has spent the last 8+ years at Forrester as a Talent Acquisition Manager.
At the time of this episode’s recording, Natalie was a Senior Analyst for Healthcare Strategy at Forrester. She is now serving as a VP, Research Director for Forrester. She previously served 10 years in the U.S. Navy’s Medical Service Corps as a Director of Public Health and as a Director of Operations for Healthcare Talent Acquisition. She is presently serving as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Natalie is an alumnus of FourBlock’s Spring 2021 Atlanta Veteran Career Readiness Program.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“The most successful people are the ones that are hyper aware of their strengths.”
This week we are honored to welcome Christian Gomez, Vice President of Talent Activation Strategy for The Marcus Buckingham Company (TMBC), an ADP Company, where he spearheads TMBC’s client partnerships, helping to redefine the engagement and performance space.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Christian shares his deeply personal story of how he overcame a lot of adversity growing up, why he joined the military as the first person in his family to serve in any military capacity, and his fascinating professional journey from his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marines Corps to his corporate career today as a thought leader in the human capital management space.
Christian and Mike also discuss the results of their StandOut Assessments, a 15-minute assessment powered by ADP that identifies people’s top two strengths and delivers personalized coaching.
At TMBC, Christian works with innovative people-focused organizations to design strategies that scale the practices of the world’s best leaders. His mission is to help talent HR functions design strategies that set up people to succeed at work.
Christian began his career in the U.S. military, serving in several capacities as a Sergeant of Marines. He translated his experiences to the civilian world spending 11 years at ADP where he served as a senior global business consultant, advising some of the largest and most respected multinationals and designing their BPO and HRIS strategies.
A frequent speaker and thought leader with over 15 years of experience in the human capital management (HCM) space, Christian has particular expertise on the subject of managing cultures across geographies, expanding into emerging markets, and leading across cultures.
Christian holds a B.S. in Political Science from Florida International University and an M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Born in Queens, NY, he lived and worked abroad for many years before settling down in Florida, where he can sneak in a round of golf year-round.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week we are honored to be joined by Heather Burns, Senior Vice President in Securities Finance at Jefferies, a diversified financial services company engaged in investment banking and capital markets, asset management and direct investing.
Throughout this episode, Heather covers a variety of topics, from her personal military experience as a U.S. Army Blackhawk pilot to her transition to the world of corporate finance to her passion for endurance sports as an ultramarathon runner. In conversation with hosts Lindsey and Mike, she shares why she joined the Army, how she decided to go to business school, and what made her choose a career on Wall Street.
Heather also discusses her current career at Jefferies and shares why Jefferies is a great place for veterans to work, from their Veterans Affinity Group that provides one-on-one mentorship to their organizational commitment to all employees’ physical and mental wellness. She closes out the episode with some invaluable advice for veterans who are just starting their transition out of the military as well as veterans looking to begin a career on Wall Street.
Heather has been working on Wall Street for over a decade. Prior to pursuing a civilian career in financial services, Heather served as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot stationed at Fort Campbell, KY.
She received a B.S. from Penn State University and an M.B.A from the University of Notre Dame. Heather is also an ultra-marathoner, triathlete, and mom.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
In recognition of Mental Health Action Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, this week we are sharing a special podcast episode from our friends at Home Base from their podcast Home Base Nation. This is the first of two episodes that Home Base shared in honor Mental Health Action Day, which this year fell on Thursday, May 19th.
In this episode, host Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with U.S. Army Veteran and country music artist Craig Morgan. Craig spent nearly 11 years with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, serving in both Panama and Desert Storm. As a country music artist for more than 20 years, Craig has had 25 songs on the Billboard Charts, including his songs - "Almost Home", "This Ole Boy", "Wake Up Loving You", and the four-week No. 1 hit "That’s What I Love About Sunday". Ron and Craig talk about service, the healing power of music, the loss of Craig's son Jerry in 2016 that led to the powerful and beautiful song, "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost", and about the CBS/Paramount hit show "Beyond The Edge," set in the jungles of Panama that Craig co-stars in along with eight others.
The latest episodes and additional information can be found at https://homebase.org/homebasenation/.
This week, FourBlock alumna and our new West Coast Regional Director Marina Rabinek joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a personal conversation about her military experience, her transition after 24 years in the U.S. Navy, how she came to start the Military Women’s Collective, and her passion for mentoring female veterans and being of service to others.
After completing FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program as a participant, Marina came back to serve as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Virtual West cohort of our program before joining the FourBlock team full-time as West Coast Regional Director earlier this year. In this episode, Marina shares insights from her own transition experience along with advice for fellow veterans preparing to transition.
Marina is a teal-haired bilingual Super Connector, master networker, and 24-year U.S. Navy veteran. As the Founder of Military Women’s Collective, you can find her working with women-focused nonprofits – mentoring veterans and service members transitioning from the military – on LinkedIn and Veterati.
When she isn’t taking California road trips, playing board games or video games, or hanging out with her husband, daughter, and three cats, you can find her collaborating with local and national nonprofits and advocating for women veterans by empowering them to feel less invisible, giving them a voice and engaging in dialogue about resources.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we're sharing an interview that FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams recorded previously with FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Jeffrey Lodick for an episode of his podcast, “On the Other Side: Leadership After Transition," a podcast designed to bring leaders from all branches of service that have already made the transition to give some insight to transitioning service members and veterans who have already made the transition who may be struggling or seeking support.
In the interview, Mike sits down with Jeffrey to discuss his transition and how the vision of FourBlock came to reality.
A retired Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Jeffrey is now a professional speaker who does leadership development with student athletes and continures to serve as an advocate for service members in transition.
Jeffrey retired from the United States Army after 20 years. He served as a Squadron Sergeant Major, Operations Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and Drill Sergeant. He was a Master Rated Jumpmaster, a Pathfinder and a graduate of the Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course.
He has continued his service by assisting transitioning veterans as the podcast host of “On the Other Side: Leadership After Transition,” where he seeks advice from transitioned service members as tools for current transitioning service members to use. He is an inspirational speaker, a member of the National Speakers Association and owner of Change Your Forecast, LLC.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Why do you or did you work beyond the money? Do you have enough money to retire to do what fulfills you? How many of us really know what really fulfills us?
This week, motivational speaker, social researcher, and co-author of the nationally acclaimed book, Don’t Retire, REWIRE! Third Edition Jeri Sedlar shares her expert insights on retirement life planning and how we figure out what will truly fulfill us after retiring or making a life or career transition.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Jeri discusses her background and career path, detailing how she developed an interest in aging from a young age and how it ultimately helped shape her career. Mike and Jeri also discuss current trends, and Jeri shares invaluable advice throughout for anyone preparing to retire or looking to find their next act.
Jeri is a master of retirement life planning and has earned the title of America’s “rewiring” expert. She has interviewed hundreds of professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, partners and pre-retirees in all industries about their hopes, dreams and fears about the future. She has discovered both the pleasures and pain and possibilities and pitfalls associated with retirement.
Since the introduction of Don’t Retire, REWIRE! in 2002, Jeri has been traveling the globe challenging individuals to get out of their own way and break through society’s as well as their own individual “silver ceilings” to find the fun and fulfillment they deserve and desire at this life stage.
Jeri’s career has predominantly been in the personal development and transition arena, fostering change as Editor at Large of WORKING WOMAN and Senior Advisor at The Conference Board on the Mature Workforce.
As a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and a member of the New York State AARP Executive Council she continues to advance the concept of positive aging through engagement.
Her rewiring message has resonated across the globe from workshops in Dubai to keynotes in Dallas to interviews with traditional media both on air and online. She writes a blog and as she says…”people are my passion and I want them to get their futures right!”
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we welcome Susan Rietano Davey and Kelley Kelley Biskupiak, co-founders of Prepare 2 Launch U (PLTU), a learning company that provides instruction, inspiration, and community primarily to women and caregivers navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life.
In 2020, FourBlock joined forces with PTLU to create a comprehensive, instructional career transition program for military spouses looking to return to work or pivot into new careers.
In this episode, Kelley and Susan are joined by Lisa Stern, Ed.D., FourBlock’s Director of Program Impact and Assessment and our podcast co-hosts: Lindsey Pollak, career and workplace expert, New York Times bestselling author, and FourBlock Board member; and Mike Abrams, FourBlock founder and Afghanistan veteran.
Over the course of the episode, Susan and Kelley discuss their professional backgrounds and how PTLU started, and the group discusses how the joint FourBlock-PTLU Military Spouse Career Readiness Program came to be, what they have learned together from working with military spouses, what the future of the program holds, and what it means to be ‘ready’ to apply to the program.
The FourBlock-PTLU Military Spouse Career Readiness Program features live video coaching, flexible online learning modules, and all the instruction, tools, and inspiration a military spouse will need to navigate her or his way to a meaningful career. Military spouses who complete the program also gain access to an expanded community of FourBlock alumni, employers, and instructors for additional networking and mentorship. The program is offered at no cost.
As career women and moms, too, PTLU co-founders Kelley and Susan have been helping women navigate work-life transitions for a combined 30 years.
Susan and Kelley met while speaking at a women’s conference in 2016. At the time, they were both independently consulting with companies and coaching a range of women (from seasoned professionals to young women navigating new motherhood) through life and career transition. Immediately, they felt a connection and knew that they could better help more women if they teamed up. So, the two joined forces first to share clients, then to run workshops, and, ultimately, to create the learning company Prepare to Launch U that provides instruction, inspiration, and community to women navigating work-life transitions along the continuum of life. Their original, signature online career re-entry course boasts students in 26 states and counting.
In just a few years, Prepare to Launch U has introduced multiple online and live instructional offerings including a first-of-its-kind online maternity leave planning course, a proprietary family leave planning course on the LinkedIn Learning platform, and widely popular live corporate workshops on Negotiating and Work-Life Synergy, to list just a few. Susan and Kelley regularly collaborate with universities and Fortune 500 companies, and they are sought-after speakers and moderators for conferences across the country.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week we welcome West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran George Chewning, who served five years as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer including a deployment to Afghanistan.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, George shares details of his time in the Army and his service in Afghanistan; his military transition and what made him realize he needed support with the transition; and his post-military career as a non-technical veteran who transitioned into a civilian career in technology. He shares insights from his transition journey and what he’s learned from making multiple transitions throughout his career. George also discusses how he found his way back to a career serving his community and shares his advice for fellow veterans in transition now.
After his transition out of the military, George earned his MBA from the George Washington University. He served as a Legislative Director for the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation and then transitioned to a Program Manager role at Facebook before being selected as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the Department of Veteran Affairs. He just recently began a new role as Deputy Director for the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation.
George is an alumnus of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program and also serves as a volunteer member on our National Leadership Council.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams welcomes U.S. Marine Veteran and Regional President at TK Elevator Benjamen (Ben) Herther.
A recently retired U.S. Marines Lt. Col. who also served as the Battalion Commander, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines for the Marine Forces Reserve before passing the torch to Mike, Ben brings a unique perspective on leadership to his corporate career, where he currently serves as the Regional President for the Midwest Region at TK Elevator.
In conversation with Mike, Ben shares why he decided to serve, discusses his time in the Marine Corps, and explores the parallels between leadership in the Marines and the corporate world, sharing his experiences serving as both a Battalion Commander in the Marine Reserves and a leadership role in the corporate world at the same time.
Ben also provides some informative background on TK elevator, the company culture, and how the entrepreneurial mindset of the company helps empower its leaders.
To close out the episode, Ben shares his advice for both transitioning service members looking as well as those in the corporate world looking to hire veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome Acting Director of the Military Civilian Transition Office (MCTO) Mike Miller to take us on a deep dive into the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for transitioning service members. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Mike Miller walks us through the program’s history and evolution, sharing how it has progressed, where it stands today, and what the vision is for the future of TAP.
Mike serves as the Acting Director of the Military Civilian Transition Office (MCTO). The MCTO designs, supports, oversees, and evaluates the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP), and the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program (BYR). MCTO provides streamlined transition and reintegration services to efficiently deliver resources, training, information, and deployment-cycle support to transitioning service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families worldwide.
Mike has over 38 years of civilian and military leadership experience that includes team building, talent management, leader development, policy development, strategic planning, corporate culture change, diversity and inclusion, organizational management, and resource management. He is a retired U.S. Army Veteran and “Soldier for Life” who served strategic enterprise assignments with United States Forces Korea and Headquarters, Department of the Army; Chief Human Capital Officer assignments at U.S. Army installation, Division, Combined Joint Task Force, and Corps; and operational deployments in Somalia and Afghanistan.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
On this episode of the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by former Under Secretary for Benefits in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Army Veteran Dr. Paul R. Lawrence.
In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Lawrence generously shares details of his background and upbringing, his military career and transition, and his post-military career in the private sector before giving us a behind the scenes look at his time as the Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Lawrence talks about the priorities that he focused on as Under Secretary, including getting veterans the benefits they earned in a manner that honors their service, fiscal stewardship, and collaboration -- working more with veterans' stakeholders like VSOs, nonprofits, and others who wanted to help.
A businessman, author, and passionate veteran advocate with 35 years of experience solving management problems in large, complex organizations, Lawrence also shares what he continues to do to advocate for veterans today.
As a private sector executive, Lawrence was a consulting Partner at two Big-Four accounting firms and a Vice President in two Fortune 500 companies. He is a government management thought leader, having written several books on the subject.
For almost three years, Lawrence served as Under Secretary of Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, unanimously confirmed by the Senate on April 26, 2018. As Under Secretary, he was in charge of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) leading a team of 25,000 people with an operating budget of $4 billion, administering $120 billion in benefits annually. He implemented proven business practices, streamlined the bureaucracy, and created a public presence rebranding VBA as an organization successfully supporting Veterans.
Prior to becoming a political appointee, Lawrence was a Vice President at Kaiser Associates, a Partner at Ernst & Young, a Vice President at Accenture, a Senior Director at the MITRE Corporation, a Vice President with IBM, and a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
He has written extensively on management, government, and technology. He is the co-author of Succeeding as a Political Executive: 50 Insights from Experience, What Government Does: How Political Executives Manage, Paths to Making a Difference: Leading in Government and the co-editor of Transforming Organizations and Learning the Ropes: Insights for Political Appointees.
He serves on the Board of Directors of Vets2Industry, a non-profit organization helping Veterans pursue a career in the private sector. He is also a Senior Advisor to Search & Acquire, a non-profit focused on helping Veterans become CEOs via Entrepreneurship through Acquisition.
He was selected three times by Federal Computer Week as one of the top 100 public service leaders. In 2019 he was recognized as Government Executive of the Year by Service to the Citizen. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Lawrence earned his Master of Arts and Ph.D. in economics from Virginia Tech. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He is an Army Veteran. He completed his ROTC requirement as an Airborne-qualified Captain.
Find Paul Lawrence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaullawrence/.
Lawrence’s book, “Transforming Service to Veterans: How I Pursued Performance Excellence at the Veterans Benefits Administration in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Service-Veterans-Performance-Administration/dp/B09DMQZN4N/
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re honored to share an interview that FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams did with Dr. Mark Goulston for Dr. Goulston’s podcast, “My Wakeup Call,” where guests share how their own wake up calls changed their lives and changed how they would go on to spend the rest of their lives. During the conversation, Mike shares his personal experiences growing up, serving in the Marines, having a family of his own, and how the concept of service has been a constant throughout his life.
A Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches Member, Dr. Goulston coaches entrepreneurs, CEOS, chairs, managing directors, and other executives to become the best version of themselves. He is also an international keynote speaker helping audiences do the same.
Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. He is the author or co-author of nine books with his book, “Just Listen,” being translated into twenty-eight languages and becoming the top book on listening in the world. He is the host of the highly rated podcast, “My Wakeup Call” and the co-host of “Out of Our Minds and In Your Space” on Twitter Spaces, which is a mashup for creatives and thinkers.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Over two years ago in the fall of 2019, we launched the FourBlock Podcast to help bridge the military civilian divide in the workplace through conversations with veterans, thought leaders, and executives. Over 100 episodes and 30,000+ downloads later, we’re excited to continue these conversations in the new year with some enhancements.
Moving forward, we will be releasing episodes every two weeks. With each full episode, we will be creating additional pieces of content to include videos, articles, lesson plans for our classes, and most importantly, continuing the conversation with our listeners here on LinkedIn.
We have some great people and interesting conversations lined up in the new year. Next week, we’ll be releasing an episode with Dr. Mark Goulston, author of the book “Just Listen.”
Thank you for listening to our podcast. We sincerely appreciate it. We would love to hear your recommendations for topics as well as any guests that you would like us to interview. Please reach out to podcast@fourblock.org.
Thank you and have a great 2022!
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“There’s nobody who doesn’t want to live a life of significance.”
This week, we complete our look back at the top ten most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019. Topping the countdown as the #1 most-downloaded episode is “How to Live a Life of Significance” with retired General and the 31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak.
In this episode, General Krulak discusses his own military transition and shares the three things you need to be successful in life and the workplace.
General Krulak started his career commanding a rifle platoon and two rifle companies during the Vietnam War. Throughout his 36 years of service, he held just about every single command and staff position that an infantry officer could hold. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor device and two gold stars, and the Purple Heart with Gold Star. General Krulak also rewrote the Marine Corps' basic combat study text, MCDP 1: Warfighting, incorporating his theories on operations in the modern battlefield.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Krulak joined MBNA America as the chief administrative officer and went on to serve as the Senior Vice Chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe. He then went on to be the 13th president of Birmingham Southern College and continues to serve on the board of several companies including as the honorary chairman of FourBlock.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we continue our look back at the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast with #2 on the countdown, “How to Seize Opportunity in Your Career and Market Yourself as a Veteran” with former Army Pilot, Global Account Manager at LinkedIn, and FourBlock Board Member Darren Sumter.
In this interview, Darren recounts his experiences growing up, serving in the Army, and transitioning into the civilian workforce. Darren also shares his expert recommendations for veterans on how to market yourself and how to seize opportunities in your post-military careers.
For over 20 years, Darren has worked as a management consultant and a business development strategist specializing in providing companies with business-to-business software solutions to drive innovation and improve profitability.
Currently, Darren works as a Global Account Manager at LinkedIn, where he manages responsibilities for several strategic customers in North America across several sectors.
Prior to LinkedIn, Darren was a member of several big data B2B software strategic consulting companies where he held responsibilities for new market and new customer business development. Prior to his software career, Darren was a strategy consultant in the US and Europe. He attended Harvard Business School (HBS), where he earned his MBA.
Prior to HBS, Darren attended the US Military Academy at West Point where he earned a B.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering and served in the U.S. Army's aviation branch.
He is a veteran of the first Gulf War where he served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Resources:
LinkedIn Resources for Military Spouses
LinkedIn Resources for Veterans
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number three on the countdown is a conversation with Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and retired Army Colonel John Tien, originally released on January 13, 2020 and recorded when John was serving as a managing director with Citigroup.
In this episode, Tien discusses his incredible service, the impact of his time in the Army on his family, and the similarities and differences between leading troops in combat and teammates at Citigroup. If you are a civilian seeking to better understand military service or a veteran trying to learn how to most effectively transition military leadership principles to a corporate environment – this is a must-listen episode!
Prior to becoming the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Tien spent ten years serving in senior executive roles in the critical infrastructure financial services sector as a managing director at Citigroup. As a chief operating officer, he provided customer service support to tens of millions of customers to include safeguarding their accounts against fraud, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Tien previously served in the Obama Administration as the National Security Council Senior Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan from 2009-2011, the Bush Administration as the National Security Council Director for Iraq from 2008-2009, and the Clinton Administration as a White House Fellow in the Office of the United States Trade Representative from 1998-1999.
Tien began his career of public service at the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was the first Asian American to ever serve as the First Captain and Brigade Commander, West Point’s top ranked cadet position. For the next 24 years, he served as a U.S. Army combat arms officer, retiring in 2011 at the rank of Colonel. He is a veteran of three combat tours to include serving as the Task Force 2-37 Armor Battalion Commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and his unit were responsible for securing and stabilizing the Iraqi cities of Tal Afar and Ramadi with an emphasis on counterinsurgency operations, community partnership, creating rule of law institutions, and the training of thousands of Iraqi police officers. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Combat Action Badge, and the Valorous Unit Award.
Tien holds a Bachelor of Science from West Point and a Master of Arts from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and was also a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number four on the countdown is a conversation with former U.S Army officer and author Jason Dempsey, PhD, discusses his own transition, explores the meaning of service, and shares insights from his research on the military to civilian career transition.
Jason served for over twenty years in the Army as an infantry officer, deploying twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. He last served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that capacity he oversaw the Chairman’s strategic priority of Keeping Faith with the Military Community and led the development and launch of the Call to Continued Service, an initiative endorsed by all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which encourages members of the military to continue their public service after they take off the uniform.
Jason is the co-founder of MILLIE, a company that seeks to empower the community of veteran and military spouse real estate agents and to help military families through the moving process. He is also a Senior Adviser to the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration and an Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security. Jason has written extensively on Army efforts toward gender integration, the experiences of Hispanics in the military, and our counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan. His book, Our Army: Soldiers, Politics and Civil-Military Relations was published by Princeton University Press and was the first major work to delve into the social and political attitudes of the active-duty military.
Jason is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds a PhD in political science from Columbia University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number five on the countdown is a conversation with entrepreneur, writer, coach, transition and retirement life planning expert, and FourBlock Board Member Rick Miners.
Rick was the co-founder and president of FlexCorp systems, a business process outsourcing company. Shortly after Inc. Magazine named FlexCorp as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, he unexpectedly sold the company and quickly realized he didn't have a plan for what he was going to do next.
Rick co-authored the books, Don't Retire, REWIRE!: 5 Steps to Fulfilling Work That Fuels Your Passion, Suits Your Personality, and Fills Your Pockets and On Target: Enhance Your Life and Ensure Your Success.
Rick has made appearances on The Today Show, CNN, and PBS about the rewiring process and is frequently quoted in the press on the changing face of retirement.
He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and an Army Veteran. He is also a FourBlock Board Member and currently serves as its treasurer.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number six on the countdown is a conversation with Wells Fargo managing director Chris Pink, originally released on January 20, 2020. Chris heads Asset-Backed Finance and Securitization within the Corporate and Investment Bank, which encompasses nearly 400 clients and a risk portfolio of approximately $130 billion. Chris also Co-Chairs the Corporate and Investment Bank’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.
In this episode, Chris discusses his experiences and insights in making successful career transitions, how to navigate corporate culture to advance your career, and effective leadership in today’s diverse work environment.
Chris invests a considerable amount of time mentoring and supporting veterans in transition and is a staunch believer in the power of people, creating diverse teams, and servant leadership.
If you are a veteran interested in getting into financial services, successfully navigating corporate culture, and effectively translating your military leadership experiences to the civilian workforce or if you are someone interested in better understanding the challenges associated with career transitions and development – this episode is for you!
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number seven on the countdown is a conversation with author, keynote speaker, and career search advisor Steve Dalton.
What is the first step for a veteran looking to transition out of the military into a civilian career, or for any job seeker? What are the areas where veterans can excel in the career search process? How is hiring going to change in response to the impacts of COVID-19?
Steve Dalton joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to highlight the importance of professional relationships and referrals, discuss how the hiring landscape may change, and provide prescriptive advice for conducting a successful career search.
Steve addresses the areas where veterans excel that can help provide an advantage in the job search process. He also explores the similarities and differences of career searching today versus career searching during the financial crisis in 2008 and explains why he has optimism for job searchers today.
Steve is a Program Director and Senior Career Consultant for the full-time MBA Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He holds his own MBA from the same institution and a chemical engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Prior to entering the career services industry, Steve was an Associate Marketing Manager at General Mills, and a Strategy Consultant at A.T. Kearney (now Kearny). Steve is also the founder and CEO of Contact2Colleague, a corporate training firm specializing in helping organizations teach their personnel to turn strangers into advocates on demand.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
Number eight on the countdown is an insightful conversation with Susan Rietano Davey, co-founder and owner of Prepare To Launch U (PLTU), a national learning company that guides women through challenging work-life transitions.
The episode was originally released on December 9, 2019. Since recording this episode of the podcast, FourBlock went on to partner with Susan and her PTLU co-founder Kelley Biskupiak on a joint Military Spouse Career Readiness Program, a comprehensive, instructional career transition program for military spouses looking to return to work or pivot into new careers.
Susan began her career on the executive track at the Xerox corporation, where she moved rapidly up the ranks earning top performance honors along the way, recognizing the need for more and better flexible work options after becoming a mother.
Susan went on to join Flexible Resources, a regional consulting and staffing firm that championed Flexible Work. Over two decades, she helped establish the company as the industry expert on flexible work policy while coaching countless women to find or create flexible jobs and achieve positive work-life synergy.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re continuing with our countdown of the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
This week, number nine on the countdown is a powerful conversation with Damien Bertolo, originally released on July 6, 2020.
After moving out on his own at 15 and dropping out of high school, Damien Bertolo found guidance and support from an unexpected mentor, who motivated him to go back to school. Damien went on to graduate high school, get accepted to college, and ultimately go on to join the Marine Corps, where he served on active duty from 2003-2012. On this week’s episode, Damien shares his transition experience and talks about why that lesson of mentorship stuck with him and why he continues to give back to others today.
Damien now works as a Manager Management Consultant at Accenture, based in San Francisco, and previously served as the Director of Operations for FourBlock, where he had been involved as a volunteer as early as 2013.
Damien served as a Marine in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 and was selected to enter a commissioning program while deployed. After earning his degree at Cal State University San Marcos and a commission as a Marine Officer, Damien served his final two years and ended his active-duty service in 2012.
After pursuing a career in real estate in New York City, Damien gained experience in talent acquisition and in program and operations management. While performing his duties at FourBlock, he pursued and completed his MBA at NYU Stern with a focus on corporate strategy, finance, and business analytics. Damien has helped develop and advise business models for veteran recruitment and retention, and currently focuses in change management and business transformation.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
For the remainder of the year through the New Year, we’re looking back at the top 10 most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
In the meantime, we’re lining up some great interviews with new guests. Enjoy the top-10 countdown and stick with us for more new and engaging content in 2022!
Rounding out the top 10 this week is an incredibly informative interview with Dr. Amanda Spray, originally released on October 28th, 2019, that examines the truths and debunks some common myths about PTSD.
Dr. Spray is the Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at NYU Langone Health and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She completed her doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare system on the Manhattan campus.
Dr. Spray founded the training program within NYU Langone Military Family Center, which now trains 12 to 14 doctoral and postdoctoral students annually. She provides supervision and training within the center and the community at large. She provides individual cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy to veterans and family members in the military family center and specializes in health psychology and adult ADHD.
Note: This episode contains in-depth discussions regarding PTSD. We advise listening to this episode with caution. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line. This nationwide, toll-free hotline connects veterans and service members in crisis and their loved ones with information and qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders.
For more information, call 800-273-8255.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“If you ask 100 people for feedback on your resume, you’re going to get 100 different perspectives.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares some tips and lessons learned when it comes to resume writing.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we are sharing a conversation that co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams had recently with Sarah Roberts and Darren Sumter during a session of FourBlock's Fall 2021 West Coast Career Readiness Program. Darren is a Global Account Manager for LinkedIn and a member of FourBlock's Board of Directors. Sarah is LinkedIn's Head of Military and Veteran Programs.
Over the course of this discussion, Saran and Darren discuss their transitions from active service, talk about career opportunities at LinkedIn, and share some career transition best practices.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome FourBlock Atlanta alumnus turned coach Jose Fernandez, who now serves as the head of Strategic Threat Intelligence at Truist. A strategic threat intelligence and military veteran recognized as an expert practitioner in all aspects of intelligence operations, Jose served in the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard for a total of 32 years before retiring from service in 2018.
In this episode, Jose joins co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to talk about his time in service, his military-to-civilian transition, and his impressive career in cybersecurity. Jose provides in-depth insights about the cybersecurity industry, illuminates what some of his day-to-day responsibilities include in his role with Truist, and shares what he enjoys most about his current role and his career in cybersecurity. Jose also provides expert insights and advice for service men and women who are looking to begin a career in the growing cybersecurity industry after transitioning out of the military.
Jose joined the U.S. Army in 1985 straight out of high school. He enlisted in the Infantry, went to Airborne School, and was then assigned to the 8th Infantry Division in Germany from 1985 to 1987. After his two-year tour, he joined the U.S. Army Central Command as a reservist. He was assigned to 3rd Army Headquarters G-3 as an Operations NCO, deploying to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Storm / Desert Shield.
After returning, Jose completed his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Georgia State University. In 1996, he transitioned to the Army National Guard, where he was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer. Jose was also a firefighter in the Marietta Fire Department from 1998-2002.
In 2002, Jose was brought into the Active Guard Reserve in the Georgia National Guard. His first assignment was the Aide-De-Camp for the Commanding General. In 2005-2006 he deployed to Iraq, where he served with the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade. As a Captain, he was responsible for over 70 tactical human intelligence teams spread out over Iraq, working with multiple units.
Jose retired after serving for 32 years. He currently leads strategic threat intelligence for the cyber threat intelligence team at Truist. His team provides strategic level awareness of the cyber threat landscape to make informed strategic decisions to effectively and efficiently run a security function.
Jose holds an M.S. in organizational leadership from Argosy University. Jose is an alumnus of FourBlock’s Fall 2018 Veteran Career Readiness Program in Atlanta and now mentors other FourBlock veterans as the head Career Skills Coach for the Atlanta cohort.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, it’s an honor to welcome QBE’s Chief Risk Officer John Langione to The FourBlock Podcast. In conversation with co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, John shares insights from his incredible career, beginning with his work in the public sector at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice through his transition to the private sector and the insurance industry, to his role today as the Chief Risk Officer for QBE’s North American and Bermuda Operations.
In this episode, John and Mike discuss some of the cultural changes that John had to navigate when making the switch from the public to the private sector and some of the similarities between that career transition and the military to civilian transition. They then dive into the insurance business, with John providing perspective on the industry, what people need to do to be successful in it, and some good places to start for veterans looking to break into the insurance industry. John also shares his advice for operating within a larger company and starting something new within it.
To close out the episode, Mike asks John to talk about his role as executive sponsor for QBE’s Valor Business Resource Group, which supports various veteran-related causes and helps to provide an organized means for employees to participate in a broad array of veteran’s related supporting activities and events.
John joined QBE in 2010 and was named Chief Risk Officer in 2012. In his role at QBE, John is responsible for overseeing that an effective risk management framework is in place to support all dimensions of QBE’s operations including strategic and business planning processes. He is also one of the executive sponsors for QBE’s Valor Business Resource Group, whose mission is to foster a respectful and inclusive environment that welcomes QBE’s veteran and military-affiliated employees and provide opportunities for their support and networking. Previously, John served as Senior Vice President, Internal Audit. John has nearly 30 years of experience in insurance, finance and risk roles.
Prior to joining QBE, John was the Deputy Comptroller, Financial Controls with AIG International and the Senior Vice President, Financial Controls at ACE Insurance. He has served as a partner in Ernst & Young’s Advisory Services Group providing risk, controls and internal audit support for various financial services organizations. He also held positions with State Farm Insurance, Prudential Insurance and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, where he led criminal investigations within the organized crime and racketeering bureau as well as the major frauds unit.
John received his MBA in Professional Accounting from Rutgers Graduate School of Business.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome Daniel (Dan) Hughes, a U.S. Navy Submarine Force veteran, data analytics entrepreneur, and passionate mentor for transitioning veterans. In this week’s episode, Dan joins co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a dynamic discussion about his time in the Navy, his military transition, and his path to entrepreneurship.
Dan and Mike then explore the future of tech, data, and much more, including why “everyone is a data analyst now -- some people just don’t realize it yet.”
In conversation with Mike, Dan shares how he went on to start his company Claritee Group, LLC after the Navy and the lessons learned along the way, including the value of mentorship and the importance of leadership and personal development. They discuss his passion for sailing and the camaraderie that comes from it, and conclude with some invaluable advice for veterans in transition who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.
Dan is a U.S. Navy Submarine veteran who served on two missile submarines from 1986 to 1990. After leaving the Navy, Dan attended Temple University, where he graduated with a BBA in Accounting. Upon graduation, Dan joined Arthur Andersen as a business technology consultant.
In the late 1990s, Dan took the leap to start his own data analytics consulting firm and spent most of his career leading software developers and analysts building complex data analytics software solutions for clients across all major industries. He is a huge advocate of pushing technology innovation through a “keep it simple” and “build it, break it, fix it” design and implementation approach.
Dan has three passions outside of his family: building innovative data analytics software solutions to solve complex problems, mentoring military veterans during their transitions into civilian careers as an employee or entrepreneur starting a business, and using sailing as a personal development platform to promote adventure, camaraderie, adaptive thinking, and emotional well-being.
Dan currently resides in Montgomery County, PA, where he lives with his family.
Email: dan@dataswatteam.com
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
In 1956, Charlynda Scales’ Grandfather, Charlie "Mutt" Ferrell, Jr. created an all-purpose specialty sauce. In 2013, Charlynda learned that she inherited the coveted recipe. He didn't leave her any instructions, but humbled by his trust and belief in her, she used her business background to create Mutt's Sauce, LLC.
A U.S. Air Force veteran and the Founder & CEO of Mutt’s Sauce, Charlynda joins co-host Mike Abrams this week on the FourBlock Podcast to share the incredible story of Mutt’s Sauce and to discuss her path to entrepreneurship and her passion for paying it forward to other entrepreneurs. Charlynda reflects on how she started the company, talks about some of the challenges she faced, and shares invaluable advice for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur themselves.
Charlynda is a U.S. Air Force veteran on a mission to bring American families and unlock people’s purpose by harnessing her gift of empathy and servant leadership. She started Mutt’s Sauce LLC while she was still serving on active duty in the military. Now distributed in four flavors across the United States, Mutt’s Sauce recently debuted and sold out on QVC.
Her passion for educating youth and empowering our nation’s Girl Scouts resulted in her being awarded with a lifetime membership to Girl Scouts of the USA. She has also partnered with SCORE and Bunker Labs, two organizations that have made invaluable impacts on her success as a veteran entrepreneur. Charlynda and the story of Mutt’s Sauce has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Forbes.com, CBS News, NBC Univeral, Black Enterprise Magazine, Military.com, and many others.
In 2016, Charlynda was crowned Second Runner Up of Miss Veteran America. In 2020, Charlynda was humbled to learn her journey with Mutt’s Sauce was also featured in FUBU Founder and Shark Tank Investor Damon John’s latest best-selling book Powershift.
Charlynda is a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management. She also holds an MBA in Military and Strategic Leadership from Trident University International.
We’re honored to have Charlynda joining us again on Thursday, October 21 as a special guest at our live M.R.E. (Meals Ready-to-Eat) virtual cook-along! Learn more and register to attend here.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
On the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams reflects on the profound impact that day has had on millions of lives around the world, the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that day, and the families that have had to endure the loss of loved ones. Mike looks back on his time serving in Afghanistan and the 20 years since that day. Let us never forget the ones that we lost on 9/11, the families they left behind, and the people who fought for freedom for 20 years after that day.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“If I walk into a brick wall, I just grab another opportunity that gives me more information to get me over or around that wall.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jerome Amos, a native New Yorker, foodie and chef who learned to cook as a young child.
In a lively and inspiring conversation with co-host Mike Abrams, Jerome shares details of his upbringing as the oldest of eight children, the community that influenced him, and what led him to decide to join the military at a young age. He talks about his time in the U.S. Air Force, getting out after more than five years of service, and the challenging transition back home.
Jerome then shares his career journey and how he leaps from what people may think are unusual jobs, but are actually all connected - from the job he took after the military to pay the bills to becoming a self-taught photographer to getting into graphic design to his career today as a chef.
Jerome discusses his introduction to cooking and how a chance encounter led to a new friendship, a YouTube channel, and a new career in cooking. To close out the episode, Jerome shares his advice for fellow veterans who are making the transition out of military service.
Jerome will join us again on Thursday, October 21 to host a live interactive M.R.E. (Meals Ready-to-Eat) virtual cook-along with other special guests!
Jerome, who served in the US. Air Force for over five years during the Gulf War, said that the military way is to treat everyone on your team the same as your family. That became the foundation for Brothers From Another Mother cooking or B.F.A.M. Cooking because everyone can be your “fam” especially at the dining table.
The B.F.A.M. Cooking videos range from delicious, original recipes that Jerome has created to American cuisine restaurant owners who he wanted to know better. There are also videos about cooking tools that he loves and simple techniques to make things easier in the kitchen.
Jerome was recently one of the many chefs from around the globe who competed in an exclusive online competition to be named the world's Favorite Chef, receive $50,000 and a feature in a two-page advertising spread in Bon Appétit announcing the winner. Voted on by the fans, Jerome made it as a semi-finalist, placing 3rd in his group.
Learn more about Jerome and B.F.A.M. Cooking at https://bfamcooking.com/.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“That adaptability, that flexibility, that go-with-the-flow mentality [that military dependents develop] are such important qualities. That’s what people are looking for when they employ you. That’s what helps you when you become a leader in an organization. Hold on to those qualities and use them, sell them when you’re telling your story and when you’re marketing yourself to people. Those qualities hold a lot of weight - especially when you have a powerful story to tell that backs it up.”
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we’re joined by FourBlock’s very own Audrey Garcia, who is the daughter of an active-duty service member currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Audrey is the first guest we’ve had on the show to share her experience and discuss what it’s like to grow up in an active-duty military family. Audrey joins co-host Mike Abrams to talk about some of the challenges, differences, and great things about growing up in the active-duty community as a military dependent.
In this episode, Audrey generously shares her personal experience and illuminates the experience of being a military dependent, the oldest sibling in her family, and the child of an active-duty military member who was often deployed.
Audrey moved seven times before the age of 18 and has lived all over the country. During that time, she had to navigate the many challenges associated with being a military dependent, including the mental health impact of uprooting your life, having to start over in new schools with new people, and dealing with the frequent deployment of a parent and the subsequent reintegration process. Mike and Audrey then discuss what overcoming these challenges taught Audrey about herself, how they shaped her into the person she is today, and what opportunities being a military dependent afforded her that she never would have had the chance to experience otherwise.
When it comes to what she wants civilians to know about children of active-duty service members, Audrey noted that while their experiences are certainly different, they’re still just trying to navigate growing up, just like everyone else: “Children of service members go through things that aren’t necessarily the norm, but it doesn’t make them any different from civilian children.”
Audrey attended Boise State University where she earned a B.A. in Communications. As an avid volunteer, she has worked with mental health and animal welfare nonprofits. She understands first-hand the impact and importance of veteran service organizations for service members and their families.
Audrey brings her social media and nonprofit experience to FourBlock as the Social Media and Community Engagement Manager, helping to grow FourBlock’s online presence and increase engagement on our social media platforms.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“No matter what your job is, no matter which service you’re in, there are incredibly valuable leadership, organizational, decision-making and problem-solving skills that every person in the military has, and [translates very well to help the digital transformation underway at Raytheon Missiles and Defense].”
This week, we are honored to welcome Wesley (Wes) D. Kremer to the FourBlock Podcast for an insightful and informative conversation on leadership with co-host Mike Abrams.
As president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies, Wes leads 31,000 employees and is responsible for a broad portfolio of air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, command and control systems and advanced defense technologies.
In this episode, Wes discusses reflects on his career with Raytheon Missiles and Defense and on his military service, including what prompted him to join the military, why it was his dream to join the U.S. Air Force, and what he did during his 11 years in service. Wes notes how building relationships during his transition helped him secure his first post-military job and shares lessons learned from his time in the military and in his first civilian role before joining Raytheon Missiles and Defense. Wes and Mike talk in-depth about leadership, sharing invaluable insights about what veterans can bring to leadership roles in the civilian workforce, what the hallmark of a true leader is, and how scaling leadership – delegating responsibility versus delegating tasks – makes you a more strategic leader and helps the employees under you grow.
An electrical engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, Wes has decades of executive experience in aerospace and defense. He held multiple leadership positions at Raytheon Company prior to its merger with United Technologies Corporation in 2020, including president of both the Raytheon Missile Systems and the Integrated Defense Systems businesses.
In the U.S. Air Force, he served as a weapon systems officer on F-111 and F-15E aircraft and flew more than 90 combat sorties in Iraq and Bosnia.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Montana State University and an MBA in engineering technology management from City University of Seattle.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Mike Abrams reflects on the current situation in Afghanistan and reads a letter published on Aug. 18, 2021 from Gen. David Berger and Sgt. Maj. Troy Black to Marines.
We know many of our podcast listeners are FourBlock program alumni and people who are very involved in our community and our programming. Just know we are always here for you. You can reach out anytime, and we will make sure you have the support that you need.
If you or a family member is in need of additional support, consider the following resources:
- Veteran Crisis Line: If you are experiencing a crisis or need someone to talk to, call 1-800-273-8255 and then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veterancrisisline.net/.
- VA Medical Centers: For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. You can find your nearest location here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations.
- Vet Centers: Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. You can find your nearest location here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations (select Vet Centers).
The Northeast Regional Director for FourBlock and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Eric Stetson has a passion for supporting fellow veterans and helping others realize their full potential.
This week, Eric joins co-host Mike Abrams on the podcast to share his story of continued service, providing insights on the military transition process and advice for veterans going through it. In a dynamic discussion with Mike, Eric talks about his time in service, what made him want to join the Army, and his experiences on active duty. He shares lessons learned from his own transition and some of the biggest missteps he’s seen from fellow veterans during their military transitions. Eric also gives invaluable advice for veterans who are preparing to transition and talks about why he continues to serve and pay it forward to other veterans and the military-connected community.
A native of Haverford, PA, Eric graduated from Lafayette College and served on active duty in the Army for 24 years. His final military assignment was as the Professor of Military Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Eric earned a master's degree in Human Resources Education from the University of Louisville and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC).
His military experience included a wide range of assignments including Battery Commander, Brigade Rear Detachment Commander, Biometrics Team Chief for Regional Command East – Afghanistan, and Deputy Brigade Commander for a separate Infantry Brigade. Eric deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Qatar, Iraq and Afghanistan in various leadership positions. Upon retiring from the service, he founded his own consulting company specializing in leadership and team performance development and he consults for Ennea International as an Executive Faculty Lead for North America. He is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN) and the Delaware Valley Veterans Consortium.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams first heard Stephen Young speak at a U.S. Marine Corps leadership course for battalion and regimental-level commanders this past April. After listening to him give an incredibly insightful and engaging lecture on micromessaging and how leaders can become better communicators and build more inclusive cultures, Mike reached out to see if Stephen would be open to engaging with our FourBlock community.
On Wednesday, July 21, we were honored to sponsor a seminar on MicroInequities: Managing Unconscious Bias™ with Stephen Young for members of the FourBlock community. We were joined by board members, staff, National Leadership Council members, instructors, and students from across the country for this powerful two-hour presentation. In this week’s episode, Mike recaps a few key points and shares impactful insights from the presentation.
Stephen Young is the Senior Partner of Insight Education Systems, a management consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development services. As a recognized leader and foremost expert in this field, Stephen frequently consults with senior executives and management teams of Fortune 500 companies.
For more than a decade, Dr. Young has been a featured speaker at business conferences worldwide. He is much sought after for his powerful and engaging presentation style. His widely acclaimed seminar MicroInequities: The Power of Small™ has been embraced by over 20% of Fortune 500 corporations in 35 countries, in every region of the world and is being touted by corporate America as the new paradigm for diversity and leadership.
His work has been published in numerous business articles and recognized in a wide range of business publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine and Harvard Business Review’s Management Newsletter. His program was also featured by Oprah Winfrey in two issues of her “O” Magazine. McGraw-Hill published his top-selling book, Micromessaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words.
As former Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at JPMorgan Chase, Mr. Young managed the firm’s diversity strategy worldwide. Under his leadership, the company garnered numerous awards for its diversity initiatives, including the Catalyst Award, Fortune Magazine’s Top 50 Companies for Minorities Award, the Best Companies Award from Working Mother Magazine, and DiversityInc Magazine’s designation as the #1 company for diversity.
Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Stephen was Vice President for Diversity with Merrill Lynch. He is a former staff member of the Rutgers University Graduate School of Management, has served on the Diversity Committee for the United Way of America and as an Advisory Board member to the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Wall Street Project. He is the former Chairman of the Securities Industry Association’s Diversity Committee, and Board member of Scholastic’s Alliance for Young Writers and Artists. Additionally, he served on his local Board of Education.
His book, Micromessaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words, is available on Amazon here.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams reflects on one of his first post-military civilian jobs at a small consulting firm in New York City and shares what it taught him about leadership.
The company specialized in human resource advisement for multinational companies. Its main service was conducting “human resource audits,” which included interviews, focus groups, and surveys conducted throughout management levels and with individual contributors across different locations and functional areas.
In every instance, the audits provided a unique and rare look ‘under the hood’ of some of the best companies on the planet and how they were led. In his experience conducting these audits, Mike said there were usually three basic reasons why employees were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘dissatisfied’ with their current positions, and that good leadership seemed to boil down to three key things.
In this episode, Mike breaks down these three reasons and the three keys to good leadership at work.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
A recognized leader in the Exchange Traded Products (ETF) industry, Dr. Scott M. Weiner joins co-host Mike Abrams on this week’s episode for an informative and motivating conversation about his career in finance, the industry at large and ETFs specifically, plus the founding of Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS).
Dr. Weiner shares how he got his start in the finance world, how his career progressed, and how the leadership qualities of veterans inspired the founding of VOWS. The author of The Complete Guide to ETF Portfolio Management, published by McGraw Hill, Dr. Weiner also breaks down what ETFs are and how the book provides everything you need to know to manage an ETF with the knowledge and skill of a seasoned pro.
Dr. Weiner is Head of Quantitative Strategy and a Senior Portfolio Manager for the Exchange Traded Products (ETF) team at Janus Henderson Investors, a global asset management firm with over $400B in assets under management. He is a member of the firm's Index Committee and serves on the Board of Directors for the Janus Henderson Foundation.
Prior to his tenure at Janus Henderson, Dr. Weiner was U.S. Head of Equity Derivatives and Quantitative Strategy at Deutsche Bank. His research has been published in Mathematical Finance; The Journal of Money, Credit and Banking; and The Journal of Business and Economic Statistics.
Dr. Weiner earned a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Oxford University, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. He is an active member of Harvard Community Partners, a pro-bono consulting firm that advises nonprofit boards. He is the Founder of Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS™).
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Following an amazing 30-plus year-career at UPS while proudly serving for nearly 22 years in the United States Air Force and National Guard, Chris Peck shares his wisdom, expertise and advice in an inspiring conversation with host Mike Abrams.
In this episode, Chris answers questions about why he joined the Air Force, how he began his career with UPS, and how he managed dual military and civilian careers, citing the values alignment between UPS and the military as one of the keys to success. Chris also shares how the experience that he gained in the National Guard concurrently helped him to advance in his career at UPS and explores how the military could leverage the civilian skills that our reservists have and integrate that expertise and experience into the military.
As Vice President Corporate Human Resources at UPS, Chris was responsible for maintaining UPS's reputation as an employer of choice for nearly 500,000 global employees. He oversaw human capital strategy in identifying, cultivating and engaging a globally diverse and highly skilled workforce committed to world-class service and safety.
Chris was a UPS partner for over 30 years, with proven experience in the operations, human resources and global strategy development. Starting as an entry-level part-time package handler while attending university, he was promoted to lead multiple line operations and Human Resources teams in New Jersey, California, Indiana, Chicago and Virginia. In 2001, Chris was expatriated to Belgium where he served as Vice President of Human Resources & Labor for UPS’ Europe, Middle East & Africa region.
Chris’ decade of international experience was then leveraged in UPS’ strategy group. Among his achievements in this role, he started up a 21-country Middle East joint venture in Dubai, expanded UPS’ Global Healthcare strategy and optimized the UPS Store franchise network. In 2011, he assumed senior HR leadership for UPS' largest operating region worldwide based in New York City and was subsequently promoted to his current UPS HQ role in Atlanta in 2014.
Dedicated to his country and his community, Chris proudly served for nearly 22 years in the US Air Force & National Guard. Chris is passionately committed to veteran causes and is active with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Corporate Partners, VETLANTA, and the USO. He currently serves on boards with United Way, ACP, VETLANTA, Mercy Care, USO, and Rutgers University. He is an active alumnus of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2016 and leads a financial ministry with his wife Lisa at Buckhead Church.
Chris obtained his BA in Economics from Rutgers University, his MBA from Saint Mary’s College, with post graduate studies at INSEAD and professional certifications as Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and Global Professional in HR (GPHR).
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
July 16th marks the 6th anniversary of the deadly shooting at the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A homegrown violent extremist killed four U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy Sailor that morning: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire Wells, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith all lost their lives. We know many of us still think about them every single day.
At the time of the shooting, host Mike Abrams was just finishing up research on veteran employment that was published by the Center for Talent Innovation. The publisher asked that Mike write an afterword about the terrorist attack to complement the research, given that he was the battery commander of the unit and went down there after the shooting occurred.
This week, Mike shares the afterword in remembrance of the Chattanooga Fallen Five.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week following July 4th, Mike shares a story of a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. For those of you who listen to episodes of this podcast week after week, you know that we try to host guests and to tell true stories of people who have achieved excellence in their lives and careers, and who have also shown some incredible resilience in the face of great odds. This is one of those stories.
John McCain originally told this story on August 15, 1988. The full text is linked here on the Brookings Institute website.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams welcomes finance and entertainment executive Mark Konjevod to the podcast for a powerful two-part conversation about Mark’s unique career path and his incredible relationship with Medal of Honor recipient Walter (Walt) D. Ehlers.
In Part I, Mark recounted the amazing story of how he came to meet United States Army soldier and World War II Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and shared some of the lessons and values he learned from the unique relationship that developed between them over the years.
In Part II, Mark discusses the arc of his career, how his relationship with Walt impacted his career and how he looks at business, as well as how the friendship impacted his life and made him a better person.
Mark holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he also played for their Division I Varsity football team. Mark also holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He served for seven years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams welcomes finance and entertainment executive Mark Konjevod to the podcast for a powerful two-part conversation about Mark’s unique career path and his incredible relationship with Medal of Honor recipient Walter (Walt) D. Ehlers.
In Part I, Mark recounts the amazing story of how he came to meet United States Army soldier and World War II Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and shares some of the lessons and values he learned from the unique relationship that developed between them over the years.
Mark holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he also played for their Division I Varsity football team. Mark also holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He served for seven years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
A retired United States Marine Corps Captain now serving as a Regional Director for FourBlock, Queta Rodriguez has devoted her career to being a servant leader in her community. This week on the FourBlock Podcast, Queta reflects on her military experience in an inspiring conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, recalling why she joined the military; the challenges and opportunities that arose from serving in the Marines as a mother of four, a woman, and a Latina; and what about her enlisted experience made her want to become an officer.
Queta shares some of the mistakes she made and challenges she faced during her own transition when she retired from the military and translates those lessons learned into actionable advice for service members who are preparing to transition today: “I always tell service members, prepare, prepare, prepare. Don’t underestimate the value of your network and leverage that. Build those relationships. Nurture those relationships. Even if you haven’t seen someone for a long time, you know that there are people that trust you, that you trust, that can help you when the time comes.”
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Queta enlisted in the Marines in December 1991 and spent 10 years as an Intelligence Analyst. During this time, she deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope and went on to serve in numerous locations in the Pacific and Southwest Asia.
Queta was selected to the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics. She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 2001 and spent the next 10 years as an Adjutant and Manpower Operations Officer in support of deployed forces around the world. Her final assignment was as the Manpower Operations Officer at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, where she deployed extensively in support of Marine forces in Afghanistan and throughout the Middle East.
Following her retirement in January 2012, Queta served as the Bexar County Veteran Services Office Director, where she oversaw the county’s veteran services programs and served as an advocate for military and veteran families. Queta serves as Co-Chair for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Veterans Engagement Board in San Antonio and volunteers with numerous veterans and community organizations. Queta currently serves as Regional Director for FourBlock, where she manages the growth and execution of the Four Block Career Readiness Program in Texas and the South-Central region. In 2021, she was named to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Women Veteran’s (CWV) 2021 Trailblazers. She is the proud mother of four beautiful children.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“When you have diverse candidates from varying backgrounds, that brings diversity of thought, and that diversity of thought spurs innovation. In order to continue to thrive as an organization, you need to be innovative.”
A U.S. Air Force Veteran with more than 20 years of military recruiting experience, Launia Terry, M.S., SHRM-SCP, has devoted her career both during and after military service to human resources, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. This week, Launia joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams on the FourBlock Podcast to share some of the challenges she faced in her own transition and provide expert insights and actionable advice for organizations who want to take steps to go from being “military-friendly” to truly “military-ready” for veterans in their workforce. Launia discusses why diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important and offers guidance for those interested in pursuing career pathways in the diversity and inclusion field.
As for why she continues to give back to the veteran community despite her busy schedule, Launia says, “I had such a difficult time with my transition, that if I can help one veteran to have a much smoother transition...I feel like I’m making a huge impact.”
In addition to serving as FourBlock’s Diversity and Inclusion Leader as well as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Philadelphia Career Readiness Program, Launia is the Director of Corporate Talent Acquisition for Day & Zimmermann, a century-old, family-owned company specializing in construction & engineering, operations & maintenance, staffing, security and defense for leading corporations and governments around the world.
Launia joined Day & Zimmermann in September 2016 and has held several progressive roles. In her current position, she leads the talent acquisition function by providing strategic insight into the full lifecycle of recruiting staff employees, diversity recruiting initiatives, and relationship building between hiring managers, HR business partners, and candidates.
Launia has a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from Park University and a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University. A recently retired U.S. Air Force Veteran, Launia has more than 20 years of recruiting experience.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and XcelMil, LLC Founder and CEO Melody Gratic to the FourBlock Podcast. In an inspiring and informative conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Melody reflects on some of the highlights and lessons learned from her longtime military service, her experience as a Black woman leader in the military, and her transition from the military to the civilian workforce. She recalls her path to becoming an entrepreneur and shares actionable advice for service members preparing to transition and organizations that want to hire them.
Melody’s story began in poverty-stricken apartments of Panama City, FL, where she developed several distinct qualities: discipline, passion, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to achieve her dreams.
Determined to defy statistics, Melody resolved to join the U.S. Army in order to serve her country and pursue her education. She believes these two objectives fueled her desire to further achieve the American Dream by venturing into entrepreneurship.
Melody went on to serve for 24 years in the U.S. Army in a number of roles and positions in operations and training management to include the Operations Manager of U.S. Army Garrison Brussels and Instructor Facilitator of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
Upon her transition, Melody served in the White House Transportation Agency under President George Bush, Jr. and President Barak Obama. She went on to start her own business, XcelMil, LLC, which offers a suite of professional and intellectual services to educate and develop leaders. Under her leadership, XcelMil, LLC supports the staff at Virginia Career Works and their affiliate programs. She is an active member of the Fredericksburg Society of Human Resources; Association for Talent Development; and The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Melody currently collaborates with Government Contractors in the Professional Services Industry on projects related to multiple generations in the workplace specifically, Millennials, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and retention, workplace conflict and veteran/military spouse hiring initiatives.
Melody received a Master of Educational Leadership in Administration from Trident International University. She has also reviewed, edited and provided insight to a number of published authors. She is a proud wife, godmother, aunt and resides in the Northern Virginia area.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, hundreds of FourBlock students, alumni, and community members from across the country tuned in live to celebrate the transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who graduated from FourBlock’s Spring 2021 Career Readiness Program and to commemorate FourBlock’s 10th Anniversary in the organization’s first-ever national livestreamed event.
This week, you can hear the full event on this episode of the podcast!
To kick off the evening, we were honored to have General Charles C. Krulak (USMC, Ret.), 31st Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and FourBlock Honorary Chairman share opening remarks, and the event featured a special keynote fireside chat with former U.S. Army Officer and Bridgewater Associates CEO David McCormick, moderated by retired U.S. Army Colonel and Citigroup Managing Director John Tien.
Hosted by FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, the event also featured remarks from partner representatives and alumni from our Veteran and Military Spouse Career Readiness Programs, including: Ruth Christopherson, Senior Vice President, Community Development, Citi; Angel Reyes, a Fall 2020 FourBlock Career Readiness Program Alumni and Incoming Financial Analyst, Citi; Susan Reitano Davey and Kelley Biskupiak, Co-Founders of Prepare 2 Launch U and leads of the FourBlock-PLTU Military Spouse Program; and Becky Blamires, Military Spouse Program Graduate.
Thank you the entire FourBlock community for supporting our mission and those we serve for 10 incredible years! We sincerely look forward to continuing to work alongside you in the years ahead to make sure every single veteran and military spouse can make a successful transition and begin a new and meaningful civilian career.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams reflects on how the challenge of transitioning from active service to a civilian career is not unique to this generation of veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
In honor of Military Appreciation Month this May, we have a very special podcast episode to share this week! In this episode, we welcome our Southeast Regional Director Roger Roley and three of his current FourBlock Career Readiness Program students, who are all retiring U.S. Army Colonels. These three Colonels started out their military careers together when they were Lieutenants with Command Sergeant Major Roger Roley!
While all started out as Armor Officers, their military careers took them down very different paths. Now, they have gotten back together with their Senior Enlisted Advisor to make a successful military transition. Back for a ‘second tour’ with Roger as they transition out, Colonels Sean Fisher, Ken Gilliam, and Ed Weakley joined Roger and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a group discussion of their military careers, their transitions, and what’s next.
Sean, Ken, and Ed recall what they learned early in their military careers from enlisted soldiers, what drove them to become leaders themselves, and the impact that mentorship had on their military careers. The group also shares it was like to get reconnected all these years later through FourBlock, some of the ways they sought guidance and support as they prepare to make their transitions, and what’s next for them in their civilian careers.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“It is not a sense of weakness to ask for help.”
A U.S. Army veteran with more than 21 years of service, Santiago Leon knows first-hand the challenges that veterans may face when transitioning back home after the military, and why you shouldn’t make the transition alone. This week on the FourBlock Podcast, he recounts his military experience and shares what it was like to complete multiple deployments with young children at home.
Santiago recalls his transition back home, sharing some of the challenges he faced, why it was so hard to admit he needed help, how he eventually found his way in the civilian workforce, and how that led him to devoting his career to helping other veterans find meaningful employment today.
Santiago also talks about his current role with Wounded Warrior Project and the free resources and services that the organization provides. As a Warriors to Work Specialist for Wounded Warrior Project, Santiago’s focus is on helping service members, veterans, and their family support members find meaningful employment. Santiago has worked in the workforce development field for over 10 years and was selected as a key speaker for the 2015 National Employment Network Association Annual Conference and the 2015 California Workforce Association Annual Conference.
Santiago currently serves as a Board Member for the Wounded Warrior Support Network, Vice Chair for the Veterans Employment Committee of San Diego County, Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock, and Ambassador for the Travis Manion Foundation.
Santiago continues to serve in the Army Reserves as Senior Instructor for the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, training the next generation of military leaders.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“[Servant leadership] is something I know the military brings and veterans bring to the table every single day.”
Having served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain before transitioning to a longtime career at Mercedes Benz and now the Chief Executive Officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment, Stephen Cannon knows and appreciates who veterans are, what they stand for, and the value that they bring to organizations as employees.
This week, we are honored to welcome Stephen Cannon to the FourBlock Podcast, where he shares details from his own military experience and transition, recounts how he landed his first job out of the military and worked his way up to CEO, and why he continues to give back to the military community, using his platform to “shine a spotlight on the service and sacrifice that goes on every single day.”
Among Atlanta Business Chronicles 2019 Most Admired CEO's, Stephen Cannon serves as the chief executive officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment (AMBSE) assuming the day-to-day leadership of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS), Atlanta Falcons Football Club, United Soccer Properties and PGA TOUR Superstore. AMBSE serves as a for-profit holding group under the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses. Prior to joining AMBSE in 2016, Cannon served as president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and was responsible for leading operations that generated record sales with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion.
Cannon has led the evolution of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) since its doors opened in August 2017. Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, MBS has hosted a record-setting number of large sports and entertainment events including Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the College Football Playoff Championship game in 2018 and will host NCAA Men's Final Four in March 2020. Under Cannon's leadership, MBS was the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve LEED Platinum Certification by the United States Green Building Council and MBS Food & Beverage Experience was honored as Sports Breakthrough of the Year 2018 by Sports Business Journal for its record-breaking, affordable fanfare pricing.
Cannon, the 2020 NFL Salute to Service Award recipient and among the top-three finalist across the 32 NFL teams in 2019, has led efforts to make the Atlanta Falcons' military outreach efforts the benchmark in the NFL. In 2018, Cannon and former Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn, spearheaded the first NFL team-directed USO Tour, visiting soldiers at various bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait. A tireless supporter of America's military and military families, Cannon alongside his fellow West Point classmates, founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers fund in 2014. The organization honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, particularly children of our nation's fallen and disabled. What began as a small effort to help one fallen classmate's family has grown into an organization that has raised more than $17 million. Cannon also serves on the national board of directors for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).
Cannon graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986 and was Airborne Ranger qualified and served as First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army, he also served five years as an artillery officer. A two-time lettered wrestler at West Point, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame named Cannon the 2019 Outstanding American, an honor given to leaders who have used the disciplines of wrestling to launch distinguished careers in other walks of life.
Cannon and his wife, Ann, reside in Atlanta and are the parents of nine children.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Baseball is the sport of the present moment and of mindfulness.”
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares an opinion piece about baseball and how it is the best teacher of mindfulness, slowing down, and living in the present moment. The article, titled Baseball lets fans dwell in present and feel safe at home, was written by Diane Cameron and published by from the Albany Times-Union upon the start of baseball season in 2018.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
On this week's episode of the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome FourBlock alumnus Brian Arrington, USAF (ret), M.S., CEO and Founder of VETS2INDUSTRY LLC and VETS2INDUSTRY Foundation Inc. and a Business Initiatives Consultant with Wells Fargo.
Brian joins host Mike Abrams to discuss his 20-year service in the Air Force, his military retirement and transition, and his subsequent work creating VETS2INDUSTRY to help more veterans and their families get connected with the resources and benefits available to them and to ensure the success of every veteran and their families after military service. VETS2INDUSTRY provides a free online library that of all the free veteran and dependent resources and Veteran Service Organizations nationwide.
Since founding VETS2INDUSTRY in 2019, nearly 1,000 vetted resources have been added on vets2industry.com, and the community has grown to more than 35,000 followers on LinkedIn alone.
Brian retired in July of 2019 after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force with Robins AFB, GA as his final duty station. His distinguished career led him to deploy to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar and provide humanitarian relief throughout Southeast Asia during the tsunami, Haiti during the earthquake, and in Turkey supporting refugee evacuations during the Israel-Lebanon Mideast Crisis. Brian’s career has taken him to 90 countries and five of the seven continents.
In his last year of 20-years devoted service to the U.S. Air Force, Brian learned there were over 45,000 Veteran Service Organizations nationwide that provided free services and support to U.S. military families and realized a huge gap existed between available free Veteran, Military Spouse, and dependent children resources and benefits and the knowledge of their existence among our nation's heroes and their families.
With this newly discovered knowledge, Brian vowed to eliminate the knowledge gap and ensure the success of every veteran and their families by creating an online library, a free single-site repository of every free Veteran Service Organization to include providing mentorship and information services to each knowledge-seeker.
Since the library’s creation, March 2019, Brian has led VETS2INDUSTRY’s growth by reaching 7,000 veterans and military spouses with over 20,000 page-views and he continues to supply employment opportunity success with the ever-growing grassroots volunteer force of veterans and military spouses he leads.
Brian is married with six children and resides in Atlanta. He is an active alumnus of Centurion Military Alliance, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, FourBlock, and American Corporate Partners. He volunteers with VETLANTA and the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and he is a student veteran leader and student ambassador at Syracuse University where he is currently pursuing his MBA.
He holds two A.A.S. from the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in History, a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, and a M.S. in Management from Thomas Edison State University and is a certified Georgia State Hostage Negotiator.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn’t quit, because that wasn’t who I was. That wasn’t how I was wired.”
In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson’s story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities.
In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world’s first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application.
After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: “There’s no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it’s about paying it forward.... It’s about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they’re going to have to deal with.”
A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.
A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.
In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion.
Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba.
Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets’ network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans.
Col. Gadson’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn’t quit, because that wasn’t who I was. That wasn’t how I was wired.”
In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson’s story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities.
In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world’s first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application.
After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: “There’s no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it’s about paying it forward.... It’s about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they’re going to have to deal with.”
A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.
A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.
In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion.
Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba.
Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets’ network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans.
Col. Gadson’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“I’m no different than anyone else. When we go through transition, we go through these cycles of grief, self-pity, doubt, confusion, and all these emotions that are normal – that's human. The challenge is understanding them, embodying them, and rapidly turning them into action. How do I devise a plan to act and move forward?”
Hit by a sniper’s bullet at the pinnacle of his military career, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Derek Herrera turned misfortune into his life’s work when he was paralyzed from the chest down.
His military career came to a halt, but his life did not. He decided to leverage his experience with paralysis in the business world, getting a Master of Business Administration and then launching a medical technology business.
In this two-part series, Derek joins FourBlock Podcast hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams for an inspiring and candid conversation about his service as a Marine Raider, his injury, recovery, and his journey to starting his own medical technology company. We encourage every transitioning service member to listen to Derek’s story to understand how he overcame the incredible challenges he faced in his transition and how his positive outlook translated to success.
In the second of two episodes, Derek recounts how he came to start his own medical technology business and shares actionable advice for any veterans who are considering starting their own company. He also discusses his work with MedTechVets, a nonprofit to help transitioning service members and military veterans find meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies.
Derek is the Founder and CTO of UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), an early-stage medical device company that designs devices to improve the quality of life for people living with Spinal Injury. He created Spinal Singularity after he was injured while serving as a Marine Raider in Afghanistan. After medically retiring from the Marine Corps, Derek graduated from the Executive MBA program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Derek serves as President & Chairman of MedTechVets (formerly MVPvets), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets’ network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. The organization’s programming is offered at no cost to its participants. He is also the Founder of Habit Camera™, the first low-cost, wireless camera purpose-built for skin inspection and telehealth.
Derek currently serves as the Board President of the Marine Raider Foundation and Board Member of the American Technion Society – Western Region. He resides in San Clemente, CA with his wife Maura and their sons Hudson and Hunter.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“The real recovery, mentally and psychologically, was being around the people that I wanted to be around doing something of value and doing something of purpose.”
Hit by a sniper’s bullet at the pinnacle of his military career, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Derek Herrera turned misfortune into his life’s work when he was paralyzed from the chest down.
His military career was over, but his life was not. He decided to leverage his experience with paralysis in the business world, getting a Master of Business Administration and then launching a medical technology business.
In this two-part series, Derek joins FourBlock Podcast hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams for an inspiring and candid conversation about his service as a Marine Raider, his injury, recovery, and his journey to starting his own medical technology company. We encourage every transitioning service member to listen to Derek’s story to understand how he overcame the incredible challenges he faced in his transition and how his positive outlook translated to success.
In this first episode, Derek shares details of his service as an elite Marine Raider, his harrowing combat injury and fight to survive, and how he handled the arduous recovery process and overcame the challenges that a service member goes through when faced with a life-changing injury like the one he sustained.
Derek is the Founder and CTO of UroDev Medical (formerly Spinal Singularity), an early-stage medical device company that designs devices to improve the quality of life for people living with Spinal Injury. He created Spinal Singularity after he was injured while serving as a Marine Raider in Afghanistan. After medically retiring from the Marine Corps, Derek graduated from the Executive MBA program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Derek serves as President & Chairman of MedTechVets (formerly MVPvets), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets’ network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. The organization’s programming is offered at no cost to its participants. He is also the Founder of Habit Camera™, the first low-cost, wireless camera purpose-built for skin inspection and telehealth.
Derek currently serves as the Board President of the Marine Raider Foundation and Board Member of the American Technion Society – Western Region. He resides in San Clemente, CA with his wife Maura and their sons Hudson and Hunter.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we’re sharing a LinkedIn Live interview that FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams recently did with FourBlock Podcast co-host Lindsey Pollak and Cappfinity’s Nicky Garcea, called Future Strong.
Each week, Future Strong co-hosts Nicky and Lindsey host Future Strong, a LinkedIn Live show where they discuss everything to do with careers and early talent career transition. Mike recently joined Lindsey and Nicky for episode 10 to explore the topic of the military-to-civilian transition. In this episode, Mike shares FourBlock’s mission & history, explains why FourBlock focuses on relationship-building and not job placement, and how companies can get involved with our mission to help veterans and military spouses find new purpose and successfully transition to meaningful civilian careers.
Nicky Garcea is the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at global strengths and development business Cappfinity. FourBlock Board Member Lindsey Pollak is a Career & Workplace Expert, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Cappfinity VEE Brand Ambassador.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Now a Data Curator at Tesla Government Inc, U.S. Army Veteran Andrea Castle helps her clients realize the full potential of their data by directing outreach, knowledge management, and training efforts. In conversation with host Mike Abrams, Andrea recalls why she joined the Army, and recounts what it was like to enlist for a “peacetime Army” in a pre- 9/11 world and end up being deployed to a “wartime Army” in a post- 9/11 world.
Andrea describes her unique experience over two deployments to Iraq as an Arabic linguist with the U.S. Army; discusses her transition to the civilian workforce and her current role at Tesla Government; and shares her experience & expertise in data management.
With more than 15 years of experience supporting U.S. Government and military clients, Andrea excels at breaking down information sharing barriers and building collaborative teams.
Before joining Tesla, Andrea served in the U.S. Army as an Arabic linguist from 2001-2008, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also managed a media monitoring project in Central Asia.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
*Please note - trigger warning: sensitive topics are discussed during this episode, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction, survivor guilt, and suicide.
“I’m not the only person suffering from this. There are many, many people – veterans and non-veterans – who are suffering from this who need to know it’s a real thing and that there is hope to get past it.”
This week, hosts Mike Abrams and Lindsey Pollak welcome U.S. Marine Corps veteran, award-winning photographer and writer, and licensed (FAA) commercial UAS pilot David Daly to the FourBlock Podcast. Deployed for four combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan for a total of 41 months at war, David candidly recounts his combat experience, the post-traumatic stress he experienced as a result, and how he survived "PTSD hell.” He explores the stigma of admitting that you’re struggling and shares how he found the strength to turn his life around, who helped him, and how he continues to spread the message of hope to others who may be struggling with their mental health. In this episode, David also talks with Lindsey and Mike about his post-military career, sharing how he got into drone aviation and how he started his company, Vigilante Drones.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer with a B.S. in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. Mike and David briefly served together in the Marine Corps during artillery training at Fort Still.
David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology. His work is published in numerous periodicals both in the United States and internationally.
David is the founder and owner of Vigilante Drones, a drone service provider and UAV consultancy company operating worldwide. David is also the deputy editor of Derailed Magazine, which chronicles the experiences of people who have survived the unimaginable and wish to share their stories and messages of hope and strength. He is most passionate about the nonprofit he started, Vigilante Cares, an IRS approved 501 (c) 3 whose mission is to use drones to help military veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In his free time, David enjoys volunteering as a member of Search and Rescue teams and working with Team Rubicon.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, host Mike Abrams welcomes U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, national intelligence professional and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Ellis Craig, who shares how he overcame some of the challenges and uncertainty he faced during his military transition and in his civilian career, how he made his way into the professional intelligence community, and how he worked his way up to his dream career. Ellis also shares expert insights and actionable advice for veterans in transition based on his two-plus decades of federal government experience in military operations, domestic defense, and national security intelligence.
Ellis Craig is a seasoned operations intelligence specialist with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis. In this capacity, he functions as the executive officer for the Policy branch and delivers expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, outreach engagement, and decision-making support to translate the Under Secretary’s strategic priorities into policy and planning products that drive operational effectiveness through integration, prioritization, and resource allocation.
Ellis has over two decades of federal government experience in military operations, domestic defense, and national security intelligence spanning across organizational boundaries. He consults on national security threats and provides policy coordination expertise to five threat-focused mission centers that function as the Department’s center of gravity for intelligence-driven integration of analysis to counter threats facing the Homeland.
He consults on national security threats and provides policy coordination expertise to five threat-focused mission centers that function as the Department’s center of gravity for intelligence-driven integration of analysis to counter threats facing the Homeland.
Ellis served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988-1992. With the 2nd Marine Division, he participated in Operation Desert Storm’s ground offensive and the was the recipient of multiple combat decorations. His most crowning achievement included the Navy Achievement Medal with a Valor device for combat heroism and exceptional leadership while in the “heel" of Kuwait.
Ellis has volunteered with FourBlock for a number of years as a coach and lecturer, and now serves as a Career Readiness Instructor for our Washington, D.C. program.
In other activities, Ellis is active in many civic and charitable organizations throughout the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. He is recognized as a man of goodwill and a member of Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity in the District of Columbia. Presently, he serves on the Board of Advisors for Global Inspirational Speakers, LLC. He is an active member of the prestigious Army Navy Club, a private haven for military officers and America’s warrior class.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, host Mike Abrams welcomes private sector IT leader and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Bernard Beaullieu to the podcast. In this episode, Bernard shares his expertise about the staffing and recruiting industry, discusses the different approach his company takes when it comes to IT recruitment, and shares invaluable insights from his extensive work and volunteer experience with transitioning service members and veterans.
Bernard founded Beaullieu & Associates in 2007 to be the antithesis of today’s recruiting practices by offering a unique, high-end approach to IT staffing and recruiting. The vision is to leverage 20-plus years of successfully leading information technology organizations in the San Antonio area and apply this experience directly to identifying and engaging the best IT people.
Throughout his career, Bernard has been recognized for his success in leading large information technology teams serving vast geographic areas. Bernard has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston in electronics engineering technology. He started his career as an IT technician and has served the San Antonio area in many leadership roles successfully leading large IT organizations and serving the community.
Bernard is well versed in ITSM best practices, certified in ITIL Foundation 2 and 3, and connected to area IT organizations and their strategies. He serves the San Antonio community in a number of volunteer capacities, including as a Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran, inspirational speaker, and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Jeffrey (Jeff) Lodick to share insights from his life, service, and military transition; discuss the impact sports had on his life and the parallels between sports and military service; and talk about what inspired him to start his own purpose-driven business to pay it forward and help other veterans with their transitions. Jeff shares a personal experience that changed his perspective, and gives advice for other transitioning service members who want to learn about an industry that interests them before they begin the application process.
Born in Buffalo, NY, Jeff joined the U.S. Army in 1997, a year after graduating from high school, and enjoyed a 20-year career. He served as a Squadron Sergeant Major, Operations Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, and Drill Sergeant. He was a paratrooper, master-rated jumpmaster, a Pathfinder, a graduate of the Army Air Assault School, and a graduate of the Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course.
Jeff has continued his service by assisting transitioning service members as a Career Readiness Instructor with FourBlock and as a podcast host of “On the Other Side: Leadership After Transition,” a podcast designed specifically to allow experienced veterans and those who truly want to assist veterans the ability to provide insight on leadership and the transition process.
Jeff also founded Change Your Forecast, LLC, an organization that uses organized sports to teach life and leadership lessons to student athletes at both the high school and collegiate levels.
An inspirational speaker, Jeff serves on the Board of Directors for the National Speakers Association Central Florida Chapter and is a member of Toastmasters.
Jeff will be releasing his book, Life’s A Game. Who Knew it was Baseball? in 2021. A spinoff podcast, called Life’s a Game. Who Knew it was...? which dives into all sports to show how life and leadership lessons have been pulled from players and coaches throughout the history of games at every level. Jeff is married to his wife Alexandria and has four children, three girls and one boy, ages 15, 14, 5, and 2.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“One of the best things that any of us can do in this world is to support others and help them get to where you are, or at least help them be able to shape a vision for themselves, so they can get themselves to where they want to be. “
This week, we welcome Louis Desforges, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and human resources executive. In this episode, Louis shares insights and lessons learned from his own military transition as well as his transition from working in finance to human resources. Louis and host Mike Abrams also discuss the purpose and value of networking, navigating corporate culture as a veteran, and why Louis continues to give back to the veteran community.
Louis served nine and a half years as a U.S. Marine, starting with his first duty station at Marine Barracks 8th and I in Washington, D.C. and later at the Pentagon. Louis then left the East Coast and headed to Camp Pendleton, where he honed his skills as an infantryman in 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. While there, he deployed to Okinawa Japan, completing jungle warfare training and combined arms training with the ROK Marines, who are the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.
Following this deployment, Louis returned to his native New York for his fourth duty station, spending three years recruiting the best and the brightest to the Marine Corps. While a recruiter, Louis was selected by the Meritorious Promotion Boards to Staff Sergeant for outstanding performance.
In April 2003, he returned to Camp Pendleton, deploying within five months of arrival with Dark Horse, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to Fallujah, Iraq. While serving in a forward operating base for his entire deployment, Louis not only led his platoon and attachment of Iraqis and other foreign troops, but he also served as company convoy commander during combat operations.
Rounding out his enlistment, Louis returned to the States to teach a legion of grunts how to engage in modern urban warfare. He completed his military service in 2006 and immediately enrolled at Pace University to pursue his bachelor’s degree in Finance, graduating magna cum laude in three years.
After a stint in finance, Louis transitioned careers to human resources. He went back to school for his graduate degree, earning a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. Starting as a manager four years ago at global beauty company L’Oréal USA, Louis was promoted three times, serving in four different roles. He currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, focused on building an enriching culture for veterans, reservists, and military spouses.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Earlier this month, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams joined Orion Talent on their podcast, From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, a series dedicated to supporting military job seekers throughout their transition process by providing valuable insight and guidance from other veterans and business leaders.
This week, we’re sharing that conversation here on The FourBlock Podcast. Tune in as Mike discusses his own transition, career, and his motivation for founding FourBlock; provides details about our flagship Veteran Career Readiness Program and its alumni success; and shares his advice for transitioning service members.
Orion Talent is a customer-centric company focused on helping people discover meaningful careers and businesses grow by finding, delivering, and engaging the best talent around the world. They provide best-in-class military hiring and talent solutions which include RPO, Military Talent Solutions, Candidate Search, Talent Attraction, and Total Talent Solutions. Orion helps experienced, skilled and committed military veterans find new careers with companies looking to expand their workforce, enhance their productivity and improve their bottom line.
Find more episodes of the From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Podcast at https://www.oriontalent.com/podcasts/.
Visit https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/ to learn more about Orion Talent and find additional resources.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we welcome United States Air Force veteran, Construction Manager at SpaceX, and FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor Kyle Dedmon to the podcast.
In this episode, Kyle discusses what he learned from his own military transition and civilian career, sharing expert insights and advice along the way. He explains why he recommends that his FourBlock students think of the military as a corporation, and shares what he believes to be one of the most important steps for a veteran in transition to take.
Kyle started his career as an active-duty engineering officer in the United States Air Force after completing the ROTC program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He was initially stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, followed by McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, with two deployments in between totaling a five-year military career.
After separating from the military, he took a position in Houston with Exxon Mobile supporting mega-capital projects (above $1B), focused on improving downstream operations at the second-largest refinery in the United States.
Kyle currently lives in Los Angeles and manages a team focused on construction and real estate operations for SpaceX. He also serves as a FourBlock Career Readiness Instructor for the Los Angeles cohort of our Career Readiness Program.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“There’s nobody who doesn’t want to live a life of significance.”
This week, we complete our look back at the top five most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast with the #1 most-downloaded episode, “How to Live a Life of Significance” with retired General and the 31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak.
In this episode, General Krulak discusses his own military transition and shares the three things you need to be successful in life and the workplace.
General Krulak started his career commanding a rifle platoon and two rifle companies during the Vietnam War. Throughout his 36 years of service, he held just about every single command and staff position that an infantry officer could hold. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor device and two gold stars, and the Purple Heart with Gold Star. General Krulak also rewrote the Marine Corps' basic combat study text, MCDP 1: Warfighting, incorporating his theories on operations in the modern battlefield. After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Krulak joined MBNA America as the chief administrative officer and went on to serve as the Senior Vice Chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe. He then went on to be the 13th president of Birmingham Southern College and continues to serve on the board of several companies including as the honorary chairman of FourBlock.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we continue our look back at the top five most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast with the #2 most-downloaded episode, “A First-Generation American’s Obligation and Privilege to Serve,” with Citigroup Managing Director and retired Army Colonel John Tien.
In this episode, John discusses his incredible service, the impact of his time in the Army on his family, and the similarities and differences between leading troops in combat and teammates at Citigroup. If you are a civilian seeking to better understand military service or a veteran trying to learn how to most effectively transition military leadership principles to a corporate environment – this is a must-listen episode!
John is a first-generation American who felt a duty and obligation to serve the country that provided so much for his family. He ended up serving for 24 years, which included three combat tours to Iraq and three tours in the White House serving Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, we continue our look back at the top five most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast with the #3 most-downloaded episode, “How to Seize Opportunity in Your Career and Market Yourself as a Veteran” with former Army Pilot, Global Account Manager at LinkedIn, and FourBlock Board Member Darren Sumter.
In this interview, Darren describes his experiences growing up, serving in the Army, and transitioning into the civilian workforce shares expert recommendations for veterans on how to market yourself and your experience, and seize opportunity in your post-military careers.
For over 20 years, Darren has worked as a management consultant and a business development strategist specializing in providing companies with business-to-business software solutions to drive innovation and improve profitability.
Currently, Darren works as a Global Account Manager at LinkedIn, where he manages responsibilities for several strategic customers in North America across several sectors.
Prior to LinkedIn, Darren was a member of several big data B2B software strategic consulting companies where he held responsibilities for new market and new customer business development. Prior to his software career, Darren was a strategy consultant in the US and Europe. He attended Harvard Business School (HBS), where he earned his MBA.
Prior to HBS, Darren attended the US Military Academy at West Point where he earned a B.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering and served in the U.S. Army's aviation branch.
He is a veteran of the first Gulf War where he served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Resources:
LinkedIn Resources for Military Spouses
LinkedIn Resources for Veterans
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
"Are you done serving or are you ready to assume the mantle of citizen?”
This week, we continue our look back at the top five most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast with the #4 most-downloaded episode, “Check Your Privilege: Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Research Findings.” In this episode, former U.S Army officer and author Jason Dempsey, PhD, discusses his own transition, explores the meaning of service, and shares insights from his research on the military to civilian career transition.
Jason served for over twenty years in the Army as an infantry officer, deploying twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. He last served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that capacity he oversaw the Chairman’s strategic priority of Keeping Faith with the Military Community and led the development and launch of the Call to Continued Service, an initiative endorsed by all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which encourages members of the military to continue their public service after they take off the uniform.
Jason is the co-founder of MILLIE, a company that seeks to empower the community of veteran and military spouse real estate agents and to help military families through the moving process. He is also a Senior Adviser to the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration and an Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security. Jason has written extensively on Army efforts toward gender integration, the experiences of Hispanics in the military, and our counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan. His book, Our Army: Soldiers, Politics and Civil-Military Relations was published by Princeton University Press and was the first major work to delve into the social and political attitudes of the active-duty military.
Jason is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds a PhD in political science from Columbia University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
For the next five weeks, we’re looking back at the top five most-downloaded episodes of the FourBlock Podcast since it first launched in the fall of 2019.
This week, we're sharing the #5 most-downloaded episode to date, The Most Powerful Moves You Can Make in Your Career Search with guest Rick Miners, an entrepreneur, writer, coach, and expert on transition and retirement life planning.
Rick was the co-founder and president of FlexCorp systems, a business process outsourcing company. Shortly after Inc. Magazine named FlexCorp as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, he unexpectedly sold the company and quickly realized he didn't have a plan for what he was going to do next.
Rick co-authored the books, Don't Retire, REWIRE!: 5 Steps to Fulfilling Work That Fuels Your Passion, Suits Your Personality, and Fills Your Pockets and On Target: Enhance Your Life and Ensure Your Success
Rick has made appearances on The Today Show, CNN, and PBS about the rewiring process and is frequently quoted in the press on the changing face of retirement.
He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and an Army Veteran. He is also a FourBlock Board Member and currently serves as its treasurer.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams discusses pietas – defined as duty, loyalty, and devotion – and explores how veterans embody the virtues of pietas and citizenship through military service. He argues that when veterans return home, they can continue to embody the virtue of pietas through small acts of citizenship and service and encourages all to try to find some small but meaningful ways to positively impact the lives of the people in your community.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares a quick story and exercise inspired by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and stoic philosopher, and encourages us all to take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on the people who have developed and shaped us and formed the foundation of who we are today.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
"Culture is not what you say it is. It’s how you act, live, and work every single day.”
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams explores a common question that we get from listeners: how can you accurately assess a company’s culture and decide whether you would be a good fit?
Acknowledging that the actual culture of a company may be different from what their external branding says it is, Mike shares several tips for how to get a true sense of a company or team’s culture and determine whether it’s right for you.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“Everyone you meet right now is battling with some internal struggle with a stressor that is completely unfamiliar.”
This week we welcome Jaz Azari, who joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss cultural stress in the COVID-19 world. Passionate about preserving mental health and wellbeing, particularly within the military community, Jaz has written about and presented on the topic of “cultural stress.” As cultural stress applies to unique stressors on servicemembers working with and among foreign populations, Jaz uses this concept as a frame to discuss stressors created by the COVID-19 world.
On this episode, Jaz reinforces how stress is both universal and part of life in a pandemic; defines and explores facets of cultural stress; describes types of stress, including what can happen as a result of stress and why it’s important; speaks to military health research and Post Traumatic Stress; delves into factors that can help mitigate or, in their absence, contribute to increased stresses; and shares advice for what you can do to cope with the realities of COVID-19.
Jaz is a former Foreign Service Officer and Department of Defense civilian, with more than fourteen years of experience working on foreign policy, defense, security, environment, science, technology, health and entrepreneurial issues, and communications. Having studied abroad and served overseas in positions from teaching English as a Second Language in Tianjin, China, to working as a Human Terrain System Social Scientist embedded with an Army Stryker Brigade in Diyala, Iraq, to serving as the Staff Assistant to the U.S. Ambassador in Nairobi, Kenya, Jaz lives with the desire to continually explore and understand the world and its citizens; to listen to others’ stories, their histories, and their unique Weltanschauungs; and to use interactions to promote open, honest dialogue. Through her novels, Jaz also strives to use fantastical lands and characters to raise challenging moral, philosophical, and ethical questions. In this COVID-19 world, Jaz offers a simple motto to keep moving forward: “Carpe Diem” – “Seize the day.”
Jaz has published on topics including terrorism and military psychology. She holds an M.A. in War Studies from King’s College London and a dual B.A. in International Relations and German Studies from the Schreyer Honors College at the Pennsylvania State University. Jaz is fluent in German.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
“At the end of the day, we are making decisions about people – their livelihoods, their careers, their futures – and I think that that is an honor and needs to be treated as such.”
An evangelist for change, Julie Teahan creates environments where people and organizations thrive, where “families” are formed to deliver transformative and sustainable results. This week, Julie joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss organizational leadership, culture, and performance management.
In this episode, Julie discusses the importance of an ongoing and empowering performance management system and shares how these systems are adapting to allow for a more curated experience. She also shares some of the factors that influence behavior and motivate employees, discusses the need for a high-engagement leadership model, and reflects on the question, “Can people change?”
Julie is currently a partner at Guidehouse, a commercial and public sector advisory firm with more than 8,000 employees across 50 locations worldwide. For the past 20 years, she has been an organizational Sherpa, using a combination of strategy, behavioral science, creativity, endless energy and a lot of coffee to help organizations navigate their journey to something better. Julie also serves on the Board of Directors for Help Heal Veterans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free therapeutic arts and crafts kits to hospitalized and homebound veterans.
Julie grew up in West Virginia, where she learned three lessons: 1) everyone is a neighbor, 2) peaks and valleys work in concert together, and 3) hard work is rewarding. As an alumna from Loyola University of Maryland as an inductee to their prestigious Green and Grey Society, Julie still subscribes to the school’s motto of “Strong Truths Well Lived,” using her strengths for good. Her graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Science has armed her with a mastery understanding of what influences behavior and how managing those influences can impact an individual, group or an organization.
As the mother of three children, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make choices that optimize their personal and professional growth and allow them to live their best life. She speaks frequently at conferences, seminars and workshops on a variety of topics, including flexibility in the workplace, personal branding, employee engagement and change management.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Sean Kelley is a passionate and inspirational leader, startup advisor, and board member who uses an inclusive mindset and direct approach to effect global change. This week, Sean joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to reflect on leadership and culture in corporate America and what it means to be a people-first, systemic builder of culture.
Sean discusses what he learned about leadership from corporate America when he first transitioned out of the military to the civilian workforce, what corporate America taught him about leading in a diverse environment, and what he learned from working in founder-led cultures for some of America’s top corporate leaders. He also describes how his military training informed his leadership style in the corporate world and shares actionable advice for veterans in career transition right now.
Over his 30-year career, Sean has led teams at all levels of organizations in operations, supply chain management, diversity & inclusion, and talent acquisition. He’s been an advocate for diversity and inclusion his entire career, leaving a legacy of compassion, collaboration, inclusive leadership, team spirit, and operational excellence everywhere he has worked. His corporate career culminated in 2020, after scaling the global talent acquisition team for Amazon’s Worldwide Operations.
Sean began his career serving as a U.S. Navy Supply Corps officer specializing in submarine logistics, completing two deployments at sea aboard USS Pogy (SSN-647). Prior to joining Amazon, Sean contributed to the success of Starbucks and Microsoft, both during pivotal stages of growth and transformation.
As a talent acquisition and diversity leader, Sean is known as an innovator, visionary strategist, and collaborator across organizational boundaries, unafraid to challenge the status quo to open the door more widely to the technology industry. He has built strategic talent partnerships, delivering long-lasting impacts, with HBCU Connect, City Year, the National Center for Women & IT, and numerous Veteran Serving organizations including Team Red, White & Blue, the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring our Heroes, and Student Veterans of America.
Sean is nationally recognized as a leading expert in corporate Military Affairs, recruiting, and transition programs. He architected Military Affairs strategies for both Microsoft and Amazon, firsts for each company and establishing both as leaders for the industry globally. At Microsoft, he led the creation of the company’s flagship veteran program, the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, creating a model for future career skills bridge programs across the industry.
Sean’s leadership propelled Amazon in far exceeding the company’s 2016 Joining Forces pledge to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by 2021, more than doubling that outcome. He was awarded the US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes 2018 Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award recognizing Individual Excellence in Veteran Employment.
Sean holds a B.S. Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.S. Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. He serves on the National Board of Trustees for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, is a strategic advisor to the CEO of The HBCU Foundation, and contributes to local entities that serve families experiencing homelessness, joblessness, and general distress.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
“If you can get better at knowing people, understanding people, taking care of people, you’ll be a better salesperson.”
This week, we welcome Jason Smith, former U.S. Air Force Captain, sales expert, keynote speaker, business coach, trainer, and military veteran community leader.
Jason joins FourBlock founder Mike Abrams to discuss his own transition struggles, address the negative stereotypes associated with sales careers, and share expert insights & actionable advice for veterans looking to start a successful career in sales or become a better salesperson.
Jason is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, serving on active duty for four years and reaching the rank of Captain. Jason left active duty unexpectedly due to medical reasons and transitioned into a role as a manufacturing process engineer at General Electric.
Jason’s Enterprise Sales career began with Red Hat Software as a new business development rep in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, he has driven sales and developed business development plans for IBM and Fiserv, where the strategies he designed and executed consistently yielded revenue attainment in excess of 300% of target while creating multiple loyal reference clients for his companies.
He founded CIGRIE, LLC in 2016 as an alternative to traditional strategic consulting for small businesses in Atlanta. In 2018 CIGRIE was selected as an affiliate of ASLAN Training & Development, to deliver their 23-year training curriculum to major Enterprises globally for companies like, SolarWinds, KVH, FLIR, and American Airlines.
Jason serves as a City Leader for Bunker Labs, a national non-profit supporting veteran entrepreneurs. For the past three years, he has also served as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Atlanta cohort of FourBlock, providing career transition training and support for veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, U.S. Army veteran and original FourBlock alumnus Andy Roberts reflects on his recent experience in the healthcare industry transitioning from his role in human resources, mergers and acquisitions to working on the ground and rapidly standing up testing sites in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Andy joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to discuss his role in the healthcare space, share advice for how to successfully merge organizational cultures, and recount how his experience in the Army has informed his work in the civilian world.
Andy Roberts is currently a Senior Advisor in HR Emergency Management for Northwell Health in Lake Success, NY. At the time of this recording, Andy was serving as the Director of Human Resources, Mergers & Acquisitions for Northwell Health, the largest provider of healthcare in New York and one of the largest in the United States. In this role, Andy is responsible for leading the post-deal integration of hospitals and large practices that join Northwell, which includes the alignment of culture, processes, structure, policy and technology.
During the pandemic outbreak of 2020, he was tasked with standing up COVID-19 testing sites for Northwell Health and helped manage the rollout of antibody testing, which enabled 45,000 team members to be tested in about two weeks’ time. He is now standing up a new department at Northwell dedicated to emergency management within human resources operations.
Andy previously served as the Director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services for Northwell Health, during which time he oversaw a variety of programs that cared for military veterans and their families. Prior to working for Northwell, he served as the Deputy Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and as the Membership Associate for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Andy is a graduate of West Point and former Army Officer who deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004. In Iraq, he served with the 4th Infantry Division as a battery commander of about 90 soldiers. He is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, Colonel Bill Murray joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams to take a deep dive into the real estate industry, sharing expert insights and actionable advice for any prospective homeowners, investors, or real estate professionals.
Bill spent 28 years in the Marine Corps as a CH-53 heavy lift helicopter pilot, holding nearly every command within the wing and culminating as the commanding officer of the Marine Aircraft Group 24 based out of Kaneohe Bay, HI, where he led thousands of Marines and sailors in missions throughout the Pacific and around the globe.
Throughout his time on active duty and continuing today, Bill also owns and manages RTR Property Group, where he works with a team of real estate professionals to locate, purchase, and develop real estate throughout the United States. Past investments have included residential, industrial, and commercial properties valued in the millions of dollars. Bill also serves as the Chairman of the FourBlock Board of Directors and is one of our founding Board Members.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
During targeted operations overseas, there were veterans who didn’t hesitate at the thought of charging into a building and rooting out a terrorist. Back here at home, some of these same vets are fearful of walking into a room and starting a simple conversation with someone that they don’t know.
The difference between charging into a building in Iraq and walking into a room full of people back here at home boils down to one thing: preparation. This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams dives into this topic and discusses how to prepare for networking situations back at home.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
“A lot of my resilience comes from others – it doesn’t come from within.”
Gunnery Sgt. Ralph DeQuebec enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002 at 19 years old. During his third combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2012, he was critically injured from a blast of an improvised explosive device, losing both of his legs above the knee. He received a Purple Heart for his actions in combat.
During his four years of recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he discovered the sport of para-ice hockey. He would go on to win a gold medal in the 2018 Paralympic Games in South Korea.
This week, Ralph joins FourBlock founder Mike Abrams to share his incredible story of resiliency. Ralph discusses personal details of his third deployment, injury, and years-long recovery process; opens up about overcoming tremendous loss and adversity; and explains how getting involved in ice sled hockey helped pull him out of the darkest time in his life, gave him a new sense of purpose and showed him that he could love life again.
Ralph is currently the Captain of the Colorado Sled Hockey Warrior Avalanche and the co-founder of We Are All One Story. He is also training for the 2022 Paralympic Games in Bejing.
To learn more about We Are All One Story, visit https://weareallonestory.net/.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Before veterans deploy overseas or go on a mission, they study and try to understand everything possible about the enemy, culture, weather, terrain and local population. However, when faced with a new mission of starting a civilian career, some veterans don’t always take the time to really understand the corporate landscape or the company to which they are applying.
This week, founder Mike Abrams discusses the importance of having a firm understanding of how companies identify, screen and hire new employees, and shares advice to help veterans improvise, adapt and overcome the unique challenges they face when transitioning into a new career.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
As a veteran, when you go into a job interview and you are being asked questions by someone who has never served in the military, it’s your responsibility to make the interviewer feel comfortable asking you questions about your overseas experiences.
This week, FourBlock founder Mike Abrams explains how to effectively describe what you did in the military on your terms and to open the conversation up for the interviewer to better understand your skills and experiences.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Listening is at the heart of being a good networker – and a good friend. Good listeners engage in what’s called active emphatic listening, a strategy that can prevent the inevitable tendency of your mind to wander during a conversation. This week, FourBlock founder Mike Abrams shares two quick active listening techniques to help keep you focused and attentive.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Is there something unfair about leveraging personal contacts to help you get ahead? This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams explores the topic of networking, and why it isn’t about finding opportunities for yourself to get ahead in life, but about finding opportunities to help others.
Instead of seeking out and just connecting with people who can somehow advance your career, Mike says to begin looking for people who you are able to help in some way: “Helping others is an inherent trait in most veterans. We don’t have to think about it; we just do it. If you think of networking as an opportunity to help others, you will naturally develop a network of people who will also have your back.”
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Most open positions in today’s job market are filled through networking, often before the positions are even made public or posted online. This is where many transitioning veterans need the most help. Veterans can be completely isolated from the civilian job market during their active service which can lead to a weak professional network.
And it’s not just connections they lack…veterans need sponsors or professionals who are willing to put their professional capital on the line or “vouch” for them in order to get them in the door.
How does a veteran earn the sponsorship of a senior professional? This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams outlines five key things veterans can do to start and develop a solid sponsorship relationship.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
There is a familiar strategy that has transcended centuries of war known as taking the high ground. This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams discusses what taking the “high ground” looks like for your military transition and explores how to win this “terrain” to gain the information and opportunities needed to figure out the best next step in your life and career after military service.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Many service members believe that because they did a certain job in the military, that they’re limited to certain opportunities in the civilian world. This could not be further from the truth. This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares why it is so important for service members to have a growth mindset and to think critically when making the transition from military service to a civilian career.
As you think critically about your transition, your future career, your family, and your life, understand that your brain is a muscle. It can grow and change with hard work and effort. With a growth mindset you will be able to open doors to new opportunities and achieve things in your life and career that you never thought possible.
We encourage you to check out the video “Things that Take Zero Talent” by New York Times bestselling author, multigenerational workplace expert, and FourBlock Board Member Lindsey Pollak. This video is part of an online career transition course created in partnership with Columbia University called Find Your Calling: Transition Principles for Returning Veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
What is the first step for a veteran looking to transition out of the military into a civilian career, or for any job seeker? What are the areas where veterans can excel in the career search process? How is hiring going to change in response to the impacts of COVID-19? This week, author, keynote speaker, and career search advisor Steve Dalton joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to highlight the importance of professional relationships and referrals, discuss how the hiring landscape may change, and provide prescriptive advice for conducting a successful career search.
Steve addresses the areas where veterans excel that can help provide an advantage in the job search process. He also explores the similarities and differences of career searching today versus career searching during the financial crisis in 2008 and explains why he has optimism for job searchers today.
Steve is a Program Director and Senior Career Consultant for the full-time MBA Program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He holds his own MBA from the same institution and a chemical engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Prior to entering the career services industry, Steve was an Associate Marketing Manager at General Mills, and a Strategy Consultant at A.T. Kearney (now Kearny). Steve is also the founder and CEO of Contact2Colleague, a corporate training firm specializing in helping organizations teach their personnel to turn strangers into advocates on demand.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
As an employer, how do you go about building a successful veteran hiring program at your company? As a veteran, how can you take advantage of these types of programs to put your best foot forward and get hired?
This week, Army Veteran and Head of Military and Veteran Programs at Uber Michael Pett joins FourBlock founder and host Mike Abrams to share his expertise, discuss the components of a successful veteran hiring and retention program, and provide actionable advice to both employers and veterans seeking employment.
Michael joined the US Army in 1998. He was stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawai’i with the 25th Infantry Division, where he deployed to Iraq from December 2003 through March 2005.
He served as a Casualty Operations Specialist with the 225 Forward Support Battalion. This position required him to be pushed throughout the field of operations to process wounded warriors and local nationals from point of injury to combat support hospitals located in Iraq, Germany, and the United States. After 15 years of active duty service and over 21 years of total service, Michael retired from the Illinois Army National Guard in September of 2019.
After exiting active duty, Michael joined Accenture as the North American Military Recruiting Lead. He worked tirelessly to create new initiatives focusing on the growth and professional development of student veterans, current service members, and spouses. Each tailored program provided candidates with tangible tools required to succeed in the ever-changing corporate climate. In 2016, Michael formalized a sponsorship between Accenture and FourBlock, bringing the program to Chicago.
Now at Uber, Michael serves as the Head of Military and Veteran Programs (MVP), where he has the distinct privilege of standing up the first-ever global military, veteran, and partner hiring program. This program will bring MVP talent into all lines of businesses across Uber in all the mega regions. He is currently building integration and transition tools to ensure all MVP talent has a soft place to land when they get to Uber.
Connect with Michael Pett on LinkedIn and join Uber’s Military, Veteran, and Partner Recruiting group on LinkedIn.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
What is the definition of ‘veteran’? This week, we welcome SgtMaj Anthony Spadaro, who joins host Mike Abrams to examine the varied experiences of veterans; discuss the unique impact of the military’s education model and how it teaches service members to become critical thinkers and prepare for leadership roles; and share some factors that HR departments should consider when shaping their veteran hiring initiatives.
SgtMaj Spadaro retired from the Marine Corps in 2020 after a distinguished 35-year military career. He served at the most senior levels for the Marine Corps and Department of Defense and culminated his service to our Nation as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the largest combatant command with 380,000 uniformed and civilian members and 36 partner nations.
During his time in service, Anthony served in every climate and place, in both peacetime and combat. He has served in a variety of diverse and challenging assignments, to include time as a Field Artilleryman, Intelligence Analyst, Marine Security Guard and Drill Instructor. As a Senior Enlisted Leader, Anthony served at every leadership billet – from Company/Battery First Sergeant all the way to the Force Level as a Sergeant Major. Anthony first met FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams when they served together in Bravo Batter, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, and continues to serve as a mentor to Mike today.
Originally from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Anthony is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Labor and Management (Summa Cum Laude). He has completed every level of military professional military education and is currently enrolled at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Though recently retired from the Marine Corps, Anthony continues to serve today as a leadership consultant and strategic advisor with Beaver Fit USA, Bravo Sierra, FourBlock, and FITOPS. Additionally, he is the Vice President for Training, 5th Principle LLC, a leadership coach with the Resilience Building Leader Program, and an Adjunct Faculty member with the Marine Corps University. Anthony and his wife Kathryn currently reside in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Anthony’s official military biography can be found at: https://www.defense.gov/Our-Story/Biographies/Biography/Article/944054/sergeant-major-anthony-a-spadaro/.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
After moving out on his own at 15 and dropping out of high school, Damien Bertolo found guidance and support from an unexpected mentor who motivated him to go back to school. Damien went on to graduate high school, get accepted to college, and ultimately go on to join the Marine Corps, where he served on active duty from 2003-2012. On this week’s episode, Damien shares his transition experience and talks about why that lesson of mentorship stuck with him and why he continues to give back to others today.
Damien now works as a Management Consultant at Accenture, based in San Francisco, and previously served as the Director of Operations for FourBlock, where he had been involved as a volunteer as early as 2013. He currently serves on FourBlock's National Leadership Council.
Damien served as a Marine in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 and was selected to enter a commissioning program while deployed. After earning his degree at Cal State University San Marcos and a commission as a Marine Officer, Damien served his final two years and ended his active duty service in 2012.
After pursuing a career in real estate in New York City, Damien gained experience in talent acquisition and in program and operations management. While performing his duties at FourBlock, he pursued and completed his MBA at NYU Stern with a focus on corporate strategy, finance, and business analytics. Damien has helped develop and advise business models for veteran recruitment and retention, and currently focuses in change management and business transformation.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
June 27th is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. In observance of this day, we are revisiting an interview that was originally released on October 28th, 2019, when Dr. Amanda Spray joined us to examine truths and debunk some myths about PTSD.
Dr. Spray is the Program Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at NYU Langone Health and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She completed her doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare system on the Manhattan campus.
Dr. Spray founded the training program within NYU Langone Military Family Center, which now trains 12 to 14 doctoral and postdoctoral students annually. She provides supervision and training within the center and the community at large. She provides individual cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy to veterans and family members in the military family center and specializes in health psychology and adult ADHD.
Note: This episode contains in-depth discussions regarding PTSD. We advise listening to this episode at your own risk. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line. This nationwide, toll-free hotline connects veterans and service members in crisis and their loved ones with information and qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders.
For more information, call 800-273-8255.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome Navy veteran and longtime travel industry executive Chris Vasiliou, who reflects on his experience mentoring severely injured veterans at Walter Reed National Military Hospital; examines what makes a good mentor and the importance of trust in relationship building; and shares actionable advice for veterans on how to find the right mentor.
Chris was a senior executive in the travel industry for 30 years, serving as Managing Director for Europe for American Airlines; Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific for Sabre Holdings; the Chief Operating Officer for Travelocity; and President and CEO for Radius Travel.
While CEO of Radius, Chris volunteered as a mentor at Walter Reed National Military Hospital, where he helped support the transition of over 150 severely injured Marines and Sailors. Chris also served on the faculty of Georgetown University; was the Vice Chair and Executive Director of FourBlock; and he has mentored and continues to mentor our own Mike Abrams. Chris is a Navy veteran, and his son is a Marine who served in Iraq.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Marsh & McLennan Companies, Laurie Ledford, who joins hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to provide insight into the decision-making process behind a global organization’s response to the global pandemic; discuss the future of work; share advice for veterans and civilian professionals alike who are seeking employment during this time; and discuss how Marsh & McLennan responded to the attacks on September 11, 2001, in NY City and the loss of more than 300 of their colleagues that day.
Marsh & McLennan Companies is the leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy, and people. In this role, Laurie is responsible for the company’s overall human capital and talent strategy, and the delivery of human resource services to all of her colleagues worldwide. Laurie, Lindsey, and Mike also discuss the story behind Marsh & McLennan being described as the secret service of the business community.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
We’re going to do something a little different this week, given the protests and the civil unrest across the country. Now more than ever is a time when many of us need to listen and try to understand what’s being expressed by members of our community. On November 4th, 2019, we conducted an interview with Darren Sumter, former Army Pilot, executive at LinkedIn, and a FourBlock Board member.
In this interview, Darren describes his experiences growing up, serving in the Army, and transitioning into the civilian workforce. We encourage you to take the time to listen to Darren’s story; consider the challenges that he faced throughout his life, service, and career; and get expert recommendations on how to seize opportunity in your career and market yourself as a veteran.
For over 20 years, Darren has worked as a management consultant and a business development strategist specializing in providing companies with business to business software solutions to drive innovation and improve profitability. Currently, Darren works as a Global Accounts Manager at LinkedIn where he manages responsibilities for several strategic customers in North America across several sectors.
Prior to LinkedIn, Darren was a member of several big data B2B software strategic consulting companies where he held responsibilities for new market and new customer business development. Prior to his software career, Darren was a strategy consultant in the US and Europe. He attended Harvard Business School (HBS), where he earned his MBA.
Prior to HBS, Darren attended the US Military Academy at West Point where he earned a B.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering and served in the U.S. Army's aviation branch. He is a veteran of the first Gulf War, where he served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Resources:
LinkedIn Resources for Military Spouses
LinkedIn Resources for Veterans
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, Colonel Ted Studdard joins host Mike Abrams to talk about his personal transition experience after serving 29 years in the Marine Corps; share the three elements that should form the foundation of your job search; and discuss actionable advice for making intentional decisions about your life and career after the military.
Ted began his service as a Private and would go on to retire 29 years later as a Colonel. His Marine service included leading an artillery platoon in combat, teaching tactics and leadership at the Marine Corps University, and planning and directing combat operations for a 20,000-person multi-national force. He participated in international negotiations and worked on national security strategy in the Pentagon.
After suffering a heart attack, Ted faced new challenges—retiring and charting a new path. Post retirement, he transitioned to his second career with The Home Depot, a company whose values aligned with his own. Ted has held positions of increasing responsibility in field operations, corporate leadership training, talent acquisition and staffing, and business to business operations. These roles have given him a unique perspective on optimizing human capital in Corporate America.
Ted has appeared as a featured guest on national TV, radio, and podcasts. He is a published author; his book, Depot to Depot, hit shelves in the Fall of 2019.
As a complement to his book, Ted wrote a free military transition workbook called, “Take Time to Think” in order to help as many transitioning veterans as possible. The free workbook is available to download here.
Ted speaks to a variety of audiences about individual and organizational leadership ranging from junior leaders to executives. Ted also educates business leaders and their HR partners about the value veterans bring to the civilian workforce and how to best incorporate them into Corporate America.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
How do you learn to become a successful fundraiser on behalf of a nonprofit organization or cause? Is philanthropy going up or down in response to COVID-19? Is it harder to raise money during this time? President of Averill Fundraising Solutions Robert C. Happy, Jr. joins host Mike Abrams to discuss strategies and tactics for successful fundraising amid COVID-19 and what skills and attributes make for an effective fundraiser and salesperson.
Bob Happy has 35 years of experience providing expert leadership and direction to clients across the not-for-profit sector. During his career, Bob has served more than 2,000 clients and has guided them to raise more than $3,250,000,000.
Before forming Averill Solutions, Bob served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the nation’s largest fundraising firm. He a recognized industry leader, sought after speaker, and trainer and instructor. He has mentored hundreds of professional fundraising practitioners and many have joined him at Averill Fundraising Solutions. Bob graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome back Pat Hubbell and Peter Sukits, the co-founders of Candorful, a non-profit organization that connects transitioning service members with experienced interview coaches for live personal job interview practice sessions. The final episode in a four-part series is a must-listen for interviewers, hiring managers, HR staff, and business owners. Pat and Peter join hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to discuss what veterans wish employers knew before interviewing them.
Over the course of the series, Pat and Peter discuss what they’ve learned working with hundreds of veterans and employers; the biggest mistake veterans make going into an interview; how veterans can best prepare for a job interview; and what veterans wish employers knew before interviewing them.
Pat is the executive director of Candorful and has over 17 years of experience coaching soldiers, veterans, and young professionals with career transitions at Cornell, PRTM (which is now PwC), and Keystone Strategy. She has an SM/MBA from MIT Sloan and a BSME from the University of Rhode Island.
Peter is president of Candorful and a former Army Captain who served five years on active duty with service in the 82ndAirborne Division and with a deployment to Afghanistan. He is currently a commercial financial risk manager with GE Aviation. Peter has an MBA from Cornell, an MS in Business Analytics from Indiana University, and a BS in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
“Do not wait and worry that now is not a good time – if you need a job now or suspect that you are going to need a job, you have to take action.”
If you’re looking for employment right now, where do you even begin? What do you do in this type of environment? In these unprecedented times, hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams share actionable tips and strategies for conducting a job search during the coronavirus pandemic.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome back Pat Hubbell and Peter Sukits, the co-founders of Candorful, a non-profit organization that connects transitioning service members with experienced interview coaches for live personal job interview practice sessions.
In this episode, Pat and Peter discuss the biggest interview mistakes that veterans make and share their advice for overcoming those missteps.
This is the third episode in a four-part, bi-weekly series where we explore and take a deep dive into the job interview, an area that many transitioning service members, veterans, and employers find challenging. Over the course of the series, Pat and Peter join hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to discuss what they’ve learned working with hundreds of veterans and employers; the biggest mistake veterans make going into an interview; how veterans can best prepare for a job interview; and what veterans wish employers knew before interviewing them.
Pat is the executive director of Candorful and has over 17 years of experience coaching soldiers, veterans, and young professionals with career transitions at Cornell, PRTM (which is now PwC), and Keystone Strategy. She has an SM/MBA from MIT Sloan and a BSME from the University of Rhode Island.
Peter is president of Candorful and a former Army Captain who served five years on active duty with service in the 82ndAirborne Division and with a deployment to Afghanistan. He is currently a commercial financial risk manager with GE Aviation. Peter has an MBA from Cornell, an MS in Business Analytics from Indiana University, and a BS in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, leadership and human resources consultant Mike Dunford joins host Mike Abrams to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the current business environment and how the nature of work will change; share behind-the-scenes insights into the corporate hiring and recruiting process; and provide actionable advice for veterans seeking employment.
Mike is a retired Marine Corps Reserve Officer and veteran of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In addition to his role as a veteran advocate, Mike is currently a leadership and human resources consultant who served as the Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Covidien, an $11-billion global medical device company with 38,000 employees operating in more than 70 countries. Following the acquisition of Covidien in 2015, he founded the Dunford Consulting Group, focused on leadership development, executive coaching, and the development and execution of talent strategies.
Mike serves as an advisor and member on several boards, including Mercy Health in Cincinnati, Edge4Vets, the Human Resources Leadership Forum, Year Up Providence, and the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center in Massachusetts. He is a Career Readiness Instructor for FourBlock in Boston and co-chairs FourBlock’s National Leadership Council. He also serves on the Steering Committee of the Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative and leads the Employment work group.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome back Pat Hubbell and Peter Sukits, the co-founders of Candorful, a non-profit organization that connects transitioning service members with experienced interview coaches for live personal job interview practice sessions.
This is the second episode in a four-part bi-weekly series where we explore and take a deep dive into the job interview, an area that many transitioning service members, veterans, and employers find challenging. Over the course of the series, Pat and Peter join host Mike Abrams to discuss what they’ve learned working with hundreds of veterans and employers; the biggest mistake veterans make going into an interview; how veterans can best prepare for a job interview; and what veterans wish employers knew before interviewing them.
In this second episode, Pat and Peter join hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams to discuss why ‘leadership’ is not a career path and how to apply your military leadership to find your path in the civilian workforce.
Pat is the executive director of Candorful and has over 17 years of experience coaching soldiers, veterans, and young professionals with career transitions at Cornell, PRTM (which is now PwC), and Keystone Strategy. She has an SM/MBA from MIT Sloan and a BSME from the University of Rhode Island.
Peter is president of Candorful and a former Army Captain who served five years on active duty with service in the 82ndAirborne Division and with a deployment to Afghanistan. He is currently a commercial financial risk manager with GE Aviation. Peter has an MBA from Cornell, an MS in Business Analytics from Indiana University, and a BS in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
While many service men and women are often focused on employment when they leave active service, Marine Corps Major Marvin Jackson suggests that the very first thing that transitioning veterans should focus on is their medical out-processing. This week, Marvin joins FourBlock founder and host Mike Abrams to discuss the importance of documentation and shares actionable advice about medical out-processing for transitioning servicemembers. This is a must-listen episode for any servicemembers who are planning to transition out within the next couple of years or want to learn more about the medical claim process.
Marvin is an active duty Major in the Marine Corps with an end-of-active-service date of 1 June, 2020. He is a prior enlisted Staff Sergeant who was commissioned to Second Lieutenant. He deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. An artilleryman by trade, he also did two tours on recruiting duty – he and Mike served together on recruiting duty at one point. He is currently based at United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Tampa, FL and is a Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellow with Quiet Professionals, LLC.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week, we welcome Pat Hubbell and Peter Sukits, the co-founders of Candorful, a non-profit organization that connects transitioning service members with experienced interview coaches for live personal job interview practice sessions.
Pat is the executive director of Candorful and has over 17 years of experience coaching soldiers, veterans, and young professionals with career transitions at Cornell, PRTM (which is now PwC), and Keystone Strategy. She has an SM/MBA from MIT Sloan and a BSME from the University of Rhode Island.
Peter is president of Candorful and a former Army Captain who served five years on active duty with service in the 82ndAirborne Division and with a deployment to Afghanistan. He is currently a commercial financial risk manager with GE Aviation. Peter has an MBA from Cornell, an MS in Business Analytics from Indiana University, and a BS in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon. This episode is Part One of a four-part series where we explore and take a deep dive into the job interview, an area that many transitioning service members, veterans, and employers find challenging. Over the course of the series, Pat and Peter join host Mike Abrams to discuss what they’ve learned working with hundreds of veterans and employers; the biggest mistake veterans make going into an interview; how veterans can best prepare for a job interview; and what veterans wish employers knew before interviewing them.
In this first episode, Pat and Peter share how they came together to create Candorful, what veterans can expect from the Candorful experience, and the important things that veterans need to know about the job interview process.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week we welcome non-governmental organization leader and former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Cassy L. Cox. Cassy transitioned from active service to a role in the private sector as a corporate recruiter, first with a small start-up headhunting firm and then with a large accounting firm. Feeling a bit unfulfilled, she decided to take an 80% pay cut to join an American international non-profit, called the International Rescue Committee (IRC), whose work began with and remains focused on refugees and displaced persons.
Between 2009 and 2015, Cassy worked for the IRC on refugee and IDP programming in the United States, Liberia, Kenya and South Sudan. Cassy then transitioned to be the Programmes Director in Somalia for Concern Worldwide, an Irish international non-profit organization that works to reach the most vulnerable populations across the globe. In this role, Cassy covered all humanitarian sectors including education, cash assistance, women’s empowerment, and internally displaced persons.
Cassy is currently the Strategy Lead for DataKind, a non-profit organization based in New York City, that harnesses the power of the world’s most talented volunteer data scientists to solve some of the world’s largest problems.
In this episode, Lindsey and Cassy discuss finding meaning and purpose in one’s career, the non-governmental organization industry as a career option, and some of the challenges Cassy faced as a transitioning female veteran.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Have you ever met someone who had no idea how they came across? Have you ever been that person? How would you know? It can happen often during the military-to-civilian career transition that someone has trouble adapting to different environments or is generally unaware of how they come across in various work cultures.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams discusses the importance of developing self-awareness, both at work and in life, to help you better understand other people and understand how you are perceived by others. Mike challenges you to ask two trusted individuals about how you are perceived. How do you come across? Are there ways you can improve how you speak to and interact with others? Are there any military cultural habits that you need to adapt for the civilian world? You may be surprised by the feedback you receive.
We encourage you to check out the video “Feedback is a Gift” by New York Times bestselling author and organizational consultant Simon Sinek. This interview with Simon is part of an online career transition course created in partnership with Columbia University called Find Your Calling: Transition Principles for Returning Veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
Military career paths are typically very well-defined. Service members usually know exactly what they need to do to get promoted to the next rank. This is often not the case in the civilian workforce. Career paths in the civilian world are much less defined, making it difficult for transitioning service members to chart a course forward and to think strategically about how to get to where they want to be in 10-20 years.
This week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams shares the advice he once received from a friend on how to think strategically about your civilian career and to make decisions based on your long-term earnings potential and progression.
We encourage you to check out the video, “Navigating Choice” by Dr. Sheena Iyengar and author of The Art of Choosing. This interview with Dr. Iyengar is part of an online career transition course created in partnership with Columbia University called Find Your Calling: Principles for Returning Veterans.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media
This week we welcome former U.S. Army officer Dr. Jason Dempsey. Jason served for over twenty years in the Army as an infantry officer, deploying twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. He last served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that capacity he oversaw the Chairman’s strategic priority of Keeping Faith with the Military Community and led the development and launch of the Call to Continued Service, an initiative endorsed by all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff which encourages members of the military to continue their public service after they take off the uniform.
Jason is the co-founder of MILLIE, a company that seeks to empower the community of veteran and military spouse real estate agents and to help military families through the moving process. He is also a Senior Adviser to the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration and an Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security.
Jason has written extensively on Army efforts toward gender integration, the experiences of Hispanics in the military, and our counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan. His book, Our Army: Soldiers, Politics and Civil-Military Relations was published by Princeton University Press and was the first major work to delve into the social and political attitudes of the active-duty military.
Jason is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds a PhD in political science from Columbia University.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
Follow FourBlock on Social Media