On The Other Side: Leadership After Transition

I joined FourBlock as a Career Readiness Instructor almost 5 years ago when the organization decided to expand to the Tampa area. It took only a few moments on the phone with CSM (R) Roger Roley to instantly know that it was something I wanted to do.   I sit down to discuss, with FourBlock founder Mike Abrams, his transition and how the vision of FourBlock came to reality. It has impacted the lives of so many Service Members in transition, and it will continue to do so for decades to come!   He is truly humble and is always looking out for others. I'm excited to talk to him to find out what he is doing, On The Other Side.

The former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) John Wayne Troxell and I discuss his transition journey into entrepreneurship after 38 years of service in the United States Army.  We talked about the Airborne Operation into Panama, a little about the waves created in Washington when he talked about our troops using whatever method necessary to annihilate the enemy, including the E-tool and then the birth of E-Tool Nation and PME-Hard Consulting.  It was truly an honor to spend some time with the SEAC and get his perspective on transition.  Come check it out and see what SEAC (R) Troxell is doing, On The Other Side.

Join Herb and I as we discuss transition from his perspective. The author of The Transition Mission: A Green Beret's Approach to Transition from Military Service, Herb is a daily contributor to LinkedIn and has gained great followership based on his candid and transparent posts on that platform.   Highly sought after to make appearances on podcasts and other social media mediums, Herb provides an excellent perspective on transition and doesn't handle it with "white gloves" like many others do. His insight is given from his experiences post military career in order to share with those who will soon follow suit and begin their military transition.   Join us as we talk life, On The Other Side!

Listen in to our transition conversation as Enrique and I will discuss his career in the Navy, his transition, and what he is doing now!   As CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, LLC, Enrique provides consultation to small, medium, and big businesses ranging from CEO mentorship to team building and more.   Enrique is certified John Maxwell coach, trainer and speaker as well as the podcast host of Developing the Leader Within.   Come check us how to hear what words of advice Enrique has for you to be successful, On The Other Side.

A conversation with Charlynda Scales that you won't want to miss!   Charlynda is an Air Force Veteran, business owner, professional speaker, philanthropist, and a BILLION other things and it didn't happen over night, though I promise she makes it look so easy! It's NOT! Come by and listen to our conversation as she talks transition, entrepreneurship, goal setting and a myriad of other things.

Army Veteran William E. "Bill" Kieffer and i will discuss his military career, transition, and what he is doing now!   Bill is the President and Chief Advisor of Kieffer and Associates Limited, an advisory firm specializing in Military Veteran Career Transition, Leadership Coaching, Strategic talent management, and professional speaking.   Bill is the author of the #1 Amazon Job hunting book, Military Career Transition: Insights from the Employer Side of the Desk. With over 2 decades of working with transitioning Service Members, Bill has multiple perspectives from Military transition that he shares in his MUST BUY book! Join us this Wednesday to hear some tips to make you successful, On The Other Side.

Command Sergeant Major (R) Timothy Sloan shares his transition story from the US Army to where he is now.   Founder of the Servant Leader Alliance, which is leadership development across all industries that focuses on Wealth building and financial stability, professional growth, TIMTalks (Timeless, Inspirational, Meaningful Leadership Lessons and Discussions, Community Outreach, and the Power of the Network.   What questions do you have for Tim? Put them in the comments and i will be sure to ask him during our conversation. I look forward to seeing you and hearing what Tim is doing, On The Other Side!

Join us as we talk to Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Mark "Hurricane" Haliburton about his career and his transition into the civilian world.   Mark has done some great things for the Military Community since leaving the uniform as he continues to support the troops as he assists Transitioning Service Members into their next role after serving.   He created a facebook group a little over a year ago and it has grown significantly since. Check it out, Freestyle Everyday (For Everybody) https://www.facebook.com/groups/2781688921922528 I look forward to seeing you all as we see what Mark is doing, On The Other Side.

Retired Marine Corps Officer, Barron Mills will stop by and provide some transition insight from his experience and the invaluable work he does in the Military Transition space. From being a FourBlock Career Readiness instructor, a mentor on Veterati, and a Board Member with the Camaraderie Foundation, to name a few, Barron has devoted his post military life to building relationships and assisting OUR community when given the opportunity. Let's see what Barron has been up to, On the Other Side.

Had an amazing conversation with Donnell E. Johns Sr, CSM (R) regarding his career, transition, and being the founder of Veterans Growing America! He talks about relationships and the things he's done to become successful after the uniform coming off.  Check out what Donnell has been doing, On The Other Side.

I'm excited to be able to highlight Herb Thompson this week as a guest "On The Other Side." I've had the pleasure, like many of you, to read his thought provoking daily posts and I always come away with a thought or even 100! I read his book, Transition Mission: A Green Beret's Approach to Transition from Military Service, was able to talk to him on the phone to start to build a relationship, had him on the show last month during our 1st Transition Talk 2020, and now, I'm honored to have him as a guest!

Join us as we talk with Mrs. Annie S. Brock, one of the first 100 women assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division about her service in uniform, service as a Military Spouse for 32, yes 32 years, her transition and the creation of the Leader Transition Institute!

Almost 50 years of service to the country as both an Army Major General and an S.E.S for the Marine Corps, Craig has an abundance of experience in transition and even more on leadership! What a great conversation we had and I look forward to many more! 

All-Star Panel talking Military Transition. Join On The Other Side: Leadership After Transition as Chaunte Hall, Dr. Russ Barnes, Rob Campbell, Herb Thompson, and Eric "The Transition Hacker" Horton speak from their experiences as they help transitioning Service Members across the country prepare for their next chapter.

If you've never seen or heard from a Super Woman, here is your chance! The former Air Force Officer is non-stop yet grounded, extremely successful, yet humble, and just a genuinely great human being to have a conversation with! Hear what she has to say, On The Other Side!

Colonel (Retired) Dr. Russ Barnes comes to discuss his transition. He talks about his service, his transition desires, and his continuing efforts to support the transitioning Service Member as they start their entrepreneurial journey. 

Former NFL Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson comes to discuss the work he does with Military Families in the Tampa Bay area. A "military brat" growing up, both Vincent's father and mother served in the Army, which instilled early in his life a sense of service! What he does to give back to the military community is awesome and it was great to highlight him on this episode, On The Other Side.

From Marine Corps Officer to Veteran Advocacy Leader at PwC, listen as Chris drops some great knowledge on us all. His words are truly invaluable and his desire to help OUR community is unmatched. Take a listen to hear what Chris is doing, On The Other Side.

With only a little over a thousand dollars as he was exiting the Army, Daniel set out on an entrepreneurial journey to bring patriotism to every household in America through his clothing line, Grunt Style. With several hiccups along the way, he has been driving by mission focus and has created an empire. Let's see what Daniel is doing, On The Other Side.

An Air Force Veteran, Lloyd has worked for UPS for the last 11 years. He started the first UPS Veterans Business Resource Group in Atlanta and co-founded and is the President and Chairman of the Board of VETLANTA, an industry collaboration of veteran friendly/affiliated organizations striving to make Atlanta the top destination for Veterans. Lets see what Lloyd is doing, On The Other Side.

Today, Andrew Bustamante takes us through his time in the Air Force, the transition process, some government work and into what he is doing now. The Me.Now. Movement is here and he explains what that is on the show. A genuinely good man and a great speaker, Andrew shares his time and his optimistic view on life. Take a listen to hear what he is doing, On The Other Side

Today, we have Anthony (Tony) Forstner as our guest. The interview was long, but very informative. I truly enjoyed the whole conversation and want you to buckle up for a great ride. His knowledge of the hiring process has not been displayed on this show as of yet, but his experience as a hiring manager from reading resumes to conducting interviews is invaluable and something each and every transitioning Service Member NEEDS to hear! Place play and see what Tony is doing, On The Other Side!

Today I had the distinct honor and pleasure of interviewing yet another former Commander of mine, Army Retired Captain, Rob Keeler. Rob is a very energetic, intelligent man who has delivered in the clutch throughout his 22+ years of military service, and he did it again! You will leave this interview not only with some great information, but entertained as well. From his career, to his transition, you will hear some very candid conversations about his influencers as well as people he has influenced. His message, "Do your homework" makes sense and he reinforces it through excellent dialogue! Let's see what Rob is doing, On The Other Side!

Today, Bryan takes us on a journey of his career and finding himself after. I saw Bryan on LinkedIn and posted a question about the transition process and asked, basically, why he couldn't get in front of the transitioning Service Members to talk. In a matter of hours, the responses climbed the hundreds and then into the thousands. I read each and every one of them. Bryan is working with many groups to assist Veterans during their transition so it was a no brainer to bring him on so he can share his story with you about what he is doing, On The Other Side.

Today, Steve Corcoran speaks about his career briefly and then takes you through his transition. He speaks candidly about some of the struggles he ran into and how he found his way to the other side. He talks about what he is doing now to maintain his livelihood, but more about how he intends to continue his service by assisting Veterans as they meet challenges after separation from the military. It was a pleasure to have Steve, a former Commander of mine, on the show as he had supported me as a young Army Staff Sergeant and continues to support me well into my civilian transition. Let's see what Steve is doing, On The Other Side.

Today we had the honor of speaking to Dr. Monique Maldonado, a former Airman, about her service, her transition and what she is doing now and what she is working toward. The only thing I can say is: Motivating! She has a great message about the transition process and she also has a great message about life; Prepare!!! I enjoyed our conversation and had a lot of fun. I believe you will too! Come join us as Dr. Mo tells us about her life, On The Other Side!

Jeffrey speaks to his transition and where it has led him to this point. From his consulting/coaching business to the creation of his new podcast, "You Can't Make This Sh$t Up" and to the upcoming release of his E-Book of funny stories, the future is looking up! Come for the ride and see what Jeffrey is up to, On The Other Side!

When I heard the story of a former Army Sergeant riding 422 miles in his wheelchair to raise awareness to the 22 Veterans a day who commit suicide, I knew I had to meet him. I looked his story up and learned some interesting things. I learned he was a MP while he served, he had a wife and 2 children, he worked at the VA, he attempted suicide, he.....wait. He attempted suicide? His wife found the organization Song Writing With: Soldier, which would lead him out of the blackhole he was surrounded by. Now, he is raising awareness to something that almost claimed his life as well. I drove to Buffalo, NY to meet this man, shake his hand and build a relationship and today, you can listen to what Josh is doing, On The Other Side.

VP was the first ever guest on the show, which was fitting since he was the creator of the Military Podcast Network and inspired me to be a part of it. I brought him back at the 6 month mark to answer some questions regarding the start of the show and the future of the show. We got to discuss what we are looking forward to as the network grows as well as offer some advice to people who are thinking of becoming podcasters, DO IT! Lets take a listen and see what VP is talking about, On The Other Side!    

Today, former Army Officer and West Point graduate talks about his career, his transition and what he is doing now. From opening a Financial Service Firm, creating a seminar entitled "Transition 2.0", authoring the book "From Deployment to Dollars" and working toward launching a podcast, Scott Tucker has been creating opportunities for years! Take a listen to see what Scott is doing, On The Other Side.

Dwayne Paro takes us through his time in the Air Force, his transition and to where he is now. He joined the Air Force to see the world, but ended up only a few hours away from home. He spent time overseas and than landed in the D.C. area, where he transitioned and remains there today. He was able to get his foot in the door upon transition and has grown tremendously since. He has opened his own life coaching practice where he hopes he can make a difference in the lives of Veterans as they take that enormous step out of the military. Lets see what Dwayne is doing, On The Other Side!

In this episode, Jeffrey discusses the meaning of Memorial Day from Veterans Monument Park in Bradenton, Florida. He speaks about fallen Warriors and shares a story from his time in Korea nearly 20 years ago. During the interview, which was also streamed via Facebook live, he describes the park and it's breathtaking views as it sits along the Manatee River. 

Today we get to listen to Best Selling Author, Ben Brown, as we take a glimpse of his career and his transition into sales! Ben talks about the "bug" he got to sell after his time in the Marines as well as his book, "Master the Art of Closing the Sale." He is a man that knows what he is talking about and he is all about helping people along their journey. Take a listen and see what Ben Brown is doing, On The Other Side!

Come take the journey of a Marine Corps Harrier Pilot as he retires from Marines and ventures into the civilian world. He stayed in the San Diego, California area after retirement and what southern California has to offer Veterans is something that needs to be shared. Listen to Phil talk about some key points to keep in mind while preparing to make the transition as well as some great opportunities for Veterans in the San Diego area. Let's see how Phil is making out, On The Other Side!

Today, Army 1SG (Ret) Valerie Ellis-Lavin talks about her time in the Army, her transition and what she is doing now. She describes how she had planned to do one thing after retirement and it led somewhere else. That somewhere has been interesting to say the least. Her 20 plus years of service didn't stop when she retired as she is now right in the middle of a growing initiative to help OUR Veteran community. Jump on in and see what Valerie is doing, On The Other Side.

Who is the host of this show? After nearly 2 months and a vague introduction of Jeffrey Lodick, he talks about his career and his goals after the military. He takes us through his career and highlights some very influential leaders throughout his 20 years. This is a pretty good overview of some of the things that have motivated him and some things that he has done to prepare himself for his transition. 

This week, I take a look at the first 11 episodes and give a special thanks to all the people who have appeared as guests thus far. I also answer some questions that I have received over the course of the last 2 months and give insight to the future of the show. 

I welcomed our 1st Marine to the show this week and he knocked it out of the park. From his time in the Marine Corps, his trip to Georgetown, his struggle in Houston, to finding a home at Exbellum, Andrew Hoffman IS just what I was looking for! Meeting him has shown me the true power of social media and I'm thankful for the great information he was able to provide the listeners of this show. Lets see what Drew has to offer us all, On The Other Side!

Colonel (Ret) Tom Byrge spent majority of his Air Force career leading joint forces. His vast knowledge of leading a diverse population of Service Members who speak different "languages" was a challenge, but an experience that he cherished. His advice for transitioning Service Members is interesting and very helpful. Let's see what Col Byrge is doing, On The Other Side.

A man who I've known for over 12 years, but never spoke, never saw, heck, never actually "met" him! Through his two son's and a book, I was able to know John without ever having a conversation with him, until now! Take a listen as John speaks about leadership in his career and since. He truly gave me so much to think about and I sincerely appreciate the time he spent with us. I look forward to many more conversations in the future! Lets see how John has done, "On The Other Side".

Brian Knight served in the Army for 20 years. He takes us on a journey through his career and allows us to see what his life has been like after he transitioned. He gives great insight about life after the military and he offers some humor as he talks about a particular safety (me) on an Airborne Operation getting popped in the face before any jumpers actually leave the aircraft. Brian was a great guest and I'm' very happy he is doing well, On The Other Side!

I met a man on the elevator who had no right arm and a prosthetic right leg. He was on his phone speaking as if he was trying to talk to NY from Florida! His wife and I got a chuckle out of it as she told him to quiet down. I said I was deaf, which means he was finally talking at a level I could hear. We went our separate ways and a month later at a different event I was formally introduced to Rick and Lynn and the rest is history. Listen to Rick's inspirational story and feel the truth behind them as we explore his experiences and share his message with all of you. Thank you Rick for being a light in a world that sometimes isn't so bright!

Kyle Brown retired from the Air Force after over 20 years of service and has found that transition isn't as easy as he had thought it was going to be. His story has ups and downs, twists and turns, and the journey is just beginning. I am thankful for Kyle's support and the time he took to spend with us, sharing his experience! 

It was a pleasure and an honor to interview the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army, Jack Tilley. Whether you served in the military or not, his story resonates with us all. From his humble beginnings to his almost 50 years of Service to our Country and our Veterans, his tale is quite inspirational! From very serious conversation to many humorous moments, listen as Sergeant Major Tilley navigates through the interview flawlessly! This is one of those moments that I will look back on and cherish for the rest of my life! 

Angel Marin retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant. He was a parachute rigger for his entire career. Listen as he takes you on a journey from high school drop out to Soldier to business owner. There were ups and downs on his travels, but he speaks of inspiration and staying true to yourself. 

Army Sergeant Major (Ret) Jerome Jones shares some experiences and speaks about leadership in and out of the military from his perspective. I felt like a pupil all over again as I spent the afternoon being schooled by this great leader. 

James "VP" Van Prooyen was the guest in this episode. He is the creator of the Military Podcast Network and the reason On The Other Side exists today. It was interesting to see his vision and as we have come to execute it, the genuine goodness in it!

My name is Jeffrey Lodick and I'm excited to launch the introductory episode of "On The Other Side: Leadership After Transition". After serving 20 years in the Army and beginning the retirement transition, I reached out to many friends to see their opinions about life after the military. I came to realize there were many differing opinions about leadership in different areas outside of the confines of all of our branches of Service. So, moving forward, I felt that a podcast could be a good platform to invite leaders of all Services who have made the transition help those who are about to embark on a new journey or who have been struggling to find their niche  in life after the military.