Table of Contents
“We may be always thinking about the mission and our day-to-day life, but we’re not thinking about the transition.”
"Embrace the anxiety. Put together a deliberate plan of where you want to go. Reach out and get assistance. Network and listen to people."
“Your story is about getting through that translation for them by way of communicating a road for them to kind of let you get there.”
Letter from the Founder
Dear Reader,
We are so excited to bring you the inaugural print edition of Veteran CEO Magazine or as we have come to call it, "VCEO." This magazine represents our passion to help veterans navigate the complex and daunting career transition process.
Our goal is to share the insights and practical advice of veterans who have climbed to the top of their respective civilian careers. The incredible talent, resilience, and dedication of our veterans who navigate the difficult career transition process cannot be understated.
As we continue to grow and evolve, I look forward to sharing more episodes and print editions of this magazine with service members and veterans.
We are deeply grateful to all of the fellow veterans, service members, family and friends who have supported the VCEO journey. Your encouragement and belief in this mission have been invaluable. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Veteran CEO Magazine, Where Veterans Lead The Way!
Jonathan HernandezFounder & Owner
Veteran CEO Magazine (VCEO) LLC
Disclaimer: All content in Veteran CEO Magazine is the exclusive property of Veteran CEO Magazine (VCEO) LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or otherwise used in any manner without the express written consent of VCEO LLC. Copyright 2024 by Veteran CEO Magazine (VCEO) LLC. Opinions and viewpoints are not necessarily the position of Veteran CEO Magazine (VCEO) LLC. For permission requests, please contact: vceo@vceomagazine.com
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Carlos Arenas
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Randy Hewage
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From Battlefield to Boardroom
The Corporate Transition of a Colonel
After 26 years as an active duty Army Blackhawk pilot, including 13 deployments each to Iraq and Afghanistan, Colonel Darrell Doremus faced what he considers one of his most daunting challenges yet: transitioning to civilian life. Now serving as the Director of Global Strategy and Analytics at Johnson & Johnson, Doremus reflects on his journey from military service to corporate
leadership, describing it in six powerful words: “daunting, nervous, excited, exhausting, lonely, and rewarding.”
The Countdown to Civilian Life
For many veterans, the transition sneaks up on them. “We’re never thinking of the end state of the career itself,” Doremus explains. “We may be always thinking about the mission and our day-to-day life, but we’re not thinking about the transition.” With only six to eight months to process out, veterans must navigate a complex maze of decisions, from medical records and VA benefits to life insurance, school choices for children, and perhaps most crucially, their next career move.
Doremus frames the career decision around what he calls “the three ‘shuns’ (tions)”compensation, vocation, or location. “They say if you can get one of them, you’re doing well. Two? Phenomenal. You’ll probably never get three because that’s the dream job that none of us will ever have.”
From Combat Zones to Corporate Culture
The transition from military to civilian life brings unique challenges. For Doremus, moving from being a subject matter expert in the military to a novice in the corporate world was particularly nerve-wracking.
“You never want to disappoint the person you’re working for, even if that person is a 24-year-old who is now the subject matter expert,” he notes.
His job search began broadly, casting a wide net before becoming more targeted. Eventually, he found his way to Johnson & Johnson’s Experience Military Veterans Leadership Development Program (EMVLDP), which offers veterans with 20+ years of experience two nine-month rotations within the company. The program’s values-based approach resonated
with Doremus, reminding him of military serviceresponsibility to patients mirroring responsibility to soldiers, responsibility to employees echoing responsibility to families.
The Hidden Challenges
What many don’t realize is the mental toll of the transition. “I’ve done a lot of things - 26 years, 13 deployments to Iraq, 13 to Afghanistan. This was probably one of the most exhausting experiences I’ve had in my life from a mental perspective,” Doremus reveals. The stress of providing for family, maintaining networks, and constantly putting yourself out there can be overwhelming.
habits learned in the military, such as physical fitness and meditation, and being open with family. He’s also found purpose beyond his corporate role, serving as a volunteer firefighter in his community.
For other transitioning veterans, Doremus offers this advice: be prepared for the challenges, both expected and unexpected.
“In combat, I usually knew a little bit about the enemy and their tactics. In transition, you’re going into areas where you have none of that knowledge,” he says. But with proper preparation, support, and resilience, the transition, though daunting, can ultimately be rewarding.
“In combat, I usually knew a little bit about the enemy and their tactics. In transition, you’re going into areas where you have none of that knowledge,”
Perhaps most surprisingly, the transition can be incredibly lonely. “In the military, we’ve all been part of teams,” Doremus explains. “When you get out, pack your stuff, and move away from the base, the gate closes and you’re a team of one.” This loneliness extends beyond the veteran to their family, who must also adapt to new communities where others may have generational ties.
Finding New Purpose
Despite the challenges, Doremus has found ways to thrive in his civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining
TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE:
Anxious, deliberate, assisted, smooth and successful.
Those are the five words Robert Hastings used to summarize his transition from a 22-year military career to the civilian workforce. Hastings, a former Army attack helicopter pilot and public affairs officer who later became Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Bell, shared insights from his own journey during an interview with Veteran CEO Magazine.
Describing the transition as "anxious" is understandable given the magnitude of the change. "It's a significant change. In fact, the longer you serve, it's probably even harder," Hastings said. After over two decades in
uniform, the military was the only career he had known since shortly after high school.
Extensive Planning Helped Him Achieve What He Want
However, that anxiety motivated him to be "deliberate" in planning his next steps three years before retiring. Hastings got an assignment to the national capital region. Along with that, he networked extensively and decided his best path was leveragin`g his public affairs background. "I ruled that out," he explained. "Pilots are one flight physical away from being unemployed."
The "assisted" part involved joining professional associations and finding
mentors who had transitioned before him. He was also connecting with veteranfriendly contacts to learn about potential career paths. "People want to help veterans," Hastings noted, saying he had around a 50% success rate simply by cold-calling leaders in his desired field.
Seeking Assistance When Needed
With proper planning and support, Hastings' transition was "smooth". That’s because he quickly landed his desired role after a handful of interviews. Making that transition "successful" required being very intentional, especially about the position level he pursued.
"I'm not a fan of getting in the door," Hastings cautioned about taking a job too junior for one's experience level. "Where you are on that ladder is where you start your climb." Resumes, cover letters, and interviews must clearly convey relevant management skills without embellishing military roles.
Developing Leaders and Teams
Hastings advocates tailoring professional development, whether certifications or advanced degrees, based on one's goals. For corporate leadership tracks, he encourages business over specialized credentials like an MBA rather than a communications master's degree.
Throughout the discussion, Hastings emphasized empowering teams over individual superstars. As a leader, he focuses on developing those around him and creating an environment where "the team gets stuff done." He tries to extract lessons from failures and views them as growth opportunities.
Drawing from an impactful experience early in his civilian career, Hastings recalled a CEO's reaction when an intern's mistake led to mailing 300 solicitation letters with
incorrect information. Rather than firing people, the CEO had the team identify what went wrong, took responsibility himself by hand-writing a corrected letter to each recipient, and used it as a teachable moment.
For those about to transition, Hastings' parting advice was: "Embrace the anxiety. Put together a deliberate plan of where you want to go. Reach out and get assistance. Network and listen to people. If you do that, then you have every reason to expect a smooth and successful transition."
Lessons from a Former Army Attack Pilot and Executive
FROM COMBAT CAMERA TO CEO:
Mark Harper’s Bumpy Transition to Media Exec
Mark Harper’s military career was focused on storytelling. As a Communications Officer in the Air Force, he ran the video unit for Combat Camera, documenting military operations around the world. “We were the eyes and ears, the combat photojournalists out there basically documenting everything the Department of Defense was doing,” he explained. He loved the mission, but after seven years, his passion for storytelling led him to leave the military for a career in media and entertainment.
Moving to Hollywood without a Plan
The first adjustment was just the move itself. “My first day out was in pursuit of moving physical location from Charleston, South Carolina, to the Air Force Base there, out to Los Angeles,” he recalled. He didn't have a set plan yet; he just had a destination and a dream to bring his skills to Hollywood.
He knew the entertainment world would be more significant than military productions but wasn’t sure where he would fit in. “I didn't know where I would get there. I didn't know how I would get in the room,” he admitted. He soon realized he needed a compelling story to open doors but found that he needed two versions of his story.
Translating Military Skills in Civilian Life
In informational meetings, Harper would highlight his military background, sharing Combat Camera briefing books to showcase his skills. This impressed some executives, like the one on NBC who saw the operational imagery Harper had gathered. But others, like the HR rep he spoke to about a production job, felt his military service made him seem entitled.
Harper quickly learned, “There's a pretty big military-civilian divide, and the way I presented the information to this representative was very matter-of-fact.” The HR rep saw his experience as irrelevant to the corporate production world. Harper realized he had to carefully translate his experience and capabilities to civilian positions, “drawing that line for them” between his capabilities and open jobs.
Early Lessons in Marketing from Hollywood
Eventually, at Technicolor, the firm making DVDs, Harper reframed his experience as a project and production manager for entertainment products, allowing him to transition into digital marketing roles. But early on, hiding his military service was
sometimes needed to advance.
For other veterans struggling to create a compelling career story, Harper advises, “Your story is about getting through that translation for them by way of communicating a road for them to kind of let you get there.” The key is understanding what skills civilian employers need and clearly demonstrating how your military experience lines up.
He had to learn this the hard way, but eventually, he was able to make a case for how running Combat Camera prepared him for production and marketing roles in entertainment.
The Bumpy Road to Startup Success
After some bumpy early jobs, Harper went back to school at UCLA on the GI Bill. He started a high-end headphone company called Audeze Audio with some contacts from Technicolor. Raising money was extremely difficult; it took 18 months for funding to actually arrive after securing a $4.5 million commitment from Warner Music.
Like most startups, it was “a lot of constant reassessing, reevaluating, and trying to work through those challenges.” But Harper likened the grind to his time in service: “a lot of highs and a lot more lows...most of the time you were quote unquote embracing the suck, and there's a lot of that in being an entrepreneur, especially in the very early days.”
Creating Content for the Military Community
His next major venture proved a brighter opportunity. Harper was one of the first executives at We Are the Mighty, a media company focused on military storytelling across video and social media platforms. It felt like an extension of his work in Combat Camera and allowed Harper to return to his passion for creating content that resonates
with the military community.
Rising through the Ranks in Media Rising to Chief Marketing Officer, President, and eventually CEO, Harper played a “co-founder” role, focused on audience, content, and revenue growth to build this startup into an influential brand. Last year, it was acquired by Recurrent Ventures, which also owned military news site Task & Purpose. Though once competitors, Harper now oversees both properties as General Manager of Recurrent’s military portfolio.
Lessons Learned from a Bumpy Transition
Reflecting on his winding path through startups, corporates, failures, and comebacks, Harper emphasized the value of relationships in entertainment and business. Early mentor David Gale, ex-head of MTV Films, told him, “Be nice to people on your way up because they're the same people you're going to see on your way down.”
Keeping an open, helpful spirit has served Harper well through the ups and downs after his bumpy military transition. With support from veteran entrepreneurs, civilians who get it, and the military community, more veterans can find media careers where their unique stories are assets, not obstacles.
A Marine Veteran's Journey:
From Military Service to Civilian Life
With
24 years of service in the Marine Corps as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Deputy Director for Public Affairs, Staci Reidinger found herself at a crossroads in life when she made the decision to retire. A process of growth and self-discovery, Staci stresses the crucial need to “discover your identity outside of uniform,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with many veterans.
The First Year: A Time of Transition
Taking the advice of a close mentor, she decided to “leave while there is still applause.” The decision to conclude her military career on a high note also meant she would leave the military when she felt she had significant influence in the career field. However, in the year after getting out, she wondered if she had made the right decision.
Overcoming shared obstacles creates a distinctive strength of camaraderie in the military, a bond that is often hard to replicate in civilian life. This contrasts with the civilian realm, which often seemed scattered and individual. However, Stacie adjusted as she appreciated the different
approaches to military skills and translated them into words that her non-military colleagues could understand. In her article “365 Days After Leaving the Military... what I've realized,”
Staci emphasizes the importance of finding a work environment that suits your specific needs, from leadership and co-workers to operational tempo and purpose-driven work.
Isolation and Finding Support
Transitioning to civilian life was not without its challenges for Staci. Despite being surrounded by a military community in San Diego, she felt a profound sense of isolation. The comfort and built-in support system she had grown accustomed to in the Marine Corps were noticeably absent. This change felt akin to going from 85 miles per hour
on the freeway to pulling off onto a silent country road. Staci eventually overcame her isolation by joining veteran organizations and mentoring active-duty service members, a search for purpose that yielded significant results.
Keys for Transition
Staci's journey has taught her valuable lessons, which she shares with transitioning service members. She emphasizes the need to start planning early before transitioning to civilian life. Factors such as financial stability, retirement benefits, and career goals are all crucial in deciding the most suitable moment to leave employment. Staci also highlights the value of transitional classes offered by the military, which can be utilized even after separating from the military. Staci’s encourages transitioning service members to ask themselves these questions:
- What are my personal and professional goals over the next 3-5 years?
- Who is my support network outside of the military?
- What mission will fulfill my purpose in life?
Mentorship and Giving Back
Passion for mentorship is a prominent part of Staci’s personal transition. She mentors college students and veterans pursuing subsequent careers, providing advice on networking, career planning, and community engagement. She particularly promotes building and nurturing relationships with industry organizations and community groups to gain relevant experience.
Staci also noted that taking off the uniform doesn’t mean you have to be done serving the community. Staci's step-by-step path granted her leadership positions in nonprofit organizations like HomeAid San Diego and Cause San Diego. As such, she had an opportunity to combine her talent, knowledge, and love for care work.
Staci's voyage through life after the military reflects the complexities of the transition and the path to finding the purpose. Through mentorship, non-profit work, and resilience, Staci discovered her way and encouraged others to trust that their military experience was enough to help them be successful in life after the military.
Beyond the Uniform
How a Purple Heart Recipient
Redefined His Career After Service
Jason David, “JD”, former Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Defense
Media Activity, the transition from military to civilian life can be summed up in six powerful words: "There are opportunities in every challenge." This philosophy, given to him by his supervisor Joy Josephson during his time in Iraq, has guided his approach to navigating the complexities of military transition.
Embracing New Opportunities
As an Executive Vice President at Gov Com Solutions, JD has successfully transitioned from military service to an executive leadership role. His journey, however,
wasn't without its challenges. As a combatwounded Purple Heart recipient who has undergone multiple surgeries and joint replacements in the years following his injury, one of his primary concerns was finding employment that would allow him to contribute meaningfully without physical strain.
"Would I be able to find employment on the outside that met my physical needs? Could I do things where I was still effective? I still felt like I could contribute to a team, maybe with my mind more so than my hands."
JD reflected on his concerns during the transition.
Taking Time to Find Your Path
JD emphasizes the importance of taking time during the transition process. While many veterans feel rushed to immediately secure their next paycheck, he advises a more measured approach. "You are going to feel rushed, you are going to feel like you don't have enough time and that you don't have enough resources," he acknowledges.
Background research and preparation take time, and JD recommends ideally that service members give themselves at least two years before separation.
JD also recommends making sure service members take the time to take care of their physical health. Medical appointments take time to complete, and Veteran’s Affairs (VA) medical appointments often take place in the middle of the work day. If Veterans can us available benefits and resources that help provide a little breathing room between jobs, they can spend more time focusing on their health and won’t have to take time from work to attend medical appointments.
Understanding Available Resources
Veterans have access to numerous resources during their transition:
UCX (Unemployment Compensation for ExService Members): This program provides
financial support during the job search period, with payment amounts based on the 30-year rate for your pay grade.
GI Bill Benefits: Both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills offer education benefits and housing stipends, allowing veterans to pursue further education or training. This stipend can help provide service members the time needed to train new skills while researching the next professional role and networking with professionals in the civilian sector.
VA Resources: The VA.gov website provides access to Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who can guide veterans through the claims process and other benefits. Even if a veteran has been out of service for years, a VSO can help file a claim or request a decision review.
The Power of Networking
JD strongly emphasizes the importance of networking during transition. "Your network is your net worth," he states, noting that job opportunities often come from unexpected connections. His own position as a chief experience officer came through "a friend of a cousin's veteran's aunt" - highlighting the unexpected ways networking can lead to opportunities.
Changing Perspectives
The transition from military to civilian life requires a shift in mindset. In the military, many aspects of life are contained within
a "bubble" - housing, food, and consistent pay are often taken care of. The civilian world operates differently, requiring more personal time management and planning.
Finding Your Version of Success
JD encourages transitioning veterans to focus on what they want to do, not just what they think they need to do. By using available resources and taking time to explore options, veterans can find a path that aligns with their goals and capabilities. "The civilian world is huge," he notes, emphasizing the vast array of possibilities available to veterans.
For those currently serving and contemplating transition, JD's journey offers valuable insights. By approaching challenges as opportunities, taking time to prepare, utilizing available resources, and building strong networks, veterans can successfully navigate the path from military service to civilian success.
As JD's experience shows, the key to a successful transition lies not in rushing to the next phase, but in thoughtful preparation and a willingness to explore new opportunities. After all, in every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and success.
From Scary to Successful:
A Veteran’s Journey into Civilian Life
When Air Force Major Mike Nachshen discovered his career field was slated for massive cuts, he had to make an unexpected and daunting transition out of military service far sooner than planned. “It was terrifying to think about how I’d get a job and pay the bills,” he recalls. Like many servicemembers, the uncertainty he faced was both “scary and overwhelming.” The Air Force had always guided his path, but now difficult questions flooded his mind. “Where would I live? What would I wear? It was a lot to process.”
The Power of Networking
While scared, Mike and his wife felt it was the right move and he began earnestly networking to chart his course. He found networking was a skill he’d never formally learned but knew could open doors. Mike focused on having purposeful conversations where both parties benefit. “You’re really looking for three things – advice, information, or a referral,” he explains. He discovered invaluable perspectives on civilian careers and life by boldly asking questions.
Seeking Help to Cope
Mike coped through obsessive workouts but wishes he’d felt comfortable seeking mental
health support, which had more stigma at the time. He advises veterans today to get help as needed because “it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Opening Doors
This networking paid off when a wellconnected veteran mentor made a pivotal introduction to an executive at Raytheon. “It’s as much about you interviewing them as them interviewing you,” Mike believes. “If they don’t treat you well as a candidate, it shows how things will be long-term.” He heeded warning signs with certain companies. After a different firm invited him to meet the team at a restaurant but didn’t even buy him a drink while everyone else enjoyed a meal, he passed hard. “Could have been my coworkers and they can’t even pay $1.29 for my Diet Coke?” Mike trusted his Spidey-senses.
Exploring Options
Beyond advice that leads to jobs, Mike is grateful for all the generosity he has encountered. The knowledge others shared let him explore industries to find the right fit back in defense work. “It takes a village,
and I had great kindness from people that helped me.” He believes in paying that guidance forward. Years later, when he had a question about a company, he reached out to someone he briefly advised when she was a college student, and she eagerly helped despite being on maternity leave.
Leveraging Lessons as a Leader
Ultimately, Mike spent over 15 years rising to executive roles at Raytheon. When a consolidation and reorganization hit in 2023, he again leveraged his network to evaluate a pivotal next step carefully. Within a weekend, he and his wife decided to take an executive buyout severance package and launch his own consultancy, Fortis Strategic Communications, LLC. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help clients in ways I really enjoy,” he says.
Advice for the Future
Mike credits smart relationship-building, self-awareness, and constant learning for his success. For those facing scary transitions now, he advises humility, strategic planning of next steps, and trust in yourself – skills well-honed throughout military service. “It’s okay not to have all the answers as long as you start asking the right questions.”
Tony Teravainen's transition from military to civilian life wasn't a choice—it was a "slow-motion train wreck" that he described felt like watching as a spectator in his own life. As a successful nuclear planner and estimator for submarines in the Navy, Teravainen had rapidly advanced to E-6 in just four years, a testament to his exceptional performance and leadership. However, his military career was cut short when an undiagnosed medical condition— chronic pancreatitis—forced him into medical retirement after eight and a half years of service.
The Impact of Forced Transition
The news hit him hard. "You can't be in the Navy anymore," the diving officer told him. Teravainen recalls the moment
From Nuclear Submarines to Nonprofit Leadership:
A Veteran's Journey
vividly: "Your head fades out, and it kind of turns into Charlie Brown's teacher... Words happening, and you just drift out of your body, and you're watching the situation devolve." All he could think about was how to save his position, desperately trying to negotiate ways to stay in the service he loved.
Military Roots Run Deep
For Teravainen, like many veterans, the military wasn't just a job—it was an identity. Born into a military family with an Air Force father, he had spent his entire childhood moving around the world, living on Air Force bases. The military mindset was deeply ingrained in his psyche, making the forced transition to civilian life particularly challenging.
Finding a Bridge to Civilian Life
Fortunately, Teravainen found a lifeline in an unexpected place: Sony Electronics. The company was expanding its manufacturing and actively recruiting veterans for their technical skills. The environment at Sony proved to be a crucial steppingstone in
his transition. "It was a very militaristic environment," Teravainen explains. The structure allowed him and other veterans to slowly integrate into civilian life while utilizing their military-honed skills.
Professional Growth and Giving Back
Over his 12-year tenure at Sony, Teravainen advanced from a maintenance mechanic to management positions. He completed his education, earning degrees in engineering and business management. When hiring, he specifically sought out veterans, recognizing their problem-solving abilities and work ethic.
The Birth of a New Mission
However, his most significant career pivot came when he was asked to help develop a nonprofit serving military families. Drawing from his personal experience as both a military child and a veteran, Teravainen saw an opportunity to address the challenges facing transitioning service members and their families. This led to the founding of Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), a nonprofit dedicated to helping junior military members, recent veterans, and their families achieve financial selfsufficiency.
Understanding the Transition Challenge
Teravainen's journey illuminates the complex challenges veterans face during transition. He likens it to moving to another English-speaking country: "You can read the signs, you can figure out how to feed yourself, but can you integrate into that society without getting these minute societal norms and differences?"
The Phantom Limb of Military Service
One of the key insights Teravainen shares is the concept of "phantom limb syndrome" in military transition. The military becomes
like a limb—an integral part of one's identity and daily functioning. When that's suddenly removed, veterans often struggle with the loss, longing for the sense of purpose, responsibility, and belonging they had in service.
A Message of Hope for Transitioning Veterans
Today, as CEO of STEP, Teravainen uses his unique perspective to help other veterans navigate their transitions. His message to transitioning service members is hopeful: "The future's bright. Our communities need people like you—values-based, determined people who have accomplished something." He emphasizes that veterans shouldn't feel pressured to immediately find their perfect civilian career. "Less than 10% of people who get out of the military knew their first civilian job existed when they were in service," he notes. Instead, he advises veterans to be open to opportunities, build genuine networks, and understand that their military experience has prepared them for success in ways they might not yet realize.
The Pressures and Pitfalls of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
The Story of Pat Hubbell and Candorful
While at Cornell, Pat saw firsthand the power of mock interviews. Students who went through mock interviews were twice as likely to land their desired jobs and did so six months faster than students who didn't practice. Pat became convinced that more transitioning veterans needed this kind of personalized coaching to succeed after the military.
So, in 2016, Pat and her cofounder Pete Sukits, a veteran himself, founded Candorful. Their goal was to connect transitioning veterans and military spouses with experienced professionals who could coach them through practice interviews.
The Rewards of Candorful
Pat Hubbell is dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian life. Her passion for assisting veterans grew out of her experience working with MBA students at Cornell University and her passion for innovation.
Building Candorful has been very rewarding for Pat. "I walk away feeling uplifted by people," she says of her interactions with veterans. Their gratitude also inspired her to expand Candorful's services. In 2018, the organization served 180 people. In 2023, Candorful will have supported over 1,200 veterans and military spouses with interview preparation.
The Challenges for Veterans
Still, Pat is aware of the challenges veterans face when entering the civilian job market. She cautions that there is rarely an easy transition from the military one day to a civilian career the next. Veterans need to start planning their transitions as far in advance as possible, even one year in advance. This allows time to polish your resume, build networking connections, and prepare for the interview experience. It also accounts for the reality that landing the right job takes months of effort and perseverance.
Helping Military Spouses
Military spouses have their own hurdles to
overcome as well. Spouses often struggle to speak about their own skills confidently because military life accustoms them to talk about themselves primarily as their spouse’s supporter. Candorful coaches work specifically on guiding military spouses to articulate their personal assets.
Advice for All Transition Stages
No matter where someone is in their transition journey - just starting to consider getting out or in their final months of service - Pat emphasizes that tailored interview prep shortens the path to meaningful civilian employment. Preparation breeds confidence and the ability to communicate confidently.
Looking Ahead for Candorful
As Candorful moves into its sixth year of operations, Pat is focused on expanding the organization’s reach and impact. She aims to serve 2,000 veterans and military spouses in 2025. Pat also wants to engage more volunteers to meet the demand for Candorful’s services.
No matter how large Candorful grows, Pat stresses that personalized attention remains key. She explains, “Mock interviews were the ingredient that made a measurable difference to MBA students’ career success. We apply that same principle to make veterans irresistible candidates and confident leaders in business.”
So, while logistics evolve, Candorful stays rooted in its original vision - empowering veterans and families through customized interview preparation. Pat firmly believes this improves lives, companies, and communities. And data supports it, with 97% of candidates saying that practicing with Candorful helped them land the job.
From Transition to Transformation:
A New Perspective on Veterans' Post-Service Journey
For many veterans, the shift from military to civilian life has traditionally been labeled as a "transition" - a term that Marine Corps veteran Dave Burlin believes may inadvertently set the stage for challenges. In a recent interview with Veteran CEO Magazine, Burlin proposed a paradigm shift: instead of transition, think expansion and transformation.
Reframing the Conversation
"I'm trying to take the word 'transition'
out of our vocabulary," Burlin explains. "Sometimes, it's just a matter of changing those words that might change the mindset." This insight came from his own experience and was crystallized during a coaching session with celebrity influencer coach David Meltzer. When Burlin spoke about "transitioning" from his successful career as a wedding DJ, Meltzer interrupted: "You're not transitioning, you're expanding."
Two Paths: Support vs. Growth
Burlin identifies two distinct trajectories for veterans post-service: post-traumatic stress (or support) and post-traumatic growth. While acknowledging the reality of service-related challenges, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on growth opportunities. This growth, he suggests, stands on three pillars:
1. Education - Using veteran benefits for further learning
2. Employment - Connecting with organizations offering veteran inclusion programs
3. Entrepreneurship - Transforming ideas into viable businesses
The Entrepreneurship Journey
As the program manager for entrepreneurship at Vets in Tech, Burlin is particularly passionate about helping veterans explore business ownership. However, he cautions against what he calls the "Shark Tank economy" - the misconception that success comes from pitching an idea and receiving instant funding.
"Just because it's a good idea does not make it a good business," Burlin emphasizes, channeling advice from co-founder of Priceline & Chairman of the Board for Global Entrepreneurship Network Jeff Hoffman. Instead, he advocates solving
real problems and offers a counterintuitive approach to securing support: "If you go and ask somebody for money, they will give you great advice. But if you go and ask people for great advice, as they unpack the problem with you, they will come to the conclusion that you just need a little money."
Breaking Stereotypes
Burlin challenges common veteran stereotypes, noting that not every veteran is homeless, suicidal, needs a job, or has seen combat. While appreciating initiatives that offer veterans free services, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on growth and opportunity rather than perpetuating a culture of "handouts."
Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
For veterans interested in entrepreneurship, Burlin recommends several organizations:
• Vets in Tech
• Bunker Labs
• Warrior Rising
These organizations provide resources, mentorship, and sometimes funding
opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.
The Military Advantage
Burlin believes veterans are uniquely positioned for entrepreneurial success. "The things that we learned in the military aren't always necessarily adaptable into all civilian jobs," he notes. "But entrepreneurship is not a job - we're solving problems, and that's all we did in any support of the battlefield."
A Lighthouse for Others
Perhaps most importantly, Burlin sees veteran success stories as beacons of hope for others. "Every time we are successful in our own expansion and transformation, it becomes a lighthouse for other veterans who may be struggling in their transition from service to civilian life."
By reframing the post-military journey as an opportunity for expansion and transformation rather than just transition, veterans can open themselves to new possibilities and growth, ultimately leading the way for others to follow.
