Make Your Move with Gene Moran

Returning for a second episode, Loree Draude, a former Lieutenant Commander of the U.S. Navy and Naval Aviator, opens up about the joys and challenges of pursuing creative outlets.   SUMMARY Loree, a former naval aviator, made a captivating appearance on episode 8 of the Make Your Move podcast. She not only shared her remarkable military experiences but also discussed her achievements in life after the military. In her return to the show, Loree offers valuable insights into the importance of pursuing one's passions, emphasizing that age or personal circumstances should never hinder the pursuit of one's dreams.   Loree's relentless pursuit of her passion led her to create a captivating one-person show called "I Feel the Need," inspired by the experiences of women naval aviators in the 90s. With remarkable dedication, she has showcased her show at various prestigious venues, including the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Now, she is eagerly preparing for her upcoming performance at the esteemed Hollywood Fringe Festival in mid-June. Don't miss the opportunity to witness Loree's incredible talent on stage! The festival describes the show as: “Former U.S. naval aviator, Loree “Rowdy” Draude, was one of the first women to fly combat jets in the military. An accidental aviation pioneer, she served for ten years, during which she deployed twice to the Persian Gulf and was selected to be an instructor pilot and a landing signal officer. In her award-winning one-woman show, I Feel the Need, she takes to the cockpit again and brings the audience along on a G-force trip as she lands on an aircraft carrier and recounts the adventure, humor and tragedy she experienced during her historic deployment on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.”    Loree draws insightful parallels between the challenges she encountered during her service and the obstacles that individuals may encounter in the business world. She delves into these similarities, offering valuable perspectives for listeners. Furthermore, this inspiring episode also features Loree's thoughts on the new Top Gun Maverick movie. Tune in to discover more!   Gene’s business tip: Are you challenging your thinking and asking “why” more often? EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:10 - 06:55 Loree describes her creative outlet.  08:05 - 16:21 Challenges of being deployed on an aircraft carrier. 16:22 - 29:29 Loree’s live show and challenges - “I Feel the Need.” 29:30 - 34:09 What Loree thinks of the new Top Gun Maverick movie. 34:10 - 40:56 Follow your passion  40: 57 - 42:38 Gene’s Biz Tip                         YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/67   Connect with Loree Draude on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Loree’s Hollywood Fringe Festival June 2023 performance here.

US Army veteran, Dan Cooper shares his 8 years of service and how having a “Buddha Mind” has helped him find real balance in life.   SUMMARY Dan Cooper, a remarkable individual, embarked on his journey with the US Army in 2000, proudly serving with the esteemed 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) until 2003. Little did he know that his life would forever be impacted on that fateful day, 9/11, when a plane struck the Pentagon while he and his unit were just half a mile away, engaged in riot control training. In the blink of an eye, his unit swiftly transitioned to providing security at the site and tirelessly sifting through the rubble.    In 2003, Dan concluded his active-duty service. He joined the Reserve Drill Sergeant Unit, a supposedly "non-deployable" unit, only to find himself deployed to Iraq from 2006 to 2007. The experiences he encountered on the battlefield instilled in him what he aptly terms the "Buddha Mind" – a mindset that hones in on controlling what can be controlled while minimizing distractions.   After eight years of service under his belt, Dan eventually chose to transition out of the military and pursue his passion for health and mindset. His unwavering dedication led him to achieve a doctorate in chiropractic medicine, subsequently practicing in a renowned sports-focused clinic that catered to professional athletes, including NFL and MLB players, as well as Olympians. Today, Dan is the driving force behind his own independent concierge chiropractic practice, where he continues to provide care to his clients.   Dan Cooper's journey serves as a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to personal growth.    Gene’s business tip: Are we relying too much on Power Point slides?  You may agree with his point! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:54 – 14:34 Dan Cooper’s 8 years of service. 14:35 – 21:08 Post-military life in chiropractic medicine 21:09 – 24:40 Finding balance – recovery is where growth happens. 24:41 – 27:22 Gene’s Biz Tip - Are we relying too much on Power Point slides?                          YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/66   Connect with Dan Cooper on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Dr Dan Cooper here.

Paul Taylor, US Army Colonel (Ret.) and cancer survivor shares how cultivating relationships can often open the door to new post-military career opportunities.   H3 SUMMARY   Paul Taylor is a West Point graduate who served in the US Army for 23 years. He describes his military career as having two distinct parts. In the first part, he served as an Armor officer in various roles, including commanding at the squadron level with the 101st Airborne. During the second part of his military career, Paul transitioned to a Congressional fellowship on Capitol Hill and later worked as a liaison officer with the Armed Services Committee of the Senate and US House. In this role, he collaborated closely with the United States Congress to influence essential policies and funding decisions for the Department of Defense and the Army.   After taking health and family into consideration, Paul decided to transition out of the military and settle in Kansas City. While looking for career opportunities in the area, he was connected to a new startup in the defense space, where he worked for a year before being appointed as the Regional Administrator for the US Midwest at FEMA.   Following his time at FEMA, Paul started his own consulting firm before joining Tidal Basin Group where he is currently their Regional Vice President.   Gene’s business tip for this episode is about domestic air travel.  Don’t miss it! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:41 - 06:39 Paul Taylor’s 23 years of active duty service. 06:40 – 29:05 How cultivating relationships led to post-military career opportunities. 29:06 – 34:24 How Paul describes work and life balance                        YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/65   Connect with Paul Taylor on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Tidal Basin here.

The host of the Make Your Move podcast, Gene Moran, shares 10 business tips sure to help you achieve success in both federal and commercial.   SUMMARY Welcome to today's episode. Distilling his expertise, Gene offers invaluable insight on how to navigate the federal sales process and achieve success in business.   In this episode, Gene shares his ten easy-to-remember business tips that will benefit any company. He draws from his personal experiences and provides examples of what to do and what not to do when selling to the federal government or running your own business.   Whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for a while, Gene's tips are sure to help you succeed when it comes to running your business and pursuing federal funding opportunities. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:01 - 02:11 Tip #1- Know your numbers. 04:36 - 05:35 Tip #3 - Get in the habit of saying yes. 08:40 - 10:59 Tip #6 - Do this. 11:00 - 12:43 Tip #7 - Selling to the federal government is about (_____). 12:44 - 14:33 Tip #8 - What you can do to policy. 14:34 - 16:16 Tip #9 - Not everybody matters the same.             YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/64   Connect with Gene Moran on LinkedIn here.   Connect with Gene Moran on Instagram here.   Learn more about Gene’s business - Capitol Integration here.

In this podcast episode, US Army veteran Eric Bakey shares his journey from serving in Iraq to leaving the military after six years. Discover how Eric's artistic talents helped him find his dream career once he gained clarity on his goals and aspirations.   SUMMARY   In this podcast episode, we hear from Eric Bakey, who enlisted in the US Army as an engineer right after high school and later served in Ramadi, Iraq. Eric discusses his deployment experience and how it fueled his ambition to join the special forces, though he ultimately did not succeed in that pursuit. At 24, he left the military after six years of service, feeling uncertain about his future.   Struggling to find direction, Eric turned to alcohol as a way to force himself to make a decision about his life. He recounts the transformative moment when a Master Sergeant called him and urged him to sign up for a program called Helmets to Hardhats, which put him on a new career trajectory. After working in the elevator industry, Eric discovered his artistic talents and ventured into online marketing before finally landing his dream job at Boeing as a visual practitioner.   After the interview, Gene shares a valuable business tip on sales communications.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:55– 07:53 Eric’s US Army career. 07:54 – 22:10 Transitioning and the Helmets to Hardhats program. 22:11 – 26:33 Eric’s artistic abilities leads to his dream career. 26:34 – 28:46 Lessons learned and finding balance. 28:47- 32:00 Gene’s Biz Tip – Sales Communications YOUR MOVE   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/63 Connect with Eric Bakey on LinkedIn here. Connect with Eric Bakey on Instagram here. Visit Eric’s website here. Learn about Helmets to Hardhats here.

I welcome Ralph DiBenedetto, a former Marine who enlisted right after high school and dedicated seven years to serving his country. He shares why having a plan and asking questions can help you with career transitions.   SUMMARY   In this episode I am joined by Ralph DiBenedetto, who followed in his grandfather's and father's service footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school. Ralph served as an anti-tank assaultman at Camp Lejeune for seven years before transitioning to civilian life. He pursued a criminal justice degree, which led him to work in private investigations and eventually in recruitment at a staffing firm. Ralph's dedication to professional growth and seizing training opportunities led him to his current role as a Senior Strategic Partnerships & Alliances Specialist with the Direct Employers Association.   Join Ralph and Gene as they explore the importance of having a plan and asking questions to successfully navigate a post-military career.    Be sure to listen to Gene’s business tip at the end of the podcast.  Gene shares why it may be time to change up your routine.       EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   02:12 – 06:04 Ralph’s U.S. Marine Corps career. 06:05 – 13:29 Preparing for transition and continuing education. 13:30 – 17:59 Ralph’s civilian career path. 18:00 – 23:20 Lessons learned and finding balance.       YOUR MOVE   Order your copy of Make Your Move – Charting Your Post-Military Career here.   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e62   Connect with Ralph DiBenedetto on LinkedIn here.   Learn about the Direct Employers Association here   Learn more about the Direct Employers Association Partnerships and Alliances here

Carla D. Bass, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel is responsible for managing vital communications between high-ranking government officials and Congress. She emphasizes the importance of effectively conveying one's story to make a meaningful impact.   SUMMARY   In this episode, Gene Moran talks with Carla Bass, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who continues to serve in the national intelligence community. From a young age, Carla knew she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and serve her country. After her retirement from active duty, Carla took a one-year break before joining the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).   The ODNI is a senior-level agency that provides oversight to the Intelligence Community. It primarily employs subject-matter experts in various areas, including collection, analysis, acquisition, policy, human resources, and management.    Carla shares with us the importance of telling a story through a resume and why details matter when exploring post-military career options. She emphasizes the power of the written word and how it can influence outcomes. In fact, she wrote a book on the subject called "Write to Influence!"   Join us in this episode as Carla shares her insights and experiences about transitioning from military to a civilian career and how to use effective communication to achieve your goals. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:56 – 04:55 Carla’s 30 years of active-duty service. 04:56 – 15:25 Preparing for transition. 15:26 – 19:07 Lessons learned and finding balance. YOUR MOVE   Most board members, CEOs and businesses owners don’t understand the nuances of influence. They try to “strike deals” or assert hierarchical power. But the future belongs to the fast-thinkers, and to the people who know that influence is about accountability, innovation and leverage.   “Influence” is the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone. Influence is reciprocal, the proverbial “win/win.”   Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence here.     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e61   Learn more about Write To Influence! here.   Connect with Carla Bass on LinkedIn here.

Former US Navy data systems and electronics technician, Rebecca Paris, served on the aircraft carrier, John C. Stennis and traveled the world. She turned down a $45,000 re-enlistment bonus when she decided she wanted to build her own company focused on financial intelligence.     SUMMARY  Veteran, Rebecca Paris, discusses her experience of active duty, including her role as a data systems technician on board the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis and riding in the Blue Angels’s C-130, “Fat Albert.”  Coming from a military family, with her grandfather serving in the Army and her dad in the Air Force, Rebecca had clear aspirations to serve in the military too.    In this interview, Rebecca emphasizes the role financial intelligence and security played in making the fundamental decision to leave the Navy and pursue civilian opportunities. She now faces uncertainty traveling through life as a civilian, but exciting things are on the horizon as she starts her own company.  She shares with us what work she has been doing to re-establish the balance in her life as a civilian.      EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS     Rebecca shares her experience as a data systems technician in the US Navy.   How she found her way to a civilian opportunity.   Finding balance in civilian life.       YOUR MOVE    Have you ordered your copy of Make Your Move?    Not everyone has a stake in the outcomes in the business of influence. How will you secure yours?  I co-wrote Million Dollar Influence with Alan Weiss to help people drive powerful decisions through language, leverage, and leadership.     All proceeds for the book go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors.    Ready to chart your post-military career? Order your copy of Make Your Move here.    Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e60    Connect with Rebecca Paris on LinkedIn here.

Former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, Kristen Alexander, shares how outreach and dialogue can create multiple post-military career opportunities.   SUMMARY   Retired U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer Kristen Alexander served on the USS Sampson and USS Pearl Harbor before becoming the first experimentation officer at the Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center in San Diego.   Her duties included developing a course of study to train surface warfare officers in tactics proficiency. Kristen was also responsible for collaborating with industry and academia to identify new technologies and tactics to help close warfighting capability gaps.   Kristen had been exposed to various organizations and networks throughout her military career, which ultimately led to career opportunities in civilian life. Her plan to transition out of the Navy was public, and companies interested in Kristen's skills reached out. She received multiple job offers and ultimately accepted a position as a researcher at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.   Alexander also discusses why having a timeline going into transition can assist with post-military career planning.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   02:14 – 09:13 Kristen’s US Navy active-duty career 09:15 – 36:25 The decision to transition out of the military and how connections and networks lead to opportunities. 36:26 – 39:19 Lessons learned and finding balance. YOUR MOVE   Have you ordered your copy of Make Your Move?   “Make Your Move is a pure joy to read! Gene Moran writes in a simple educational way that is both entertaining storytelling and mentoring wrapped up in one. His book helps set the stage to prepare anyone separating from the service no matter how long they were on active duty. His stories enlighten and spark a sense of, "Oh, that's what I need to do! My only advice for future readers, don't wait until you are preparing to get out of the service to buy this book. Instead, buy it while you are still in and heed the advice along the rest of your journey. Thus, setting yourself up for success well in advance. I wish I had a book like this much earlier in my career!” – Jeffrey H.   All proceeds for the book go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors. Ready to chart your post-military career? Order your copy of Make Your Move here.     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e59   Connect with Kristen Alexander on LinkedIn here.

From Electrician’s Mate to Career Recruiter. If you have seen any of the US Navy’s social media posts prior to 2021, chances are Grant Khanbalinov was the talent behind the media.   SUMMARY   Grant Khanbalinov joined the U.S. Navy as an electrician's mate, serving on two ships and completing six deployments before becoming a career recruiter at U.S. Navy Recruiting Command in Millington, Tennessee. As a national social media trainer, Khanbalinov shared his knowledge on how various social networks are used to communicate the benefits of a career with the Navy. In his final role as a career recruiter, he managed all social media accounts for the Navy from the Pentagon.   Khanbalinov was promoted to Chief in eight years and had planned to make a career out of the Navy. His plans changed when he faced a medical evaluation board after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. After serving nearly 13 years of active duty, he transitioned out of the military and began working with the civilian ad agency he worked closely with while serving in the Navy. Currently, he is working at Amazon in their healthcare organization.   Khanbalinov shares how networking with civilians and veterans helped him through the Medical Evaluation Board process and find civilian career opportunities. His advice to people leaving the military is to take a short break before jumping into another career, use the time to gain perspective, and focus on what life will be like in the civilian world.   Grant is still very much active on social media, such as TikTok, where he has 3.2 million followers.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:01 – 07:37 A 13-year active-duty US Navy career. 07:38 – 11:59 A Medical Evaluation Board leads to transition. 12:00 – 16:48 Networking with civilians and veterans for transition guidance. 16:49 – 24:50 Work/Life balance and lessons learned.   YOUR MOVE “As a retired Naval Officer I could really appreciate Gene's insights on making a tough decision to leave the Navy and even hard decision to leave "corporate safety" and strike out on his own. Gene's insights are meaningful and thought provoking! He does a wonderful job of weaving story telling with practical approaches to career management. I think in today's crazy world, job fulfillment is more important than ever so I appreciate the approach!” – Marty Groover Gene’s book, Make Your Move – Charting Your Post-Military Career is for you if you’re considering a transition into a career that fulfills you. Order your copy of Make Your Move here. All proceeds go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors in support of our veterans.      Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e58   Connect with Grant Khanbalinov on LinkedIn here.   Follow Grant on TikTok here.

Are you using the right tools of influence when selling to the federal government? Gene shares 7 tools of influence one should understand for successful federal funding outcomes.   SUMMARY   Gene has helped many clients navigate and move through the federal sales process by exposing them to opportunities many don’t even know exist. The result is millions of dollars in federal sales.   Can you move through the process faster than most? The answer is yes. Gene’s clients have skipped 12 to 18 months of the process by having their projects accelerated. This is done through thoughtful engagement across the constellation of decision makers—Industry, Agency, and Congress.   Gene shares 7 tools of influence with listeners to help them better understand why messaging and networking with the right people at the right time.  He shares that investing in your people can better position your company in the funding process, ultimately leading to funding in your favor.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:00 – 07:00 Funding and getting better positioned – client examples. 07:01 – 15:29 7 tools of influence and why they matter.  15:30 – 21:56 Timing and the importance of messaging and investing.       YOUR MOVE   Invest in your people by giving them the knowledge they require to navigate the federal sales process.  For less than the cost of attending a trade show, Capitol Currency℠ is a proven system that has achieved billions of dollars in federal sales and will teach you how to properly engage the federal government from start to finish.      Learn how Capitol Currency℠ can help you stand out from the crowd here.   Attend Gene’s FY24 Budget Brief - Everything You Need to Know FREE Zoom session on March 28th, 2023, at 09:00 AM by reserving your virtual seat here.    Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e57   Connect with Gene Moran on LinkedIn here

Follow along as Gene maps out a very busy travel schedule filled with high-level events, keynote speaking, award recognition, and scheduled meetings in Washington, DC.   SUMMARY Although Gene doesn’t recommend the schedule he kept over the last week in February to anyone, he does admit that each and every flight and hotel stay that took him to an event or meeting led to positive benefits for him personally and for his business.   Gene starts off at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, where he hosted a “Meet the Ringmasters” event. This 2 and half day event brought a dozen hand-picked defense industry executives together to discuss what is and isn’t working in the three rings of federal sales.     A short trip east to Orlando has Gene delivering a keynote speech on the topic of influence to attendees of the Military Service to Business Success Summit hosted by the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses.   Back on a plane and off to Washington, DC, for Friday meetings before jetting to Tallahassee, Florida, to accept the Florida State University Seminole 100 fastest-growing alumni-led companies award. Gene is one of only seven veteran-owned companies in the top 100.    From Tallahassee to Ft Walton Beach to meet with a client for Sentient Strategy®.   Next on the agenda is a trip to New York City for the Million Dollar Consulting Hall of Fame event, followed by 2 weeks of scheduled industry events in Washington, DC, focusing on coalition advocacy and his clients.   Busy is never the goal, but sometimes it’s the means to significant ends.   Entrepreneurship is still work!     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:00 - 02:01 Spring is a busy time of year 02:02 - 06:43 Meet the Ringmasters – Sarasota, FL 06:44 - 09:00 FAVOB event – Orlando, FL 09:01 - 09:43 Washington, DC 09:44 - 12:22 FSU Seminole 100 - Tallahassee, FL  12:23 - 14:25 Sentient Strategy® - Ft Walton Beach, FL 14:26 -17:29 Million Dollar Consulting Hall of Fame – NYC     YOUR MOVE     Sentient Strategy® can move you strategically in 12-18 months because it focuses you on things that matter and that you have some control over.  It is a proven method to focus your company and team on what matters most. Learn how Sentient Strategy® can help your company focus on decision-making here   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e56   Learn more about FSU Seminole 100  here   Connect with Gene Moran on LinkedIn here

Misty Cook, United States Marine Corp (Ret.) supported three and four-star General Officers for two decades during her military service as an Adjutant and now operates her successful business helping retired General and Flag officers at all stages of their transition.    SUMMARY Misty served 20 years on active duty as an Adjutant in the USMC.  Her duties included providing administrative support to three and four-star general officers which ultimately led to the founding of her business called COC.  Her business helps retiring General Officers and Flag Officers start and build their consulting businesses.   Transition planning was on Misty’s radar at the 15-year mark of her career.  She knew that COC was her dream business and started planning that post-military career path prior to her retirement from the Corps.     She credits starting a “side hustle” before starting COC for teaching her about the mistakes that can be made in business and when one should hire a business strategist to help guide an entrepreneur along the business journey which can ultimately prevent costly pitfalls.     Enjoying the freedom that comes with running her own business, Misty advises those transitioning out of military service to build a network of people doing different things.  A direct connection may not be able to offer a solution to your query but someone they know may. A large network yields many resources in life and in business.   Enjoy this episode and please share the Make Your Move podcast with fellow veterans.       EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:12 – 06:18 Summary of Misty Cook’s USMC 20-year active-duty career. 06:19 – 13:22 Leaving active-duty and planning for transition to entrepreneurship. 13:23 – 17:33 Unexpected upsides to transition and running a business. 17:34 – 19:28 Working on work/life balance.     YOUR MOVE   Not everyone has a stake in the outcomes in the business of influence. How will you secure yours?  I co-wrote Million Dollar Influence with Alan Weiss to help people drive powerful decisions through language, leverage, and leadership.      Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence here   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e55   Learn more about Misty Cook’s business - COC here   Connect with Misty Cook on LinkedIn here

T. Shane Johnson, USMC (Ret.) shares the ultimate story in perseverance.  He was left for dead following a terrible accident but fought back on a long road to recovery and now owns and operates several successful businesses.     SUMMARY   When Shane “T.Shane” Johnson was hit by a car of gang members and left for dead on the side of the highway, he knew there were only two options: he could be a victim or a victor. An active Marine, he chose the latter. Despite life-threatening injuries and unimaginable pain, T.Shane dragged himself to a fire station for help, flatlining three times before starting a long and painful road to recovery.  Once healed, Johnson retired from active service and became the founder and CEO of a successful mortgage business. In 2008, tragedy struck again when the market crashed. He lost everything and experienced homelessness for over two years. Drawing from the same determination that helped him overcome his near-fatal injuries, T.Shane worked his way back yet again.  Today, he is an entrepreneur and CEO of several successful businesses. Always looking for a way to pay it forward, T. Shane has dedicated himself to raising money for homeless veterans and shining a light on the devastating rate of veteran suicides. To date, he’s raised hundreds of thousands hiking across the country multiple times and set a world record for pushups and the fast one-mile run carrying a 100lbs Pack.  An acclaimed author and speaker, T.Shane’s story has been featured on Men’s Health, Fox and Friends, Forbes, USA Today, and more.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:22 – 08:11 Summary of T. Shane’s 4-year USMC career and the horrific accident that had him flatline three times and ultimately led to his transition out of the military following a long 8 months of rehabilitation. 08:12 – 14:53 Opportunities in the banking and finance sector led T. Shane into a successful mortgage career before the market collapsed in 2008. He lost everything but never gave up.  He bounced back and created successful businesses which he continues to operate today. 14:54 – 17:21 T. Shane shares his success and lessons in perseverance through his executive coaching, bestselling books and is currently building Big Guns Coffee with his daughter.  17:22 – 21:16 The upside for T. Shane is being a father and focusing on his mental and physical health.  Balance is found within his family.     YOUR MOVE   Transitioning from a military career to a civilian career can be a challenging process.  The Make Your Move podcast and book shares real-life stories of post-military career paths and the lessons learned along the way.  The information shared throughout these two resources can make a challenging process easier to navigate.  Please share this podcast in your social media feeds and help veterans transitioning out of military service find new rewarding career or business paths.     Order your copy of Make Your Move – Charting Your Post-Military Career here   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e54   Learn more about T.Shane’s books and incredible story here   Learn all about Big Guns Coffee here   Connect with T.Shane Johnson here

Zachary Green, United States Marine Corp. (Ret.) took his warrior spirit to corporate America after his active duty and reserve service and later founded his own multi-million-dollar company.   SUMMARY   Zachary Green joined the USMC in 1991 and was assigned to a cold weather infantry unit.  His goal was to serve in a combat role but as the years went by it appeared time was going to be spent in Garrison garrison and not fighting.  Changes came and went and so after 7 years of service, Zachary decided to transition out.     Without any career transition support from the Military, Zachary took his grit, perseverance, integrity, and courage and paved his own path.  A 10-year career in leadership and development at Eli Lilly and serving his community as a volunteer firefighter led to the founding of his company, MN8 LumAware/Firefox.  His entrepreneurial spirit had him leave his career at Eli Lilly and start his company from the trunk of his car which he later grew to over $30 million in sales.   He credits military service for giving him the warrior spirit and writes about his experience and how veterans can pursue entrepreneurship after leaving the service in his book – Warrior Entrepreneur.  The WarriorAcademe.com is another resource “where warriors regroup to learn the tactics of gaining superiority in both business and life.”   Zachary is passionate about helping veterans pursue the American dream after military service and believes anyone with warrior traits should be given a chance to demonstrate that they have what it takes to succeed in the corporate space.   He chooses not to slow down in life and business and gives back by lecturing graduating Marines about honor and commitment at Parris Island, SC. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:06 – 04:50 Summary of Zachary’s 7-year USMC career. 04:51 – 08:34 The decision to transition to civilian life. 08:35 – 13:00 A 10-year career at Eli Lilly and a volunteer firefighter position leads to the founding of Zachary’s business. 13:01 – 17:24 Unexpected upsides and finding work/life balance – Warrior Entrepreneur. YOUR MOVE   Written by Gene Moran and Alan Weiss, Million Dollar Influence is required reading for everyone who wants a stake in the outcomes in the business of influence. You’ll learn how to place your stake in the ground, marking critical positions that lead to your desired outcome. Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence- How to Drive Powerful Decisions Through Language, Leverage, and Leadership here   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e53   Learn more about Zachary’s book- Warrior Entrepreneur here   Learn all about the Warrior Academe here   Connect with Zachary Green here

Dr. Charles Stuppard, Captain, US Navy (Ret.) served just over 30 years before transitioning out of the Navy.  His secret ingredient to charting a post-military career path is networking.   SUMMARY   After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Charles committed to a 6-year engagement with the US Navy but ended up serving for just over 30 years.  He started out at flight school and soon realized he wanted to be at sea where he served on 6 warships including the USS Arleigh Burke as Commanding Officer.   A true leader, Charles was tasked with teaching leadership to incoming commanding officers before taking an assignment in command of the Little Creek-Fort Story joint Navy Army base in Virginia Beach, VA, home of the Navy SEALS and other joint warfighters.   The 30-year mark in Charles Navy career arrived while teaching at the Naval War College and it was then that he realized it was time to transition and chart his post-military career path.  He credits his volunteer and board of directors’ service at Cornell University for helping him carve his path which was a road less traveled by many veterans entering the corporate world.  Most choose to work for large defense companies whereas Charles chose to lead small and medium businesses allowing him to develop multiple entities before becoming the district director for a Congresswoman in Washington, DC.  He now operates his own consulting firm -Consulting & Leadership Services with a focus on leadership, defense and the Middle East.   His secret ingredient to carving a post-military path is networking which he shares throughout the episode.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:07 – 07:35 From a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University to a distinguished 30-year US Navy career.   07:36 – 11:27 Thinking about transition at the 30-year mark and how networking opened doors to future corporate leadership roles. 11:28 – 21:26 Learning from transition – Networking and mentoring 21:27 – 20:01 Work-Life balance, why selfcare is so important in life and business.     YOUR MOVE   The Make Your Move podcast is hosted by Gene Moran - Independent Advisor, Corporate Lobbyist, Congressional Liaison and Senior Naval Officer, US Navy Captain (Ret.). Learn more about Gene and Capitol Integration here   Order your copy of Make Your Move, the book that inspired the Make Your Move podcast here   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e52   Learn more about Consulting & Leadership Services here   Connect with Dr. Charles Stuppard here

Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, Senior Chief Petty Officer, US Navy (Ret.) shares his secret for going all in and his passion for leadership development.   SUMMARY   Enrique joined the US Navy in 1989 and served 26 years in the meteorology and oceanography community otherwise known as METOC.  He served on a Coast Guard Cutter and a Japanese ship before moving to land-based locations such as Hawaii, Florida and finally at METOC headquarters in Mississippi.    The planning for the transition to private life came quickly.  With only six months to plan, Enrique had to decide where to move his family and what career path he would embark on after active duty.  He credits his family and faith for helping him transition out of the military and starting his new journey in Orlando, Florida.   Having spent 26 years in the meteorology field, Enrique knew that he did not want to pursue a civilian career in the same space.  He did however know that his love and passion for leadership would create opportunities and allow him to carve a new career path.  After serving in a leadership position at a private company and later at the Florida Environmental Protection Agency, Enrique knew that it was time to go all in and start his own firm - Triad Leadership Solutions.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS     02:12 – 06:17 Enrique shares his 26-year US Navy career and duties. 06:18 – 11:30 Six months to plan a transition out of the military. How he did it. 11:31 - 15:18 The love of leadership and the next steps. 15:19 – 20:01 Enrique’s post-military career path and going all in. 22:02 – 25:05 Upsides to post-military career life and finding balance.     Your Move   This podcast was inspired by my book - Make Your Move - Charting Your Post-Military Career. 100% of the proceeds of Make Your Move go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors.  Freedom Fighter Outdoors started as an awareness of the physical, mental and emotional suffering of the men and women who served our country in the military. Order your copy of Make Your Move here   Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e51   Triad Leadership Solutions: https://triadleadershipsolutions.com Connect with Enrique here Developing The Leader Within Podcast: https://youtube.com/@dtlwpodcast     If you need assistance securing government funding for your product or solution, schedule a call with Gene or click here to learn more about the services available to help companies to improve their positions. Achieve the significant outcomes seen by the top-performing companies in federal sales.

The Make Your Move podcast enters a new season with special guest Carl Cramb, US Navy Captain (ret.). In episode 50, Carl shares his just over 29 years of US Navy active duty service, his transition to civilian life, and finding the right fit for both employees and companies.    Carl also shares why making time for yourself and finding the right fit are keys to success in post-military life.   SUMMARY   Carl Cramb served just over 29 years of active duty Navy service, attaining the rank of Captain. His duties included commanding a ship in Pearl Harbor, Chief of Staff at – US Second Fleet, and five tours at the Pentagon, working on various budget programs.   Carl began to explore the opportunities for transitioning out of the Navy at the 28.5-year mark by seeking advice from several of his mentors. He learned that one should start planning their post-military career early rather than waiting until transitioning out of service. After 29 years of service, Carl retired from the US Navy and entered the program management field before realizing it wasn’t the right fit for him. A move into business development at a US defense company proved to be the right fit and has led Carl to operate his own consulting firm assisting companies serving the defense industry with long-term strategies and business development.   Post-military life has provided Carl with the freedom to spend more time with his family and give back to his community. He is currently the President of the Sarasota- Manatee Council of the US Navy League.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS     02:25–06:06 Carl shares his 29.5-year US Navy career and duties.06:07 – 09:18 The decision to transition out of military service. 09:19 –15:14 Take some time for yourself and have a good perspective on what it is you truly want to do after serving.15:15 – 21:59 The upsides to post-military life and career and finding the right fit.22:00 – 23:54 Finding work/life balance.     Your Move     Show resources:  This book is intended to give back to the military community in which I served. I hope to convey lessons by opening up a bit and sharing some not-so-public details of my career that can save you years of frustration and accelerate your path forward. Another form of the give-back is my plan to provide 100 percent of the profits of this book to a great organization, Freedom Fighter Outdoors. I talk more about it in the book, but I want you to see upfront that this book really isn’t about me; it’s about you and others who will walk this path after us. If you have already left the service and are navigating your next career steps, this book is a great place to start. When service members transition from the military, they need to understand how to correctly leverage their experience into industry. It’s common for former military personnel to struggle to fully adapt in the early years of their new civilian careers. They often need help to navigate the culture change they will be experiencing. They are used to a certain orderliness and to training and becoming an expert at a particular job. In both entrepreneurship and corporate life, the path forward is not always linear or clearly defined.   Order your copy of Make Your Move here.   100% of the proceeds of Make Your Move go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors.   Freedom Fighter Outdoors started as an awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional suffering of the men and women who served our country in the military. Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e50   Connect with Carl Cramb here.    Learn about the US Navy League – Sarasota- Manatee Council here. Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence: How to Drive Powerful Decisions through Language, Leverage, and Leadership at www.milliondollarinfluence.com     If you need assistance securing government grants for your policy or product, schedule a call with Gene or click here to learn more about the services available to help companies to improve their positions and achieve significant improvements in federal sales outcomes.

Founder, host, and Navy veteran, Gene Moran shares his top 10 business tips from 2022. Gene shared 47 business tips on the Make Your Move Podcast in 2022. He has compiled 10, which he believes are beneficial for personal and professional growth.   SUMMARY   Gene has chosen 10 top business tips from the 47 tips he has shared over the 2022 Make Your Move podcast season. In this episode, you will hear from Gene on the following business tips:   Clear the underbrushCash flowTip generouslyTell your storyTell your story part 2Investment vs. financial planningTravel hacksThink about strategyPractice reflectionEmbrace your expertise   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   TOP 10 BUSINESS TIPS FROM THE 2022    03:29–08:02 Clear out the underbrush – The key to being organized08:03 – 09:35 Cash flow – Understanding the importance of cash flow09:36 –10:07 Tip generously – Generosity comes back to you10:08 – 13:15 Tell your story – Your identity can differentiate you from others13:16 – 17:27 Tell your story part 2 – What are your values?17:28 – 20:03 Getting investment help – Financial planning vs investment20:04 – 23:25 Travel hacks – World travel and personal exploration23:26 – 26:23 Think strategically26:24 -28:48 The art of reflection – Acknowledge what you have accomplished28:49 – 30:54 Embrace your expertise – Share your authority and your credibility       Your Move     Show resources:  If you’re a veteran, I encourage you to read Make Your Move and listen to the Make Your Move podcast, the book inspired. If you’d like to be a guest on my podcast, I’m accepting connections now for my 2023 episodes. Sharing elements of your story can help you by verbalizing what’s working for you and what you may want to tighten up. It also helps others coming along behind you in the long line of service. Reach back and lend someone else a hand by sharing your own lessons learned. If this interests you, send me an email at gene@capitolintegration.com.     100% of the proceeds of Make Your Move go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors.   Freedom Fighter Outdoors started as an awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional suffering of the men and women who served our country in the military.   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e49   Connect with Gene Moran here.    Learn about Gene Moran here. Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence: How to Drive Powerful Decisions through Language, Leverage, and Leadership at www.milliondollarinfluence.com

Founder, host and Navy veteran, Gene Moran shares key concepts learned from episode 42 – Mitch McGuffie. 43- Russ Long and 46 – Chris Kolenda.  Their decision-making skills and ability to recognize the value of having professional support proved insightful and may help you with your professional development in 2023.   Summary Gene provides a review of episodes 42, 43, and 46 and what his three guests focus on for life and professional development. A link to each episode can be found below.   Episode Highlights 00:00– 02:40 Episode 42 highlights with Mitch McGuffie – Decision Making 02:41 – 04:20 Episode 46 highlights with Russ Long – Professional Support 04:21– 06:10 Episode 43 highlights with Chris Kolenda – Professional development and giving back.   Your Move If you’re a veteran, I encourage you to read Make Your Move and listen to the Make Your Move podcast the book inspired. If you’d like to be a guest on my podcast, I’m accepting connections now for my 2023 episodes. Sharing elements of your story can help you by verbalizing what’s working for you and what you may want to tighten up. It also helps others coming along behind you in the long line of service. Reach back and lend someone else a hand up by sharing your own lessons learned. If this interests you, send me an email at gene@capitolintegration.com.   100% of the proceeds of Make Your Move go to Freedom Fighter Outdoors.   Freedom Fighter Outdoors started from an awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional suffering of many of the men and women who served our country in the military.   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/e48   Listen to episode 42 with Mitch McGuffie here.Listen to episode 43 with Chris Kolenda here.Listen to episode 46 with Russ Long here.   Connect with Gene Moran here.   Learn about Gene Moran here.   Connect with Gene on LinkedIn for more useful tips and proven strategies to maximize your post-military career success.   Learn more about Gene here.   Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence: How to Drive Powerful Decisions through Language, Leverage, and Leadership at milliondollarinfluence.net