Make Your Move with Gene Moran

In today's episode, Gene interviews special guest, John Rhatigan, the CEO of the Marine Machinery Association. John is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the marine and defense industries. He is here to provide us with valuable insights into his role as the chairman of the association, its mission, and how it has been navigating the complex challenges of the industry for over four decades.   SUMMARY   Gene Moran and John Rhatigan delve into the background of the Marine Machinery Association and its origins. John shares how the association has since evolved to become a crucial link between suppliers, shipyards, and the final customers, striving to make cooperation as seamless as possible.    Gene also explores John's impressive journey and how he found himself in his current leadership position. With a background in marine engineering and experience in shipbuilding, John's expertise and leadership roles in construction management have prepared him well for the challenges of his current position. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in the industry, highlighting the need to get along and get the job done. One of the crucial topics Gene discusses with John is the state of the industrial base and supply chains in the marine industry. John sheds light on how the industry has been impacted by tightening regulations and an increasing number of product specifications. He highlights the challenges faced by companies trying to keep up with these demands, leading to some businesses pulling out of the defense industry.    Additionally, John highlights the pressing need for a skilled workforce to build the ships of the future and the importance of collaboration between industry, parents, schools, and the Navy and Coast Guard to develop and retain the necessary talent. Tune in to this informative episode as we gain valuable insights from John Rhatigan, a leader in the marine industry, and discover how the Marine Machinery Association is playing a vital role in navigating the complexities of the defense industry. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS              01:17 – 07:46 Succeed by cooperating technically and mentally.             07:47– 12:16 Where are we going to get the people to build our ships?            12:17 –21:16 4 months of training leads to good paying marine jobs.            21:17– 30:14 We’re not playing by the same rules we were 20 years ago.                                                                      YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/80   Connect with John Rhatigan on LinkedIn here.   Learn about the Marine Machinery Association here.

In this episode, we have a special guest, “Tip” Wight, a remarkable individual with a diverse background in law enforcement, military service, and corporate leadership. Join us as we dive into Tip's journey, starting from his humble beginnings as a police officer in Oklahoma to his impressive career flying fighter jets in the Air Force.   SUMMARY Tip shares the inspiration behind his decision to transition from law enforcement to the military and the incredible experiences he had as an F-16 pilot, commanding units in Germany and even flying combat missions in Iraq. But the story doesn't end there. Tip's transition out of active duty proved to be a challenging yet transformative time in his life. He takes us through the process of finding his next career path, which ultimately led him back to his passion for law enforcement.   Through a cold call to the DC Chief of Police, Tip embarked on a new journey, establishing an intelligence fusion center and making a significant impact in the field. We'll also explore Tip's transition into the corporate world, where he utilized his skills and knowledge gained from his previous roles to provide government personnel services for a top defense contractor. And we'll discuss his current position as the director of capture at a mid-tier company, where he continues to make a difference in the government sector.    Get ready to be inspired by Tip Wight's incredible journey of adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving others.      EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:57 – 05:31 From police officer to flying F-16s. 05:32 – 06:56 F-16s took me around the world. 06:57 – 15:30 Cold calling the DC Chief of police. 15:31 – 29:39 The contracting world was a big change.                                        YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/79     •   Connect with Lee “Tip” Wight on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of the Make Your Move podcast, we dive into an exclusive interview with Thomas Constable, a seasoned senior DoD executive who has had a remarkable career in the Pentagon under multiple administrations.   SUMMARY Throughout his career, Thomas has been focused on governance, assisting the administration in achieving its objectives within the confines of the law and available resources. He has a wealth of experience in addressing complex issues, such as misconduct, and finding solutions through a consultative approach that draws on expertise and data. Thomas has also been deeply involved in advocating for necessary resources and new authorities or laws through engagements with Congress.    Thomas shares his thoughts on leadership, career development, and the importance of inclusivity and diversity within organizations. He provides valuable insights on navigating the intricacies of the Department of Defense and government while emphasizing the need for comprehensive training in managerial and supervisory tasks.    In this candid interview, Thomas opens up about his future aspirations, his desire to teach, and his commitment to helping military officers transition into civilian life. He believes in the power of the "see 1, do 1, teach 1" learning model and hopes to use his experience to influence talent management trends in the coming years.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:09 – 09:08 I really tend to be at work a lot. 09:09 – 14:08 I had oversight of the DoD Commissary and DoD education. 14:09 – 20:18 I don’t do politics, I do governance. 20:19 – 26:28 I’m a big fan of how we do business. 26:29 – 38:52 Career progression – from the Army to the Pentagon and beyond.                                                          YOUR MOVE   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/78   Connect with Thomas Constable on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Gene Moran interviews Joe McDonnell, the President and CEO of Howell Laboratories, Inc., a well-established company that has been supplying equipment to the US Navy and US Coast Guard since 1964.   SUMMARY Howell Labs is an employee-owned company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This unique ownership model creates a culture where everyone is motivated to make decisions that benefit the company. Collaborative committees have been formed to involve employees in important initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and camaraderie.   Joe shares insights on the company's mission to expand their offerings and get their products specified for every ship class in the Navy. He delves into the challenges of navigating the complex world of government contracts, the shrinking supplier base in the defense industry, and the importance of experience and expertise in guiding the next generation of professionals.    Join us as we explore how Joe McDonnell guides Howell Labs as they continue to make their move in the ever-evolving defense industry.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:15 – 08:34 Right place at the right time – becoming the CEO. 08:35 – 18:44 Everyone that works here owns the company. 18:45 – 26:14 Nothing comes quick and easy with the federal government. 26:15 – 31:47 Continuing to look for opportunities to supply the Navy.                                                     YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/77   Connect with Joe McDonnell here. Learn all about Howell Laboratories here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, Maria Cherjovsky, the CEO of the Camaraderie Foundation, shares insights about the organization's mission to support individuals with mental health challenges, transitions, and PTSD, ultimately saving lives and preventing suicide.   SUMMARY Maria discusses the Camaraderie Foundation’s various programs and services provided by the Camaraderie Foundation, including mental health counseling, support for families, employment opportunities for veterans, and a mental leadership program for professional guidance. Maria also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and shares her personal journey as a first-generation immigrant striving to create change. As we delve deeper into our discussion, Maria provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by military personnel transitioning from active service to civilian life. With her expertise in education, consulting, and workforce development, Maria sheds light on the importance of creating pathways to education and employability for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.    Join us as we explore the incredible work of the Camaraderie Foundation and discover how their efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges and transitions.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:40 – 04:59 Immigrating to a new country is a challenge. 05:00 – 16:09 You can settle on where society stands or you can make a change. 16:10 – 23:29 Creating transformation in people’s lives. 23:30 – 30:24 Connecting with people and the community.                                                      YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/76     Connect with Maria Cherjovsky here.   Learn more about Camaraderie Foundation here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, host Gene Moran sits down with Matt Zimmermann, CEO of Beast Code, an expert in digital transformation and software engineering focused on helping the warfighter.   SUMMARY Matt shares his experience working with the Navy's DDG 1000 Zumwalt class destroyer for live fire test and evaluation. He explains how his team used simulations to evaluate threats and created an interactive representation of the destroyer using CAD models. With over 1.2 million components in the 3D model, they were able to apply various threats and identify specific damages.    Matt also discusses his experience navigating strategic initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 'great resignation'. With a turnover rate of 33%, he recognized the need to focus on the workforce. By collecting data and making necessary changes to benefits and professional development opportunities, they were able to decrease the turnover rate to 19% and improve employee investment. As an expert in creating interactive digital twins, Matt emphasizes the importance of on-the-job training and continuous learning in understanding and integrating various types of data from organizations. He shares his success in dealing with congressional matters and navigating the challenges of running a business without formal education in business or politics. Matt and his team are focused on improving the company's culture and workforce. They have implemented a feedback cycle and created skill matrices to identify necessary technologies and skills. Professional development funds and time off have been introduced to support employees' skill improvement. Additionally, Beast Code has created the Beast Code Academy and sends their workforce to ships for firsthand experience.    Throughout the episode, Matt emphasizes the importance of staying calm and composed in the face of challenges and not getting overly excited during successes. He emphasizes the need for patience and perseverance in building a successful company and highlights the shift in perception towards using the cloud as a necessary capability.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:10 – 10:33 Helping the warfighter make decisions. 10:34 – 17:10 People, product and profit. 17:11 – 21:40 The great resignation, COVID and Beast Code. 21:41 – 25:55 I’m going to put this ship on the cloud. 25:56 – 28:52 Beast Code Academy.                                            YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/75 Learn more about Matt Zimmermann here. Learn more about Beast Code here.

On this episode of Make Your Move, host Gene Moran brings on special guest Bryan McGrath to discuss the complex relationship between the military and government, the challenges of defense procurement, and the importance of sea power to the United States.   SUMMARY   McGrath, a former naval officer with command experience, now works as a defense consultant, helping clients with communications, strategy, and thinking. Drawing from his operational experience and knowledge of conflict at sea, McGrath shares insights on the political nature of the military budgeting process, the need for better communication between government and industry, and the importance of fulfilling requirements for the best price. He also discusses his impressive career trajectory and the integral role he played in the development of United States Maritime Strategy. Additionally, McGrath reflects on the challenges and opportunities of his role as a defense consultant, emphasizing the importance of honesty and personal vision.    The conversation delves into the readiness of the military, the state of the defense industrial base, and the potential for non-military industries to enter the defense market. McGrath expresses optimism for the future, believing that with more resources, better management, and technology, the military can improve its readiness and effectiveness.    Tune in to this episode of Make Your Move to gain valuable insights into the military-industrial complex and the future of sea power.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:47 – 08:46 Making money by helping companies think and communicate. 08:47 – 17:16 I am someone who can synthesize and discern. 17:17 – 20:38 Be brutally honest with your clients. 20:39 – 29:59 Military readiness -You get what you pay for. 30:00 – 34:06 We will always overspend. 34:07 –36:00 Selling to the federal government -The barriers to entry are immense. 36:01 –39:50 DoD five years from now – things get better.                      YOUR MOVE   Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/74   Learn more about Bryan McGrath here.

In this episode, Sarah Carter shares her insights and experiences wearing the President hat in a small business, offering valuable takeaways for leaders and professionals in various industries.   SUMMARY   On this episode of Make Your Move, we dive into the world of small business leadership with our guest, Sarah Carter. Sarah, the current President of Gnostech, shares her experiences and insights on wearing the President hat and the unique perspective it brings to problem-solving within a small business. Sarah takes us through her journey at Gnostech, from starting as a systems engineer specializing in weapons system certification to gradually taking on more responsibilities and eventually becoming the President. We learn about the challenges Sarah faces in balancing the day-to-day operations with focusing on the bigger picture of growing the business. Sarah emphasizes the importance of building a personal network and engaging with industry outreach groups to stay updated and gain different perspectives.    Throughout the episode, Sarah highlights the universal challenges faced by small businesses and shares her insights on the opportunities for growth and collaboration within the defense industry. She emphasizes the significance of mission focus for warfighter dominance and encourages small businesses to seize the opportunities given to them by the Navy.    Join us on this insightful episode as we delve into the world of small business leadership with Sarah Carter, President of Gnostech, and your host Gene Moran and discover how to make the move towards success in the defense industry.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:56 – 13:21 Being a good engineer doesn’t necessarily make you a good business owner. 13:22 – 23:00 Wearing the President’s hat means you are wearing many hats. 23:01 – 32:34 Focus on the business and the importance of having trusted relationships.                                 YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/73   Connect with Sarah Carter on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Gnostech LLC here.

On this first episode of Season 4 we explore the world of competitive pursuits and the transformative power of Peter Lierni’s Solution Engineering Tool ™ or SET ™ for short, which helps businesses excel in their pursuit of high-value contracts. SET ™ promises to break the mold by filling a critical industry gap.   SUMMARY Our guest, Peter Lierni, discusses the various roles such as agency engagers, and proposal managers, emphasizing the importance of understanding capture and adopting a unique perspective. Peter shares his valuable experience in assessing large programs in the Pentagon, which shaped his understanding of capture. One of the highlights of the episode is the introduction of Peter's software called Solution Engineering Tool ™ or SET ™ for short. Designed specifically for high dollar value, mission-critical, solution-based contracts, SET ™ provides visibility and confidence to the C-suite regarding the state of pursuit in these contracts. It captures proprietary competitive intelligence and helps companies formulate strategies and make informed decisions. Peter shares his journey in developing SET ™, from publishing a book that became the framework for the software to testing it with companies in the aerospace, defense, and security industry.    Throughout the episode, Peter emphasizes the importance of relationships, grace, protecting intellectual property and retaining business intelligence.. He shares stories of his mentor and the team of individuals who have supported him in developing SET ™. We also learn about Peter's current efforts in marketing the software and his upcoming deals with security companies, including a $35 million company that supports customers like Space Force. Peter's focus on middle market players, companies between $150 million and a billion, highlights their potential for success in the competitive landscape.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   02:53 – 05:24 Experiences, software development, bootstrapped funding. 05:25 – 11:49 Ecosystem of winning. 11:50 – 17:23 SET ™ captures intellectual capital and helps quantify capture            efforts. 17:24 – 20:52 Innovative software impresses aerospace defense company. 20:53 – 27:18 Software licensing focuses on middle market companies.                                  YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/72   Connect with Peter Lierni on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Solution Engineering Framework™ here.   Learn more about Solution Engineering Tool (SET™) here.   Learn more about Solution Engineering Book here.

U.S. Navy Veteran, founder of Capitol Integration and the host of the 'Make Your Move' podcast, Gene Moran, delivers a compelling review of the first Three Seasons and paves the way for the much-anticipated Fourth Season.   SUMMARY Gene Moran shares the journey from his book 'Make Your Move' to its podcast adaptation, revealing how guests imparted various strategies for achieving success and fulfillment in life post-military. Emphasizing the integral role of mentorship in military life, a theme echoed throughout the first Three Seasons of the podcast.   Sales from the 'Make Your Move' book support Freedom Fighter Outdoors, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and garnering public support for the needs, services, and activities of our injured veterans.   Next, Gene sets the stage for the upcoming Season Four, which will spotlight individuals at the helm of defense companies committed to aiding the warfighter, as well as senior government officials.   Special thanks to all the guests of the 'Make Your Move' podcast. Their dedication to supporting veterans in their post-military life endeavors is truly commendable.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:01 – 05:03 Season One through Three of the Make Your Move podcast. 05:04 – 08:41 Season Four – setting the stage.                                YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/71 Connect with Gene Moran on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Freedom Fighter Outdoors here. Order your copy of Make Your Move  here.

U.S. Air Force Veteran, Trish Murphy, weathered extreme Alaskan conditions as a mechanic during her time on active duty. Her inspiring narrative of homeschooling her children and launching a fresh entrepreneurial venture is certain to captivate and motivate listeners.   SUMMARY   Trish Murphy embarked on a remarkable journey when she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a mechanic. While stationed in Alaska, she honed her skills, maintaining and repairing complex machinery like generators, heaters, and hydraulic systems. This experience sparked her “How hard can it be” mindset. After serving four years in the Air Force, she chose to transition into civilian life, focusing on her growing family.   Their subsequent relocation to New Hampshire marked the beginning of Trish's commitment to homeschooling her children, a dedicated effort that spanned 13 years until her daughter's graduation. Her teaching philosophy emphasized fostering a love for lifelong learning in her children.   Capitalizing on the opportunities offered by the Montgomery GI Bill, Trish obtained a degree in Marketing. In 2016, she established her own agency, 'Marketing Smarty Pants.' Her narrative about steering this business venture through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic promises to strike a chord with fellow entrepreneurs.   In this episode’s business tip, Gene offers advice on words you believe in.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:44 – 04:03 Trish’s military service. 04:04 – 13:13 The decision to transition and homeschooling. 13:14 – 17:03 Running a marketing agency. 17:04 – 20:00 Balance and lessons learned. 20:01 – 24:12 Gene’s Biz Tip - Words you believe in.                      YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/70   Connect with Trish Murphy on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Marketing Smarty Pants here.

Retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Wanda Wright, devoted five years of her life to active-duty service in the role of a budget officer. Following this, she joined the Arizona National Guard, where she ascended to the rank of Colonel. In 2015, she was honored with an appointment as the Director for the Department of Veteran Services by Governor Ducey of Arizona. Currently, she continues her dedication to veterans as the Director for the Office of Veteran and Military Academic Engagement at Arizona State University.   SUMMARY   In 1985, Wanda Wright embarked on her military career at the Air Force Academy, where she achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and served in the role of a Budget Officer. After five years of committed service, she took a step back, with her family's needs at the forefront, and transitioned into a part-time role at the Arizona National Guard. Simultaneously, she embarked on a full-time role at Hughes Missile Systems, which is now known as Raytheon. Four years later, she accepted a full-time position at the Guard.   From 1990 to 2005, Wanda served in the 162nd fighter wing in Tucson, AZ, where she held multiple roles, including Budget Officer, Accounting and Finance Officer, Communication Officer, and Wing Executive Officer. She ascended the ranks, being promoted to Colonel, and accepted the Director of Staff role for the Arizona National Guard. This promotion saw her relocate to Phoenix, where she devoted another six years before retiring from the Guard.   During the 2010 recession, Wanda began crafting her post-military career path and formally retired from the military in 2011. She subsequently served on a charter elementary school board and was later asked to assist in managing the school’s expansion on a full-time basis. She committed to this role for four years before being sought out by Governor Ducey’s administration to serve as the Director for the Department of Veteran Service, an appointment she received in April 2015. As of June 1st, 2023, Wanda has taken on a new challenge as the Director for the Office of Veteran and Military Academic Engagement at Arizona State University.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:54 – 13:53 Wanda’s military service. 13:54 – 30:23 Post-military career path and a Governor’s appointment. 30:24 – 31:35 Work-life balance 31:36 – 33:43 Gene’s Biz Tip -The ability to apply influence.                        YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/69   Connect with Wanda Wright on LinkedIn here.   Learn more about Wanda’s Arizona State University appointment here.

Jim Young, a U.S. Army veteran, recounts his active-duty years and the injury he sustained while patrolling the East-West German border, which led to his military retirement. Today, he thrives as a successful entrepreneur. Coffee enthusiasts, you're in for a treat in this episode!   SUMMARY   Jim Young, initially courted by the Marines, chose instead to enlist in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman at the young age of 17. His military journey took him to Europe, where he patrolled the border between East and West Germany in 1987. Unfortunately, an injury from this tour quashed his aspiration to continue in the military. As a result of a medical board decision, he transitioned out of the Army at the end of 1988 and ventured onto a new path in civilian life.   Embracing hard work and manual labor, Jim initially began working in the heating and air conditioning industry. However, a desire to work independently soon gripped him. This led him to transform his love for music and electronics into a business opportunity. With determination in his heart and freshly printed business cards in hand, he ventured into the niche of building speakers. Fast forward 34 years, his electronics venture still thrives.   But Jim's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. His second love, coffee, led him to launch the Salvation Coffee Company in 2018. Here, he and his family roast and serve award-winning coffee. The tale of how he persisted amidst the pandemic is a testament to resilience.    Gene’s business tip: 3 things that shouldn’t be allowed on airplanes. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:13 – 08:40 Jim Young’s active-duty service  08:41 - 26:21 Jim’s post-military career path and entrepreneurial spirit. 26:22 - 36:39 Work-life balance 39:40 - 38:14 Gene’s Biz Tip                         YOUR MOVE     Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/68   Connect with Jim Young on Instagram here.   Learn more about Salvation Coffee  here.   Learn about Command Sergeant Major Patrick Gavin Tadina here.

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.