Once an Eagle: Making a Successful Transition is on You
Release Date: 02/03/2020
The Power of Relationships: Leadership Insights from a Military Affairs Expert
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome USAA’s* Military Affairs Relationship Director Charles “Chuck” Bunch, a 20+ year retired U.S. Air Force veteran who works alongside fellow retired officers and senior noncommissioned officers on USAA’s Military Affairs team to advocate for those who are currently serving in our military, all those who have honorably served in the past, and their families. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Chuck shares personal stories and lessons learned from his military experience, his transition into the private sector and...
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The Stoic Transition: How Veterans Can Thrive in their Next Adventure
The FourBlock Podcast
If you are in the military entering the civilian world or are you a veteran who has transitioned already but still struggling to find your path, this episode is a must-listen. This week, we welcome author and Founder of Mission Edge Ken Davenport. In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Ken shares how his passion for helping people achieve greatness in their lives led him to starting a social enterprise to help nonprofits and small businesses grow and devoting much of his time to helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. Most...
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Air Force Veteran Allison Kruse Discusses Her Legal Career and the Importance of Giving Back
The FourBlock Podcast
"I want to give back to the community that gave me so much." This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Labor and Employment attorney Allison Kruse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current associate at Stinson LLP, who serves as the chair of the firm's Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG). In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Allison shares what first inspired her to attend the Air Force Academy and join the military and details her experience transitioning from the Air Force into law school and then the private sector. ...
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Actionable Advice for Transitioning Into the IT & Cyber Industry
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and Senior Program Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)* Gregory (Greg) Doubek. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Greg shares why he was called to serve and decided to join the Army, his personal military transition story, and some of the advice he received and lessons learned along the way. Greg also raises an important point for those in transition about taking the uniform all the way off and provides guidance on how veterans can adjust to their changing role in the civilian workforce and...
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Inside the Veteran Hiring Process at a Leading Global Aerospace Company
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome The Boeing Company’s* Shane R. Chapman and Devon Rumsey, who give us an in-depth look at Boeing’s commitment to supporting veterans in transition and share actionable advice for veterans and military spouses interested in beginning a new career with the company. A U.S. Army Veteran with 30 years of service, Shane now leads the Boeing Global Services Military and Veterans Program (BGS MVP), providing guidance and support to veterans and military spouse candidates and referring them to be seen by a hiring manager for interviews. After more...
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From CO to CEO: Transition Advice and Leadership Insights from a Retired U.S. Navy Captain
The FourBlock Podcast
Transitioning service members, do you know how to make the most of your military training once you transition into the civilian workforce? Corporate leaders, do know how to optimize your veteran employees’ potential for success? That’s why author and consultant Captain William Toti, US Navy (Retired) and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, wrote “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.” With more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and more than 40 years of experience in the defense industry,...
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Retired Veteran Continues to Serve Defense Industry by Providing Security Services Nationwide
The FourBlock Podcast
U.S. Army Veteran David Touchton served in Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying to the Middle East on September 9, 2001, just two days before the September 11 attack. On the FourBlock Podcast this week, David shares the impact that had on him and his fellow service members, his career path, and his commitment to continuing to pay it forward to fellow veterans today. David spent several years in the Army before receiving an honorable discharge due to an injury and going into the private sector. He held multiple positions of escalating responsibility as a Facility Security Officer before...
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How Employers Build a Stronger Workforce by Hiring Veterans
The FourBlock Podcast
How can employers go beyond thanking a veteran for their service? Retired Air Force LtCol Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz has devoted her post-military career to equipping civilans to become Veteran Champions. With hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Kathy shares personal insights from her upbringing as a Navy ‘brat,’ her nearly 30-year career in the Air Force as a Public Affairs Officer and Nurse, and experiences educating and engaging civilians in support of troops and their families in response to 9/11. Noticing how different her experiences and mindset were from most Americans, and...
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Character and Competence: Leadership Insights from an Architectural Engineering and Construction Industry CEO
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Navy Veteran Eric Quinn, the CEO of full-service construction consultancy KMI International. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Eric discusses his time in the Navy, sharing why he joined, how it changed the trajectory of his career, and the leadership skills he gained during his service. He takes us through his transition to the business world, his move to the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and how he worked his way to where he is today. Throughout the episode, Eric provides invaluable insights on...
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Cultivate Your Curiosity: Leadership Advice from a 30-Year U.S. Navy Cyber Operations Expert
The FourBlock Podcast
This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to welcome Vice Admiral Timothy “TJ” White, a 30-plus year national security practitioner, strategist, and cyber operations expert leading joint military formations and combined intelligence community organizations. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Admiral White shares insights from his impressive career in the Navy and what continued to make it fun and challenging for more than three decades; a detailed discussion of cybersecurity in a military context; and his transition to the civilian sector and starting his own...
info_outlineThis week, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams discusses a critical lesson in Anton Myer’s classic war novel “Once an Eagle” about what is described in the book as the occupational disease of the soldier. Mike talks about how veterans can learn from this lesson in order to successfully transition into a new career.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
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