Make Your Move with Gene Moran

Are you looking to make your next professional move? Perhaps you're transitioning out of a life of military service, or you've entered industry, or you’ve started a business and you're looking to navigate what comes next. On this show, Gene Moran, whose award-winning advisory work helps businesses achieve dramatic outcomes, has powerful conversations with individuals discussing the next move moves that mattered in their careers, and shares behind the scenes moves (big and small) that have allowed him, and his clients to really move the needle on success when selling to the federal government.

#113: Radical Accountability and Leadership with Dave Rosenberg 01/27/2025

#113: Radical Accountability and Leadership with Dave Rosenberg “I help them create what I call radical accountability. Quite simply, that's a business culture or culture…in anything, but I focus on business where the team willingly does what they need to do when they need to do it correctly." - Dave Rosenberg FEATURED GUEST Dave Rosenberg, a former U.S. Navy naval aviator, has built an impressive career in business leadership and consulting. With a mechanical engineering degree, he progressed from college sales roles to serving as president of multiple companies, including a large San Diego moving company, a telecom/IT services business he owned, and a kitchen and bath remodeling company. After a pivotal moment when a company he led was sold, Rosenberg transitioned into consulting and leadership training, developing the "Locked on Leadership" brand. He has since helped over 100 companies with their leadership challenges, emphasizing a philosophy that focuses on consistency, courage, and compassion. Currently based in San Diego, Rosenberg works as a leadership consultant and public speaker, specializing in creating what he calls "radical accountability" - building business cultures where teams willingly do what needs to be done. His approach draws heavily from his military experience, teaching leaders to get their teams to "act as if lives depend upon them even when only livelihoods do." Connect with Dave Rosenberg: KEY TAKEAWAYS Explore Dave's personal experiences that highlight how thinking about others can cultivate courage and challenge our values. His compelling anecdotes remind us of the transformative power of leading from the front and caring for your team. Learn about Dave’s approach to public speaking and coaching. Whether you’re already leading a team or aspiring to do so, he shares invaluable tips to help you become the leader your team deserves. Gain practical strategies for leadership success and hear stories that will resonate with veterans and business leaders alike. Don't miss out on Dave's top business tips for veterans interested in running their own businesses. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [05:24] Betting on yourself in business and leadership [11:30] Unexpected public speaking insights [15:51] Managing fear in uncertain situations [17:50] Radical accountability toward integrity and courage YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34988620

#112: Preparation and Networking in Military Transitions with Scott Hatzung 01/20/2025

#112: Preparation and Networking in Military Transitions with Scott Hatzung "My network was probably not the strongest it could be. But the next thing was timing. Where my network was strong, there just weren't job opportunities at that time frame." - Scott Hatzung FEATURED GUEST Scott Hatzung is a seasoned professional with a distinguished 22-year career in the US Navy, transitioning from an enlisted aviation support equipment technician to an aviation maintenance officer. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, Scott honed his mechanical skills in his father's car shop before dedicating himself to military service, where he specialized in managing helicopters and unmanned aircraft systems and excelled in program and production management. A University of La Verne alum, Scott seamlessly shifted into leadership roles, leveraging his expertise to pursue a corporate career post-retirement. Currently based in San Diego, Scott's career pivot is characterized by a commitment to align personal values such as family, growth, and ambition with organizational culture, as facilitated by his experiences with the 4 Block and Commit Foundation programs. Connect with Scott Hatzung: KEY TAKEAWAYS The importance of having a solid transition plan and the role of networking. Organizations that can help veterans build networks and access career opportunities, like 4 Block and The Commit Foundation. How Scott balanced his military service with preparing for civilian life and his tactics for securing his dream geographical location. The significance of aligning your personal values with your chosen company's culture for a fulfilling career. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:56] Enlisted mechanic shifted focus to management. [13:02] Commit Foundation helps veterans identify personal values. [16:00] Availability boosts productive, varied job transition discussions. [17:36] Seeking career pivot from aviation maintenance. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34894440

#111: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Active Duty with Clint Musgrove 01/13/2025

#111: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Active Duty with Clint Musgrove "Given my injuries, the kind of prognosis was you're never gonna walk normal again. You're gonna be basically confined to a pool for any type of physical activity because the impact is not gonna be something that that you're gonna be comfortable with." —Clint Musgrove FEATURED GUEST Clint Musgrove is a former Army medic who has successfully transitioned to civilian life, becoming an expert in incident response within the energy sector. He is recognized for having unique skills like combat lifesaver experience. After serving in the military, Clint ventured into executive protection before finding his calling in disaster and incident response, first at FEMA and now in the private sector. Clint is also a founding member of the Outlier Project, a diverse networking group that supports individuals across various sectors. His resilience and commitment to service have defined his post-military career, where he continues to contribute to the safety and security of critical energy infrastructure. Connect with Clint Musgrove: KEY TAKEAWAYS Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but building a strong network is crucial. Joining groups like the Outlier Project can connect you with phenomenal individuals ready to support your journey. Whether it’s bouncing back from an unexpected career change or navigating the complexities of transition, persistence, and adaptability are essential in building a successful post-military career. Utilize the skills and experiences gained during military service to explore new pathways. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities, like my role in incident response, can align perfectly with your unique skill set. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:57] Profound global network fostering support and connections. [10:59] Network to understand agency needs and requirements. [19:03] Medical retirement process streamlined, but lingering challenges. [21:45] Determination drove successful recovery despite prognosis. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34802685

#110: Military Discipline Meets Business Acumen with Brett Whitsitt 01/06/2025

#110: Military Discipline Meets Business Acumen with Brett Whitsitt "Once I was able to narrow the focus down in a pointed way is really when doors started opening up because people had something they could grasp onto and help in a more meaningful way as opposed to me just saying, hey, I'd like to get into finance." — Brett Whitsitt FEATURED GUEST Brett Whitsitt is a former Navy SEAL who has successfully transitioned from military service to become a business leader. Brett graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a focus in economics and business, later furthering his education with an MBA from the Wharton School. After serving over eight years in the SEAL teams, during which he undertook deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and dealt with counter-ISIS initiatives, Brett aimed towards a career in finance. He initially joined JPMorgan in the leveraged finance group while concurrently studying for his MBA. Brett is now the CEO and founder of Squire Solutions, a company he established around eight years ago, which focuses on streamlining communication and information flow during tactical operations. Brett's company has primarily worked with the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, and offers solutions in various tactical areas like medical evacuation and active shooter scenarios. His journey underscores the importance of taking advantage of networking opportunities and being open to learning and adapting in new environments. Connect with Brett Whitsitt: KEY TAKEAWAYS Brett shares his experience transitioning from an elite Navy SEAL to the business realm, emphasizing the importance of education and self-discovery. Discover how Brett founded Squire Solutions, a tech-forward company enhancing communication across tactical operations—revolutionizing sectors like public safety and emergency response. Learn about the pivotal role networking played in Brett's journey and how strategic connections shaped his career path., working as part of a team—even a small one—can amplify creativity, problem-solving, and overall success. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04:36] Navy to finance, then entrepreneurship with Squire. [12:47] Served 8 years as Navy SEAL, inspired post-9/11. [13:49] Navy career stalled, explored other opportunities. [17:35] Deciding between locations for MBA and job. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34738460

#109: Building a Business After Service with Valerie Lavin 12/23/2024

#109: Building a Business After Service with Valerie Lavin "It's the worst feeling, no matter how minor the incident is that you are witnessing, whether you come up on it or you're in the middle of it and just not be prepared to have, to be able to help." —Valerie Lavin FEATURED GUEST Valerie Lavin is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with over two decades of military service. Following her transition from active duty, Valerie embarked on a successful journey into entrepreneurship. She co-founded Luminary Global, a company that provides emergency and trauma kits to first responders, military personnel, and everyday households, catering to both beginner and experienced preppers. Valerie is deeply embedded in the veteran business community. She is passionate about aiding veterans in their post-military transitions, sharing her own experiences and lessons learned, particularly emphasizing the importance of building a strong business infrastructure and honest communication with clients. Connect with Valerie Lavin: KEY TAKEAWAYS Valerie's transition from military service to entrepreneurship highlights the importance of being adaptable. Despite unforeseen challenges like the pandemic, Valerie and her team pivoted and thrived. Valerie emphasized the necessity of having a solid infrastructure for a business. As business opportunities arise, having the right foundation ensures you can scale and succeed without faltering. As Valerie discovered, working as part of a team — even a small one — can amplify creativity, problem-solving, and overall success. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [05:44] Business challenges led to successful distributorship opportunities. [11:15] Military experience and agility set us apart. [17:36] Started a veteran staffing company; it failed. [21:57] Embrace personal growth; entrepreneurship reveals true self. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34550010

#108: From Marine to Business Strategist with Tyler Van Hook 12/16/2024

#107: Turning Combat Experience into Business Innovation with Matthew Griffin 12/09/2024

#106: Utilizing Military Experience in Corporate America with Heather Throne 12/03/2024

#106: Utilizing Military Experience in Corporate America with Heather Throne “For anybody coming out of the military, reach out, build your network, and connect. Because wearing the uniform, hanging it up, and putting on the corporate America collared shirt…it's different.” — Heather Throne FEATURED GUEST Heather Throne is a seasoned business professional with over two decades of experience in the corporate sector. A former U.S. Army helicopter pilot and logistician, she transitioned from military service to the corporate world, bringing her leadership skills and analytical expertise to Siemens Healthineers. As a senior director focused on CRM excellence and commercial operations, Heather plays a pivotal role in enhancing sales processes globally within Siemens' healthcare division. Her corporate journey began with the assistance of veteran placement organizations like the Lucas Group, which helped her translate military skills into civilian business acumen. Heather is known for her ability to lead diverse virtual teams, leveraging her background in military leadership to foster teamwork and deliver results under pressure. Connect with Heather Throne: KEY TAKEAWAYS Heather emphasizes the transferability of military skills to the corporate sector. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are qualities that make veterans valuable assets to any organization. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for career advancement. Heather advises veterans to leverage LinkedIn to build meaningful connections and expand their professional tribe. Heather believes in making thoughtful choices rather than seeking perfect balance. It's about prioritizing decisions that align with both personal and professional goals, leading to more fulfilling outcomes. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:17] From military to project management leadership role. [06:26] Veterans' skills are valued more by businesses today. [12:47] Build networks for mutual growth and understanding. [19:21] Life involves making choices, not balancing everything. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/34111756

#105: Military Experience Shaping Leadership with Tracey Jones 11/25/2024

#105: Military Experience Shaping Leadership with Tracey Jones “I think in today's culture, the military teaches you sacrifice, conscientiousness, duty, work ethic, being open to trying new things, being a part of something other than yourself." — Tracey Jones FEATURED GUEST Dr. Tracey C. Jones is a renowned leader, author, and advocate for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. A distinguished Air Force Academy graduate and former officer, she brings extensive expertise from roles with organizations like Northrop Grumman and the NSA to her work at Tremendous Leadership and T3 Solutions, Inc. Through her books and engaging speaking style, Tracey offers actionable strategies that blend leadership principles, humor, and diagnostic tools. She champions lifelong learning, resilience, and community engagement, continuing the philanthropic legacy of her father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. Passionate about empowering individuals and organizations, she supports tailored training and coaching initiatives that drive meaningful impact. Connect with Tracey Jones: KEY TAKEAWAYS Tracey opens up about the thrilling and complex nature of entrepreneurship, likening it to her military experiences. With a significant emphasis on helping veterans transition to civilian life, Tracey believes veterans possess unique skills that make them invaluable in the workforce. For Tracey, retirement isn't about slowing down. It's a continuation of staying active and purposeful. Reflecting on her journey as one of the early women attendees at the Air Force Academy. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04:11] Military teaches sacrifice, duty, and work ethic. [09:27] Entrepreneurship parallels military excitement and challenges. [14:13] Military experiences shaped leadership and followership perspectives. [21:45] Comfortable being the few females in male environments. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33927827

#104: Addressing Vicarious Trauma in Veterans with Tammy Laird 11/18/2024

#103: Turning Challenges into Business Opportunities with Garth Massey 11/11/2024

#103: Turning Challenges into Business Opportunities with Garth Massey “The studies show us that people who talk about doing the right thing, whatever that is—whatever your moral code is, the people who talk about it, tend to make more moral, correct, right decisions." — Garth Massey FEATURED GUEST Colonel Garth Massey is an accomplished Marine Corps infantry officer and reservist with a unique ability to blend military discipline with business acumen, fostering impactful leadership across both military and corporate landscapes. With extensive global experience, Colonel Massey has honed strategic communication and networking skills that set him apart as a dynamic connector between military and civilian sectors. Known for his hands-on, story-driven approach, Garth empowers leaders at every level through his professional development programs, designed to deliver practical, immediately applicable lessons. Through his work with CommandReady, he equips professionals to actively engage in their growth, try out innovative ideas, and cultivate resilience, effectively bridging the worlds of military rigor and corporate agility. His dedication to fostering strong, adaptive leadership has made him a respected authority for those seeking transformative, action-oriented guidance. Connect with Garth Massey: KEY TAKEAWAYS Garth unpacks the challenges and triumphs of moving from military service to entrepreneurship. Discover Garth's philosophy on leadership and how understanding the four levels of learning—information, habits, workshops, and vision—can transform your business strategies. Learn how meaningful connections and referrals play a pivotal role in Garth’s success as well as in broader business landscapes. Garth shares the importance of character and virtue in shaping successful business practices and personal growth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [05:01] Authority needed to execute ideas. [13:16] Leadership adapts at different levels. [16:35] Seek intentional discomfort. [21:40] Discuss ethics regularly and improve decision-making. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33734712

#102: Overcoming and Preventing Burnout with Larisa Harrington 11/04/2024

#102: Overcoming and Preventing Burnout with Larisa Harrington “I had to get out of my comfort zone and start to network outside of the military because I'd only known that for so long. It was a whole new world for me to connect with all sorts of different people who didn't know anything about my background.” — Larisa Harrington. FEATURED GUEST Larisa Harrington is an Executive Leadership and Well-Being Coach, Consultant, Trainer, and Speaker with over two decades of experience helping purpose-driven professionals enhance performance and well-being. A 20-year Air Force veteran, Larisa served in various roles supporting the intelligence community, where she gained a deep understanding of how high-pressure, mission-critical environments affect productivity, effectiveness, and health. Her military service included working in high-stakes operations, requiring resilience and mental clarity, which informs her current work in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, somatic trauma healing, conscious leadership, and burnout prevention. She now supports individuals and organizations committed to creating lasting impact and excellence. Connect with Larisa Harrington: KEY TAKEAWAYS Discover Larisa's strategic approach to networking while on active duty and how you can leverage your connections for business success. Larisa brings her expertise in stress management and burnout prevention. Find out how you and your team can perform and feel better without burning out. She candidly shares her journey of turning her passion into a thriving business and the importance of continuous learning and adapting to your entrepreneurial trajectory. Larisa gives invaluable advice on business ownership for those on active duty, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and resources. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [04:34] Retired, started business, met diverse people. [08:42] Tailored wellness and coaching sessions, customized per client. [16:56] Utilize resources, network, and seek support. [18:42] Military members struggle with self-care and support. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33634817

#101: Civilian Success and Financial Freedom with John Lee Dumas 10/28/2024

#101: Civilian Success and Financial Freedom with John Lee Dumas "I'm going to find the geniuses of old, the geniuses of today in the business sense, both men and women, and I'm gonna learn from them. I'm going to listen to their words. I'm going to read their words. I'm going to consume and absorb their strategies, their tactics, their tips, and I'm going to become better for it." — John Lee Dumas FEATURED GUEST John Lee Dumas, a former active duty officer from 2002 to 2006 and a subsequent reservist, found himself at a crossroads six years after leaving the military. He felt he hadn't reached the personal and professional milestones he saw for himself. This sparked a journey of self-education, prompting JLD to immerse himself in books, podcasts, and self-directed learning. Through this "self-university," he aimed to equip himself with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve his goals and fulfill his potential in the civilian world. Connect with John Lee Dumas: KEY TAKEAWAYS JLD's experience highlights the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian jobs, struggling with fulfillment due to differing work ethics and environments between military and corporate life. His military background helped him excel in corporate roles initially, utilizing discipline and focus. JLD leveraged his experiences to create the successful "Freedom Journal" and "Mastery Journal," helping people achieve their goals through productivity and focus. "Entrepreneurs on Fire" has grown remarkably, recording 4,400 episodes and reaching 175 million downloads, demonstrating the viability of podcasts. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:00] Generous networker; inspiring and genuine persona. [08:23] Ultimate sacrifice reshaping the civilian perspective. [14:50] Corporate finance lacked fulfillment in a post-military career. [22:45] Puerto Rico offers tax incentives for businesses. [27:12] Transparency for aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing journey openly. YOUR MOVE Connect with Gene: Check Out These Resources: by Scott Manthorne /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33512892

#100: 100 Episodes of Connecting Veterans with Gene Moran 10/14/2024

#100: 100 Episodes of Connecting Veterans with Gene Moran “As I looked around, I saw that there were many others. The overwhelming majority who leave active duty find that within 3 years, they're on to something else because they perhaps made the wrong choice or they didn't recognize that the fit wasn't right." — Gene Moran In this episode of Make Your Move, I’m turning the tables and will be interviewed by Lisa Larter because, surprise, I’m also featured in . You can read my story in Scott Manthorne’s book in chapter 13. I want to take a moment to celebrate this significant milestone: this is my 100th episode. It's been quite the journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share stories and insights from some pretty amazing guests. I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for what's ahead. I've had the privilege of interviewing some outstanding individuals. Tune in this week as I highlight just some of the spectacular guests I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to: Lori Drowdy, Misty Cook, and Michelle Mace Curran. Their journeys from military roles into successful civilian careers have left a lasting impression on me and many listeners. Podcasting is a privilege, and I believe it allows us to give back to the community by providing a platform for stories that might otherwise go unheard. I hope these stories inspire and connect with each of you, creating conversations and offering guidance for those navigating similar paths. Visit , read Scott Manthorne's , and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us. WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE Podcast Impact and Themes Challenges and Enhancements Future Directions and Goals Personal Experience Reflection YOUR MOVE Get all the resources from this episode on Connect with Gene on or visit /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33448257

#99: Fighter Pilot to Influential Speaker with Michelle Curran 10/07/2024

#99: Fighter Pilot to Influential Speaker with Michelle Curran “Once I was there, I got to see just how impactful interacting with people could be, especially little girls and young women. I loved that part of the job. It was the most rewarding and most fulfilling part.” — Michelle Curran In this episode of Make Your Move, you'll hear from an extraordinary force of nature, Michelle "Mace" Curran. Michelle's career is awe-inspiring as a former Air Force F-16 fighter pilot and elite Thunderbird demonstration pilot. She's carved a place in aviation history, proving there is no limit if you push the boundaries of what's possible. You can also dive into her story in by Scott Manthorne, chapter 32. Becoming a Thunderbird is a challenge few can meet—it's a test of skill, grit, and relentless dedication. Michelle recounts the focus and support it took to earn her place on this prestigious team. Her journey didn't stop when she hung up her flight suit. Transitioning into public speaking, she had to master a completely different set of skills and learn to connect with audiences in a new way. Her transition will leave you intrigued and inspired. Michelle's authenticity shines through as she shares the honest truth. Success on stage required as much discipline as her time in the cockpit; she embraced the need for growth. Listen to the full episode to hear her story of continual evolution, from the adrenaline of fighter jets to the excitement of inspiring others from the stage. Visit , read Scott Manthorne's , and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us. WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE Transition to Post-Military Career A Speaker's Craft and Business Discussion on Thunderbirds Business Advice and Networking YOUR MOVE Get all the resources from this episode on Connect with Gene on or visit Connect with Michelle Curran on , , or at /episode/index/show/makeyourmovewithgenemoran/id/33360392