Make Your Move with Gene Moran

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 serve...

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...

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 com...

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 compa ny focused on financial intelligence.      SUMMARY   Veteran, Rebecca Paris, discusses her experience of active duty, including her role as a data systems techn...

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 inc...

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...

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...

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 p...

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...

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 vi...

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 G...

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....

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, Flor...

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.   SUM...

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 hea...

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 gue...

Founder, host, and Navy veteran, Gene Moran summarizes year one of the Make Your Move podcast. Tune in as Gene shares the military career transition success stories shared by veterans and what is on deck for 2023.   SUMMARY   The first season of the Make Your Move podcast is in the books. Stories of active duty service and the transition to civilian life and careers have been shared throughout the...

US Air Force Veteran, Russ Long is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and served in the field as a contracting officer.  His decision to transition out after 5.5 years of active duty led him to founding and operating Long Capture, which is now a multi-million-dollar company assisting tech companies with obtaining DoD opportunities.  There are many lessons to be learned in this episode.  Enjoy the...

US Coast Guard Veteran, Darin Bibeau, shares his eight-year active-duty career assignments and lessons learned. Darin served as a Coast Guard cutter and spent the last years of his career as a Deployable Specialized Forces team member, boarding ships and participating in drug seizures.   His transition to civilian life led him to Southeastern Asia as a special operator working for a contracting co...

US Army veteran, Darren Whiddon, served in active duty with the 3rd Armor Cavalry Regiment and the reserves as an Armor Officer.  His military career included a tour in Iraq, where he was an advisor with the Iraqi Army.   In this episode, Gene and Darren cover issues that may be helpful to people who are considering a new career after leaving the service and embracing the change and learning oppor...

An internationally recognized warrior and diplomat, retired US Army Colonel Chris Kolenda has fought in combat and negotiated peace talks with the Taliban.   Today, Chris owns and operates his own consulting firm focusing on leadership and organizational management. He also gives back to veterans and their families through his Saber Six Foundation in honor of his unit's six paratroopers who lost t...

Navy veteran, Mitch McGuffie shares his time on active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer and his advice on when and how to make the decision to transition out of military service. His insightful advice sheds light on why having a sense of purpose in life and having the right mentors can help guide you throughout your post-military life and career.   SUMMARY   Mitch McGuffie graduated from the Nava...

A 21-year US Marine Corps veteran, Larry Ryder was a logistician turned acquisition professional.  Larry learned how to leverage his program experience into multiple positions in his post-active-duty life.  Today, Larry leads the business development team at the Washington, DC office of Austal USA which is one of the largest shipbuilders for Navy and Coast Guard ships.   SUMMARY   Larry shares his...

A 20-year US Coast Guard veteran, George Kovatch served as a Captain in several USCG ships before moving on to Washington where he served as a Coast Guard Fellow on the Senate Appropriations Committee.  At the 20-year mark of his Coast Guard career, George decided to retire from active duty and transition to the private sector and later returning to serve in Government, most notably as Deputy Comp...

US Air Force veteran, Paul Mayo, served as an ICBM missile combat commander otherwise known as a missileer before making the decision to transition out of the military based on career advancement opportunities and family priorities.   SUMMARY   Paul Mayo joined the Air Force and chose to be a missileer upon graduating from the USAF academy.   He shares a tidbit of how life underground can be while...