#zigszagsandpivots

Purpose Isn't Your Job Title In today's fast-paced world, the concept of purpose often becomes entangled with our job titles and roles. In this episode, Annie Brock unpacks the essence of purpose shedding light on how understanding our true purpose can empower us through life and life transitions. Annie highlights the importance of recognizing how purpose manifests through various roles and life c...

Episode Zero: Why This Season Sounds Different Before the season officially begins, this episode pauses long enough to explain the shift. Episode Zero is an orientation—not to the podcast, but to where this season is coming from . Instead of interviews and polished takeaways, this season moves closer to the lived experience of leadership: the middle of it, where answers aren't finished and decisio...

In this episode, Trish Alegre-Smith shares her journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a solopreneur in photography. She opens up about the challenges she faced as a young military leader, her transition into acquisitions, and the often-overlooked contributions of military spouses in supporting service members and their families. Trish reflects on her proudest moments, including leading...

In this episode Annie Brock sits down with Matt Burns, a seasoned HR professional and co-founder of Atlas Copilot, to explore the evolving landscape of human resources and leadership. Matt shares how his military family background influenced his career in HR and the inspiration behind Atlas Copilot, an AI-driven tool designed to streamline HR processes. The conversation delves into the critical ro...

In this episode, Stephen White shares his journey from a 24-year career in the United States Air Force to his current role as Assistant Vice President for Global Collateral Operations at Bank of America. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the critical role of education and soft skills in building a successful career beyond the military. Stephen discusses...

JB Jaso shares his journey from a 23-year military career in the U.S. Army to finding fulfillment in the sports industry. He opens up about the challenges he faced during his military service, the pride he felt in shaping young leaders, and the lessons he learned while transitioning to civilian life. JB reflects on the importance of taking care of soldiers and their families, a value that continue...

In this episode of #zigszagsandpivots, Samuel Rodriguez, a former US Army Warrant Officer, discusses his transition from a successful military career in logistics and transportation to a pivotal role in the energy sector, specifically offshore wind. Samuel shares insights about his military background, the challenges he faced, and the importance of planning for retirement. He discusses how his mil...

Carroll Harris shares his extensive journey from a military upbringing to a successful career as a federal agent. With 30 years of service in the US Marine Corps and nearly 17 years in the US Postal Inspection Service, Carroll reflects on the lessons learned, the challenges faced during transitions, and the impact of service on family life. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, self-awaren...

Justen Garrity shares his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, founding Veteran Compost , a company dedicated to sustainable waste management. His military background played a significant role in shaping his leadership style, but the shift from military to civilian life came with its own set of challenges. Justen explains how Veteran Compost was born out of a need for better waste...

In this episode, Steven Eugene Kuhn takes us through his journey—from a challenging upbringing to becoming a decorated veteran and accomplished business leader. He reflects on his motivation for joining the military, the struggles he faced transitioning to civilian life, and how he built a thriving global network. Steven dives into the role of people and culture in organizational success, offering...

In this episode of # zigszagsandpivots, we explore the inspiring journey of Monique Minnick, a retired Colonel from the United States Air Force. With a rich military legacy and a passion for youth development, Monique shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being a woman in the military, her proudest accomplishments, and her transition to civilian life where she focuses on mentoring an...

In this enlightening conversation, Elizabeth McCormick, CSP shares her journey from being a decorated US Army Black Hawk pilot to becoming a successful motivational speaker and author. She discusses the challenges and realities of building a speaking career, the importance of storytelling, and how to find and engage with your audience. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for hard work, preparation, and...

Captain Chris "Chowdah" Hill shares his remarkable journey as a naval aviator. He reflects on his family's legacy in the Navy and the values that guide his leadership. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of personal values in military service, and the critical nature of morale among sailors.  Captain Hill emphasizes the need for effective communication and the significance of recog...

Noah Galloway, a veteran of the US Army who became a double amputee after an IED attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom, is the guest on this episode.  He shares his journey from enlisting in the military after the September 11 attacks to overcoming immense physical and emotional challenges following his injuries. He discusses the importance of mental health, the struggles of transitioning to civil...

Anna Larson is an experienced problem solver, copywriter, and marketer who is now dedicating her efforts to supporting military spouses through their transitions from active duty to civilian life. In this episode, Anna shares her personal journey as a military spouse, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community and friendships. She discusses her career reinvention, her proudest accom...

In this episode of #zigszagsandpivots, Dr. Jesse Galvan shares his extensive journey from a military upbringing to a successful career in the civilian sector. He discusses the influences of his childhood, the challenges and accomplishments he faced in the Army, and the lessons learned during his transition to civilian life.  Dr. Galvan emphasizes the importance of leadership, the impact of toxic l...

Amanda Huffman, an Air Force veteran,  military spouse, and two-time author, joins Annie in this episode to share her story and experiences. She discusses her decision to join Air Force ROTC and pursue a degree in civil engineering.  Amanda discusses the challenges she faced as one member of a dual military couple and the impact that had on her relationship with her husband. She also shares her de...

Kervin Aucoin, a seasoned intelligence analyst and podcast host, is the guest in this episode. He shares his journey from joining the US Army after the September 11th attacks to becoming an entrepreneur and founder.  He discusses his military experiences, including deployments to Iraq and his work in intelligence and counterintelligence, the importance of unbiased intelligence analysis, particular...

Cheryl Cross shares her journey from broadcaster to working in talent acquisition and management. She emphasizes the importance of following your passions and being open to new opportunities.  Cheryl discusses her experiences in the music industry, competitive intelligence, and executive search. She also highlights the challenges faced by military professionals transitioning to civilian careers an...

In this episode, Major General Greg Martin shares his journey of battling bipolar disorder after retiring from the US Army. He discusses the challenges he faced in the military, the onset of his bipolar disorder, and the impact it had on his life and family. Major General Martin emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment for mental illnesses. He also highlights the misconcep...

Marina Rabinek, a retired Navy veteran, shares her journey and insights. She joined the Navy because of her name and family connection to the sea, serving as a sonar technician, and later becoming a command climate specialist, handling discrimination and harassment cases. She enjoyed teaching and used mnemonics to help others learn.  Marina's challenges in the Navy included experiencing harassment...

Do you know someone really good at highlighting other people and their stories? They have a remarkable gift for shining a light on others. Humble to the core, they rarely speak about their own successes, preferring instead to elevate those around them. They easily create an environment where others feel valued and empowered. Shawn Welsh is one of those people. In this episode, Shawn discusses his...

Who could have guessed that a high school English class that required students to read and write about any books they chose would lead one of them to their future career?  The book that changed Chris Hansen's life was Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. The story that made it life-changing for him was about a young man - the same age as he was then - who ended his life by suicide. From starting a l...

Research shows that slightly more than half (51%) of Americans believe they are prepared for a disaster, and 57% took three or more actions to prepare for a disaster within the last year. When we look at businesses, the numbers don't improve much - only 54% of organizations have an established, company-wide disaster recovery plan.  Erika Andresen took a $70,000 pay cut when she joined the US Army'...

Overcoming physical adversity requires immense mental and emotional strength, resilience, and determination. It's a journey of accepting new realities while pushing past limitations to redefine what's possible. Each victory, no matter how small, is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive against the odds. When Master Sergeant Juanita Wilson was critically injured, losing her...