Today is my first episode where I bring on two guests! Matthew and Shanon are both military veterans and entrepreneurs and have a ton of knowledge to share. We talk about ways to tap into your creative side, tips on setting yourself up when applying to a Skillbridge, and of course, we talk about their platform: Hop on and hold on. There’s a ton of good career advice in this episode, but we also tap into some deeper topics like how your identity is not defined by what you did in uniform.If you’re interested in learning how to overcome challenges during your entrepreneurial journey, or you’re looking to reinvent yourself after getting out of the military, this episode is for you.Topics we discussed:What is Hop On and Hold On?Overcoming challenges during the entrepreneurial journeyHow a values exercise can benefit youTips on submitting a successful Skillbridge requestWatching out for red flags when looking for Skillbridge opportunitiesHow to reach and communicate with your audience“Your identity is not defined by what you did in uniform”Checkout Hop On and Hold On: https://www.hoponandholdon.com/[email protected] with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Alexiss, who works in HR but is a multi-talented veteran, parent, and content creator. Alexiss shares her insights into how to find a skillbridge opportunity in a non-traditional route, how to leverage LinkedIn during your job hunt, how to choose between multiple job opportunities, the importance of maintaining your physical health and so much more.  If you’re interested in learning how to build an audience on LinkedIn, how to grow your analytics skills, or learn more about how to combine multiple skill sets into your role this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy it!Topics we covered:Ways to make skillbridge work for youHow to take advantage your activity on LinkedInHow to find your niche community on LinkedInFree certifications to take advantage during your military transitionDay-to-day at a startup working in HRHow to choose which company when receiving multiple job offersWhat parenting can teach you in a professional settingThe importance of physical health when it comes to workConnect with Alexiss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiss-tallant/Connect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Danae, a leader in data analytics and a military spouse. We talk about why she chose data analytics, the importance of a brag sheet, and regaining your sense of community after a PCS. If you're interested in Data Analytics or want to know how to navigate your career during a PCS move this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy it!Topics we covered:Career conversations for a successful PCSTips on building your brag sheetJoining communitiesRegaining your sense of community during a PCSData Angels, Locally OptimisticConnect with Danae on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaewhitten/Connect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Nicu, a Senior Platform Product Manager. I often hear the question: “how do I get into Product Management?” If you have the same question, Nicu talks about his journey from an E-4 in the Army to his current role as a Senior Product Manager. We also talk about the 5 paths to product, how to acquire the necessary skills to break into Product Management, how his Filipino culture has helped him in his career, and so much more.If you’re interested in Product Management after the military or just want to enjoy some laughs about karaoke this episode is for you. There are a bunch of insights that Nicu shares that apply to all Product Managers even outside of the military. Hope you enjoy it!Topics we covered:Technical skills needed to be a Platform Product ManagerThe 5 Paths to ProductFree resources to get into techHow to figure out what role to pursue after the militaryHow his Filipino background has helped him in his careerTechnical skills needed for Product ManagementNicu's Website with Free Veteran's Resources for Tech: https://www.nicuparente.com/tech-transition-resources/ 5 Paths to product: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicuparente_productmanager-productmanagement-activity-7033419996802277376-6Yta?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopLinkedIn: https://twitter.com/nicuparenteTwitter: https://twitter.com/nicuparenteConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today, we're excited to welcome back one of our most popular guests who is returning to discuss some new and important topics. As many of our listeners know, transitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging experience. It requires adapting to a new culture, establishing new relationships, and learning new skills. In the last episode, we talked about entry-level roles to get into tech, why to always be interviewing, and healthy ways to address imposter syndrome. Today, we're going to explore some new and important topics such as building trust, asking for help, and achieving success in any role. We're thrilled to have Alex back and excited to dive into these new topics that will help you navigate your transition to your civilian career.Reach out to Alex on LinkedInCheck out LifeAt!Connect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Abe, a passionate data analyst who has combined his analytic skills with his favorite martial art: jiu-jitsu. We talk about the lessons he learned while being a military recruiter, how he learned his data skills, and how he leverages LinkedIn to reach potential clients and employers.If you’re interested in being a data analyst after the military or just want to hear a really cool story of how analytical you can get with jiujitsu, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:How to translate your skills from being a military recruiter to the civilian worldWhy listening is so importantHow he got into data analyticsPivoting and shifting if a role doesn't fitWhat you a day in the life of a data analyst looks likeHow personal projects can intertwine with your careerThe importance of posting on LinkedInGet in contact with Abe on LinkedIn Instagram: @__abruhham__Check out SubStats!Instagram: @substatsConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Jeff, who is a decorated Army Special Operations veteran, a business owner, and now an author. We talk about his formula to overcome obstacles during the military transition, his book, how jiujitsu and the military intertwine, and so much more.Check out the video version of the episode on YouTube!If you’re an aspiring business owner and want a glimpse into the mind of a veteran business owner, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:Building a business using your military experiencesHow to overcome challenges during the military transitionThe hardest part about Jeff's transition out of the militaryJeff's personal formula for managing focus and emotionsWays to pivot from one role to another and find your passionFinding the right people for your business and teamsBreaking the rule: Leaders eat lastWhy personalities differences matterYour military history is a part of your identity vs as your identity Jiujitsu is the world's best personality testBeing a hobbyist vs a professionalCheck out the book All The War They WantGet in contact with Jeff on LinkedInFollow Jeff on TwitterConquest CyberConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Shaymon who served in the Airforce and is now a Salesforce Solution Consultant. He is a 6-time salesforce certified, 3-time trailhead ranger! On today’s episode, we talk about how to learn from failure, what resources are available to learn Salesforce and what the day-to-day might look like working as a solution consultant.If you’re interested in learning more about salesforce or are about all the knowledge Shaymon has learned over the last couple of years, this episode is for you.Reach out to Shaymon on LinkedInLinks to what we talked about today:Salesforce MilitaryFocus On ForceTech Forward (HBCUforce)VET TECVR&ESyracuse - Onward To OpportunityConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

Today I bring on Alex who served in the Air Force and now is a Site Reliability Engineering Senior Manager. Alex found an entry-level role after the military and has gained a ton of knowledge in his journey to a Senior manager.In today’s episode, we talk about a bunch of different things:What is SRE (Site Reliability Engineering)?Healthy ways to address imposter syndromeGreat entry-level roles after the militaryHow to find ideal roles in your careerWays to find mentorshipShould you pick working a FAANG vs other companies?Why you should always be interviewingTechnologies Alex mentioned:Free BSD, PERL, MySQL, Apache, PHP, AWSCheck out Alex's woodworking art at mapsandboxes.comConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork

In today's episode, John and Sean go into the weeds of how to be a good leader, how to grow trust with your team, and how you can succeed even in situations with bad leaders. We’ll also take a deeper dive to learn more about the book On Mission and who it’s for, and dig into some of the content.Check out On Mission at OnMissionBook.com and OnMissionLeaders.comConnect with Takato and share your feedback: Website Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Episode Music, Episode Artwork