Black Box Recordings Podcast Black Box Recordings Podcast

Colonel David Benson served over 27 years in the Air Force, spending eight years focused on organization leadership. During his last assignment, Colonel Benson served as the Base Commander of Dyess AFB. During his command he was responsible for over 4,500 personnel as well at the well being of their families. In this episode we discuss David’s take on leadership, life after the military and finding purpose in life.

David lives in Newnan, Georgia with his family. He currently is a senior instructor pilot at Delta Airlines.

Chris Rolfe is a 2004 USAFA graduate. After commissioning, Chris served as an Air Force Officer and KC-135 Navigator. Despite having a successful military career, Chris was faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue his military service or to join the civilian workforce. Ultimately, Chris chose to separate from the Air Force in 2013 and set his sights on attending Harvard Business School. Chris graduated from HBS in 2016 and now works for Bain & Company with a focus on Operations Strategy.

In this episode, Chris and I discuss the decision making process behind his choice to pursue an unconventional path and why he chose to pursue an MBA. In addition, we discuss the process of preparing for the admission process, the amazing benefits of the GI bill and Yellow Ribbon programs, and life after HBS.

n this episode, we hear from Elisa Rhynedance. Elisa served five years in the Air Force before separating in 2014. Now, Elisa uses her unique experience and education as a Life Coach, helping women veterans connect with themselves and their passions, and build a life that works for them. Her passion is to help women veterans uncover limiting beliefs and stories holding them back from reaching their full potential. While equipping them with the mindset, self-talk, and mental skills training tools to optimize their performance.

Heard of DOD SkillBridge? In this episode we hear from Dave Schantz. Dave runs the DOD SkillBridge Community of Practice group on LinkedIn and has helped countless transitioning members utilize the SkillBridge Program. In this episode he walks through the ins and outs of the program. Whether you or someone you know is considering a career after service this resource is one you will want to be well informed on.

Meet Ilma Vallée. Adventure videographer, marathon runner, mountain climber, and Air Force Pilot. As a child, Ilma immigrated to the United States from Lithuania. Ilma’s path has led her to be defined as many different things; immigrant, enlisted airman, pilot, and Air Force officer. Despite these labels Ilma has always been Ilma.
In this episode, we discuss how to not only keep your identity throughout your career but why you should embrace it. Ilma is an example of how deliberately pursuing what you want to do can lead to success in those ventures. She is a reminder that devoting time to other interests outside of your career is not selfish but important to grow as an individual.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking to Don Wittman. Don is THE guy to talk to when talking about how to optimize your LinkedIn. He has given talks to thousands of job seekers over the last eight years. He even wrote a book on it.
I was blown away by the knowledge that he shared on why LinkedIn is so much more than a “professional Facebook” page. If you have ever wondered what’s the point to LinkedIn I highly recommend listening! Also to learn more about Don’s LinkedIn strategy check out his book on amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RVD8J1G or go to his website at wittmantechnology.com