Cameron-Brooks

Cameron-Brooks
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We are excited to launch the Cameron-Brooks Podcast. For almost 50 years, the Cameron-Brooks Team has partnered with high performing military officers assisting them with transitioning to a successful business career. We have a continuing relationship with a vast majority of our Alumni. Some of our successful Alumni include the CFO of Twitter, Chief Marketing Officer of Tyson Foods, COO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, COO of RJ Reynolds, VP of Supply Chain at a Fortune 500 Medical Device Company, Executive Vice President of Logistics for Walmart Stores, Inc. to name just a few. The purpose of the Cameron-Brooks podcast is to draw best practices, lessons learned and career advice from our Alumni and other business partners to assist others in reaching their potential and goals. This podcast will help anyone who has a desire to grow both personally and professionally. While the podcast will mostly be episodes of conversations with Cameron-Brooks Alumni, it will also include book reviews, career advice, interview tips and leadership lessons from Cameron-Brooks Team Members.

  1. MAR 25

    E218: Transition Rule #1 – Don’t Do It Alone

    Why Is Transition Rule #1 - Don't Do It Alone? When talking about the transition, why did we make Transition Rule #1 -Don't Do It Alone?  At Cameron-Brooks, we’ve spent nearly 50 years helping Junior Military Officers (JMOs) make this transition successfully. A lot has changed in 50 years, and there is one thing for certain: There is so much information out there. There are a lot of resources and people out there who want to help you. We’ve developed 6 Rules for the JMO Military to Business Transition to help break through the vast amounts of information and organize it for you. These rules provide a framework and a structure to help you gather information, plan, prepare and help educate you on your options outside of the military. In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Kirchner, who has spent 20+ years in the recruiting Industry. He’s a key team member and leader at Cameron-Brooks. What is unique about Tim is that he’s seen both sides. He’s been at Cameron-Brooks for the last six years and has helped thousands of JMO’s learn about their options and helped communicate how companies view and understand them. He's spent the majority of his professional career communicating with Hiring Managers and helping them find, build, and retain talent. Tim was the main driver behind organizing these rules. He’s a wonderful teammate and leader, and we value that he’s seen a lot, and he brings a fresh perspective and a “different frame” of viewing things. In this episode, we dove into the crucial first step: finding the right guide. We discuss key insights, practical strategies, and the value of a guide in the transition to help you build a plan, develop a strategy, and start building the foundation for your transition. We start with Transition Rule #1: Don’t Do It Alone. In other words, Find Your Guide. Why Should You Find a Guide? It will highly increase your chances of being successful in the transition, based on how you define success. When starting something new, the most important thing to do is gather information and get educated on that topic. So naturally, how do we do that? We find information and people who know things that we don’t. We learn from people who have gone before us and from people who have experience. What to Look for when You Find a Guide? The first thing that’s important when you find a guide is choosing one that you trust. With trust comes open, candid communication, that goes both ways. For the JMO, it’s about communicating what’s important to you and thinking about your objectives in the transition. For the guide, it’s about listening and being honest about the realistic nature of achieving those goals based upon the proposed strategy. We discussed the importance of trust, which stems from the book Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud. The five components of trust: 1. Does the guide understand what is important to you? 2. Does the guide have the expertise? 3. Does the guide have the Integrity and Character to do what they say they are going to do? 4. Does the guide have transparency in their motive to help you? 5. Does the guide have a clear track record? Transformation over Transaction Joel left us with some closing thoughts. Our mission at Cameron-Brooks is about transformation, not transaction. We don’t just place JMOs in front of Hiring Managers and Decision Makers for open developmental positions. It goes further than that. We strive to be Counterculture to help JMOs grow, reflect, and step into the next phase of their careers with confidence. We strive to provide confidence in your choice to find a guide. Ready to Take the Next Step? Are you ready to follow Transition Rule #1 - Don't Do It Alone? Want to learn more? Check out our podcast, Cameron-Brooks: PCS to Corporate America, follow us on LinkedIn or check out our website.

    34 min

  2. MAR 4

    January 2025 Post Conference Review

    Our January 2025 Post Conference Review is live, and I always look forward to the weeks following a Career Conference and visiting with our recent alumni. It’s the culmination of an incredible amount of effort both from the candidates and our team. Seeing these talented JMOs, some having spent over two years in the Cameron-Brooks Development and Preparation Program, receive offers and make career decisions is nothing short of inspiring. It’s not just about the job offers; it’s about the journey. The relationships built. The challenges overcome. The lessons learned. Watching LinkedIn light up with posts from our alumni celebrating their new careers, surrounded by the support of their community, is one of the best parts of my job. To all the JMOs, client companies, and the entire Cameron-Brooks team—thank you for making another Career Conference a success! And most importantly, congratulations to the January 2025 Candidates and Companies! The Panel In this episode, I sat down with three recent Cameron-Brooks alumni who shared their firsthand experiences from the Career Conference and the critical “follow-up” process. They pulled back the curtain on what it was really like—insights, surprises, and everything in between. Meet the panel: Liam O'Hara, TransDigm Group, Inc. – Captain, Army Air Defense Frank Cebreros, Amcor – Captain, Army Armor Ty McAvoy, Civco Medical Solutions – LTJG, Surface Warfare Officer The "follow-up process" refers to the structured steps that take place after their Career Conference, where candidates interview with multiple companies in person or on-site with the objective to go deeper and learn more, and then secure offers. Once offers are in hand, they have the ability to evaluate options, compare, and then make the best decision for them based on: Fit! Career Goals Career Opportunities Nature of work Team Chemistry Culture Salary Location Topics of Discussion and Sample Questions Asked Here’s a sneak peek of what we discussed and questions that were asked: Career Conference Statistics – January 2025 data Sample Opportunities – What industries and roles were available Best Interview Prep Tips & Techniques – What works Salary Expectations – Did the opportunities align with expectations? Why Cameron-Brooks? – The value of our partnership Hiring Manager Conversations – What to expect The Impact of Study Groups – How they drove preparation and confidence The Power of Community – Why going through this with a network matters How to Ace Your Interview – Actionable insights for success And much more! Key Themes Some of the key themes that emerged from our conversation were: 1.) The Power of Relationships – Your network is everything. Having a community that sharpens you, pushes you, and walks alongside you through this transition is invaluable. Study Groups, the Discord platform, follow-up trips—these relationships make all the difference. 2.) Applying the Reading Program – Books like Integrity Selling and Financial Intelligence weren’t just theory—they shaped how these candidates approached their interviews and careers. Learning, applying, and operationalizing these concepts set them apart. 3.) The Follow-Up Team's Impact – There’s an entire engine behind the scenes—coordinating logistics, travel, and on-site interviews. Field rides, plant tours, site visits—these aren’t just meetings; they’re opportunities to connect, learn, and solidify decisions. Final Thoughts These Career Conference recap conversations are a goldmine for those preparing for their own transition.

    1h 27m

  3. FEB 19

    How Defining Goals, Embracing Preparation and Learning Lead to Career Success (E216)

    Leaving the structured world of the military for the uncertainty of civilian life can be a daunting task. In this episode of the PCS to Corporate America Podcast, I speak with Mike Sweeney, a former Army junior military officer (JMO) who successfully navigated this transition over 20 years ago. Mike shares his insights and experiences on how defining goals, embracing preparation, and learning lead to career success.  He offers invaluable advice to those currently preparing for their own transition. The Importance of Preparation Mike emphasizes the importance of preparation, particularly when it comes to interviewing. Drawing parallels to the meticulous practice routine of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Mike stresses the need for JMOs to practice and rehearse their interview responses and specifically highlights the need to master the answer to "Tell me about yourself.” This preparation helps build confidence and allows one to be authentic in the interview. Defining Your "Good Employment Offer" Beyond acing interviews, Mike encourages JMOs to define what constitutes a "good offer" for them. Rather than solely focusing on salary, he suggests considering factors like company culture, values, learning opportunities, team dynamics, and work-life balance. This personalized approach helps ensure alignment between individual aspirations and the chosen career path. Today, as a Leadership Coach, Mike encourages his clients to think about their career opportunities similarly. Embracing Lifelong Learning A key theme throughout the conversation with Mike is the importance of continuous learning and development. Mike is an avid reader and champions reading as a way to gain new perspectives, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a reflective mindset. He also says that, unlike when he and I transitioned 20+ years ago, to use other mediums like podcasts and videos for learning and self-development. The key is to be intentional and directed in consuming information that fosters growth. Mike’s career is an excellent example of a successful transition from military to civilian life. His emphasis on preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and continuous learning provides valuable guidance for current JMOs navigating this significant life change. By engaging with resources like those offered by Cameron-Brooks and embracing a mindset of continuous growth, individuals can confidently embark on their post-military careers. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy the podcast! To stay connected, we encourage you to check out our website and YouTube Channel and follow us on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about your transition options, please get in touch with us. You can also check out our Transition Guide on “3 Game-Changing Strategies for JMOs Making the Jump to Business” for additional transition tips. To stay connected, I recommend subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following us on LinkedIn. Joel

  4. FEB 11

    Fran Lawler: From JMO to C-Suite

    Learn how Fran Lawler went from JMO to C-Suite. This former officer is an incredibly successful leader. She is a 1995 West Point Graduate, served six successful years in the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer, and transitioned to a business career in 2001 through Cameron-Brooks. She earned her MBA at Harvard and has held high-level human resources roles, including several Chief Human Resources Officer positions. She recently founded her own leadership consulting and coaching company, Harvest Cove Talent Partners. Fran is also the first officer I recruited to participate in the Cameron-Brooks program. I met her in Leesville, LA, just outside Fort Polk, LA (now Fort Johnson) in May 2000. She agreed to be a podcast guest to share her experience and leadership lessons. She shares her incredible story, filled with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth. Fran’s insights shed light on what it takes to lead with authenticity and impact. Identify Personal Purpose A pivotal moment in Fran’s career was crafting her personal purpose statement. This exercise helped her align her career aspirations with her deeper values, transforming her approach to leadership and teamwork. As Fran shares, finding purpose was a professional milestone and a personal breakthrough that shaped her trajectory. The Power of Coaching and Leadership Development Fran’s passion for coaching stems from her own transformative experiences. She highlights the importance of asking probing questions, fostering self-reflection, and empowering clients to discover their own solutions. As Fran emphasizes, the role of a coach is to guide, not to dictate, creating a safe space for others to explore and grow. In our discussion, Fran reflects on how coaching has enhanced her professional relationships and deepened her connection with friends and family. This underscores the broader impact of coaching—its ability to enrich lives beyond the workplace. Harvest Cove Talent Partners: A Vision for Growth and Community Fran recently took a bold step by launching her firm, Harvest Cove Talent Partners. Inspired by her commitment to growth and human connection, Harvest Cove aims to support leaders and teams in achieving their full potential. The firm’s name reflects Fran’s mission to create a “harvest” of blessings and opportunities, cultivating a space where vulnerability and authenticity thrive. Leadership Rooted in Purpose Fran Lawler’s journey from JMO to C-suite is a testament to the power of adaptability, purpose, and continuous growth. Her story reminds us that true leadership goes beyond achieving goals—it’s about fostering connection, empowering others, and staying grounded in one’s values. Through her coaching work and the creation of Harvest Cove, Fran exemplifies how leaders can inspire transformation while staying true to their purpose. Fran's story is an inspiration for anyone navigating transitions or seeking greater meaning in their work. Learn more about Fran’s journey and her insights on leadership and coaching by tuning into the full podcast episode. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy the podcast! To stay connected, we encourage you to check out our website and YouTube Channel and follow us on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about your transition options, please get in touch with us. You can also check out our Transition Guide on “3 Game-Changing Strategies for JMOs Making the Jump to Business” for additional transition tips. To stay connected, I recommend subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following us on LinkedIn. Joel

    44 min

  5. JAN 21

    Nov ’24 Career Conference Recap (E214)

    Welcome back to another Post-Conference Recap. For the November 2024 Career Conference, we had three of our most recent alumni on a webcast to share their experiences about the Cameron-Brooks process and where they chose to launch their careers. Aine Armstrong – LT, Navy Supply Officer Maria Blom – CPT, Army Engineer Officer Haadi Elsaawy – LT, Navy Surface Warfare Officer They each offered great advice and perspective to other military officers who are preparing to transition. In this conversation, we cover many topics around some of the following questions: November 2024 Conference Statistics Economy Update Developmental opportunities at the November 2025 Career Conference Interview preparation tips and techniques Did the opportunities at the Career Conference meet your salary expectations? Why did you choose a partnership with Cameron-Brooks? What were the conversations like with these Hiring Managers? Study Groups Tips to Ace the Interview! And much more! I think these Career Conference Recap webcasts are so valuable because they give those who have not been to a Career Conference a “behind-the-scenes” view of what it’s like. The transition can be hazy. It can be foggy, and in a sea of choices, it’s sometimes hard to know the right path to navigate in order to reach your end goal. This is what I like to call "Navigating between the buoys". For those nautical folks out there, this is navigating in restricted waters! These Career Conference recap conversations help those planning to attend a future Conference have the confidence to continue preparing for transition success, and for those not in the Development and Preparation Program, hopefully their advice and experience serves you well as you prepare for your interviews! If you are a JMO and looking for answers, we are here to help. Cameron-Brooks has over 5 decades of experience guiding military officers as they transverse the challenges of transition from the military to the business world. I am glad to meet with you one-on-one to help better define your marketability and explore options. You can also find more information about Cameron-Brooks on our website, YouTube and LinkedIn. It all starts with a conversation. Best of success, Brock Dudley | bdudley@cameron-brooks.com | (210) 874-1495

  6. JAN 7

    How Resilience and Hardiness Create Meaningful Work (E213)

    Welcome to another episode of the PCS to Corporate America Podcast. This is a special episode for me. I recently completed my MA in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University. I significantly changed as a leader and person as a result of this program. The Leadership and Hardiness class co-taught by Dr. Adrian Popa and Kelsey Solberg, which I took this past summer, particularly impacted me. Dr. Popa and Kelsey graciously allowed me to interview them for this podcast. In a world of constant change and challenges, resilience, and hardiness are critical qualities for leaders navigating transitions. Dr. Popa, Kelsey, and I dive deep into these themes.   This episode is packed with insights for those transitioning from military service to civilian careers or simply seeking greater purpose in their work. Below are key highlights from this enlightening conversation.   Exploring the Foundations of Resilience Dr. Popa opens the podcast with a personal reflection on his childhood in Eastern Europe under a communist government. He shares how witnessing resilience in his family and community shaped his understanding of hardiness. Dr. Popa explains that hardiness is more than mere toughness; it involves the ability to adapt, grow, and find meaning despite life’s challenges. Kelsey adds her perspective on resilience, which was shaped by her journey from student to leadership educator. Through her work at Gonzaga University and co-teaching the Leadership and Hardiness course, Kelsey emphasizes curiosity and connection as pathways to resilience. She discusses the transformative power of engaging with the world and fostering growth, even in the face of obstacles. Finding Meaning in Transitions One of the podcast's most poignant moments came when I posed a common question faced by transitioning military leaders: “How do I find meaning in a career after leaving the service?” Dr. Popa and Kelsey reference Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning in their responses. Dr. Popa explains that meaning is not found but created, often in the context of challenges. He emphasizes the importance of embracing agency and choice, even in moments of uncertainty. Kelsey adds that individuals coming from the military may already possess a unique ability to transcend themselves for a greater cause—an invaluable asset in any new role. Practical Tools for Resilience and Growth Together, we address the framework commitment, control, and challenge as a way to build hardiness. We encourage listeners to identify what they’re committed to, recognize their capacity to influence outcomes and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Dr. Popa reinforces this by sharing how these principles are operationalized during the mountain leadership immersions. To learn more about commitment, control, and challenge, I encourage you to read Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You to Achieve Your Life Goals by Steven Stein and Paul Bartone. Conclusion: Thriving Beyond the Uniform This episode offers a roadmap for finding purpose and cultivating resilience in any stage of life. Dr. Popa and Kelsey remind us that the search for meaning is dynamic, evolving with each phase of our journey. Whether you’re transitioning careers, climbing mountains, or simply navigating life’s complexities, their insights provide guidance and inspiration. Tune in to the full episode to explore how resilience and hardiness can help you thrive, no matter the challenge ahead. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy the podcast! To stay connected, we encourage you to check out our website and YouTube Channel and follow us on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about your transition options,

  7. 12/27/2024

    2024 Lessons and Looking Ahead to 2025 (E212)

    Happy Holidays from the Cameron-Brooks Team! In this podcast, Cameron-Brooks team members from our company's candidate and client sides share lessons from 2024 and what we look forward to in 2025. As usual, you will hear from Transition Coaches Brock Dudley and me (Joel Junker), as well as two new voices from our client side, Lauren Kordzik and Megan Miller. We will feature them more in our 2025 podcasts.   Below are some highlights from the podcast. Learning and Preparation Extends Beyond the Transition One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the importance of preparation—not just for the interviews but for the entire journey. We emphasize that understanding the business landscape is just as crucial as understanding your strengths and interests. Your path might have been clearly defined in the military, but in business, you need to proactively shape your career. This shift requires continuous learning and growth, and we provide practical tips to help you to do so. These tips include: Be curious and ask questions. Have an attitude of humility to be open to feedback Read books, attend courses and workshops, and listen to podcasts from various sources. You will hear how we apply lessons learned from parenting, biographies not related to business, and more. Stay True to Yourself We brought our authentic selves and experiences to the conversation during our dialogue. We also share how it is important to be true to yourself. While adapting to the business world is important, you don’t need to change who you are at your core. The discipline, integrity, and work ethic you’ve developed in the military are assets that will set you apart and help you thrive in your new role. Inspiration Our goal with the podcast was to inspire and empower you to take control of your career and prepare for the transition. We want to assure you that while the transition to a business career may seem daunting, it is absolutely achievable with the right mindset, preparation, and support. Their insights serve as a reminder that the skills and values you bring from your military service are relevant and provide a strong foundation for a successful business career. Thank you for listening to our , and I hope you enjoy the podcast! To stay connected, we encourage you to check out our website and YouTube Channel and follow us on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about your transition options, please get in touch with us. You can also check out our Transition Guide on “3 Game-Changing Strategies for JMOs Making the Jump to Business” for additional transition tips. To stay connected, I recommend subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following us on LinkedIn. Joel

  8. 12/10/2024

    Life, Leadership & Climbing A Mountain (E211)

    In July of this year, I climbed Mount Adams in southern Washington, just across the Columbia River from Hood River, OR. I did this climb as a part of my Leadership and Hardiness class at Gonzaga University for a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. I complete my degree four days after this podcast publishes! I learned much from my classmates, Team Denali, whom I prepared and climbed with, and my instructors. While climbing posed a significant physical challenge, I discovered the most profound life and leadership lessons during this climb. My colleague Brock Dudley interviewed me to draw out those lessons and share them in this podcast. We cover the following lessons: Beyond Goal Setting: The Value of Presence We often get caught up in pursuing goals, striving to reach the next milestone or achievement. I struggle with this tendency, prioritizing tasks and objectives over personal connections. However, my experience at Mount Adams and my studies in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University revealed a critical shift in my leadership approach. I learned the importance of being present in the moment and with the people before me rather than constantly looking toward the next goal. I learned to listen to others, find ways to transcend myself, and serve others, and results will take care of themselves as a byproduct of doing the right things. I learned that when we slow down, truly engage with others, and appreciate the journey, we find meaning and purpose. The Mountain as Metaphor: Resilience, Hardiness, and Support My experience climbing Mount Adams provided a powerful metaphor for life’s challenges. Just as navigating difficult terrain requires strength and perseverance, we also need resilience and hardiness to overcome obstacles and setbacks in our personal and professional lives. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and hardiness is the capacity to handle the stress those setbacks create. The hardier we are, the more resilient we become. I reference the book Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You to Achieve Your Life Goals by Steven Stein and Paul Bartone to learn more about the three characteristics of hardiness: challenge, commitment, and control. Thinking about these attitudes in the context of climbing a mountain is helpful. There’s the challenge of the climb itself, the commitment required to prepare, serve the other team members, and attempt the climb, and the need to maintain some sense of control over the situation despite unpredictable circumstances. These same principles apply to navigating the challenges of life. The Crucial Role of Relationships in Building Resilience While individual strength is important, I learned we don’t achieve anything worthwhile alone. Relationships are critical to building hardiness and resilience. Giving and receiving love and support from others creates a solid foundation for thriving, especially when facing adversity. During the climb, I observed several examples of his fellow climbers/classmates serving one another: carrying each other’s packs, sharing gear, tending to injuries, and simply offering a listening ear and a warm meal at the end of a long day. These acts of kindness demonstrate that love isn’t always about “butterflies and roses” but about speaking the truth, offering support, and showing care even when difficult. The Joy of Connection and Continuous Growth One of my most poignant experiences on the climb involved connecting with a fellow climber/student, Kamryn. While taking a break during our ascent, we shared a conversation that transcended our age difference and formed a bond that encouraged us through the rest of the climb. This experience taught me that the journey is more important than the destination.

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    About

    We are excited to launch the Cameron-Brooks Podcast. For almost 50 years, the Cameron-Brooks Team has partnered with high performing military officers assisting them with transitioning to a successful business career. We have a continuing relationship with a vast majority of our Alumni. Some of our successful Alumni include the CFO of Twitter, Chief Marketing Officer of Tyson Foods, COO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, COO of RJ Reynolds, VP of Supply Chain at a Fortune 500 Medical Device Company, Executive Vice President of Logistics for Walmart Stores, Inc. to name just a few. The purpose of the Cameron-Brooks podcast is to draw best practices, lessons learned and career advice from our Alumni and other business partners to assist others in reaching their potential and goals. This podcast will help anyone who has a desire to grow both personally and professionally. While the podcast will mostly be episodes of conversations with Cameron-Brooks Alumni, it will also include book reviews, career advice, interview tips and leadership lessons from Cameron-Brooks Team Members.

    Information

    • Creator
      Cameron-Brooks
    • Years Active
      2016 - 2025
    • Episodes
      218
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Show Website
      Cameron-Brooks

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