Lessons Learned for Vets

Lori Norris
  • 5.0 (34)
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Lessons Learned for Vets

Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have learned as they traveled the military transition path before you.

  1. What's The Catch? Exploring a Too-Good-To-Be-True Career with Mark Ardecki

    1D AGO

    What's The Catch? Exploring a Too-Good-To-Be-True Career with Mark Ardecki

    Send us a text Mark Ardecki's military transition story will resonate with anyone who's faced the uncertainty of post-service life. After nine years as a Marine with a special forces background, Mark found himself asking the same question most veterans do: "What's next?" Following brief stints as a lineman and arborist, Mark discovered an unexpected career path with Seek Now as a field inspector. What makes his story remarkable isn't just the career change itself, but the dramatic improvement in his work-life balance and compensation. He went from grueling 14-hour workdays to earning comparable pay in just a couple of hours of inspection work. The skills that propelled Mark's success aren't technical construction knowledge, which he freely admits he lacked. However, the core competencies most veterans already possess such as punctuality, accountability, integrity and human connection, were the key to his success. As a field inspector documenting property damage for insurance claims, Mark found himself uniquely positioned to help people during difficult times while maintaining the objectivity his role requires. Now serving as the East Coast Lead Inspector, Mark has mentored over 20 transitioning service members through Seek Now's Drive Academy SkillBridge program. His pride in watching these veterans succeed mirrors the satisfaction he feels in his own career journey. Even more impressive, every one of his mentees has successfully placed into permanent roles with the company, with some now crossing the six-figure income threshold. The comprehensive training program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on mentorship and certification provides veterans with everything they need to succeed, regardless of prior experience. In fact, Mark prefers training those with no construction background so they can "start with a clean slate." For veterans considering their next move, Mark offers this perspective: "Everybody asks me what the catch is. I have yet to find it." With opportunities in 47 states and flexible work arrangements, Seek Now represents the kind of opportunity many transitioning service members are searching for but don't know exists. Curious about starting your own post-military success story? Visit internwithdrive.com to explore how your military skills might translate into an unexpected and rewarding new career path. The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    35 min
  2. How Training Service Dogs Helped a Marine Heal and Thrive with Ryan Woodruff

    JUL 2

    How Training Service Dogs Helped a Marine Heal and Thrive with Ryan Woodruff

    Send us a text What happens when the skills that kept you alive in combat become the very things holding you back in civilian life? Former Marine Ryan Woodruff's powerful journey reveals how purpose can emerge from our darkest struggles. After two deployments to Iraq and losing 14 fellow Marines, Ryan's transition to civilian life spiraled into PTS, alcoholism, and isolation. The brotherhood, mission, and structure that defined his military service vanished overnight. "I wasn't ready to acknowledge I was dealing with mental health issues," Ryan reveals. "My way of coping with all of this was alcohol." Everything changed when Ryan found Clear Path for Veterans and was matched with a service dog. In an extraordinary insight, Ryan discovered his dog had begun mirroring his own anxiety and hypervigilance. This wake-up call became his catalyst for seeking help. He discovered that service dogs reflect the best and worst parts about our character, and he set out on a mission to improve himself and focus on his mental health. Ryan takes us inside the remarkable world of service dogs for veterans, explaining how these animals are trained to respond to specific symptoms of PTS and TBI. From recognizing when a veteran is anxiously twisting their wedding band to providing grounding techniques during moments of distress, these canine companions offer both practical support and profound connection. Most powerfully, Ryan challenges the "sliding scale" mentality that keeps many veterans from seeking help. "It's not a competition," he insists, urging listeners to reach out regardless of how they perceive their struggles compared to others. His journey from program recipient to CEO of Clear Path demonstrates how our darkest challenges can transform into our greatest purpose when we embrace connection and vulnerability. Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran struggling with mental health issues or simply someone interested in the healing power of human-animal bonds, this episode offers both practical resources and the inspiration to take that first step toward healing. If you're struggling with PTSD, alcoholism, or other mental health challenges, reach out to Clear Path for Veterans at 315-687-3300 or explore resources like the Crisis Line (988), Vet Centers (VetCenter.VA.gov), or Assistance Dogs International. You can connect with Ryan Woodruff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-woodruff-290514195/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military! The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    40 min
  3. Tackling Veteran Underemployment through The Call of Duty Endowment with Dan Goldenberg

    JUN 18

    Tackling Veteran Underemployment through The Call of Duty Endowment with Dan Goldenberg

    Send us a text Struggling to translate your military experience into civilian success? Dan Goldenberg's journey from Naval officer to leading the Call of Duty Endowment offers a masterclass in veteran career transition done right. When Dan took over the Call of Duty Endowment in 2013, he transformed it from a traditional "big check and handshake" foundation into a powerhouse of veteran employment support. By implementing accountability measures and focusing on quality outcomes, the Call of Duty Endowment has helped place over 150,000 veterans in meaningful jobs at just 1/15th the cost of government programs. "The fundamental thing that differentiates us from other approaches is accountability," Dan explains, describing their quarterly performance reviews and commitment to continuous improvement. The conversation tackles a critical misconception head-on: veteran hiring isn't charity, it's simply smart business. Data from Fortune 500 executives shows veterans are 3% more productive and 3% more likely to stay with companies throughout their careers. Yet many companies miss this opportunity, while many veterans struggle with underemployment because they leap at the first job offer rather than finding the right fit. Perhaps the most valuable advice comes when discussing job search strategy: "I'd rather invest in 100 conversations than sending 100 resumes." This networking-focused approach not only builds connections but provides critical self-discovery. Dan also highlights the current crisis facing veterans cut from federal positions, who receive none of the transition support offered to military members, underscoring the urgent need for specialized employment assistance. You can find the article here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323717975612567554/ Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran seeking better employment, or an employer looking to build a stronger workforce, this episode delivers practical wisdom and proven strategies for success. Check out callofdutyendowment.org to connect with their grantees for free employment support or to support their mission financially. You can connect with Dan Goldenberg on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/dangoldenberg92/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military! The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com. The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    47 min
  4. The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett

    JUN 4

    The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett

    Send us a text Michael Pett defied conventional military career wisdom when he chose to leave active duty at the 15-year mark. His calculated decision, backed by a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing potential civilian earnings against military retirement, launched him into remarkable opportunities at Accenture and Uber before his current leadership role at Vets in Tech. What sets Michael's transition story apart is his foresight and preparation. While still in uniform, he co-founded a protein dispenser business with fellow veterans that earned them a spot on Shark Tank. This entrepreneurial venture expanded his network beyond military circles and developed skills that proved invaluable in corporate environments. Witnessing family members struggle with their own military transitions provided Michael with critical insights into potential pitfalls, reinforcing his commitment to meticulous preparation. The emotional aspects of transition prove equally challenging. Michael compares the experience to stages of grief, describing the limbo between military and civilian identities where veterans can feel isolated from both communities. This insight led him to build diverse support networks including both veterans who successfully transitioned and civilians who could guide him through corporate culture. After his success building veteran programs at Accenture and Uber, Michael faced burnout and mental health challenges that forced him to prioritize his own wellbeing first before refocusing on his career achievement. Today, as Director of Employment and Community Outreach at Vets in Tech, Michael supports veterans through the organization's three pillars: education, employment and entrepreneurship. From developing technical skills to connecting with employment opportunities at major tech companies to providing capital for veteran-founded startups, this comprehensive approach addresses the spectrum of transition needs. You can learn more about their programs at www.vetsintech.com.  His journey demonstrates that with strategic planning, openness to new experiences, and willingness to seek support, veterans can build fulfilling civilian careers that leverage their military experience in unexpected ways. You can connect with Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpett1/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military! The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    36 min
  5. Walking 500 Miles to Find a New Purpose with Randall Surles

    MAY 21

    Walking 500 Miles to Find a New Purpose with Randall Surles

    Send us a text What happens when a highly-decorated Green Beret with an MFA in Creative Writing decides to forge a completely different path after retirement? Randy Surles takes us on his remarkable journey from 32 years in Army Special Forces to becoming a sought-after editor and ghostwriter for military authors. Randy's story begins with unexpected change when policy shifts forced an earlier retirement than planned. Facing this transition while going through a divorce, he embarked on a soul-searching 500-mile hike across northern Spain on the famous Camino de Santiago. The trek, intended to help process his military exit and prove his physical capabilities despite injuries, delivered far more than expected, including meeting his future wife on just the second day. While hiking, Randy received an email about a specialized editing certification program. What began as a simple interest in improving his own writing transformed into the foundation of a thriving business. Within two years of focused effort, Randy built a six-figure editing and ghostwriting practice that now allows him to work just 20 hours weekly from his home in Spain. The episode dives deep into the realities of military memoir writing, with Randy explaining the different approaches authors take, from legacy memoirs documenting entire careers to focused accounts of specific deployments. His experience collaborating on the New York Times bestseller "Operation Pineapple Express" and over 40 other books provides listeners with candid insights about publishing economics and what it really takes to succeed in the industry. Most valuably, Randy shares how he's paying it forward through his SkillBridge program called "Story Ninjas," teaching transitioning service members the editing craft and business fundamentals they need to follow a similar path. You can learn more about this program at https://militaryeditor.com/ghostwriting/ and https://thestoryninjas.com/.  His newly-launched Military Writers Academy aims to connect veteran authors with editors who understand military culture and experiences. If you want to explore how your military background might translate into a creative career, connect with Randy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-surles-military-editor/ This conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for charting an unconventional but rewarding post-service path. Subscribe to Lessons Learned for Vets for more stories of successful military transitions. The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    52 min
  6. Dropping Military Transition Truth Bombs with Keith Cassant

    MAY 7

    Dropping Military Transition Truth Bombs with Keith Cassant

    Send us a text What happens when your dream job becomes uncertain during a government reduction in force? Keith Cassant, a retired Army veteran and sought-after transition expert, returns to the podcast with powerful insights about navigating unexpected career changes. Keith opens up about his journey since military retirement in 2019, sharing how he found his "dream job" as Veterans Program Manager at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Despite rating his role at an impressive 4.2 out of 5 on his famous "five factors" scale, Keith now faces uncertainty due to federal workforce reductions. His candid discussion reveals critical information about veterans preference protections that many federal employees misunderstand – particularly that veterans who retired based on years of service (rather than medical retirement) may not have the job security they believe. For more details, you can visit: https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/elig_rif.htm The conversation shifts to practical networking strategies as Keith demonstrates what host Lori Norris calls "the poster child for announcing you're open to work." Rather than simply stating he's looking, Keith clearly articulates his expertise, provides specific examples of his accomplishments, and identifies exactly what roles he's seeking. His methodical approach to tagging connections demonstrates the importance of targeted networking rather than casting a wide net without direction. One of the most valuable insights comes from Keith's "find 10 mentors" philosophy, encouraging transitioning service members to build a personal "board of advisors" rather than relying on a single mentor. This approach acknowledges that different mentors offer varied perspectives and expertise, creating a more robust support system during transition challenges. Keith also shares his "one rule" for resumes – that every action must have a measurable result tied to it – explaining that "your experiences don't get you the job; the results of those experiences do." Keith closes with what might be his most honest truth bomb: expect to fail during transition. Like knowing you'll get cut in a knife fight, anticipating setbacks prevents them from derailing your progress. Even with his experience and expertise, Keith still feels the sting of rejection – but he refuses to let it stop him from moving forward with resilience and purpose. Whether you're facing unexpected career changes or preparing for military transition, this episode delivers actionable strategies from someone who's living through the challenges right alongside you. Connect with Keith on LinkedIn to follow his journey and access his wealth of transition wisdom at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcassant/ You can hear Keith as the cohost of the Vet S.O.S. Podcast here: https://vetsospodcast.com The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    44 min
  7. Embracing Life's Post-Military Adventures with Gennaro Mazzeo

    APR 23

    Embracing Life's Post-Military Adventures with Gennaro Mazzeo

    Send us a text Gennaro "Pirate" Mazzeo turned his military transition into an adventure – and it changed everything. After retiring from the Marine Corps during COVID after 22 years of service, he embarked on an unexpected journey that led him from ROTC instructor to bartender to federal employee with Naval Criminal Investigative Services. What makes Gennaro's story so compelling is his refreshingly positive mindset about military transition. Rather than viewing this major life change as an inherently difficult struggle (as many do), he approached it with the same openness and sense of discovery that characterized his military deployments. "Every time I got on a plane to go on a training expedition, I didn't know where it was going to take me," he explains. "I wanted to approach the next part of my life with that same kind of openness." His perspective challenges conventional wisdom about veteran career paths in several important ways. First, he deliberately chose not to pursue leadership roles despite retiring as a First Sergeant. "Leadership comes with a cost," he shares, whether human, physical, or monetary. Instead, he prioritized being present for his family – something he missed during years of deployments and field training. Perhaps most thought-provoking is his view that jobs don't need to fulfill a higher purpose or passion. "Having a job is just okay," Gennaro insists. "It's okay just to go to work and come home. It's okay just to provide for your family." This perspective freed him from the pressure many veterans feel to find work that matches their previous status. A recent heart attack at age 44 further crystallized these priorities. In those critical moments, he wasn't thinking about career advancement or financial obligations – only his faith, family, and relationships mattered. This powerful wake-up call reinforced that our professional identities should not define our entire existence. Are you approaching your military transition with dread or anticipation? Listen to this episode to discover how changing your mindset might be the most important preparation you can make. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation about creating a post-military life aligned with your true priorities. You can connect with Gennaro Mazzeo on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennaromazzeo8999/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22   Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review. Please share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military! If you learned something valuable today, share it. Leave us a review and write a post on social media about the lessons that helped you today from this episode. The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    44 min
  8. Adapting through Career Changes from Government to Tech with Melinda Beyer

    APR 16

    Adapting through Career Changes from Government to Tech with Melinda Beyer

    Send us a text Former Marine Corps officer Mindy Beyer takes us on a remarkable journey through her diverse career path that has spanned military service, government work, tech startups, and now leadership at gaming giant Roblox as Director of Cybercrime and Strategic Intelligence. With refreshing candor and practical wisdom, Mindy reveals the strategies she's developed while navigating frequent career transitions as both a veteran and military spouse. The conversation tackles one of the most challenging aspects of military transition—salary negotiation—with Mindy sharing an eye-opening moment when she "asked for the moon" and was shocked when a tech startup immediately agreed to her highest number. Her advice on researching compensation, leveraging networks, and confidently articulating value provides veterans with practical tools to maximize their earning potential. Beyond compensation, Mindy explores the profound cultural differences between government and tech environments. She contrasts the mission-focused, hierarchical structure of government work with the profit-driven, fluid nature of tech companies—noting how veterans can leverage their systematic thinking and experience with large organizations to provide unique value, especially to growing companies. Her counterintuitive advice about certifications (they might actually hurt your chances in some tech roles) and practical guidance on overcoming imposter syndrome offers veterans a roadmap for successful transitions. What makes this episode particularly valuable is Mindy's authenticity about balancing career ambitions with military family life. As she prepares for yet another move supporting her husband's upcoming overseas command, she demonstrates the resilience and adaptability that defines successful military-connected professionals. Whether you're contemplating a career in technology, preparing for your military transition, or simply seeking inspiration from someone who's masterfully navigated multiple professional reinventions, Mindy's journey offers powerful lessons for veterans at any stage. You can connect with Mindy via LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-beyer-28208646/ The Lessons Learned for Vets Podcast is sponsored by Seek Now and their Drive Academy. Seek Now is the property inspection industry's leading business and they created Drive Academy DoD SkillBridge and CSP internships to teach transitioning military service members and veterans skills that prepare them for lucrative and rewarding careers in the property inspection and insurance industries. You can learn more and apply today at www.internwithdrive.com.

    43 min
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About

Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have learned as they traveled the military transition path before you.

Information

  • Creator
    Lori Norris
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lessons Learned for Vets
  • Show Website
    Lessons Learned for Vets

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