Vector Accelerator

Vector Accelerator
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Vector Accelerator exists to help all veterans find clarity as they transition from military to civilian life, so that they navigate their next mission with confidence and conviction.

  1. Getting Yourself Unstuck in Transition

    DEC 11

    Getting Yourself Unstuck in Transition

    Episode Description: In this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, host Scott Schimmel sits down with Joe Lara to talk about a challenge nearly every veteran faces during transition—feeling stuck. Whether it’s the job search dragging on, a lack of responses from potential employers, or just the emotional weight of uncertainty, this conversation gets real about what it’s like to hit a wall—and how to get moving again. As the holidays approach and the world seems to slow down, Scott and Joe unpack the emotional and tactical sides of being stuck, and offer science-backed, practical steps to find clarity and regain momentum. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed, discouraged, or just lost in your next chapter—this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Stuck ≠ Failure: Feeling stuck is normal during transition, especially around the holidays. It’s not a reflection of your potential—it’s a sign to pause, reflect, and shift perspective. The Science of Hope: Hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s the belief that tomorrow can be better, and that you have a role to play in making it better. Movement Creates Momentum: Sleep, physical activity, and simple tasks like taking a walk or journaling can unlock new solutions and release stress. You Need a Team: Transition isn't a solo mission. Text a friend, schedule a “cup of coffee,” or talk it out—connection is often the first step forward. Be Strategic, Not Desperate: Follow up with hiring managers in ways that add value (like sharing relevant articles), rather than repeating the same “just checking in” message. Network Before You Need To: Authentic relationships built before you’re in a crisis make it easier to ask for help when you are. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why people slow down around the holidays—and how that affects transition 01:18 – The difference between feeling stuck and being stuck 02:46 – Scott opens up about emotional paralysis and discouragement 04:12 – Joe’s go-to tactic when stuck: texting a friend 05:54 – The power of movement: how physical activity clears mental blocks 06:52 – Hope as a science: why believing in tomorrow changes everything 07:23 – Tactical tips for stalled job searches (without sounding desperate) 10:46 – “Spycraft” and networking: thinking like an intelligence officer 13:10 – The danger of only reaching out when you need something 14:46 – Final thoughts: be a friend before you need a friend 📣 Call to Action: Feeling stuck in your transition? Don’t go it alone. ✅ Take the first step by downloading our free Transition Readiness Checklist  — a simple guide to assess where you are and what to do next. 💬 Or, text someone you trust and tell them what’s on your mind. It might be the spark that gets you moving again. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the Vector Accelerator Podcast wherever you listen, and share this episode with someone who needs a boost right now.

    15 min
  2. Let Your Past Be a Teacher, Not Your Identity

    DEC 10

    Let Your Past Be a Teacher, Not Your Identity

    🔍 Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Vector Accelerator Podcast, host Scott Schimmel sits down with returning guest Joe Lara for a meaningful conversation about the role of self-reflection during life transitions. Joe shares the powerful idea that your past should be a teacher, not your identity—a concept that resonates deeply for veterans and anyone navigating change. Together, Scott and Joe explore how moments from your childhood, career, and even past mistakes can offer unexpected wisdom—if you know how to mine them. From journaling tactics to memory prompts, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your story and move forward with clarity and conviction. 🎧 Why You Should ListenIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your transition—unsure of what’s next or who you are without your title or uniform—this conversation is for you. Joe and Scott don’t just talk about finding clarity; they model it, offering a path to deeper purpose through intentional reflection. You’ll walk away with: A fresh way to look at your past Tools to access meaningful memories And a reminder that clarity is a gift you can give yourself 🗣️ Best Quotes from the Episode“Let your past be your teacher, not your identity.” — Joe Lara “We carry around internal labels that don’t serve us—and we forget to challenge them.” — Joe Lara “In transition, reflection is the first thing to go. But it’s the only way to remember who you really are.” — Scott Schimmel “Clarity isn’t found in a job title. It’s found in the stories that shaped you.” — Scott Schimmel ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Moments00:01 – Scott opens with Joe’s recent quote and sets the stage for reflection 01:45 – Identity vs. resume: Why we confuse what we’ve done with who we are 03:20 – Joe shares how childhood experiences shaped his parenting today 04:30 – What happens in “crisis mode” and how it blocks reflection 05:08 – Joe’s simple journaling prompt: “What made that moment meaningful?” 06:10 – Scott shares a practical tip: Use your phone’s notes app to catch memories 06:32 – A holiday challenge: give yourself the gift of clarity this season 07:10 – Final thoughts from Scott: this work is free, but it’s life-changing 📢 Call to Action🟢 Start with reflection. Take 60 seconds today to write down a positive memory. Then ask yourself: What made it meaningful? 🟢 Download the free Clear Future Checklist — your first step toward clarity, purpose, and alignment. 🟢 Explore the Vector Accelerator curriculum. It's free, built by veterans for veterans, and led by experts like Scott and Joe who’ve been through it themselves. 👉 Know someone in transition? Share this episode. It could be the clarity they didn’t know they needed.

    8 min
  3. Discernment over Default: How to Avoid Settling in Your Civilian Career

    NOV 13

    Discernment over Default: How to Avoid Settling in Your Civilian Career

    Episode Summary: In this thoughtful conversation, Scott Schimmel and Joe Lara dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of military transition—discernment. Instead of rushing into a job, city, or lifestyle just because it’s what you “should” do, this episode encourages veterans to pause, reflect, and choose well. Drawing from their personal journeys and years of coaching experience, Scott and Joe unpack how to evaluate opportunities through the lens of values, identity, and long-term vision. They explore the difference between reactive decisions and intentional ones, why “you always have a choice” post-military, and how curiosity, community, and self-awareness shape better outcomes—not just professionally, but in life. If you're navigating big decisions during or after transition, this is an episode you'll want to sit with. 🔑 Key Quotes: “Vector doesn’t tell you what to do. It opens up the aperture so you can see what’s even possible.” – Joe Lara “You always have a choice. It just doesn’t feel that way if you’ve spent your life being told where to be.” – Scott Schimmel “The discomfort of slowing down is where the good stuff is.” – Joe Lara “If you’re doing something just because you’re supposed to, that fuel doesn’t last long.” – Scott Schimmel “Discernment is not about drawing a straight line, it’s about learning to notice the right signals.” – Joe Lara ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Scott opens with the central question: how do you decide what to do next? 01:30 – Joe’s Own Transition Story Joe reflects on leaving the military and what led him to The Honor Foundation. 03:00 – Linear Thinking vs. Self-Discovery Why veterans often default to safe options and how curiosity opens new doors. 04:50 – The Power of Owning Your Identity Joe shares how Vector helps reveal what’s been hidden beneath the surface. 06:30 – The Role of Influence and External Voices Scott tells a personal story about making decisions to impress a mentor—and the lessons he learned. 09:00 – Filtering Opportunities Through Values From rockets to nonprofits, how Joe uses personal alignment as a decision filter. 11:00 – Choosing with Intention, Not Obligation Why “supposed to” isn’t a good enough reason—and how to know when you're choosing for the right reasons. 13:45 – The Freedom to Choose (Even to Quit) How the civilian world differs from military life in autonomy—and why that’s both liberating and unsettling. 15:00 – It’s Not Just About Work Scott and Joe explore how decisions around identity impact relationships, purpose, and well-being beyond career. 17:00 – Choosing How You Show Up Inside the military and out, what matters most is how you do the work—not just what you do. 19:15 – Call to Action: Use the Discernment Tool Scott shares how to get a practical tool to help guide your next big decision. 📩 Want to Make Better Decisions? If you're facing a major life or career choice and want to make sure it aligns with who you are—not just what’s available—email us at info@vectoraccelerator.org  to receive the Discernment Tool mentioned in this episode. It’s a simple yet powerful guide to help you avoid missteps and move forward with clarity.

    20 min
  4. Your Point of View About Work Shapes Everything

    NOV 6

    Your Point of View About Work Shapes Everything

    Summary In this conversation, Scott Schimmel and Joe Lara dive into the evolving nature of work philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personal reflection and the influence of one's surroundings on their perspective about work. They highlight that our views on work are not static but can change based on experiences and choices. Takeaways It feels better to give it my all.Reflection is key to understanding our work philosophy.We absorb the philosophies of those around us.Our perspective about work is not fixed.Personal choice plays a significant role in our work philosophy.Engaging with diverse perspectives can enrich our own.Work philosophy can evolve over time.Surroundings influence our beliefs and attitudes.Active reflection can lead to personal growth.Understanding our work philosophy can enhance job satisfaction. Let's Connect! If you're a veteran leader looking to better support those in transition, we’d love to talk. Vector Accelerator is redefining what’s possible by guiding veterans through the most overlooked yet critical phase of transition—rediscovering their identity, purpose, and direction. We’re actively partnering with organizations, mentors, and leaders who believe that veterans deserve more than resume tips—they deserve clarity and conviction about what comes next. If that sounds like your mission too, let’s explore how we can collaborate. Visit VectorAccelerator.org/partners or reach out directly—we’re building something better, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

    19 min
  5. “What Kind of Life Do You Want?”

    OCT 29

    “What Kind of Life Do You Want?”

    Summary In this conversation, Joe Lara reflects on his life journey from being an 18-year-old seeking change to becoming a 51-year-old who has undergone significant transformation. The discussion explores themes of self-discovery, the impact of military service, and the lessons learned over decades of personal growth. Takeaways 18-year-old Joe wanted to escape his upbringing.The military provided a drastic change in Joe's life.New experiences shaped Joe's identity over the years.Joe's journey reflects a common quest for self-discovery.Life trajectories can change significantly over time.The importance of reflection on past decisions.Transformation often requires stepping out of comfort zones.Joe's story illustrates the impact of life choices.Personal growth is a lifelong journey.Meeting one's past self can be enlightening. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context00:44 Reflections on Personal Growth If you're a veteran leader looking to better support those in transition, we’d love to talk. Vector Accelerator is redefining what’s possible by guiding veterans through the most overlooked yet critical phase of transition—rediscovering their identity, purpose, and direction. We’re actively partnering with organizations, mentors, and leaders who believe that veterans deserve more than resume tips—they deserve clarity and conviction about what comes next. If that sounds like your mission too, let’s explore how we can collaborate. Visit VectorAccelerator.org/partners  or reach out directly—we’re building something better, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

    11 min
  6. Redefining Success in Veteran Transition

    SEP 17

    Redefining Success in Veteran Transition

    Summary In this conversation, Scott Schimmel and Joe Lara explore the complexities of measuring impact in veteran transition programs. They discuss the importance of defining success beyond just job placement, emphasizing the need for veterans to find purpose and meaning in their careers. The dialogue highlights the challenges of quantifying intangible outcomes such as confidence and satisfaction, and the necessity for collaboration among veteran service organizations to improve measurement practices. Takeaways Measuring impact in veteran transition is complex.Success looks different for each individual veteran.Meaningful jobs are more important than just any job.Satisfaction and purpose are hard to quantify.Veterans often compare their success to others.Clarity about purpose is crucial for veterans.Feedback from veterans helps shape programs.Collaboration among organizations enhances impact measurement.Intangible outcomes are essential to understand.Sharing knowledge can improve veteran services. Chapters 00:00 Measuring Impact in Veteran Transition02:35 Defining Success for Veterans05:20 The Role of Purpose and Meaning08:01 Challenges in Measuring Intangible Outcomes10:52 Collaborative Approaches to Impact Measurement Join Us! More Than Just a Job Monday, September 29, 2025 9:00 AM PDT Why it’s time for VSOs and veteran employers to adopt a new impact framework — and how hope, purpose, and wellbeing can drive better results. For leaders of veteran-serving organizations and corporate veteran initiatives, one of the hardest challenges isn’t delivering programs—it’s proving they work. Funders and stakeholders want clear evidence, yet the standard metrics still revolve around jobs, salaries, and short-term placement rates. These numbers rarely capture the deeper story of transformation: purpose, belonging, and sustained wellbeing. In this webinar, Dr. Evie Muilenburg-Trevino, lead researcher at Vector Accelerator and a quantitative psychologist, will share a new framework for measuring veteran outcomes. Built on hope, purpose, citizenship, and resilience, this approach moves beyond employment statistics and equips leaders to: Prove real impact with data that reflects the full veteran experience. Tell a more compelling story to donors, corporate partners, and funders. Strengthen reporting and credibility with validated, research-driven tools. If you’re struggling to show that your programs do more than place veterans in jobs, this session will give you the clarity and tools you need to measure what truly matters—and to tell that story in a way that inspires support and investment. For corporate leaders, this framework offers a powerful way to demonstrate that your veteran hiring initiatives go beyond headcounts. You’ll gain tools to show how your programs foster resilience, belonging, and long-term growth for veterans in the workplace. By learning how to capture and share these outcomes, you can inspire greater employee engagement, attract funders and partners, and lead the way in building a veteran-inclusive culture that delivers measurable impact. To Register, go to vectoraccelerator.org/impact-webinar

    11 min
  7. The Transition Trap: Are You Chasing Approval or Purpose?

    SEP 3

    The Transition Trap: Are You Chasing Approval or Purpose?

    Summary In this conversation, Joe Lara and Scott Schimmel explore the complexities of commitment, the impact of college choices, and the influence of mimetic theory on personal and career decisions. They discuss the importance of relationships in navigating transitions, the role of literature in personal growth, and the necessity of filtering advice to find one's own path. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between self-discovery and external influences in shaping life choices. Takeaways The 'all in' mentality can lead to overcommitment.It's important to evaluate commitments regularly.Mimetic theory explains why we desire what others want.Conversations can spark curiosity and new paths.Relationships are crucial during transitions.Advice should be filtered through personal values.Self-discovery is a continuous process.Literature can inspire and guide personal growth.Balancing external advice with self-reflection is key.Understanding one's strengths and values is essential. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Commitments and the 'All In' Mentality02:43 The Impact of College Choices on Future Paths05:46 Understanding Mimetic Theory in Life Decisions08:25 The Role of Relationships in Career Transitions11:18 Exploring Personal Growth Through Literature14:11 Filtering Advice: Finding Your Own Path17:13 Balancing Self-Discovery and External Influences

    16 min
  8. Are Veterans AI-Proof in the Job Market?

    AUG 20

    Are Veterans AI-Proof in the Job Market?

    Summary This conversation explores the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian jobs, the evolving nature of work in the age of AI, and the importance of heart and wisdom in leadership. It delves into the significance of community and belonging, the impact of artistry in a tech-driven world, and the journey of self-discovery for veterans. The discussion emphasizes the need for authentic leadership and the role of research in measuring the impact of veteran support programs. Takeaways Veterans often face challenges in transitioning to civilian jobs due to cultural differences.The job market is increasingly requiring experience for entry-level positions.AI is changing the landscape of jobs, emphasizing the need for human qualities.Future jobs will prioritize emotional intelligence and heart over technical skills.Artistry and authenticity remain vital in a world dominated by AI.Leadership in the military is often misunderstood as mere followership.Community and belonging are crucial for veterans in civilian life.Self-discovery is a key part of the transition process for veterans.Research is essential in measuring the effectiveness of veteran support programs.Authentic leadership can transform workplace culture and engagement. Sound Bites "In the past, jobs were about muscles.""Now they're about brains.""In the future, they'll be about the heart." Chapters 00:00 Veterans and Job Market Challenges02:39 The Future of Work and AI05:24 The Heart of Work: Transitioning from Muscles to Heart08:19 Artistry, AI, and the Human Touch11:09 Leadership Lessons from the Military13:50 Building Connections and Community16:19 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth19:08 The Importance of Heart in Professional Life Why Veteran Service Organizations Should Partner with Vector AcceleratorIf you lead a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), you already know the traditional transition process often misses the mark—rushing veterans into resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job interviews before they’ve had a chance to reflect on who they are and what they want next. That’s where Vector Accelerator comes in. Vector is a self-paced, digital program that fills the most critical gap in veteran transition: clarity of identity, purpose, and direction. Built on a decade of experience with Special Operations Forces through The Honor Foundation, Vector is designed for all veterans—empowering them to make confident, values-aligned decisions about their next mission in life. If your organization wants to offer more than check-the-box career prep, and truly support veterans through a life-changing process of introspection, reach out to explore a partnership. 🧭 Let’s build something that actually works—for the long haul.

    23 min
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About

Vector Accelerator exists to help all veterans find clarity as they transition from military to civilian life, so that they navigate their next mission with confidence and conviction.

Information

  • Creator
    Vector Accelerator
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Honor Foundation and YouSchool
  • Show Website
    Vector Accelerator