From a South Carolina Middle School to Commanding in the Navy

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24,113 words · 42:39 runtime

00:00 Introduction — From South Carolina to the Navy

0:01 from the halls of a South Carolina from the halls of a South Carolina middle school to commanding positions in middle school to commanding positions in middle school to commanding positions in the United States Navy and now the United States Navy and now the United States Navy and now transforming lives as a sought-after transforming lives as a sought-after transforming lives as a sought-after coach. Some journeys are too powerful to coach. Some journeys are too powerful to coach. Some journeys are too powerful to keep to yourself. Welcome to Voice for keep to yourself. Welcome to Voice for keep to yourself. Welcome to Voice for Valor, where today we're joined by

0:17 Valor, where today we're joined by Valor, where today we're joined by Shikina Telus, a woman who turned 26 Shikina Telus, a woman who turned 26 Shikina Telus, a woman who turned 26 years of naval leadership into a mission years of naval leadership into a mission years of naval leadership into a mission to help others navigate their own to help others navigate their own to help others navigate their own uncharted waters. In the military, uncharted waters. In the military, uncharted waters. In the military, finding your bearings can mean the finding your bearings can mean the finding your bearings can mean the difference between mission success and

0:32 difference between mission success and difference between mission success and failure. But what happens when the failure. But what happens when the failure. But what happens when the mission becomes finding yourself? After mission becomes finding yourself? After mission becomes finding yourself? After decades of service, how do you decades of service, how do you decades of service, how do you rediscover who you are beyond the rediscover who you are beyond the rediscover who you are beyond the uniform? Shikina faced these questions uniform? Shikina faced these questions uniform? Shikina faced these questions headon and emerged with insights that headon and emerged with insights that headon and emerged with insights that have transformed not just her life, but have transformed not just her life, but have transformed not just her life, but the lives of countless professionals and

0:51 the lives of countless professionals and the lives of countless professionals and veterans searching for harmony between veterans searching for harmony between veterans searching for harmony between their work and their deeper purpose. their work and their deeper purpose. their work and their deeper purpose. From leadership challenges as a woman in From leadership challenges as a woman in From leadership challenges as a woman in predominantly male spaces to the predominantly male spaces to the predominantly male spaces to the emotional roller coaster of retirement emotional roller coaster of retirement emotional roller coaster of retirement to building a coaching empire, Shikina

1:05 to building a coaching empire, Shikina to building a coaching empire, Shikina holds nothing back in today's holds nothing back in today's holds nothing back in today's conversation. Whether you're in uniform, conversation. Whether you're in uniform, conversation. Whether you're in uniform, transitioning to civilian life, or transitioning to civilian life, or transitioning to civilian life, or simply seeking a more purposeful path simply seeking a more purposeful path simply seeking a more purposeful path forward. The next 45 minutes will equip forward. The next 45 minutes will equip forward. The next 45 minutes will equip you with battle tested wisdom from

1:20 you with battle tested wisdom from you with battle tested wisdom from someone who's walked the journey before someone who's walked the journey before someone who's walked the journey before you. This is Voice for Valor. I'm your you. This is Voice for Valor. I'm your you. This is Voice for Valor. I'm your host Mike Camores and we're about to host Mike Camores and we're about to host Mike Camores and we're about to deep dive with Shikina Telus. deep dive with Shikina Telus. deep dive with Shikina Telus. Well, welcome everybody to the Voice for Well, welcome everybody to the Voice for Well, welcome everybody to the Voice for Valor podcast. Today I have Shikina

1:34 Valor podcast. Today I have Shikina Valor podcast. Today I have Shikina Telus and it's a small world because Telus and it's a small world because Telus and it's a small world because Charles and I went to school together Charles and I went to school together Charles and I went to school together back in 2019 2020 and I know that we back in 2019 2020 and I know that we back in 2019 2020 and I know that we briefly met at the at the embassy event briefly met at the at the embassy event briefly met at the at the embassy event while we were while we were students at while we were while we were students at while we were while we were students at Eisenhower, but I am just so honored to

1:53 Eisenhower, but I am just so honored to Eisenhower, but I am just so honored to have you here today to find out more have you here today to find out more have you here today to find out more about your background and what you're about your background and what you're about your background and what you're doing for veterans. So, welcome to the doing for veterans. So, welcome to the doing for veterans. So, welcome to the show. Thank you so much. No, thank you. show. Thank you so much. No, thank you. show. Thank you so much. No, thank you. I think what you're doing is amazing. Of I think what you're doing is amazing. Of I think what you're doing is amazing. Of course, because you all served, so we

2:04 course, because you all served, so we course, because you all served, so we definitely have that in common, but then definitely have that in common, but then definitely have that in common, but then to see how you're translating that into to see how you're translating that into to see how you're translating that into life after um is it's definitely an life after um is it's definitely an life after um is it's definitely an amazing thing and I definitely wanted to amazing thing and I definitely wanted to amazing thing and I definitely wanted to be a part of it. So, thank you for be a part of it. So, thank you for be a part of it. So, thank you for honoring me and allowing me to be here.

2:16 honoring me and allowing me to be here. honoring me and allowing me to be here. Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Well, Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Well, Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Well, first off, just for our listeners, first off, just for our listeners, first off, just for our listeners, please take us back to Aken, South please take us back to Aken, South please take us back to Aken, South Carolina. What was it like growing up Carolina. What was it like growing up Carolina. What was it like growing up there? And were there any early there? And were there any early there? And were there any early influences that shaped your path towards influences that shaped your path towards influences that shaped your path towards military service? Wow. And that's a military service? Wow. And that's a military service? Wow. And that's a that's a great question. You know, as a

2:33 that's a great question. You know, as a that's a great question. You know, as a coach, I'm always when I hear a great coach, I'm always when I hear a great coach, I'm always when I hear a great question like, oo. question like, oo. question like, oo. Um, so as I as I tackle that question, I Um, so as I as I tackle that question, I Um, so as I as I tackle that question, I would say the big thing that comes up would say the big thing that comes up would say the big thing that comes up for me is just the importance of for me is just the importance of for me is just the importance of community. Um, like you said, coming community. Um, like you said, coming

2:45 community. Um, like you said, coming from Aken, South Carolina, small uh from Aken, South Carolina, small uh from Aken, South Carolina, small uh community. Um, and I come from a blended community. Um, and I come from a blended community. Um, and I come from a blended family. So, um, the oldest of on my family. So, um, the oldest of on my family. So, um, the oldest of on my maternal side of the family, but then on maternal side of the family, but then on maternal side of the family, but then on my paternal uh my biological paternal my paternal uh my biological paternal my paternal uh my biological paternal side, I'm the youngest. So definitely um side, I'm the youngest. So definitely um

3:00 side, I'm the youngest. So definitely um having a lot of community um a lot of having a lot of community um a lot of having a lot of community um a lot of support whether it be relatives or my support whether it be relatives or my support whether it be relatives or my church family um were very um church family um were very um church family um were very um influential in my life. And I would say influential in my life. And I would say influential in my life. And I would say a big uh person that influenced my a big uh person that influenced my a big uh person that influenced my military um going into the military. military um going into the military.

3:16 military um going into the military. It's funny because I call it my drill It's funny because I call it my drill It's funny because I call it my drill team moment. When I was a 14year-old um team moment. When I was a 14year-old um team moment. When I was a 14year-old um we were uh in middle school. The NJOTC we were uh in middle school. The NJOTC we were uh in middle school. The NJOTC came and their drill team did an came and their drill team did an came and their drill team did an exhibition drill for us. um during one exhibition drill for us. um during one exhibition drill for us. um during one of our pep rallies. And as a of our pep rallies. And as a

3:32 of our pep rallies. And as a 14-year-old, that was something that 14-year-old, that was something that 14-year-old, that was something that really stuck out for me. I didn't know really stuck out for me. I didn't know really stuck out for me. I didn't know how it was going to be, but I knew that how it was going to be, but I knew that how it was going to be, but I knew that I wanted to do that. And so, as I I wanted to do that. And so, as I I wanted to do that. And so, as I entered um high school after seeing the entered um high school after seeing the entered um high school after seeing the drill team come and do that, knowing drill team come and do that, knowing

3:43 drill team come and do that, knowing that that's what I wanted to do, what I that that's what I wanted to do, what I that that's what I wanted to do, what I found out when I got to high school was found out when I got to high school was found out when I got to high school was that the naval science instructor who that the naval science instructor who that the naval science instructor who led the program, he was just this larger led the program, he was just this larger led the program, he was just this larger than-l life uh human being. of course he than-l life uh human being. of course he than-l life uh human being. of course he was retired naval officer uh ' 06 and he

3:58 was retired naval officer uh ' 06 and he was retired naval officer uh ' 06 and he just when he saw the potential that I just when he saw the potential that I just when he saw the potential that I had in me um and the fact that I wanted had in me um and the fact that I wanted had in me um and the fact that I wanted to be on the drill team at the time that to be on the drill team at the time that to be on the drill team at the time that was you know in my field of view he um was you know in my field of view he um was you know in my field of view he um helped me do everything I needed to um helped me do everything I needed to um helped me do everything I needed to um in order to go from you know being that

4:12 in order to go from you know being that in order to go from you know being that seaman seaman recruit in the NGRTC seaman seaman recruit in the NGRTC seaman seaman recruit in the NGRTC program uh to ultimately being the exo program uh to ultimately being the exo program uh to ultimately being the exo and being the leader of a mostly male um and being the leader of a mostly male um and being the leader of a mostly male um drill team. Uh and so that was the uh my drill team. Uh and so that was the uh my drill team. Uh and so that was the uh my entry point and so from there he helped entry point and so from there he helped entry point and so from there he helped to mold and shape me and open doors for

4:27 to mold and shape me and open doors for to mold and shape me and open doors for me which ultimately led into me coming me which ultimately led into me coming me which ultimately led into me coming into uh the Nate. into uh the Nate. into uh the Nate. Wow. 14 years old. So the the Navy comes Wow. 14 years old. So the the Navy comes Wow. 14 years old. So the the Navy comes and and gives you this this uh this and and gives you this this uh this and and gives you this this uh this drill team exposition if it would have drill team exposition if it would have drill team exposition if it would have been Army if it would have been Air been Army if it would have been Air

4:41 been Army if it would have been Air Force would that made a a difference? Do Force would that made a a difference? Do Force would that made a a difference? Do you think it was the Navy at 14 that you think it was the Navy at 14 that you think it was the Navy at 14 that made that difference? made that difference? made that difference? I I would say I wouldn't necessarily say I I would say I wouldn't necessarily say I I would say I wouldn't necessarily say the Navy although I love my Navy family. the Navy although I love my Navy family. the Navy although I love my Navy family. I love my Navy experience. But I would I love my Navy experience. But I would I love my Navy experience. But I would say just looking at the discipline and

4:55 say just looking at the discipline and say just looking at the discipline and the structure and just the just seeing the structure and just the just seeing the structure and just the just seeing them perform even hearing I can still them perform even hearing I can still them perform even hearing I can still hear it now as you and I are talking. I hear it now as you and I are talking. I hear it now as you and I are talking. I can still hear them when they were, you

05:00 Enlisted Roots and the Long Climb to Officer

5:03 can still hear them when they were, you can still hear them when they were, you know, marching through u the gymnasium know, marching through u the gymnasium know, marching through u the gymnasium actually executing their routine. And actually executing their routine. And actually executing their routine. And something about that even as I describe something about that even as I describe something about that even as I describe it to you right now, it just has me on it to you right now, it just has me on it to you right now, it just has me on the inside just uh clapping, you know, the inside just uh clapping, you know, the inside just uh clapping, you know, applauding uh because that was something

5:15 applauding uh because that was something applauding uh because that was something that that stuck out for me. So I think that that stuck out for me. So I think that that stuck out for me. So I think if army had come and I don't know maybe if army had come and I don't know maybe if army had come and I don't know maybe it would have been the same uh maybe not it would have been the same uh maybe not it would have been the same uh maybe not but it was Navy and I really um yeah it but it was Navy and I really um yeah it but it was Navy and I really um yeah it still resonates with me to this day. How still resonates with me to this day. How still resonates with me to this day. How often or not how often how recently

5:30 often or not how often how recently often or not how often how recently after high school did you did you join after high school did you did you join after high school did you did you join the Navy? What would that what was that the Navy? What would that what was that the Navy? What would that what was that process like? Oh great question. Um so process like? Oh great question. Um so process like? Oh great question. Um so for me once I um graduated so before I for me once I um graduated so before I for me once I um graduated so before I graduated in fact I was almost late for graduated in fact I was almost late for graduated in fact I was almost late for my graduation because I was at the MEP

5:43 my graduation because I was at the MEP my graduation because I was at the MEP station in uh Colombia or Fort Jackson station in uh Colombia or Fort Jackson station in uh Colombia or Fort Jackson rather um actually because I did a rather um actually because I did a rather um actually because I did a delayed entry program and so what delayed entry program and so what delayed entry program and so what happened is I knew that ultimately I was happened is I knew that ultimately I was happened is I knew that ultimately I was going to go through a program it was at going to go through a program it was at going to go through a program it was at the time called boost brought on the

5:55 the time called boost brought on the the time called boost brought on the opportunity for officer selection and opportunity for officer selection and opportunity for officer selection and training uh which is now sement to training uh which is now sement to training uh which is now sement to admiral uh it's the navy program but admiral uh it's the navy program but admiral uh it's the navy program but then it was boost so I knew that once I then it was boost so I knew that once I then it was boost so I knew that once I graduated I would be going to basic graduated I would be going to basic graduated I would be going to basic training. So I actually did go through

6:07 training. So I actually did go through training. So I actually did go through basic training in Orlando, Florida. Um basic training in Orlando, Florida. Um basic training in Orlando, Florida. Um and from basic training I went out to and from basic training I went out to and from basic training I went out to and I graduated I was a seaman in the and I graduated I was a seaman in the and I graduated I was a seaman in the Navy because of the NGRTC um time I was Navy because of the NGRTC um time I was Navy because of the NGRTC um time I was in for 4 years and once I graduated um in for 4 years and once I graduated um in for 4 years and once I graduated um went to basic training from there they

6:22 went to basic training from there they went to basic training from there they sent me off to boost school which at the sent me off to boost school which at the sent me off to boost school which at the time was out in San Diego, California. time was out in San Diego, California. time was out in San Diego, California. Um and then from there of course uh led Um and then from there of course uh led Um and then from there of course uh led to me getting an ROC scholarship. So for to me getting an ROC scholarship. So for to me getting an ROC scholarship. So for college I am a Gamecock a USC Columbia college I am a Gamecock a USC Columbia college I am a Gamecock a USC Columbia Gamecock alumni. So from Boost I went

6:39 Gamecock alumni. So from Boost I went Gamecock alumni. So from Boost I went off to USC Columbia to there in ROC unit off to USC Columbia to there in ROC unit off to USC Columbia to there in ROC unit and that's ultimately where I got my and that's ultimately where I got my and that's ultimately where I got my commission. commission. commission. You're the first Navy person I've met or You're the first Navy person I've met or You're the first Navy person I've met or I've interviewed that's gone through I've interviewed that's gone through I've interviewed that's gone through basic training. I I know what um I know basic training. I I know what um I know basic training. I I know what um I know what the Air Force is like. I know what

6:54 what the Air Force is like. I know what what the Air Force is like. I know what the Army's like. What is Navy basic the Army's like. What is Navy basic the Army's like. What is Navy basic training like? Ooh. And that was a while training like? Ooh. And that was a while training like? Ooh. And that was a while ago. So I'm sure some things have ago. So I'm sure some things have ago. So I'm sure some things have changed since since then. Oh, it's much changed since since then. Oh, it's much changed since since then. Oh, it's much kinder and gentler now. There's there's kinder and gentler now. There's there's kinder and gentler now. There's there's no more hazing. They get they get

7:06 no more hazing. They get they get no more hazing. They get they get timeouts. It's it's completely changed timeouts. It's it's completely changed timeouts. It's it's completely changed since our since our time. I'm I'm since our since our time. I'm I'm since our since our time. I'm I'm definitely sure it's different. Um but I definitely sure it's different. Um but I definitely sure it's different. Um but I would say big things I realized that would say big things I realized that would say big things I realized that overall they were trying to help us to overall they were trying to help us to overall they were trying to help us to become a team, you know, to break out of

7:19 become a team, you know, to break out of become a team, you know, to break out of that is me and thinking about yourself that is me and thinking about yourself that is me and thinking about yourself and then thinking about the team and the and then thinking about the team and the and then thinking about the team and the fact that whatever you bring to the team fact that whatever you bring to the team fact that whatever you bring to the team um is going to either make the team um is going to either make the team um is going to either make the team better or may do some things that pose better or may do some things that pose better or may do some things that pose some challenges for the team. ultimately

7:31 some challenges for the team. ultimately some challenges for the team. ultimately realizing that you know those are your realizing that you know those are your realizing that you know those are your battle buddies. So you want to do battle buddies. So you want to do battle buddies. So you want to do everything you can um that support uh everything you can um that support uh everything you can um that support uh the battle your battle buddies and the the battle your battle buddies and the the battle your battle buddies and the team at large. So yeah there were times team at large. So yeah there were times team at large. So yeah there were times of them you know mentally breaking you

7:43 of them you know mentally breaking you of them you know mentally breaking you down uh only to build you up but all in down uh only to build you up but all in down uh only to build you up but all in the um I guess with a mindset that the um I guess with a mindset that the um I guess with a mindset that ultimately you came here as a single ultimately you came here as a single ultimately you came here as a single individual. We're going to mold you into individual. We're going to mold you into individual. We're going to mold you into a team and then we're going to send you a team and then we're going to send you a team and then we're going to send you out to do great things. So yeah, so it

7:56 out to do great things. So yeah, so it out to do great things. So yeah, so it was it was eight weeks of um fun both was it was eight weeks of um fun both was it was eight weeks of um fun both mental breakdown uh building of mental breakdown uh building of mental breakdown uh building of community and relationships and just community and relationships and just community and relationships and just learning the Navy how you know the Navy learning the Navy how you know the Navy learning the Navy how you know the Navy uh way of flying. Thank you for uh way of flying. Thank you for uh way of flying. Thank you for mentioning talking about breaking people

8:09 mentioning talking about breaking people mentioning talking about breaking people down. I I think that the military gets down. I I think that the military gets down. I I think that the military gets this negative con connotation of of this negative con connotation of of this negative con connotation of of hazing and yelling and screaming, but hazing and yelling and screaming, but hazing and yelling and screaming, but what we've realized through time and what we've realized through time and what we've realized through time and time again is that when you break folks time again is that when you break folks time again is that when you break folks down and build them back up as a team,

8:23 down and build them back up as a team, down and build them back up as a team, it develops a cultural bond that's it develops a cultural bond that's it develops a cultural bond that's that's unbreakable. And I don't know why that's unbreakable. And I don't know why that's unbreakable. And I don't know why more organizations don't do something more organizations don't do something more organizations don't do something similar. That's true. That's true. And similar. That's true. That's true. And similar. That's true. That's true. And as you say, I'm looking into the word as you say, I'm looking into the word as you say, I'm looking into the word and I'm like, "Oo, it's it's essentially

8:36 and I'm like, "Oo, it's it's essentially and I'm like, "Oo, it's it's essentially what it is is them breaking you down." what it is is them breaking you down." what it is is them breaking you down." But I think if I had to if I had to take But I think if I had to if I had to take But I think if I had to if I had to take that back and reword it a different way, that back and reword it a different way, that back and reword it a different way, I would say they help you to get out of I would say they help you to get out of I would say they help you to get out of thinking about me and I and more about thinking about me and I and more about thinking about me and I and more about we and how far we can go. Um, and so

8:51 we and how far we can go. Um, and so we and how far we can go. Um, and so yeah, I definitely like to look at it. yeah, I definitely like to look at it. yeah, I definitely like to look at it. They help you break that mindset of only They help you break that mindset of only They help you break that mindset of only thinking about yourself. thinking about yourself. thinking about yourself. Yeah, I I've read multiple industry Yeah, I I've read multiple industry Yeah, I I've read multiple industry related books and it's all about, hey, related books and it's all about, hey, related books and it's all about, hey, develop this level of knowledge that develop this level of knowledge that

9:03 develop this level of knowledge that makes you um valuable to the point where makes you um valuable to the point where makes you um valuable to the point where um they don't want to, you know, they um they don't want to, you know, they um they don't want to, you know, they don't want to get rid of you. You need don't want to get rid of you. You need don't want to get rid of you. You need to be invaluable to the organization. to be invaluable to the organization. to be invaluable to the organization. And I think but that's such a selfish And I think but that's such a selfish And I think but that's such a selfish way of thinking. I would rather share way of thinking. I would rather share

9:16 way of thinking. I would rather share that knowledge and bring the whole that knowledge and bring the whole that knowledge and bring the whole organization together. But uh it's just organization together. But uh it's just organization together. But uh it's just it's just a different mindset. I wish it's just a different mindset. I wish it's just a different mindset. I wish that that that military professional that that that military professional that that that military professional sports mindset was more um sports mindset was more um sports mindset was more um was more I don't know what the term I'm was more I don't know what the term I'm was more I don't know what the term I'm looking for but um prevalent prevalent

9:32 looking for but um prevalent prevalent looking for but um prevalent prevalent in industry. So while you're at the in industry. So while you're at the in industry. So while you're at the University of South Carolina, what made University of South Carolina, what made University of South Carolina, what made you choose a surface warfare officer? you choose a surface warfare officer? you choose a surface warfare officer? Right. These are things that I learned Right. These are things that I learned Right. These are things that I learned about the Navy as well. You have like about the Navy as well. You have like about the Navy as well. You have like the aviation path, you have kind of like

9:46 the aviation path, you have kind of like the aviation path, you have kind of like the nuclear path, the the surface the nuclear path, the the surface the nuclear path, the the surface warfare officer path. Can you explain warfare officer path. Can you explain warfare officer path. Can you explain that to our audience? Sure. Sure. I'll that to our audience? Sure. Sure. I'll that to our audience? Sure. Sure. I'll do my best. do my best. do my best. Um, and so I would say from at at the Um, and so I would say from at at the Um, and so I would say from at at the time when I went through the surface time when I went through the surface time when I went through the surface warfare officers, which are your ship warfare officers, which are your ship warfare officers, which are your ship drivers, so predominately, yes, their drivers, so predominately, yes, their

10:02 drivers, so predominately, yes, their job is to lead people, but it's also job is to lead people, but it's also job is to lead people, but it's also ultimately to command the warships that ultimately to command the warships that ultimately to command the warships that you see out on the water. And so you see out on the water. And so you see out on the water. And so basically, they're uh preparing you for basically, they're uh preparing you for basically, they're uh preparing you for that, getting ready to do that. And at that, getting ready to do that. And at that, getting ready to do that. And at the time, the reason why surface warfare the time, the reason why surface warfare

10:14 the time, the reason why surface warfare was my option is because coming out of was my option is because coming out of was my option is because coming out of um NRAC at the time, um you had to go um NRAC at the time, um you had to go um NRAC at the time, um you had to go what they would call unrestricted line, what they would call unrestricted line, what they would call unrestricted line, which means they could kind of put you which means they could kind of put you which means they could kind of put you anywhere, but of course within your anywhere, but of course within your anywhere, but of course within your field. So that was things like field. So that was things like

10:27 field. So that was things like surfaceware for officers, which are your surfaceware for officers, which are your surfaceware for officers, which are your ship drivers, push your pilots, you have ship drivers, push your pilots, you have ship drivers, push your pilots, you have your nuclear path. And for me, the thing your nuclear path. And for me, the thing your nuclear path. And for me, the thing that really appealed to me wasn't that really appealed to me wasn't that really appealed to me wasn't something that was available to me. So something that was available to me. So something that was available to me. So the supply community is actually what the supply community is actually what

10:39 the supply community is actually what really appealed to me. But at the time really appealed to me. But at the time really appealed to me. But at the time coming out of an ROC program, they were coming out of an ROC program, they were coming out of an ROC program, they were not. Those were called restricted lines. not. Those were called restricted lines. not. Those were called restricted lines. So things like supply core, Intel, um So things like supply core, Intel, um So things like supply core, Intel, um you know, some of those ones that uh you know, some of those ones that uh you know, some of those ones that uh yeah, those were considered restricted

10:53 yeah, those were considered restricted yeah, those were considered restricted lines. So you couldn't go those, you had lines. So you couldn't go those, you had lines. So you couldn't go those, you had to go unrestricted line, which was to go unrestricted line, which was to go unrestricted line, which was surface warfare, intel, um uh nuclear. surface warfare, intel, um uh nuclear. surface warfare, intel, um uh nuclear. Um so yeah, so that's why I chose um Um so yeah, so that's why I chose um Um so yeah, so that's why I chose um surface warfare. So, it's kind of like surface warfare. So, it's kind of like surface warfare. So, it's kind of like that's what they chose for me because

11:09 that's what they chose for me because that's what they chose for me because what I really wanted uh wasn't available what I really wanted uh wasn't available what I really wanted uh wasn't available to me at the time. From a leadership to me at the time. From a leadership to me at the time. From a leadership perspective, I did not realize until I perspective, I did not realize until I perspective, I did not realize until I got to know more about the Navy that got to know more about the Navy that got to know more about the Navy that that surface war warfare officer job, that surface war warfare officer job, that surface war warfare officer job, you learn everything about the ship,

11:23 you learn everything about the ship, you learn everything about the ship, right? I mean, you guys learn the nuts right? I mean, you guys learn the nuts right? I mean, you guys learn the nuts and bolts of everything. So, you truly and bolts of everything. So, you truly and bolts of everything. So, you truly understand how the entire machine works. understand how the entire machine works. understand how the entire machine works. Am I right? Yeah. I would say well you Am I right? Yeah. I would say well you Am I right? Yeah. I would say well you know ultimately they're training you to know ultimately they're training you to know ultimately they're training you to be the commanding officer. I only did

11:36 be the commanding officer. I only did be the commanding officer. I only did two years. So I completed two years in two years. So I completed two years in two years. So I completed two years in the program because ultimately I wanted the program because ultimately I wanted the program because ultimately I wanted to be a supply corpore officer and uh to be a supply corpore officer and uh to be a supply corpore officer and uh God I'm so thankful to God because the God I'm so thankful to God because the God I'm so thankful to God because the stars did align and I was able to do stars did align and I was able to do stars did align and I was able to do that. So I only spent the first two

11:47 that. So I only spent the first two that. So I only spent the first two years and in that time of course you're years and in that time of course you're years and in that time of course you're learning um I was a communications learning um I was a communications learning um I was a communications officer so learning everything about how officer so learning everything about how officer so learning everything about how we communicate um off the ship um as we communicate um off the ship um as we communicate um off the ship um as well as the internal uh communication well as the internal uh communication well as the internal uh communication systems. Um and so and so my folks, you

12:00 Leadership as a Woman in Predominantly Male Spaces

12:01 systems. Um and so and so my folks, you systems. Um and so and so my folks, you know, your troops or your sailors, know, your troops or your sailors, know, your troops or your sailors, they're the ones who really do the heavy they're the ones who really do the heavy they're the ones who really do the heavy lifting and you're there to kind of lifting and you're there to kind of lifting and you're there to kind of manage them through that process, make manage them through that process, make manage them through that process, make sure they have the tools and resources sure they have the tools and resources sure they have the tools and resources needed um in order to complete their

12:11 needed um in order to complete their needed um in order to complete their jobs. And but ultimately, yes, as a jobs. And but ultimately, yes, as a jobs. And but ultimately, yes, as a surface warfare officer, once you become surface warfare officer, once you become surface warfare officer, once you become a commanding officer, you know a lot a commanding officer, you know a lot a commanding officer, you know a lot about the ship because you've been that about the ship because you've been that about the ship because you've been that engineering officer uh you know, down engineering officer uh you know, down engineering officer uh you know, down there learning uh what makes the ship

12:23 there learning uh what makes the ship there learning uh what makes the ship go, whether it's an engine or you know, go, whether it's an engine or you know, go, whether it's an engine or you know, a turbine or um pumps or you know, a turbine or um pumps or you know, a turbine or um pumps or you know, you've been you've done tours and you've you've been you've done tours and you've you've been you've done tours and you've learned um you've learned about that or learned um you've learned about that or learned um you've learned about that or the communication suite, how that all the communication suite, how that all the communication suite, how that all works um and where to get help when it's

12:36 works um and where to get help when it's works um and where to get help when it's not working. Um, so as this once you get not working. Um, so as this once you get not working. Um, so as this once you get to be the commanding officer, I would to be the commanding officer, I would to be the commanding officer, I would say even the executive officer, you do say even the executive officer, you do say even the executive officer, you do know a lot of the nuts and the bolts. know a lot of the nuts and the bolts. know a lot of the nuts and the bolts. Um, and if you don't know the details, Um, and if you don't know the details, Um, and if you don't know the details, you have subject matter experts, right?

12:48 you have subject matter experts, right? you have subject matter experts, right? Those sailors um, your enlisted sailors Those sailors um, your enlisted sailors Those sailors um, your enlisted sailors that are actually um, doing the wrench that are actually um, doing the wrench that are actually um, doing the wrench turning and the heavy lifting. Um, you turning and the heavy lifting. Um, you turning and the heavy lifting. Um, you know, how to um, go out and get the know, how to um, go out and get the know, how to um, go out and get the support that they need in order to help support that they need in order to help support that they need in order to help you move forward and make sure the ship

12:59 you move forward and make sure the ship you move forward and make sure the ship is operational. How many personnel were is operational. How many personnel were is operational. How many personnel were on the ships that you served on? Oh, on the ships that you served on? Oh, on the ships that you served on? Oh, good question. You're making me go back good question. You're making me go back good question. You're making me go back now. So, let me see. So, I was on two now. So, let me see. So, I was on two now. So, let me see. So, I was on two Oilers. Um, and I was on a DDG. It's a Oilers. Um, and I was on a DDG. It's a Oilers. Um, and I was on a DDG. It's a little small the small ships. What does

13:12 little small the small ships. What does little small the small ships. What does DDG stand for? What is that? I'm sorry. DDG stand for? What is that? I'm sorry. DDG stand for? What is that? I'm sorry. So, that's a guided missile destroyer. So, that's a guided missile destroyer. So, that's a guided missile destroyer. Oh, okay. Um, and then uh the Oilers um Oh, okay. Um, and then uh the Oilers um Oh, okay. Um, and then uh the Oilers um the AOE's they have um the ones I was on the AOE's they have um the ones I was on the AOE's they have um the ones I was on had ammunition. We carried ammunition, had ammunition. We carried ammunition, had ammunition. We carried ammunition, fuel, um ammunition and fuel and some

13:27 fuel, um ammunition and fuel and some fuel, um ammunition and fuel and some limited amounts of food. Um and so on limited amounts of food. Um and so on limited amounts of food. Um and so on the Oilers, our compliment was about the Oilers, our compliment was about the Oilers, our compliment was about You're dating me as you make me try to You're dating me as you make me try to You're dating me as you make me try to remember Mike. I want to say it was remember Mike. I want to say it was remember Mike. I want to say it was about about about maybe six or 700. Okay. Was our maybe six or 700. Okay. Was our maybe six or 700. Okay. Was our compliment. Um and then on the the

13:46 compliment. Um and then on the the compliment. Um and then on the the destroyer it was what like 2 250 or destroyer it was what like 2 250 or destroyer it was what like 2 250 or something like that. The destroyers are something like that. The destroyers are something like that. The destroyers are much smaller. Uh compliment. I I think much smaller. Uh compliment. I I think much smaller. Uh compliment. I I think about the Navy when you when you go out about the Navy when you when you go out about the Navy when you when you go out to sea is like it's like a giant Amazon to sea is like it's like a giant Amazon to sea is like it's like a giant Amazon distribution center. You you have your

14:01 distribution center. You you have your distribution center. You you have your fuel ships, you have your destroyer fuel ships, you have your destroyer fuel ships, you have your destroyer ships, you have the aircraft carrier, ships, you have the aircraft carrier, ships, you have the aircraft carrier, have all these different pieces moving have all these different pieces moving have all these different pieces moving um um um moving out into the ocean together. It moving out into the ocean together. It moving out into the ocean together. It is that what led you to supply? What why is that what led you to supply? What why is that what led you to supply? What why did you want to become a supply officer?

14:18 did you want to become a supply officer? did you want to become a supply officer? Great great great question. I would say Great great great question. I would say Great great great question. I would say for me I always I tried to begin with for me I always I tried to begin with for me I always I tried to begin with the end in mind. And so for me the the end in mind. And so for me the the end in mind. And so for me the reason why I chose that was because I reason why I chose that was because I reason why I chose that was because I knew that after the military because I knew that after the military because I knew that after the military because I knew there would be a life after. I just

14:30 knew there would be a life after. I just knew there would be a life after. I just didn't know when. But I wanted to do didn't know when. But I wanted to do didn't know when. But I wanted to do something that would prepare me to be to something that would prepare me to be to something that would prepare me to be to have a wide range of things I could do have a wide range of things I could do have a wide range of things I could do after the military. And so as surface after the military. And so as surface after the military. And so as surface warfare officer I thought was great. You warfare officer I thought was great. You warfare officer I thought was great. You know yeah you're learning how to operate

14:41 know yeah you're learning how to operate know yeah you're learning how to operate the ship. You're learning everything the ship. You're learning everything the ship. You're learning everything about it and you're learning to manage about it and you're learning to manage about it and you're learning to manage people. with supply, not only do I learn people. with supply, not only do I learn people. with supply, not only do I learn to manage people, but I'm also learning to manage people, but I'm also learning to manage people, but I'm also learning how to get the tools, food, you know, how to get the tools, food, you know, how to get the tools, food, you know, their quality of life things, everything

14:54 their quality of life things, everything their quality of life things, everything that they need to sustain that ship. And that they need to sustain that ship. And that they need to sustain that ship. And so to me, that was a tool that you could so to me, that was a tool that you could so to me, that was a tool that you could easily translate into the civilian um easily translate into the civilian um easily translate into the civilian um sector. And so that was one of the sector. And so that was one of the sector. And so that was one of the driving factors for me why I chose driving factors for me why I chose driving factors for me why I chose supply because I looked at what I could

15:08 supply because I looked at what I could supply because I looked at what I could do with that um knowledge um after my do with that um knowledge um after my do with that um knowledge um after my military. military. military. During your service, what was it like to During your service, what was it like to During your service, what was it like to be a a woman in leadership positions in be a a woman in leadership positions in be a a woman in leadership positions in the Navy? What unique challenges did you the Navy? What unique challenges did you the Navy? What unique challenges did you face? So, definitely I would say you were So, definitely I would say you were always in the minority. always in the minority. always in the minority. Um, and so going into those spaces and Um, and so going into those spaces and Um, and so going into those spaces and just kind of filling them out and

15:34 just kind of filling them out and just kind of filling them out and figuring out um figuring out um figuring out um how you, like you said, yes, you you how you, like you said, yes, you you how you, like you said, yes, you you happen to be a woman, right? but how you happen to be a woman, right? but how you happen to be a woman, right? but how you navigate those spaces knowing that you navigate those spaces knowing that you navigate those spaces knowing that you happen to be a woman. Although people happen to be a woman. Although people happen to be a woman. Although people see that you're a woman first, you know, see that you're a woman first, you know, see that you're a woman first, you know, you're a naval officer. So, the goal is

15:51 you're a naval officer. So, the goal is you're a naval officer. So, the goal is for you to to to emulate that and to for you to to to emulate that and to for you to to to emulate that and to march forward in that, it just so march forward in that, it just so march forward in that, it just so happens that you're a woman. And happens that you're a woman. And happens that you're a woman. And although you go in with that mindset, although you go in with that mindset, although you go in with that mindset, sometimes the people and the systems and sometimes the people and the systems and sometimes the people and the systems and processes don't support that. Um, so I

16:03 processes don't support that. Um, so I processes don't support that. Um, so I would say definitely going in and when would say definitely going in and when would say definitely going in and when there was an issue, knowing that you there was an issue, knowing that you there was an issue, knowing that you could talk to someone if you needed to. could talk to someone if you needed to. could talk to someone if you needed to. um knowing that that was help that was um knowing that that was help that was um knowing that that was help that was helpful. Um some tours were a little helpful. Um some tours were a little helpful. Um some tours were a little tougher than others. Um but definitely I

16:18 tougher than others. Um but definitely I tougher than others. Um but definitely I would say having a community. So not would say having a community. So not would say having a community. So not only my community on my ship, but only my community on my ship, but only my community on my ship, but sometimes a community outside of the sometimes a community outside of the sometimes a community outside of the ship, other um officers uh that were ship, other um officers uh that were ship, other um officers uh that were going through the same thing you you going through the same thing you you going through the same thing you you were. So whether that was me as a

16:30 were. So whether that was me as a were. So whether that was me as a surface warfare officer and tapping into surface warfare officer and tapping into surface warfare officer and tapping into my surface uh warfare officer community my surface uh warfare officer community my surface uh warfare officer community um shipmates or as definitely as a um shipmates or as definitely as a um shipmates or as definitely as a supply officer tapping into the other supply officer tapping into the other supply officer tapping into the other supply officers that were also out on supply officers that were also out on supply officers that were also out on the ships uh around me like you talked

16:42 the ships uh around me like you talked the ships uh around me like you talked about them going out together the battle about them going out together the battle about them going out together the battle group us going out us definitely tapping group us going out us definitely tapping group us going out us definitely tapping into to one another and being able to into to one another and being able to into to one another and being able to talk to one another about what was what talk to one another about what was what talk to one another about what was what was happening both from being a female was happening both from being a female was happening both from being a female um being an African-American um and

16:55 um being an African-American um and um being an African-American um and definitely just being supply core cuz definitely just being supply core cuz definitely just being supply core cuz supply wasn't sexy. However, um it was supply wasn't sexy. However, um it was supply wasn't sexy. However, um it was always something that was needed and always something that was needed and always something that was needed and without it, the ship wouldn't go where without it, the ship wouldn't go where without it, the ship wouldn't go where it needed to go, right? Cuz you can only it needed to go, right? Cuz you can only it needed to go, right? Cuz you can only go so far once you get fuel or once you

17:09 go so far once you get fuel or once you go so far once you get fuel or once you have parts, something breaks, all stop, have parts, something breaks, all stop, have parts, something breaks, all stop, right? Cuz you got to get you got to get right? Cuz you got to get you got to get right? Cuz you got to get you got to get it fixed. So supply was important, but it fixed. So supply was important, but it fixed. So supply was important, but most people didn't know that it was most people didn't know that it was most people didn't know that it was important until it wasn't working right important until it wasn't working right important until it wasn't working right or something was broken. So you well you

17:21 or something was broken. So you well you or something was broken. So you well you you were you were a strategic thinker you were you were a strategic thinker you were you were a strategic thinker because when I was a a a young captain because when I was a a a young captain because when I was a a a young captain or I guess end lieutenant in your or I guess end lieutenant in your or I guess end lieutenant in your capacity I I took supply and these capacity I I took supply and these capacity I I took supply and these things for granted. It took me further things for granted. It took me further things for granted. It took me further along in my career when I had to manage

17:36 along in my career when I had to manage along in my career when I had to manage larger organizations to realize how larger organizations to realize how larger organizations to realize how important that was. So good on you for important that was. So good on you for important that was. So good on you for developing that skill set at a young developing that skill set at a young developing that skill set at a young age. I'm envious that you you cracked age. I'm envious that you you cracked age. I'm envious that you you cracked the code well well before I did. And I the code well well before I did. And I the code well well before I did. And I won't say crack any code, but what I

17:48 won't say crack any code, but what I won't say crack any code, but what I will say though is remember I started will say though is remember I started will say though is remember I started out as a surface warfare officer. So I out as a surface warfare officer. So I out as a surface warfare officer. So I like you said I was like you. I'm like like you said I was like you. I'm like like you said I was like you. I'm like supply what do they do? Who are they? supply what do they do? Who are they? supply what do they do? Who are they? Right. Yeah. But realizing it was Right. Yeah. But realizing it was Right. Yeah. But realizing it was something I want to do but not

17:58 something I want to do but not something I want to do but not understanding it at that time. So those understanding it at that time. So those understanding it at that time. So those first two years that I was a surface first two years that I was a surface first two years that I was a surface warfare officer I actually worked warfare officer I actually worked warfare officer I actually worked closely with supply but also in the back closely with supply but also in the back closely with supply but also in the back of my mind I was like well you know what of my mind I was like well you know what of my mind I was like well you know what what's so important about supply and

18:08 what's so important about supply and what's so important about supply and then what I learned when I was actually then what I learned when I was actually then what I learned when I was actually in the supply corp as a member of the in the supply corp as a member of the in the supply corp as a member of the supply corp was just how invaluable and supply corp was just how invaluable and supply corp was just how invaluable and important supply was. I think one thing important supply was. I think one thing important supply was. I think one thing I would always tell my my um my sailors I would always tell my my um my sailors I would always tell my my um my sailors was that no matter what happens on this

18:20 was that no matter what happens on this was that no matter what happens on this ship, at some point it's in supplies ship, at some point it's in supplies ship, at some point it's in supplies hand. So whether we're bringing on the hand. So whether we're bringing on the hand. So whether we're bringing on the ship, whether we're taking disposing of ship, whether we're taking disposing of ship, whether we're taking disposing of it, whether we're managing the parts, uh it, whether we're managing the parts, uh it, whether we're managing the parts, uh whether we're feeding, you know, whether we're feeding, you know, whether we're feeding, you know, whatever whatever happens on the ship,

18:32 whatever whatever happens on the ship, whatever whatever happens on the ship, at some point it's in supplies hands. at some point it's in supplies hands. at some point it's in supplies hands. So, as a former supply officer, So, as a former supply officer, So, as a former supply officer, what we're doing, what we're dealing what we're doing, what we're dealing what we're doing, what we're dealing with currently in the political with currently in the political with currently in the political environment with tariffs and trade wars, environment with tariffs and trade wars, environment with tariffs and trade wars, you as a supply officer, can you you as a supply officer, can you you as a supply officer, can you describe the impact that that would have describe the impact that that would have describe the impact that that would have on your mission as out in the battle

18:50 on your mission as out in the battle on your mission as out in the battle group? Oh, that's a good that's a good group? Oh, that's a good that's a good group? Oh, that's a good that's a good question. You're making the general question. You're making the general question. You're making the general public just doesn't see it. They just public just doesn't see it. They just public just doesn't see it. They just think of ah, tariffs are good and we're think of ah, tariffs are good and we're think of ah, tariffs are good and we're going to we're going to win this trade going to we're going to win this trade going to we're going to win this trade war and this is going to be great. But

19:02 war and this is going to be great. But war and this is going to be great. But you being behind the scenes and seeing you being behind the scenes and seeing you being behind the scenes and seeing actually how supply chains work, can you actually how supply chains work, can you actually how supply chains work, can you describe the the difficulty that you describe the the difficulty that you describe the the difficulty that you would be facing? Well, I definitely I would be facing? Well, I definitely I would be facing? Well, I definitely I guess I'm thinking and it's been a guess I'm thinking and it's been a guess I'm thinking and it's been a minute since I've been, you know, on the

19:14 minute since I've been, you know, on the minute since I've been, you know, on the ship and at sea. though. But if I had to ship and at sea. though. But if I had to ship and at sea. though. But if I had to to talk about it, I would say I to talk about it, I would say I to talk about it, I would say I definitely see it from like, you know, definitely see it from like, you know, definitely see it from like, you know, whenever we do port visits and things of whenever we do port visits and things of whenever we do port visits and things of that nature, just looking at just how that nature, just looking at just how that nature, just looking at just how expensive those would definitely be um

19:27 expensive those would definitely be um expensive those would definitely be um nowadays as we, you know, navigate the nowadays as we, you know, navigate the nowadays as we, you know, navigate the political environment that's that's political environment that's that's political environment that's that's occurring. Um I could definitely see occurring. Um I could definitely see occurring. Um I could definitely see those costs um being increased um those costs um being increased um those costs um being increased um significantly depending on what it was, significantly depending on what it was, significantly depending on what it was, where we're going, what we were doing.

19:41 where we're going, what we were doing. where we're going, what we were doing. Um so I see it from that standpoint. I'm Um so I see it from that standpoint. I'm Um so I see it from that standpoint. I'm thinking from a contract management thinking from a contract management thinking from a contract management standpoint as well, you know, that standpoint as well, you know, that standpoint as well, you know, that people that they you be filling it as people that they you be filling it as people that they you be filling it as well, whether you're, you know, a well, whether you're, you know, a well, whether you're, you know, a contract to get some part that you need,

19:52 contract to get some part that you need, contract to get some part that you need, maybe it's hard to get that part and maybe it's hard to get that part and maybe it's hard to get that part and they have to go out and do a contract they have to go out and do a contract they have to go out and do a contract for it. I can definitely see there being for it. I can definitely see there being for it. I can definitely see there being an increase in fees. But definitely an increase in fees. But definitely an increase in fees. But definitely seeing it, I guess, impacting um the seeing it, I guess, impacting um the seeing it, I guess, impacting um the community as a whole. Um yeah, but

20:00 Commanding — What No Training Fully Prepares You For

20:04 community as a whole. Um yeah, but community as a whole. Um yeah, but that's how I kind of think that it would that's how I kind of think that it would that's how I kind of think that it would would impact that. I have a tremendous would impact that. I have a tremendous would impact that. I have a tremendous respect for the Navy. I I didn't know respect for the Navy. I I didn't know respect for the Navy. I I didn't know much about them until further along in much about them until further along in much about them until further along in my career. And then now I when I came to my career. And then now I when I came to my career. And then now I when I came to the realization that I mean you guys

20:18 the realization that I mean you guys the realization that I mean you guys protect worldwide commerce, you guys protect worldwide commerce, you guys protect worldwide commerce, you guys protect the seas um for the freedom of protect the seas um for the freedom of protect the seas um for the freedom of trade. And a lot of people think of the trade. And a lot of people think of the trade. And a lot of people think of the service as just, you know, fight fight. service as just, you know, fight fight. service as just, you know, fight fight. You know, right now we're talking about You know, right now we're talking about You know, right now we're talking about lethality and and all these these terms

20:33 lethality and and all these these terms lethality and and all these these terms of violence, but in reality, I mean, you of violence, but in reality, I mean, you of violence, but in reality, I mean, you guys are the supply chain logistics guys are the supply chain logistics guys are the supply chain logistics masters of of the world, of the seas. masters of of the world, of the seas. masters of of the world, of the seas. And I just don't think the general And I just don't think the general And I just don't think the general public realizes how important you are to public realizes how important you are to public realizes how important you are to the protection of free trade. I mean,

20:50 the protection of free trade. I mean, the protection of free trade. I mean, look at the Red Sea right now with the look at the Red Sea right now with the look at the Red Sea right now with the with the Houthi attacks. I mean that is with the Houthi attacks. I mean that is with the Houthi attacks. I mean that is just increasing the cost of of uh just increasing the cost of of uh just increasing the cost of of uh transportation to and from the um to transportation to and from the um to transportation to and from the um to Egypt and it's just it's remarkable how Egypt and it's just it's remarkable how Egypt and it's just it's remarkable how little that uh information is provided

21:06 little that uh information is provided little that uh information is provided to the general public. to the general public. to the general public. That's true. And I guess also thinking That's true. And I guess also thinking That's true. And I guess also thinking about you know the military is it itself about you know the military is it itself about you know the military is it itself is not a business. So you're not looking is not a business. So you're not looking is not a business. So you're not looking at it you know in the sense that a at it you know in the sense that a at it you know in the sense that a corporation would. However, like you corporation would. However, like you corporation would. However, like you said, if you're on the outside looking said, if you're on the outside looking said, if you're on the outside looking in, you might think of it differently

21:21 in, you might think of it differently in, you might think of it differently and you might think, "Yeah, we are and you might think, "Yeah, we are and you might think, "Yeah, we are looking at it that way and and that's looking at it that way and and that's looking at it that way and and that's not the case, right? We have a mission not the case, right? We have a mission not the case, right? We have a mission that we have to accomplish. Um, and we that we have to accomplish. Um, and we that we have to accomplish. Um, and we accomplish it. Yes, we have rules, we accomplish it. Yes, we have rules, we accomplish it. Yes, we have rules, we have regulations, we have laws um that

21:32 have regulations, we have laws um that have regulations, we have laws um that facilitate that. Um, but it looks facilitate that. Um, but it looks facilitate that. Um, but it looks different than it does for, you know, different than it does for, you know, different than it does for, you know, your your corporation. Um, and so, but your your corporation. Um, and so, but your your corporation. Um, and so, but yeah, that's a good point. So, when yeah, that's a good point. So, when yeah, that's a good point. So, when you're out at when you're out at sea, you're out at when you're out at sea, you're out at when you're out at sea, how how long is a typical mission out at

21:45 how how long is a typical mission out at how how long is a typical mission out at sea?" sea?" sea?" I guess it it depends because of course I guess it it depends because of course I guess it it depends because of course before you actually you work up to a before you actually you work up to a before you actually you work up to a deployment, right? And so that you could deployment, right? And so that you could deployment, right? And so that you could be gone anywhere from 6 to 9 months. Um be gone anywhere from 6 to 9 months. Um be gone anywhere from 6 to 9 months. Um but and then between that you're doing but and then between that you're doing but and then between that you're doing work up. So you're getting the ship

21:59 work up. So you're getting the ship work up. So you're getting the ship ready. You're taking it out and kicking ready. You're taking it out and kicking ready. You're taking it out and kicking the tires and making sure you know if the tires and making sure you know if the tires and making sure you know if you need to go full power that you can you need to go full power that you can you need to go full power that you can go full power. So you're testing you're go full power. So you're testing you're go full power. So you're testing you're trying to break it actually. And you go trying to break it actually. And you go trying to break it actually. And you go out and you do different um things to

22:10 out and you do different um things to out and you do different um things to work it up mechanically. You also do work it up mechanically. You also do work it up mechanically. You also do things to work it up um operationally. things to work it up um operationally. things to work it up um operationally. So your teams working together and So your teams working together and So your teams working together and should things happen because things will should things happen because things will should things happen because things will happen, right? Um being able to recover happen, right? Um being able to recover happen, right? Um being able to recover from that, whether it's a fire on board

22:22 from that, whether it's a fire on board from that, whether it's a fire on board or you name it, you know, but you're or you name it, you know, but you're or you name it, you know, but you're doing all the training. Um and so you doing all the training. Um and so you doing all the training. Um and so you could be sometimes you could be out for could be sometimes you could be out for could be sometimes you could be out for 2 weeks, sometimes you could be out, 2 weeks, sometimes you could be out, 2 weeks, sometimes you could be out, this is on top of what you're ultimately this is on top of what you're ultimately this is on top of what you're ultimately working up to, which is that deployment,

22:33 working up to, which is that deployment, working up to, which is that deployment, which could be 6 to9 months typically. which could be 6 to9 months typically. which could be 6 to9 months typically. Um and so yeah, so it all depends. Um and so yeah, so it all depends. Um and so yeah, so it all depends. So 26 years of naval service. So 26 years of naval service. So 26 years of naval service. I know when I was preparing for my I know when I was preparing for my I know when I was preparing for my retirement, I started that process about retirement, I started that process about retirement, I started that process about a a year out and it was just an a a year out and it was just an

22:50 a a year out and it was just an emotional roller coaster for me. What emotional roller coaster for me. What emotional roller coaster for me. What emotions were you experiencing as you emotions were you experiencing as you emotions were you experiencing as you prepared for this major life transition? prepared for this major life transition? prepared for this major life transition? That is a great question. I would say That is a great question. I would say That is a great question. I would say for me it was for me it was for me it was number one figuring out when I was ready number one figuring out when I was ready number one figuring out when I was ready to go, right? uh when I was ready to go

23:09 to go, right? uh when I was ready to go to go, right? uh when I was ready to go was was the big one. Um was was the big one. Um was was the big one. Um [Music] and just you know trying to figure out and just you know trying to figure out who am I? You know I've been doing this who am I? You know I've been doing this who am I? You know I've been doing this thing for 26 years and like you and I thing for 26 years and like you and I thing for 26 years and like you and I talked about it's something I've been talked about it's something I've been talked about it's something I've been preparing for since I was 14. So and now preparing for since I was 14. So and now preparing for since I was 14. So and now to try to figure out who am I outside of

23:27 to try to figure out who am I outside of to try to figure out who am I outside of what I've been doing. Um and I don't what I've been doing. Um and I don't what I've been doing. Um and I don't know the word for that but I just know know the word for that but I just know know the word for that but I just know for me it was something that had me of for me it was something that had me of for me it was something that had me of course I was scared and I was nervous of course I was scared and I was nervous of course I was scared and I was nervous of the uncertainty. Um, but then I was the uncertainty. Um, but then I was the uncertainty. Um, but then I was also, also,

23:40 also, I guess, trying to figure out who I was I guess, trying to figure out who I was I guess, trying to figure out who I was and what was important or what my values and what was important or what my values and what was important or what my values were. You know, the military, of course, were. You know, the military, of course, were. You know, the military, of course, we have our core values, but it's like, we have our core values, but it's like, we have our core values, but it's like, okay, what are my personal values and okay, what are my personal values and okay, what are my personal values and how do I express those and how do I, you how do I express those and how do I, you how do I express those and how do I, you know, how do I walk into a career that know, how do I walk into a career that know, how do I walk into a career that is aligned um with my with my personal

23:58 is aligned um with my with my personal is aligned um with my with my personal values. So, yeah, I hope that answered values. So, yeah, I hope that answered values. So, yeah, I hope that answered your question. Yeah, I think of it for your question. Yeah, I think of it for your question. Yeah, I think of it for me. I think of it as my goodness, this me. I think of it as my goodness, this me. I think of it as my goodness, this has been my purpose. This this has been has been my purpose. This this has been has been my purpose. This this has been my culture. I was so fearful of retiring my culture. I was so fearful of retiring my culture. I was so fearful of retiring and

24:14 and and not having that that support network not having that that support network not having that that support network anymore. Th those people that understand anymore. Th those people that understand anymore. Th those people that understand where you're coming from, those people where you're coming from, those people where you're coming from, those people that understand what your what your that understand what your what your that understand what your what your goals and your values are. That that was goals and your values are. That that was goals and your values are. That that was that was a tumultuous time for me. And that was a tumultuous time for me. And

24:27 that was a tumultuous time for me. And so I'm so thankful of the place I landed so I'm so thankful of the place I landed so I'm so thankful of the place I landed because I work with a bunch of retired because I work with a bunch of retired because I work with a bunch of retired military folks and we still have that military folks and we still have that military folks and we still have that purpose- driven life, that purpose- driven life, that purpose- driven life, that purpose-driven mission, and I and I purpose-driven mission, and I and I purpose-driven mission, and I and I thoroughly enjoy it. Was there a pivotal thoroughly enjoy it. Was there a pivotal thoroughly enjoy it. Was there a pivotal moment during this retirement process moment during this retirement process moment during this retirement process that that led you towards your new

24:44 that that led you towards your new that that led you towards your new career in life coaching? career in life coaching? career in life coaching? Good question. So, I would say the Good question. So, I would say the Good question. So, I would say the answer is yes. I do want to circle back answer is yes. I do want to circle back answer is yes. I do want to circle back a minute though to to kind of add to a minute though to to kind of add to a minute though to to kind of add to what we were talking about as I was what we were talking about as I was what we were talking about as I was looking at the transition process. Um, looking at the transition process. Um,

25:01 looking at the transition process. Um, and it's gone now. It'll come back. and it's gone now. It'll come back. and it's gone now. It'll come back. It'll come back. But I would say from a It'll come back. But I would say from a It'll come back. But I would say from a life coaching perspective, what kind of life coaching perspective, what kind of life coaching perspective, what kind of led me to life coaching was oh tools, led me to life coaching was oh tools, led me to life coaching was oh tools, using the tools that are available. Um, using the tools that are available. Um, using the tools that are available. Um, and that's something I think that's so and that's something I think that's so

25:14 and that's something I think that's so crucial. You know, we get our checklist crucial. You know, we get our checklist crucial. You know, we get our checklist that tells us this is what you need to that tells us this is what you need to that tells us this is what you need to do to prepare to retire. And sometimes do to prepare to retire. And sometimes do to prepare to retire. And sometimes on that checklist, the soft skills, the on that checklist, the soft skills, the on that checklist, the soft skills, the things that you really need to tap into things that you really need to tap into things that you really need to tap into and that show up after you've retired, and that show up after you've retired,

25:26 and that show up after you've retired, right? That's that shock and awe once right? That's that shock and awe once right? That's that shock and awe once you're retired and you get triggered. I you're retired and you get triggered. I you're retired and you get triggered. I think I got triggered one time sitting think I got triggered one time sitting think I got triggered one time sitting in the airport and they were calling for in the airport and they were calling for in the airport and they were calling for those that were active duty to board the those that were active duty to board the those that were active duty to board the plane. I wouldn't have thought something

25:38 plane. I wouldn't have thought something plane. I wouldn't have thought something like that would trigger me. But as I'm like that would trigger me. But as I'm like that would trigger me. But as I'm sitting there, I think I that was July. sitting there, I think I that was July. sitting there, I think I that was July. That was in July and I retired June 1st That was in July and I retired June 1st That was in July and I retired June 1st of 2022. So the first week of July, I of 2022. So the first week of July, I of 2022. So the first week of July, I was flying for work. And as I'm sitting was flying for work. And as I'm sitting was flying for work. And as I'm sitting there and they start calling for the

25:51 there and they start calling for the there and they start calling for the folks that are active duty to to board folks that are active duty to to board folks that are active duty to to board the plane, I was like, "Wow, that's not the plane, I was like, "Wow, that's not the plane, I was like, "Wow, that's not me anymore." And I'm like, "Oh my me anymore." And I'm like, "Oh my me anymore." And I'm like, "Oh my goodness." Just that that feeling, you goodness." Just that that feeling, you goodness." Just that that feeling, you know, and that checklist that they give know, and that checklist that they give know, and that checklist that they give you, it doesn't account for things of

26:05 you, it doesn't account for things of you, it doesn't account for things of that nature. Are you trying to figure that nature. Are you trying to figure that nature. Are you trying to figure out who you are um in this thing called out who you are um in this thing called out who you are um in this thing called life or what how you want to show up life or what how you want to show up life or what how you want to show up next? And so for me, as I was trying to next? And so for me, as I was trying to next? And so for me, as I was trying to go through the the process trying to go through the the process trying to go through the the process trying to figure out, I worked with um a therapist

26:19 figure out, I worked with um a therapist figure out, I worked with um a therapist because I thought I wanted to be a because I thought I wanted to be a because I thought I wanted to be a mental health um coach, a mental health mental health um coach, a mental health mental health um coach, a mental health therapist, I'm sorry. Um so I I worked therapist, I'm sorry. Um so I I worked therapist, I'm sorry. Um so I I worked with I worked there in trying to make with I worked there in trying to make with I worked there in trying to make sure I showed up for my clients in a way sure I showed up for my clients in a way sure I showed up for my clients in a way that was whole and healthy. Um I worked

26:31 that was whole and healthy. Um I worked that was whole and healthy. Um I worked with a coach. Um and in working with the with a coach. Um and in working with the with a coach. Um and in working with the coach, um and I also did I think you coach, um and I also did I think you coach, um and I also did I think you talked about commit. I did work some talked about commit. I did work some talked about commit. I did work some with commit but even before that before with commit but even before that before with commit but even before that before I worked with uh commit I um was trying I worked with uh commit I um was trying I worked with uh commit I um was trying to figure out you know like I said who

26:45 to figure out you know like I said who to figure out you know like I said who am I and what my values are and so at a am I and what my values are and so at a am I and what my values are and so at a friend's suggestion they suggested I do friend's suggestion they suggested I do friend's suggestion they suggested I do some a program that they saw and they some a program that they saw and they some a program that they saw and they were like check this out and as I were like check this out and as I were like check this out and as I started checking out the program it was started checking out the program it was started checking out the program it was a coaching program although I didn't

26:57 a coaching program although I didn't a coaching program although I didn't pursue that particular coaching program pursue that particular coaching program pursue that particular coaching program it started my path down really thinking it started my path down really thinking it started my path down really thinking is coaching something that's for me and is coaching something that's for me and is coaching something that's for me and as I uh enrolled in in a coach as I uh enrolled in in a coach as I uh enrolled in in a coach certification program and I worked with certification program and I worked with certification program and I worked with a coach. I'm like I looked over my

27:11 a coach. I'm like I looked over my a coach. I'm like I looked over my reflected over my military career and reflected over my military career and reflected over my military career and it's like the things about my career it's like the things about my career it's like the things about my career that made me come alive that made me come alive that made me come alive where coaching skills you know it was where coaching skills you know it was where coaching skills you know it was being there for my folks if I saw them being there for my folks if I saw them being there for my folks if I saw them whether it was a a peer, a subordinate whether it was a a peer, a subordinate

27:25 whether it was a a peer, a subordinate or a superior being there and seeing you or a superior being there and seeing you or a superior being there and seeing you know what how what was their experience know what how what was their experience know what how what was their experience like on a daily basis? What goals were like on a daily basis? What goals were like on a daily basis? What goals were they working towards? What challenges they working towards? What challenges they working towards? What challenges were they having? and just watching them were they having? and just watching them were they having? and just watching them navigate that and being able to number

27:37 navigate that and being able to number navigate that and being able to number one show up and say, "Hey, how are you?" one show up and say, "Hey, how are you?" one show up and say, "Hey, how are you?" Right? Check in with them because you Right? Check in with them because you Right? Check in with them because you could see what was happening. Um, and could see what was happening. Um, and could see what was happening. Um, and also being letting them have a space to also being letting them have a space to also being letting them have a space to be able to express what was happening. be able to express what was happening. be able to express what was happening. Um, kind of state maybe how they wanted

27:49 Um, kind of state maybe how they wanted Um, kind of state maybe how they wanted things to be. And then definitely as things to be. And then definitely as things to be. And then definitely as being an accountability partner and being an accountability partner and being an accountability partner and following up with them and saying, "Hey, following up with them and saying, "Hey, following up with them and saying, "Hey, how are you? How did that go?" You know, how are you? How did that go?" You know, how are you? How did that go?" You know, and at the time that was what I and at the time that was what I and at the time that was what I realized. That's what made me come alive

28:00 realized. That's what made me come alive realized. That's what made me come alive about my military experience. At at the about my military experience. At at the about my military experience. At at the time though I didn't know that was time though I didn't know that was time though I didn't know that was coaching but I learned that that was coaching but I learned that that was coaching but I learned that that was coaching through the process. And so as coaching through the process. And so as coaching through the process. And so as I did that and I learned okay this is I did that and I learned okay this is I did that and I learned okay this is what makes me come alive about my

28:12 what makes me come alive about my what makes me come alive about my military experience which is what led me military experience which is what led me military experience which is what led me to coaching instead of just you know to coaching instead of just you know to coaching instead of just you know going to I know the black that would going to I know the black that would going to I know the black that would have gotten me a lot of a lot of job have gotten me a lot of a lot of job have gotten me a lot of a lot of job offers right u and for me at the time offers right u and for me at the time offers right u and for me at the time that that wasn't something that was

28:23 that that wasn't something that was that that wasn't something that was fulfilling. It didn't make me come alive fulfilling. It didn't make me come alive fulfilling. It didn't make me come alive but this coaching thing it made me come but this coaching thing it made me come but this coaching thing it made me come alive. So that's what led me to alive. So that's what led me to alive. So that's what led me to coaching. That's where you and I are are coaching. That's where you and I are are coaching. That's where you and I are are so similar. You mentioned soft skills so similar. You mentioned soft skills so similar. You mentioned soft skills earlier.

28:36 earlier. earlier. I I retired as a colonel in the Air I I retired as a colonel in the Air I I retired as a colonel in the Air Force in charge of 500 people and $2 Force in charge of 500 people and $2 Force in charge of 500 people and $2 billion worth of airplanes. And when billion worth of airplanes. And when billion worth of airplanes. And when people ask what I enjoyed most about it, people ask what I enjoyed most about it, people ask what I enjoyed most about it, I enjoyed most what I enjoyed most was I enjoyed most what I enjoyed most was I enjoyed most what I enjoyed most was seeing those around me succeed. whether seeing those around me succeed. whether seeing those around me succeed. whether that was young folks getting married or

28:53 that was young folks getting married or that was young folks getting married or making good financial decisions or making good financial decisions or making good financial decisions or teaching them how to to lead their their teaching them how to to lead their their teaching them how to to lead their their organizations beneath me. I I just found organizations beneath me. I I just found organizations beneath me. I I just found it so satisfying to see those around me

29:00 The Emotional Reckoning of Retirement

29:04 it so satisfying to see those around me it so satisfying to see those around me succeed. And so it just seems like a succeed. And so it just seems like a succeed. And so it just seems like a perfect segue into that coaching world. perfect segue into that coaching world. perfect segue into that coaching world. So when I was going through the Commit So when I was going through the Commit So when I was going through the Commit Foundation, which just life-changing Foundation, which just life-changing Foundation, which just life-changing experience, it's I think it was five or experience, it's I think it was five or experience, it's I think it was five or six sessions, and Jason was my my coach

29:20 six sessions, and Jason was my my coach six sessions, and Jason was my my coach at the time, and they really started to at the time, and they really started to at the time, and they really started to to pull out the areas that the skill to pull out the areas that the skill to pull out the areas that the skill sets that you've developed during your sets that you've developed during your sets that you've developed during your military career that you want to carry military career that you want to carry military career that you want to carry on with. And I said, well, this skill on with. And I said, well, this skill on with. And I said, well, this skill that I have of photography, no one in

29:35 that I have of photography, no one in that I have of photography, no one in the military taught me. I just happened the military taught me. I just happened the military taught me. I just happened to bring my camera with me everywhere I to bring my camera with me everywhere I to bring my camera with me everywhere I went on all these missions all over the went on all these missions all over the went on all these missions all over the world. And so I started taking all these world. And so I started taking all these world. And so I started taking all these pictures and the folks that I'd fly pictures and the folks that I'd fly pictures and the folks that I'd fly with, they said, "Man, this stuff's

29:45 with, they said, "Man, this stuff's with, they said, "Man, this stuff's pretty good. You should you should do pretty good. You should you should do pretty good. You should you should do more of this." And so this photography more of this." And so this photography more of this." And so this photography and this this podcasting and this and this this podcasting and this and this this podcasting and this veterans awareness, it's all kind of veterans awareness, it's all kind of veterans awareness, it's all kind of come together with the coaching uh and come together with the coaching uh and come together with the coaching uh and the photography. And so that never would

30:01 the photography. And so that never would the photography. And so that never would have happened if it wasn't for the have happened if it wasn't for the have happened if it wasn't for the commitment foundation and for coaches. commitment foundation and for coaches. commitment foundation and for coaches. So, I have such tremendous respect for So, I have such tremendous respect for So, I have such tremendous respect for you and the coaching community because you and the coaching community because you and the coaching community because it it's almost like mental health where it it's almost like mental health where it it's almost like mental health where it comes across as something that's

30:15 it comes across as something that's it comes across as something that's negative and it's the exact opposite. negative and it's the exact opposite. negative and it's the exact opposite. It's unbelievably positive and It's unbelievably positive and It's unbelievably positive and motivational. motivational. motivational. So, that's my that's my kudos to you. So, that's my that's my kudos to you. So, that's my that's my kudos to you. Thank you so much for for doing that. Thank you so much for for doing that. Thank you so much for for doing that. Now, you are on your own in this in this Now, you are on your own in this in this Now, you are on your own in this in this coaching journey. You've stood up your

30:30 coaching journey. You've stood up your coaching journey. You've stood up your own company. Can you can you describe own company. Can you can you describe own company. Can you can you describe what you're doing? Sure. Sure. So, at what you're doing? Sure. Sure. So, at what you're doing? Sure. Sure. So, at TWWS Coaching and Consulting Group, we TWWS Coaching and Consulting Group, we TWWS Coaching and Consulting Group, we help professionals and veterans achieve help professionals and veterans achieve help professionals and veterans achieve work life harmony and we help them turn work life harmony and we help them turn work life harmony and we help them turn their challenges into opportunities. And

30:43 their challenges into opportunities. And their challenges into opportunities. And of course, the way we do that is through of course, the way we do that is through of course, the way we do that is through coaching. We do um leadership coaching, coaching. We do um leadership coaching, coaching. We do um leadership coaching, relationship coaching and mental health relationship coaching and mental health relationship coaching and mental health coaching. Um then we also um we coaching. Um then we also um we coaching. Um then we also um we facilitate skills workshops, things like facilitate skills workshops, things like facilitate skills workshops, things like self-awareness, stress management,

30:57 self-awareness, stress management, self-awareness, stress management, mindfulness, mindfulness, mindfulness, um leadership, uh empowerment, and then um leadership, uh empowerment, and then um leadership, uh empowerment, and then we also um attend uh speaking we also um attend uh speaking we also um attend uh speaking engagement. And so those that's the way engagement. And so those that's the way engagement. And so those that's the way that we facilitate um those services for that we facilitate um those services for that we facilitate um those services for our for our client. And yeah, I think our for our client. And yeah, I think our for our client. And yeah, I think that did that answer answer your

31:15 that did that answer answer your that did that answer answer your question as far as Yeah, absolutely. So question as far as Yeah, absolutely. So question as far as Yeah, absolutely. So that transition from military command that transition from military command that transition from military command structures to entrepreneurship structures to entrepreneurship structures to entrepreneurship uh obviously that can be challenging. uh obviously that can be challenging. uh obviously that can be challenging. Can you describe a moment when your Can you describe a moment when your Can you describe a moment when your military leadership experience proved military leadership experience proved military leadership experience proved particularly valuable in building your particularly valuable in building your particularly valuable in building your own business?

31:35 own business? own business? That is good. That is good. I think the That is good. That is good. I think the That is good. That is good. I think the first thing is that realizing that I'm first thing is that realizing that I'm first thing is that realizing that I'm not alone. Although I am a soloreneur, not alone. Although I am a soloreneur, not alone. Although I am a soloreneur, I'm not alone. you know, I do have a I'm not alone. you know, I do have a I'm not alone. you know, I do have a network um of coaches as well as other network um of coaches as well as other network um of coaches as well as other uh networking uh communities that I'm a uh networking uh communities that I'm a

31:50 uh networking uh communities that I'm a part of. And so, I would say the first part of. And so, I would say the first part of. And so, I would say the first one is just, you know, as a military, one is just, you know, as a military, one is just, you know, as a military, you know, we are taught to to look out you know, we are taught to to look out you know, we are taught to to look out and to see where our support where our and to see where our support where our and to see where our support where our hopes are and tapping into those those hopes are and tapping into those those hopes are and tapping into those those networks. So, I would say that was the networks. So, I would say that was the

32:03 networks. So, I would say that was the first one is being able to tap into first one is being able to tap into first one is being able to tap into those those networks and realize that those those networks and realize that those those networks and realize that I'm not alone. um if I choose cuz I'm not alone. um if I choose cuz I'm not alone. um if I choose cuz sometimes of course right we might sometimes of course right we might sometimes of course right we might choose to be alone but the easier road choose to be alone but the easier road choose to be alone but the easier road is is if we go together right I think is is if we go together right I think

32:16 is is if we go together right I think that that quote that says something to that that quote that says something to that that quote that says something to the effect if you want to go if you want the effect if you want to go if you want the effect if you want to go if you want to go fast go basically by yourself if to go fast go basically by yourself if to go fast go basically by yourself if you want to go far you know you go with you want to go far you know you go with you want to go far you know you go with the team right go with others and so the team right go with others and so the team right go with others and so definitely realizing that was a big definitely realizing that was a big

32:29 definitely realizing that was a big thing for me and also I would say from thing for me and also I would say from thing for me and also I would say from my military experience realizing that my military experience realizing that my military experience realizing that the military gave me structure and the military gave me structure and the military gave me structure and that's what I loved about it was the that's what I loved about it was the that's what I loved about it was the structure that it gave me and now in structure that it gave me and now in structure that it gave me and now in this phase of course I always go into this phase of course I always go into

32:41 this phase of course I always go into something and if there isn't structure something and if there isn't structure something and if there isn't structure right which a lot of times it it so right which a lot of times it it so right which a lot of times it it so broad you have to kind of figure it out broad you have to kind of figure it out broad you have to kind of figure it out doing the best I can or doing what I can doing the best I can or doing what I can doing the best I can or doing what I can to put structure in so that then I can to put structure in so that then I can to put structure in so that then I can move from just surviving um to thriving move from just surviving um to thriving

32:55 move from just surviving um to thriving so definitely I tap into that every day so definitely I tap into that every day so definitely I tap into that every day every day I tap into that I look at every day I tap into that I look at every day I tap into that I look at coaching is like service whether that's coaching is like service whether that's coaching is like service whether that's serving at your church serving in the serving at your church serving in the serving at your church serving in the military serving in police, fire, military serving in police, fire, military serving in police, fire, nurses. I feel like it's it's service. nurses. I feel like it's it's service.

33:12 nurses. I feel like it's it's service. Can you give an example of someone that Can you give an example of someone that Can you give an example of someone that you've coached that's been the most the you've coached that's been the most the you've coached that's been the most the most satisfying to you? most satisfying to you? most satisfying to you? That's good. I've had many and I still That's good. I've had many and I still That's good. I've had many and I still continue to have many, but I guess one continue to have many, but I guess one continue to have many, but I guess one that kind of sticks in my head and I that kind of sticks in my head and I that kind of sticks in my head and I think she's been one of my clients for

33:30 think she's been one of my clients for think she's been one of my clients for the longest. Um, she just came into it. the longest. Um, she just came into it. the longest. Um, she just came into it. she's in the education um industry and she's in the education um industry and she's in the education um industry and she came to it and she there were so she came to it and she there were so she came to it and she there were so many things that she wanted to many things that she wanted to many things that she wanted to accomplish things in her career and she accomplish things in her career and she accomplish things in her career and she just felt like she didn't have those

33:43 just felt like she didn't have those just felt like she didn't have those things at her disposal or she didn't things at her disposal or she didn't things at her disposal or she didn't know how to move forward like I want I know how to move forward like I want I know how to move forward like I want I want to do something different but I want to do something different but I want to do something different but I didn't even know where to begin how to didn't even know where to begin how to didn't even know where to begin how to how to um move forward and so seeing her how to um move forward and so seeing her how to um move forward and so seeing her come in with those challenges of not

33:54 come in with those challenges of not come in with those challenges of not knowing how to move forward and desiring knowing how to move forward and desiring knowing how to move forward and desiring to move forward and just not realizing to move forward and just not realizing to move forward and just not realizing that a lot of the answers answers to her that a lot of the answers answers to her that a lot of the answers answers to her questions she already had. And so we we questions she already had. And so we we questions she already had. And so we we worked together for what about a year? worked together for what about a year? worked together for what about a year? We worked together for about a year. Um

34:11 We worked together for about a year. Um We worked together for about a year. Um and in fact, we're re-engaging again um and in fact, we're re-engaging again um and in fact, we're re-engaging again um as she's she's been promoted and uh to as she's she's been promoted and uh to as she's she's been promoted and uh to in a leadership position. Um she's in a leadership position. Um she's in a leadership position. Um she's enjoying it, but of course it comes with enjoying it, but of course it comes with enjoying it, but of course it comes with its challenges. Um but just seeing her its challenges. Um but just seeing her its challenges. Um but just seeing her use the tools that she learned while we

34:25 use the tools that she learned while we use the tools that she learned while we were working together, that's I guess were working together, that's I guess were working together, that's I guess what lights me up. you know, seeing the what lights me up. you know, seeing the what lights me up. you know, seeing the little things in between each session, little things in between each session, little things in between each session, but then seeing it over the long haul but then seeing it over the long haul but then seeing it over the long haul and how it moved her to our first and how it moved her to our first and how it moved her to our first coaching session um to where she is now.

34:38 coaching session um to where she is now. coaching session um to where she is now. Um it yeah, like you said, it lights you Um it yeah, like you said, it lights you Um it yeah, like you said, it lights you up. It and it makes me come alive. It up. It and it makes me come alive. It up. It and it makes me come alive. It makes me continue to coach when I see makes me continue to coach when I see makes me continue to coach when I see when I see them. when I see them. when I see them. If someone is listening uh who feels If someone is listening uh who feels If someone is listening uh who feels stuck right now in their career or their stuck right now in their career or their

34:51 stuck right now in their career or their personal development, what one piece of personal development, what one piece of personal development, what one piece of advice would you offer them today? advice would you offer them today? advice would you offer them today? Definitely I always say reach out to a coach and I always say reach out to a coach and you're not in it alone. Reach out to a you're not in it alone. Reach out to a you're not in it alone. Reach out to a coach and most coaches will give you a coach and most coaches will give you a coach and most coaches will give you a sample session or a discovery session. I sample session or a discovery session. I sample session or a discovery session. I call it a sample session in which you

35:14 call it a sample session in which you call it a sample session in which you show up to that session with whatever show up to that session with whatever show up to that session with whatever challenge you have and they'll kind of challenge you have and they'll kind of challenge you have and they'll kind of work with you so you could see what it work with you so you could see what it work with you so you could see what it might be like to work with them. Um, and might be like to work with them. Um, and might be like to work with them. Um, and it's typically complimentary. And I know it's typically complimentary. And I know it's typically complimentary. And I know for our audience, I think it may be

35:26 for our audience, I think it may be for our audience, I think it may be predominantly veterans. There are predominantly veterans. There are predominantly veterans. There are different organizations out there that different organizations out there that different organizations out there that offer coaching at no cost. Um, the offer coaching at no cost. Um, the offer coaching at no cost. Um, the program, one of the programs that, um, program, one of the programs that, um, program, one of the programs that, um, I'm a part of right now, the Veterans I'm a part of right now, the Veterans I'm a part of right now, the Veterans Coaching Project, um, is a prime example

35:39 Coaching Project, um, is a prime example Coaching Project, um, is a prime example of that. The whole thing with the of that. The whole thing with the of that. The whole thing with the Veterans Coaching Project is they're Veterans Coaching Project is they're Veterans Coaching Project is they're trying to get you, whether you're trying to get you, whether you're trying to get you, whether you're recently transitioned or you're in the recently transitioned or you're in the recently transitioned or you're in the process of transitioning. And it's not process of transitioning. And it's not process of transitioning. And it's not only for the veteran, it's also for

35:49 only for the veteran, it's also for only for the veteran, it's also for spouses and caregivers. And what they do spouses and caregivers. And what they do spouses and caregivers. And what they do is they help you learn, discover what is they help you learn, discover what is they help you learn, discover what your values are. Um, they help you do your values are. Um, they help you do your values are. Um, they help you do that work. They help you with the inter, that work. They help you with the inter, that work. They help you with the inter, you know, interviewing. It's a practice you know, interviewing. It's a practice you know, interviewing. It's a practice interviewing and there are other things.

36:00 Rediscovering Who You Are Beyond the Uniform

36:00 interviewing and there are other things. interviewing and there are other things. And then they help you decide whether or And then they help you decide whether or And then they help you decide whether or not you want to go on and be an not you want to go on and be an not you want to go on and be an entrepreneur or if you want to go to entrepreneur or if you want to go to entrepreneur or if you want to go to corporate. They're there to help you corporate. They're there to help you corporate. They're there to help you with that. Um, I would also say stand with that. Um, I would also say stand with that. Um, I would also say stand beside them is also another these are

36:12 beside them is also another these are beside them is also another these are another nonprofit and they also provide another nonprofit and they also provide another nonprofit and they also provide coaching services for veterans, um, coaching services for veterans, um, coaching services for veterans, um, caregivers and spouses. So, I would say caregivers and spouses. So, I would say caregivers and spouses. So, I would say you're not alone. Reach out. Try you're not alone. Reach out. Try you're not alone. Reach out. Try coaching. Um, yeah, that's coaching. Um, yeah, that's coaching. Um, yeah, that's okay. That's that's what I love about okay. That's that's what I love about

36:30 okay. That's that's what I love about LinkedIn. Um, I try to share my LinkedIn. Um, I try to share my LinkedIn. Um, I try to share my experiences, whether that's head shot or experiences, whether that's head shot or experiences, whether that's head shot or helping them build their page or helping them build their page or helping them build their page or explaining their military resume in explaining their military resume in explaining their military resume in civilian terms. And I just I love that civilian terms. And I just I love that civilian terms. And I just I love that giving back piece. So having have a giving back piece. So having have a giving back piece. So having have a relationship with coaches is is so relationship with coaches is is so relationship with coaches is is so helpful. And so now this this coaching helpful. And so now this this coaching

36:52 helpful. And so now this this coaching path is is your new mission. So what do path is is your new mission. So what do path is is your new mission. So what do you what does success look like for you you what does success look like for you you what does success look like for you in this new mission? That's good. That's a good one. What That's good. That's a good one. What does it look like for me? I guess it's does it look like for me? I guess it's does it look like for me? I guess it's to me just getting that that tool of to me just getting that that tool of to me just getting that that tool of coaching into the hands of as many coaching into the hands of as many

37:13 coaching into the hands of as many people as I can because I realize that people as I can because I realize that people as I can because I realize that historically a lot of times it's only historically a lot of times it's only historically a lot of times it's only given to those at the executive level. given to those at the executive level. given to those at the executive level. However, I feel that anyone can benefit However, I feel that anyone can benefit However, I feel that anyone can benefit from coaching. Um I know I know we from coaching. Um I know I know we from coaching. Um I know I know we hadn't talked about it and can I is it hadn't talked about it and can I is it

37:26 hadn't talked about it and can I is it okay if I take a moment to make sure okay if I take a moment to make sure okay if I take a moment to make sure they're clear on what coaching is? they're clear on what coaching is? they're clear on what coaching is? Absolutely. Um so coaching so it you're Absolutely. Um so coaching so it you're Absolutely. Um so coaching so it you're not a therapist. So the coach is not not a therapist. So the coach is not not a therapist. So the coach is not there to diagnose you, right, and give there to diagnose you, right, and give there to diagnose you, right, and give you this treatment plan, right? The you this treatment plan, right? The

37:39 you this treatment plan, right? The coach is not a consultant. They're not coach is not a consultant. They're not coach is not a consultant. They're not there to come in and say, "Here, this is there to come in and say, "Here, this is there to come in and say, "Here, this is how you solve your problem, right? Use how you solve your problem, right? Use how you solve your problem, right? Use this." The coach is not a mentor. this." The coach is not a mentor. this." The coach is not a mentor. They're not there to say, "This was my They're not there to say, "This was my They're not there to say, "This was my experience, and this, you know, take experience, and this, you know, take

37:50 experience, and this, you know, take some nuggets from this and feel free to some nuggets from this and feel free to some nuggets from this and feel free to use them in whatever way that works for use them in whatever way that works for use them in whatever way that works for you." With the coach, number one, you you." With the coach, number one, you you." With the coach, number one, you are the expert. You're the expert on are the expert. You're the expert on are the expert. You're the expert on your life. So, the coach is coming in. your life. So, the coach is coming in. your life. So, the coach is coming in. Um, they're there to be your Um, they're there to be your

38:03 Um, they're there to be your accountability partner, right? They're accountability partner, right? They're accountability partner, right? They're there to give you that safe space so there to give you that safe space so there to give you that safe space so that you can have that conversation that that you can have that conversation that that you can have that conversation that you've been having in your head, you can you've been having in your head, you can you've been having in your head, you can have it out loud. And from a have it out loud. And from a have it out loud. And from a neuroscience standpoint, it's just neuroscience standpoint, it's just neuroscience standpoint, it's just something about when you're able to something about when you're able to something about when you're able to vocalize what you've been having going

38:18 vocalize what you've been having going vocalize what you've been having going on in your head. It gives you some on in your head. It gives you some on in your head. It gives you some clarity, clarity that you never knew clarity, clarity that you never knew clarity, clarity that you never knew existed. And what the coach does is they existed. And what the coach does is they existed. And what the coach does is they allow you the space to be able to do allow you the space to be able to do allow you the space to be able to do that. They may mirror some things you that. They may mirror some things you that. They may mirror some things you share. They may also make you aware of

38:30 share. They may also make you aware of share. They may also make you aware of some patterns they're seeing um in what some patterns they're seeing um in what some patterns they're seeing um in what you're sharing. Um and so just knowing you're sharing. Um and so just knowing you're sharing. Um and so just knowing that a coach is there for you and there that a coach is there for you and there that a coach is there for you and there it's empowering because it's not about it's empowering because it's not about it's empowering because it's not about the coach, it's all about you and the the coach, it's all about you and the the coach, it's all about you and the fact that you already have all the

38:45 fact that you already have all the fact that you already have all the answers. You just need the space to be answers. You just need the space to be answers. You just need the space to be able to unpack that and then develop a able to unpack that and then develop a able to unpack that and then develop a plan to move you from where you are to plan to move you from where you are to plan to move you from where you are to where you want to be. Oh wow. I'm I'm where you want to be. Oh wow. I'm I'm where you want to be. Oh wow. I'm I'm excited. I'm I'm pumped up that excited. I'm I'm pumped up that excited. I'm I'm pumped up that Wow, that's pretty cool. You know, uh

39:03 Wow, that's pretty cool. You know, uh Wow, that's pretty cool. You know, uh Charles and I going to to school Charles and I going to to school Charles and I going to to school together in in class together. I I had together in in class together. I I had together in in class together. I I had no idea that he had such a amazing no idea that he had such a amazing no idea that he had such a amazing spouse who's probably kicking him in the spouse who's probably kicking him in the spouse who's probably kicking him in the pants and keeping him him in line. And pants and keeping him him in line. And pants and keeping him him in line. And so I'm so thankful for having the chance

39:19 so I'm so thankful for having the chance so I'm so thankful for having the chance to have a one-on-one with you. So I to have a one-on-one with you. So I to have a one-on-one with you. So I always ask a couple questions for folks always ask a couple questions for folks always ask a couple questions for folks before I before I sign off here. before I before I sign off here. before I before I sign off here. If If If if you were to talk to that that 17 if you were to talk to that that 17 if you were to talk to that that 17 18year-old Shikina back in the day, what 18year-old Shikina back in the day, what 18year-old Shikina back in the day, what would you tell her about what her

39:37 would you tell her about what her would you tell her about what her future's going to look like? future's going to look like? future's going to look like? Oo, I love this. Oo, I love this. Oo, I love this. What would I tell her? You say you're on the you're on the You say you're on the you're on the right path. Uh just keep moving forward. right path. Uh just keep moving forward. right path. Uh just keep moving forward. There will be times when it it's tough. There will be times when it it's tough. There will be times when it it's tough. Um but when those tough times come, Um but when those tough times come, Um but when those tough times come, draw towards community instead of away

40:04 draw towards community instead of away draw towards community instead of away from and you're you're going to get there. and you're you're going to get there. You're going to have everything that You're going to have everything that You're going to have everything that you've imagined and more. So our you our you've imagined and more. So our you our you've imagined and more. So our you our youth today seems to be so youth today seems to be so youth today seems to be so um individual. They they don't seem to um individual. They they don't seem to um individual. They they don't seem to have that community. And that's that's have that community. And that's that's

40:22 have that community. And that's that's what I love so much about the military what I love so much about the military what I love so much about the military and that you you have this community and that you you have this community and that you you have this community that comes from all over the globe of that comes from all over the globe of that comes from all over the globe of different cultures, different races, different cultures, different races, different cultures, different races, different sexes, and you you come different sexes, and you you come different sexes, and you you come together towards one common goal and one together towards one common goal and one

40:35 together towards one common goal and one common mission. And my wife always common mission. And my wife always common mission. And my wife always teased me, here he goes again on his teased me, here he goes again on his teased me, here he goes again on his recruiting campaign. But I will advocate recruiting campaign. But I will advocate recruiting campaign. But I will advocate for anybody to serve because it was the for anybody to serve because it was the for anybody to serve because it was the greatest decision and greatest greatest decision and greatest greatest decision and greatest experience of my life. and and I experience of my life. and and I experience of my life. and and I wouldn't I wouldn't trade it for

40:51 wouldn't I wouldn't trade it for wouldn't I wouldn't trade it for anything. anything. anything. Pretty Pretty Pretty for you. Um for you. Um for you. Um I typically ask I typically ask I typically ask if there's one thing that I haven't

41:00 Building a Coaching Practice From Battle-Tested Wisdom

41:03 if there's one thing that I haven't if there's one thing that I haven't asked that I should be asking before we asked that I should be asking before we asked that I should be asking before we sign off. Wow. I think you've been sign off. Wow. I think you've been sign off. Wow. I think you've been pretty pretty pretty thorough. pretty pretty pretty thorough. pretty pretty pretty thorough. I think you've been pretty thorough. I think you've been pretty thorough. I think you've been pretty thorough. other than definitely uh wanting others other than definitely uh wanting others other than definitely uh wanting others to definitely know how to get a get a to definitely know how to get a get a

41:22 to definitely know how to get a get a hold of me. Um because I would like I hold of me. Um because I would like I hold of me. Um because I would like I said if you if you haven't experienced said if you if you haven't experienced said if you if you haven't experienced coaching there's complimentary sessions coaching there's complimentary sessions coaching there's complimentary sessions we can talk through what that might look we can talk through what that might look we can talk through what that might look like but experience coaching. Um make like but experience coaching. Um make like but experience coaching. Um make sure you experience it. And I am an sure you experience it. And I am an

41:34 sure you experience it. And I am an internationally coached federation internationally coached federation internationally coached federation credential coach. So of course you're credential coach. So of course you're credential coach. So of course you're going to to use the coaching standard going to to use the coaching standard going to to use the coaching standard but at the end of the day just but at the end of the day just but at the end of the day just experience coaching. It's a tool you'll experience coaching. It's a tool you'll experience coaching. It's a tool you'll never know um the value of until you never know um the value of until you

41:46 never know um the value of until you actually experience it. So, if you if actually experience it. So, if you if actually experience it. So, if you if you don't schedule a coaching session you don't schedule a coaching session you don't schedule a coaching session with me, at least follow me. I'm on with me, at least follow me. I'm on with me, at least follow me. I'm on LinkedIn. I'm on Instagram. Um, and I'm LinkedIn. I'm on Instagram. Um, and I'm LinkedIn. I'm on Instagram. Um, and I'm also on Facebook. Um, you can use um also on Facebook. Um, you can use um also on Facebook. Um, you can use um Shakina Telus uh for LinkedIn um and Shakina Telus uh for LinkedIn um and

42:01 Shakina Telus uh for LinkedIn um and Instagram. And then for Facebook, Instagram. And then for Facebook, Instagram. And then for Facebook, Shakina Telus 6. But please uh follow Shakina Telus 6. But please uh follow Shakina Telus 6. But please uh follow me, reach out to me. I'd love to have a me, reach out to me. I'd love to have a me, reach out to me. I'd love to have a a complimentary um sample session so you a complimentary um sample session so you a complimentary um sample session so you can experience the power of coaching. can experience the power of coaching. can experience the power of coaching. Tina, thank you so much for joining us Tina, thank you so much for joining us

42:15 Tina, thank you so much for joining us today. And I cannot advocate enough for today. And I cannot advocate enough for today. And I cannot advocate enough for coaching. Like I said before, the Commit coaching. Like I said before, the Commit coaching. Like I said before, the Commit Foundation was life-changing for me. And Foundation was life-changing for me. And Foundation was life-changing for me. And I I look forward to seeing you continue I I look forward to seeing you continue I I look forward to seeing you continue your career and prosper in this coaching your career and prosper in this coaching your career and prosper in this coaching world because I can just see the passion

42:29 world because I can just see the passion world because I can just see the passion coming through the screen. And I and I coming through the screen. And I and I coming through the screen. And I and I look forward to hearing more about your look forward to hearing more about your look forward to hearing more about your successes. So, thank you for coming on successes. So, thank you for coming on successes. So, thank you for coming on today. Thank you for having me.