Episode 005: Transitioning Successfully with Brian Niswander
The U.S. military has a great reputation for their ability to plan, to deal with uncertainty, and to deal with complex and complicated problems. There is one area where the U.S. military does not plan very effectively, where there is a struggle while dealing with uncertainty and often becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of the problem that needs attention. Sam Whitehurst, your host, went through this experience when he retired from the army in 2019; he shares the struggle with every other veteran, facing the moment of unease of thinking what is going to happen next, an aspect that is crucial for the future success and happiness.
Sam welcomes Brian Niswander to today’s episode. Brian is an Air Force veteran and a veteran of working at a Fortune 500 company as well as working in the public sector. Brian is also the founder of Military-Transition.org, an organization that is dedicated to providing information and resources to not only transitioning military members but to military spouses, veterans, and also to employers that want to hire others associated with the military.
Key Takeaways:
[2:11] Sam suggests everyone who becomes part of the U.S. military service to think from the beginning about what the future will look like after retiring.
[4:57] Bryan talks about his background and how Military-Transition.org started.
[7:33] What are some of the common mistakes that service members make during their transition?
[9:17] What does Military-Transition.org provide to veterans?
[14:06] How do you translate what you did in the army when transitioning to the civilian sector?
[15:37] Brian talks about the challenges veterans have when translating what they did when trying to apply for a job in the civilian world.
[19:35] The power of networking.
[20:35] Five elements that are consistent in every successful transition.
[27:45] Be able to demonstrate the value that you bring to a company through your credentials.
[28:42] Three different groups of serving members while transitioning.
[33:24] Brian talks about the five roles that veterans usually start after their transitioning.
[37:12] Figuring out what you are going to be after serving is an exciting journey.
[38:10] Brian shares his advice: Focus on self-reflection.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dixon Center: Reaching America
At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.
Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.
Dixon Center on Facebook
Dixon Center on Twitter
Dixon Center on Instagram
Military-Transition.org
Tweetables and quotes:
“Every single person transitions.”
“The decisions you make when you are wearing the uniform are going to impact your future after serving.”
“Five elements for a successful transition: 1. Start your transition early, 2. Have a transition plan, 3. Build a network, 4. Learn how to translate your skills, and 5. Be patient.”
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