The FourBlock Podcast

Join us on the latest episode of the FourBlock Podcast as hosts Michael Abrams and Lindsey Pollak engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Tom Croff, the head of the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering. With a rich background that transitions from serving as an Electrician's Mate in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Program to spearheading critical projects in the aviation sector, Tom brings a unique perspective on navigating career shifts and leveraging military skills in the civilian workforce. In this episode, Tom reflects on his career path, sharing pivotal moments of his time in the Navy, including his role as a Junior Instructor, where he cultivated his expertise in complex technical disciplines. We delve into his transition to the engineering industry and how his military discipline and knowledge fueled his success in a new arena. At the helm of numerous projects at Orlando International Airport, Tom discusses the engineering of the airport’s latest terminal and Matern’s approach to innovation in electrical engineering within aviation. His experiences provide valuable insights for veterans who aim to explore careers in the engineering industry after their military service. To close out the episode, Tom shares his seasoned advice to veterans considering a similar path. This episode is a great guidepost for veterans seeking to translate their military experience into a successful civilian career, particularly in the dynamic field of engineering. Tom has run the Aviation Department at Matern Professional Engineering for over 21 years and has overseen hundreds of projects in the aviation industry. He has worked with the Orlando International Airport for many years assisting with electrical, security and low voltage systems work. Most recently, he has been leading a project on the Orlando International Airport's new terminal. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the early/mid-nineties as an Electrician's Mate in the Nuclear Power Program. During his service, he spent most of his time at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, where he was a junior instructor helping the chiefs and senior chiefs teach heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and AC theory. When he transitioned out of the military, he started his career in electrical construction and then switched to engineering in the early 2000s. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

On this episode of the FourBlock Podcast, discover why veterans' skills are in high demand in aviation and hear actionable advice on resume building, networking, and interview preparation from Britney Ratcliff, Director of Human Resources at Metro Aviation®. Britney brings her extensive experience in recruiting and human resources to the discussion along with a passion for supporting transitioning service members. In conversation with Lindsey Pollak and this week’s guest host Queta Rodriguez, Britney shares valuable insights into how veterans can navigate the job market successfully and speaks to how Metro Aviation® supports veterans in making the transition from military to civilian work, employing more than 330 military veterans in many different roles throughout the company. Family-owned and operated since its inception in 1982, Metro Aviation® is the largest privately held, traditional air medical operator in the U.S. and the largest air medical completion center in the world, operating more than 160 aircraft for more than 40 programs in over 25 states nationwide. Whether you're a veteran or someone interested in supporting veterans in their career journeys, this episode offers valuable tips and perspectives that you won't want to miss! Britney has years of recruiting, safety, and human resources experience, a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Administration, and a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization from Louisiana State University at Shreveport. Over the years, Britney has actively served as a volunteer for multiple local organizations, including the 2021 President of the NWLA SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapter. She enjoys working in aviation, connecting with other professionals, providing resume and career search assistance, and offering support and guidance to transitioning service members. To learn more about Metro Aviation and available opportunities, visit choosemetro.metroaviation.com. Meet a few of Metro Aviation’s veterans and see what they have to say about making the transition and why they chose Metro Aviation at metroaviation.com/miltociv/.

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, it’s an honor to welcome two members of the leadership team from Battle Tested Security, a company that provides innovative event solutions and proudly employs over 800 veterans: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Founder and CEO Casey Holiday, and U.S. Army Veteran and VP of Military Strategic Partnerships Robert Cox. In a candid conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Casey shares how he went from feeling lost after transitioning out of active-duty service to founding a premiere live event security company that aims to improve the lives of veterans. Casey also provides actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and invaluable lessons learned from his personal experience. Rob shares the challenges he faced finding his way in the civilian workforce and provides empowering advice for fellow service members preparing to make their own military transitions. With personal stories military members can relate to and helpful guidance throughout the conversation, this episode is a must-listen for veterans and entrepreneurs alike. Founded in 2016, Battle Tested Security is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business committed to employing as many veterans as possible. Casey is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in the event security industry. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina and outside of Baltimore, Maryland, Casey honed his discipline and leadership skills as a United States Marine Corps veteran. With a distinguished career as an 0311 in 1st Battalion 8th Marines, Casey served two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since transitioning out of the military, Casey has established several successful companies and currently serves as the CEO of Battle Tested Security. Casey is continuously seeking new challenges and opportunities to serve and empower veterans. He is currently in the process of creating his latest venture, BTG Development Group, a company dedicated to providing effective workforce placement, entrepreneur development, and benefit support to our nation's veterans. Rob has more than 11 years of experience in the U.S. Army and two years as Battle Tested Security’s VP of Military Strategic Partnerships. As a Certified Mindfulness Instructor and the Founder/CEO of InsightFoolish.com, Rob is also dedicated to helping people improve their mental and emotional wellbeing through customized meditation practices. He is always looking for opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in his community and beyond. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams sits down with Kevin Schneider, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who went on to become an architect and now works as a Project Architect at LRS Architects, Inc. As a veteran who successfully transitioned into the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Kevin possesses invaluable advice for fellow veterans embarking on their own journeys into the civilian workforce. He generously shares his personal story, insights, and tips to help pave the way for others. In conversation with Mike, Kevin delves into what inspired him to join the U.S. Marine Corps and shares insights into his Marine Corps experience, highlighting the invaluable skills he gained, the challenges he faced, and how these experiences shaped the trajectory of his military transition and civilian career journey. Whether you're a veteran seeking guidance, or someone intrigued by the world of architecture, don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore Kevin’s journey from the Marines Corps to expert architect and passionate mentor. After serving in the U.S. Marines, Kevin earned his Masters in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. When he's not in the office, he is usually running, camping or exploring the outdoors. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome USAA’s* Military Affairs Relationship Director Charles “Chuck” Bunch, a 20+ year retired U.S. Air Force veteran who works alongside fellow retired officers and senior noncommissioned officers on USAA’s Military Affairs team to advocate for those who are currently serving in our military, all those who have honorably served in the past, and their families. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Chuck shares personal stories and lessons learned from his military experience, his transition into the private sector and current role with USAA, and the relationships that helped him along the way. USAA has been a longtime partner of FourBlock’s since 2016. Since then, USAA has hosted more than 30 sessions of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program in support of transitioning service members across the country. In 2022 alone, USAA supported more than 250 veterans across five FourBlock program locations. As the Military Affairs Relationship Director for Veteran Engagement, Chuck leverages his military relationships to provide advocacy for military families and shepherds USAA’s VETNet Employee Resource Group (ERG) for the enterprise. Prior to joining USAA, Chuck served as the Pathfinder Program Site Manager for USO San Antonio. Chuck’s leadership resulted in the successful design, development, launch, and execution of the USO Pathfinder transition program. Upon joining USAA in 2019, Chuck was selected by the San Antonio Business Journal as an honoree of the inaugural Veteran in Business Awards. This award reflected his community leadership and honored San Antonio military veteran business leaders for their impactful contributions in the workplace and their support of fellow veterans. Through his continued devotion and passionate support for the military community, Chuck was nominated for the 2022 G.I. Jobs Employee Veteran Leadership Awards list. This exclusive list recognized employee veterans that exemplified determination, teamwork, advocacy of military hiring initiatives, devotion to mentorship, and servant leadership in their organizations and respective communities. Chuck had the privilege of serving 20 years in the USAF. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University. Chuck is married to his lovely wife Kriesti, and they enjoy spending time with their son, Jered and daughter-in-law, Haley. *USAA is a multi-city sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia...

If you are in the military entering the civilian world or are you a veteran who has transitioned already but still struggling to find your path, this episode is a must-listen. This week, we welcome author and Founder of Mission Edge Ken Davenport. In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Ken shares how his passion for helping people achieve greatness in their lives led him to starting a social enterprise to help nonprofits and small businesses grow and devoting much of his time to helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. Most recently the author of "The Stoic Transition: A Guide" to help veterans live their best lives after the military, Ken details how his early life led him to discover the concept of stoicism and how it can help veterans embrace their power to thrive in their next adventures. Ken Davenport is an entrepreneur and writer based in San Diego, California. Ken’s built multiple businesses, lived in Switzerland as a kid, did his graduate work in London, spent a nomadic year in Tokyo, where he learned Japanese (or tried), and now spends much of his free time helping military veterans transition to the civilian world. A former Board member at the Travis Manion Foundation, Ken helped bring FourBlock to San Diego and also teaches Boots to Business at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

"I want to give back to the community that gave me so much." This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Labor and Employment attorney Allison Kruse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current associate at Stinson LLP, who serves as the chair of the firm's Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG). In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Allison shares what first inspired her to attend the Air Force Academy and join the military and details her experience transitioning from the Air Force into law school and then the private sector. Allison delves into her unique familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations and how it benefits and supports her clients at Stinson. She then shares more about her participation with the firm's Veterans ERG, why she is inspired to continue giving back, how Stinson helps support and integrate veterans within the law firm, and her advice for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. As we close out Women's History Month, Allison also shares some of the women veterans and leaders who inspired her in her career and influenced her professional values, as well as words of wisdom for young women starting their journey in the military or transitioning out. Allison is an associate at Stinson LLP, a law firm with 450 attorneys and 12 offices nationwide. She primarily focuses on employment related matters and navigating various facets of employment relationships. She handles each case with precision and integrity, working diligently to deliver results that take her clients to new heights. Before attending law school, Allison was a Contracting Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Her prior experience in leadership roles enables her to relate quickly with clients and solve complex issues. Allison has received multiple awards and recognitions for her outstanding service while serving. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Army Veteran and Senior Program Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)* Gregory (Greg) Doubek. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Greg shares why he was called to serve and decided to join the Army, his personal military transition story, and some of the advice he received and lessons learned along the way. Greg also raises an important point for those in transition about taking the uniform all the way off and provides guidance on how veterans can adjust to their changing role in the civilian workforce and add value regardless of the type or level of work. In addition to his role as Senior Program Manager at GDIT, Greg serves as the co-lead for GDIT’s Veteran Employee Resource Group (Honor ERG), and he provides details about the company’s commitment to supporting transitioning military, veterans, and their families through its military hiring program and Honor ERG. He also shares actionable advice for getting started in the IT and Cyber world, whether you have experience in that field or you’re transitioning fields entirely. Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army in 1991. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Art from the University of Vermont, and a Master's of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Following his 26 years of service as a US Army Signal Officer, Greg joined the General Dynamics Information Technology Team and is currently a Senior Program Manager, managing two Multiple Award Task Order Contracts with a contract ceiling totaling over $25B. If you are close to your transition from the military, Greg would welcome a connection via LinkedIn to talk about transition and career goals. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdoubek/. *GDIT is a sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome The Boeing Company’s* Shane R. Chapman and Devon Rumsey, who give us an in-depth look at Boeing’s commitment to supporting veterans in transition and share actionable advice for veterans and military spouses interested in beginning a new career with the company. A U.S. Army Veteran with 30 years of service, Shane now leads the Boeing Global Services Military and Veterans Program (BGS MVP), providing guidance and support to veterans and military spouse candidates and referring them to be seen by a hiring manager for interviews. After more than nine years in the U.S. Navy from 2013-2022, Devon currently serves as a Workforce Development Specialist at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, where he works to create pipelines with organizations and military stakeholders to aid transitioning service members and military spouses in finding gainful employment across The Boeing Company. A sponsoring partner of FourBlock since 2018, Boeing has played a significant role in helping FourBlock expand programming in Washington, D.C. and along along the West Coast. The company has also provided support for the Military Spouse Career Readiness Program as well as the Career Readiness Coach program, which connects working professionals with current FourBlock participants to provide them one-to-one guidance and feedback and to ensure that each veteran is on a path to success during their transition. Boeing has hosted multiple class sessions for FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program across the country. Shane R. Chapman is an Army Veteran with 30 years of Service and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He has lead organizations from the platoon to brigade levels. Shane has spent several tours of duty in Europe and has more than 8 years of operational and combat deployments. As a notable military assignment, Shane was selected by the Chief of Staff of the Army to create the Soldier for Life Program. In this role, he partnered with government agencies, private companies, and universities to create hundreds of public-private partnerships now known as the Career Skills Programs. Shane started his career with Boeing in 2019. Initially, he served as a strategic advisor on leadership development and training to Boeing Global Services. He now works in Human Resources, focused on sourcing, recruiting, and hiring Veteran talent. Devon spent just over nine years in the Navy from 2013-2022 and a Nuclear Electrician 1st Class on Submarines. He spent four years on the USS Pittsburg in Connecticut where he deployed three times to the European area of command. Devon finished up his service with three years in Navy recruiting in Seattle Washington where he ran three regional offices. He came to Boeing in April of 2022 after separating from the Navy and currently serves as a Workforce Development Specialist whose main role is to create pipelines with organizations and military stakeholders to aid in transitioning service members and military spouses find gainful employment across The Boeing Company. To learn more about how The Boeing Company supports veterans and their families, visit https://jobs.boeing.com/veterans. Note: At the bottom of the page, you can find the direct link to the Military and Veterans Program candidate portal where you can receive 1 on 1 support with your Boeing career journey, as well the link to the Boeing SkillBridge portal. *The Boeing Company is a national sponsor of FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program. Find Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-chapman-boeing-mvp/ Find Devon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-rumsey-0143aa229/ ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full...

Transitioning service members, do you know how to make the most of your military training once you transition into the civilian workforce? Corporate leaders, do know how to optimize your veteran employees’ potential for success? That’s why author and consultant Captain William Toti, US Navy (Retired) and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, wrote “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.” With more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy and more than 40 years of experience in the defense industry, Captain Toti joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams on this week’s episode of The FourBlock Podcast to share his personal experience, professional expertise, and practical insights to help transitioning service members make the most of their military training and learn what more is needed to rise up the ranks in the C-suite. For employers, he also shares what corporate leaders can do to maximize the potential for their veteran employees’ success. Captain Toti has more than 40 years of experience in defense. In three years as CEO of Sparton, he was able to restructure and double the company’s value, taking it through the sale of Sparton by Cerberus Capital Management to Elbit Systems of America. Prior to joining Sparton he spent more than a decade running multi-billion-dollar global defense businesses, for both products and services, including as president of the Integrated Maritime Systems sector at L3, as vice president of the defense segment of HP, HPE, and DXC, as president of Cubic Global Defense, and as vice president of Raytheon’s Mission Support Operations. He has served on Boards of Directors of ERAPSCO, JT3, and the Italian defense company Calzoni. Captain Toti also served for more than 26 years in the U.S. Navy, including tours as commander of Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command Norfolk, as commodore of Submarine Squadron 3, and as commanding officer of the nuclear fast attack submarine USS Indianapolis (SSN-697). He served for more than nine years in the Pentagon, including tours as special assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, as Navy representative to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, and as deputy director of the Navy War Plans Cell, Deep Blue. Mr. Toti is the creator/author of the US Navy’s current “Full Spectrum Antisubmarine Warfare” concept of operations. Captain Toti holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in spacecraft systems engineering, the pre-doctoral Electrical Engineer degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and has done executive coursework at the Harvard Business School. He served as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Brookings Institution and as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow in International Affairs. He has more than 30 published articles and op-ed pieces and was the U.S. Naval Institute Author of the Year in 2001. He was a 2012 member of the White House Roundtable on Military Credentialing in support of an initiative to help transitioning service members receive civilian credentials and licenses. Captain Toti has worked to support the survivors of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35) for more than 25 years, was named an honorary survivor and their honorary captain in 2005, and has been featured in several global release documentaries on that storied ship, including “USS Indianapolis: Live from the Deep” (2017, PBS), “USS Indianapolis: Legacy Project” (2016, Tiny Horse Productions), and “USS Indianapolis: the Final Chapter” (2019, PBS). His narrative titled “Antoinette,” describing his experiences during the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon was incorporated into the book Operation Homecoming, published by Random House (2006). He was featured in the 2016 PBS documentary, “9/11: Inside the Pentagon” and the 2020 History Channel documentary “9/11: The Pentagon.”, and the 2021 National Geographic six-part docuseries, “9/11: One Day in...

U.S. Army Veteran David Touchton served in Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying to the Middle East on September 9, 2001, just two days before the September 11 attack. On the FourBlock Podcast this week, David shares the impact that had on him and his fellow service members, his career path, and his commitment to continuing to pay it forward to fellow veterans today. David spent several years in the Army before receiving an honorable discharge due to an injury and going into the private sector. He held multiple positions of escalating responsibility as a Facility Security Officer before making the leap to launch his own security company. Founded in 2013, FSO Services helps companies ensure the best security posture against today’s modern threats. In conversation with host Mike Abrams, David explains how he transitioned into a career in industrial security and how he got the idea to start his company serving clients that work with the Department of Defense. He identifies some of the biggest challenges and threats that clients could face as they safeguard national security information and how FSO Services helps resolve them. To close out the episode, David shares the reasons he feels veterans have an advantage when transitioning into industrial security and what steps they can take to successfully move into the industry. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

How can employers go beyond thanking a veteran for their service? Retired Air Force LtCol Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz has devoted her post-military career to equipping civilans to become Veteran Champions. With hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Kathy shares personal insights from her upbringing as a Navy ‘brat,’ her nearly 30-year career in the Air Force as a Public Affairs Officer and Nurse, and experiences educating and engaging civilians in support of troops and their families in response to 9/11. Noticing how different her experiences and mindset were from most Americans, and observing the pride civilians feel when serve Veterans meaningfully, Kathy discusses why she is compelled to narrow the military civilian divide and equip people who have never served in the military to become Veteran Champions. She shares best practices for employers and actionable advice for individual employees and company recruiters to move from veteran friendly to veteran ready. An award-winning businesswoman, Kathy coaches employers how to improve their bottom line by excelling at hiring and retaining Veteran talent, and as a thought leader pioneer, she equips volunteers to build Military Ministries to cultivate a sense of belonging and promote spiritual resiliency for military-connected people. Master’s degrees in Nursing and Political Science frame her practice and perspectives. She is also a John Maxwell trained speaker, trainer, and coach. She is the author of “Beyond ‘Thank You For your Service,’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians.” While not serving in uniform, Gallowitz established and managed Buckeye Sports and Orthopedic Specialists and was the President of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. She has first-hand experience hiring Veterans. As the owner of Vanguard Veteran, she equips civilians to become Veteran Champions as the “Veteran-hiring Concierge” and “Military Ministry Builder.” Kathy serves on the Veteran-hiring Advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Mangement, member of the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chair, Arizona Governor’s Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission. Her husband, Ed is a retired career active-duty soldier with four combat tours. Together they have six sons, one daughter and three grandchildren. Vanguard Veteran Overview: https://vanguardveteran.start.page Complimentary "Veteran-Ready" Employer Assessment: https://vanguardveteran.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/may-2021_-vr-employer-assessment.pdf Vanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and Training: https://vanguardveteran.com/veteran-champion-consulting-training/ Invite Vanguard Veteran to Speak: https://vanguardveteran.com/invite-me-to-speak/ O*Net Online Mlitary Crosswalk Search: https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ “Beyond ‘Thank you For Your Service:’ the Veteran Champion handbook for civilians:” https://bit.ly/BeyondThankYouForYourService Society of Human Resource Management Veterans free at Work Certificate: https://www.shrm.org/foundation/ourwork/initiatives/engaging-and-integrating-military-veterans/PublishingImages/Pages/Inclusion-Captains-Veterans/Veterans%20at%20Work%20flyer.pdf Women Who Lead: A monthly free virtual Leadership Discussion Forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans that I facilitate to empower women leaders and foster mutual support. We hope you will join us! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/137542143253 ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning...

This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome U.S. Navy Veteran Eric Quinn, the CEO of full-service construction consultancy KMI International. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Eric discusses his time in the Navy, sharing why he joined, how it changed the trajectory of his career, and the leadership skills he gained during his service. He takes us through his transition to the business world, his move to the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and how he worked his way to where he is today. Throughout the episode, Eric provides invaluable insights on leadership and building trust, sharing his personal experience from his time in service military and his successful career. To close out the episode, Mike asks Eric what advice he has for transitioning service members as well as any veterans looking to start a career in the AEC space. Eric Quinn leads KMI as the company’s CEO. His leadership career began at an early age while he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy, learning quickly the importance of having the right team in place to accomplish the mission. His focus is on having the best people, processes, and organizational structure in place to deliver the highest quality of services for KMI’s clients. Eric will tell you that one of his primary focuses is maximizing the potential in people he leads to ensure KMI is a distinct company with a stellar reputation, thus becoming the most sought-after employer in the industry. Eric held leadership positions in several organizations, including Procter & Gamble, ES3, and President of GBI Tile and Stone, before coming to KMI to serve as the company’s COO, later being promoted to CEO. His background in mathematics gives him a strong understanding of figures and analytics, but he also has extensive experience in business development and generating revenue. His proudest accomplishments included turning around a former company in order to save hundreds of jobs, as well as helping facilitate a partnership between his current company, KMI, and the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The partnership includes a student chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), and guest lectures by KMI to mentor the next generation of construction managers and give them the tools they need to succeed. Eric has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to welcome Vice Admiral Timothy “TJ” White, a 30-plus year national security practitioner, strategist, and cyber operations expert leading joint military formations and combined intelligence community organizations. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Admiral White shares insights from his impressive career in the Navy and what continued to make it fun and challenging for more than three decades; a detailed discussion of cybersecurity in a military context; and his transition to the civilian sector and starting his own business. He closes the episode with invaluable insights about what makes a good leader and motivating advice for fellow service members in transition: “Cultivate your curiosity and be passionate about it.” Admiral White has commanded at all levels within the Navy and Joint Service, most recently as the Commander, United States Fleet Cyber Command / United States TENTH Fleet / United States Navy Space Command and previously as the Commander, United States Cyber National Mission Force / USCYBERCOM. He is a former Director of Intelligence for United States Indo-Pacific Command and has served globally in various combat zones and conflict areas supporting competition dynamics. A former CINCPACFLT Shiphandler-of-the-Year, he misses his days driving a Battleship. He is a 1987 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds additional diplomas from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, National Defense University and myriad professional education institutions. Admiral White’s focus of effort remains risk assessment and consequence management with respect to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, supply chain, technology policy, and trust relationships. OneNetworkConnection, LLC was created to help individuals & organizations understand the value and opportunity found in collective cybersecurity by leveraging technical acumen, expanded operational horizon, and trusted strategic vision to assess and manage current and future risks. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

“Just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean that you have to be always right or have all the answers. It means establishing an environment where you can get to the right answer.” This week on the FourBlock Podcast, it is an immense honor to welcome three-star United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant General (ret) Lori Reynolds. As the most senior woman in the USMC for nearly a decade – and only the third woman to achieve her rank – she is recognized for her ability to identify and retain diverse, global workforces to deliver innovation and value. In conversation with hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams, Lori imparts invaluable insights from her incredible 35-year career with the USMC starting off as a communications officer and going on to command at every level. She shares how she developed her leadership philosophy, how it evolved over time, and some of the common threads that enabled her to be successful throughout her career navigating diverse leadership roles within USMC. She provides her perspective on the information battle that’s happening today, what the future holds, and career advice for young professionals just starting out in this information environment. Lori is a three-star United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General (ret) and board member who most recently developed, led, and managed the Corp’s $12B global information portfolio spanning intelligence, IT, networking, cyber security, space, and information. She guides complex global organizations to manage large-scale risk and transform operational information into strategic business intelligence assets. Lori served on the USMC Corporate Board with responsibility for strategic oversight of a $50B budget and global strategy, capabilities, and missions. She regularly reported to and was accountable to Congressional committees on risk, cybersecurity, and strategy. In addition, she serves on board transformation, cyber security, risk, and DEI committees. Lori founded LEReynolds Group, a consulting firm, building on her 35-years of success and leadership in the United States Marine Corps. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

In an exciting first for the FourBlock Podcast this week, co-hosts Lindsey Pollak and Mike Abrams are joined by two special guests: Natalie Schibell, a FourBlock alumna and 10-year U.S. Navy veteran who now serves as a VP, Research Director at Forrester, and Jessica Marotta, the Talent Acquisition Manager at Forrester who first found Natalie through FourBlock Connect, our online networking and community-building platform available exclusively to FourBlock participants, mentors, and partner companies. In this episode, Natalie and Jessica discuss how they met on the FourBlock Connect platform, the conversations that ensued, and the hiring process at Forrester. Jessica shares what using the platform has helped her learn about recruiting the veteran community, and her philosophy for hiring: “I’m not just finding the best fit for Forrester; I’m finding the best fit for Natalie.” Natalie shares details about her incredible military career, her transition, and the interview process with Forrester, noting that: “I felt like not only was [Jessica] a recruiter, but she was also a friend.” A Talent Acquisition professional dedicated to behavioral based interviewing and equitable sourcing practices, Jessica has more than 20 years of recruiting experience. She started at Capital One and has spent the last 8+ years at Forrester as a Talent Acquisition Manager. At the time of this episode’s recording, Natalie was a Senior Analyst for Healthcare Strategy at Forrester. She is now serving as a VP, Research Director for Forrester. She previously served 10 years in the U.S. Navy’s Medical Service Corps as a Director of Public Health and as a Director of Operations for Healthcare Talent Acquisition. She is presently serving as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Natalie is an alumnus of FourBlock’s Spring 2021 Atlanta Veteran Career Readiness Program. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

“The most successful people are the ones that are hyper aware of their strengths.” This week we are honored to welcome Christian Gomez, Vice President of Talent Activation Strategy for The Marcus Buckingham Company (TMBC), an ADP Company, where he spearheads TMBC’s client partnerships, helping to redefine the engagement and performance space. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Christian shares his deeply personal story of how he overcame a lot of adversity growing up, why he joined the military as the first person in his family to serve in any military capacity, and his fascinating professional journey from his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marines Corps to his corporate career today as a thought leader in the human capital management space. Christian and Mike also discuss the results of their StandOut Assessments, a 15-minute assessment powered by ADP that identifies people’s top two strengths and delivers personalized coaching. At TMBC, Christian works with innovative people-focused organizations to design strategies that scale the practices of the world’s best leaders. His mission is to help talent HR functions design strategies that set up people to succeed at work. Christian began his career in the U.S. military, serving in several capacities as a Sergeant of Marines. He translated his experiences to the civilian world spending 11 years at ADP where he served as a senior global business consultant, advising some of the largest and most respected multinationals and designing their BPO and HRIS strategies. A frequent speaker and thought leader with over 15 years of experience in the human capital management (HCM) space, Christian has particular expertise on the subject of managing cultures across geographies, expanding into emerging markets, and leading across cultures. Christian holds a B.S. in Political Science from Florida International University and an M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Born in Queens, NY, he lived and worked abroad for many years before settling down in Florida, where he can sneak in a round of golf year-round. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

This week we are honored to be joined by Heather Burns, Senior Vice President in Securities Finance at Jefferies, a diversified financial services company engaged in investment banking and capital markets, asset management and direct investing. Throughout this episode, Heather covers a variety of topics, from her personal military experience as a U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot to her transition to the world of corporate finance to her passion for endurance sports as an ultramarathon runner. In conversation with hosts Lindsey and Mike, she shares why she joined the Army, how she decided to go to business school, and what made her choose a career on Wall Street. Heather also discusses her current career at Jefferies and shares why Jefferies is a great place for veterans to work, from their Veterans Affinity Group that provides one-on-one mentorship to their organizational commitment to all employees’ physical and mental wellness. She closes out the episode with some invaluable advice for veterans who are just starting their transition out of the military as well as veterans looking to begin a career on Wall Street. Heather has been working on Wall Street for over a decade. Prior to pursuing a civilian career in financial services, Heather served as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. She received a B.S. from Penn State University and an M.B.A from the University of Notre Dame. Heather is also an ultra-marathoner, triathlete, and mom. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

In recognition of Mental Health Action Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, this week we are sharing a special podcast episode from our friends at Home Base from their podcast Home Base Nation. This is the first of two episodes that Home Base shared in honor Mental Health Action Day, which this year fell on Thursday, May 19th. In this episode, host Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with U.S. Army Veteran and country music artist Craig Morgan. Craig spent nearly 11 years with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, serving in both Panama and Desert Storm. As a country music artist for more than 20 years, Craig has had 25 songs on the Billboard Charts, including his songs - "Almost Home", "This Ole Boy", "Wake Up Loving You", and the four-week No. 1 hit "That’s What I Love About Sunday". Ron and Craig talk about service, the healing power of music, the loss of Craig's son Jerry in 2016 that led to the powerful and beautiful song, "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost", and about the CBS/Paramount hit show "Beyond The Edge," set in the jungles of Panama that Craig co-stars in along with eight others. The latest episodes and additional information can be found at https://homebase.org/homebasenation/.

This week, FourBlock alumna and our new West Coast Regional Director Marina Rabinek joins FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a personal conversation about her military experience, her transition after 24 years in the U.S. Navy, how she came to start the Military Women’s Collective, and her passion for mentoring female veterans and being of service to others. After completing FourBlock’s Veteran Career Readiness Program as a participant, Marina came back to serve as a Career Readiness Instructor for the Virtual West cohort of our program before joining the FourBlock team full-time as West Coast Regional Director earlier this year. In this episode, Marina shares insights from her own transition experience along with advice for fellow veterans preparing to transition. Marina is a teal-haired bilingual Super Connector, master networker, and 24-year U.S. Navy veteran. As the Founder of Military Women’s Collective, you can find her working with women-focused nonprofits – mentoring veterans and service members transitioning from the military – on LinkedIn and Veterati. When she isn’t taking California road trips, playing board games or video games, or hanging out with her husband, daughter, and three cats, you can find her collaborating with local and national nonprofits and advocating for women veterans by empowering them to feel less invisible, giving them a voice and engaging in dialogue about resources. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block. FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers. Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue. Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.