Benjamin Thomas’ Post

Everyone’s journey is different. My perspective on work and my professional career has been shaped by my unique military service path and the backdrop of history (9/11) that put me back in uniform and combat for almost two years. But what has shaped me is much more than that. My career choices in marketing, sales and business team leadership have been shaped by failing my flight physical for undergraduate pilot training. As a prospective United States Air Force Academy graduate, I was guaranteed a pilot training slot upon graduation. If I was physically qualified for the standards of the time. But my eyes worsened while at the school. And that changed my trajectory, my experiences and my choices many years later. I now work in vision care. On businesses that correct or mitigate challenges for people. It is an extraordinary field and extraordinary part of the industry. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Though I was going to be America’s greatest fighter pilot. 😉 How about you? What was the thing that has changed your perspective on work? #leadership #changinglives #OneThingToKow

I consistently seek ways to challenge myself mentally and physically, and I'm delighted that Theo and Ella, my kids, have joined me in this practice. this past weekend we did our first Spartan Race ever. I've come to realize that much of who I am was shaped during my time in the military, and now I have the opportunity to impart these lessons to them without necessitating their involvement in the armed forces if they choose otherwise. Transitioning from the United States Marine Corps to the corporate world involves leveraging various skills acquired during military service. Here are five transferable skills: 1. Leadership:   Marines are trained to lead in challenging and dynamic environments, often under extreme pressure. They understand the importance of clear communication, strategic planning, and leading by example. 2. Teamwork and Collaboration:   Marines are accustomed to working closely with diverse teams to accomplish missions effectively. They understand the significance of teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support. In the corporate world, these skills are invaluable for fostering a collaborative environment, building strong relationships, and achieving shared goals. 3. Adaptability and Resilience:   Marines are trained to adapt to rapidly changing situations and thrive in high-stress environments. They possess a strong sense of resilience, enabling them to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity. 4. Problem-solving:   Marines are adept problem-solvers, trained to analyze complex situations, identify obstacles, and develop effective solutions. Their ability to think critically, act decisively, and troubleshoot under pressure is transferable to various corporate settings. 5. Discipline and Work Ethic:   Marines adhere to high standards of discipline, integrity, and work ethic. They understand the importance of dedication, accountability, and attention to detail in achieving success. These qualities translate seamlessly into the corporate world, where professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential for individual and organizational performance. I look forward to continuing to challenge myself and leading by example not only in the workplace but at home. #worklifebalance Spartan #unitedstatesmarines

👉The End is the beginning ✨️ Yesterday, I attending a heartfelt get-together where one of our esteemed officers was being dined out. His speech was filled with deep respect and reverence for the army fraternity, reflecting on his 14 years of dedicated service. Transitioning from military to civilian life is no small feat. In the civilian world, you'll encounter both positive people and some unprofessional or unethical elements. This shift involves not just a career change, but also adapting to a vastly different world, nurturing a family, and integrating into a new culture. The values and discipline ingrained in us through years of service—respect, humility, and privilege—become a fundamental part of who we are. Amidst the reflections and farewells, one thought from his speech truly stood out: "The end is the beginning." It’s a powerful reminder that taking risks and embracing change are essential to innovation and growth. As we face new challenges and opportunities, this mindset encourages us to see every ending as a gateway to new possibilities. Here's to embracing new beginnings and the innovations they bring! #NewBeginnings #Leadership #Innovation #Inspiration #CareerTransition

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a monumental shift, filled with both challenges and opportunities. From our pre-recruiting phase through our military career and even the transition readiness phase, we often hear about the wonderful value our military experience brings to the table. However, there is a caveat that is overlooked. Our military experience works beautifully in the civilian space ONLY if we adopt the appropriate mindset for our civilian careers. One key aspect often overlooked is the mindset adjustment and time requirement necessary for this transition. Download my brief pdf article, "Transitioning with Purpose-Shedding Negative Military Mindset and Traits for Civilian Success." #validusvince #validuscoaching #mindpreneur #transformationeur #leadership #jobpostings #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoach #leadershiptraining #leadershipskills #leadershipcoaching #womenleadership #thoughtleadership #leadershipmatters #leadershiptips #leadershipteam #recruitment #leadership101 #authenticleadership #inspire #lifecoach #lifecoaching #mindset #empowering #mindsetcoaching #empower #transformation #motivation #selfmastery #masteringself #leadershipmindset #organizationalleadership #careercoach #militarytransition #linkedin #careercoaching

180 Days to a New Chapter: Reflecting on 28 Years of Service and Finding Humor in Leadership Today marks 180 days until I retire from the military and embark on a new journey. After nearly three decades dedicated to military service, this transition feels both exciting and profound. Reflecting on my career, I remember a lesson in leadership I learned early on at Ranger School. One brutally cold morning in the mountains, I was tasked with getting my platoon up and ready to move.  It had snowed the night before, we hadn’t slept or ate much, and leaving our somewhat-warm sleeping bags felt impossible. Instead of barking orders, my Ranger Buddy and I decided to do something…different if not ”unconventional”—using a little humor. We stripped down to just shorts (boots on, of course) and paraded around the patrol base, shouting, “Rise and shine! The weather is fantastic!” Laughter broke out, and within minutes, everyone was up, motivated, and ready to go. That day was a success, and it was a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since: sometimes a bit of humor is a great way to bring people together to accomplish a task, even in the toughest conditions. Now, as I prepare for this next chapter, I look forward to using the leadership, and problem-solving skills I’ve developed to make a meaningful impact in a new role. I’m excited to bring a sense of purpose, my problem-solving skills, and—occasionally—a bit of humor to whatever comes next. #Transition #Leadership #DataDriven #DesignThinking #NewBeginnings #HumorInLeadership

Veterans seem to deal with this often, What is Good/ What is Bad Bringing up “Past” experiences and companies you worked for… I have recently been told that always referencing my military career while having conversations is “Out of Scope”. My thoughts on the comment made: Educate, don’t hate, so I will try! What a lot of people don’t understand is that many of us (service members) have had a full 10 - 20 year career in a specific military field. So what we have to offer can be very informative to a conversation or group discussion. What many don’t understand is that we have been to many (some lots) #continueingeducation schools, earned degrees (in the same field), along with many #leadershipdevelopment courses, so we do know more than just marching or using a weapon. I have learned that the military tends to send more troops to more #leadership courses (typically for every rank promoted too) than many civilian companies send their people to, as to people serving supervisory roles. #educatemeotherwise Be more open to #listening to our experiences and wisdom, we have in various areas. Most service members can or have led large groups of people in very high-stress environments. #doingmorewithless If you have a chance to take on a service member in your company, do so and give them the ability to show all those skills from their service experience. I am confident that they will produce great results! #veteranshelpingveterans #servicemembers #experiance #takingchances ** My "stay" crew ensured every one of the Sqdn jets left for home all the same day, a successful mission I will add! I was so proud of their dedication to making it happen. I am (from right) the second person in, proud Maint. Chief., BlackSheep.

Transitioning from military service to civilian life isn’t just about changing jobs—it’s about staying true to the values we learned in the military and being true to ourselves. The temptation to return to what’s familiar—whether through contracting or government service—is real, especially when the financial rewards are immediate. But I’ve learned that the real challenge is resisting that call and bringing the leadership, discipline, and integrity instilled in us to civilian companies. The values that shaped us—accountability, loyalty, perseverance—aren’t just for the battlefield. They are needed in the corporate world, where leadership is often measured in quarters, not character. By staying true to what we learned in service and by staying true to ourselves, we can create meaningful change in the organizations that need our experience the most. The easy path may seem appealing, but the most significant impact comes from applying our military mindset, where it can genuinely make a difference. Let’s honor what we’ve been through by pushing ourselves beyond the comfortable and into roles where our values will shine. #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteransInBusiness #TrueLeadership #TransitioningVeterans

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. Having served in the armed forces, we bring with us exceptional leadership, discipline, and resilience. However, adapting these skills to a civilian context requires thoughtful navigation. One key aspect of this transition is leveraging our leadership skills. The ability to lead and work within a team, developed in the military, can be a significant asset in the civilian job market. Understanding and adapting to a new corporate culture is also crucial. This involves learning different communication styles and organizational dynamics to succeed in a new environment. Pursuing further professional development, such as additional certifications or education, can ease this transition and open doors to new career opportunities. Building a strong network by connecting with mentors and professional groups is another important step. It provides guidance and support as we navigate this change. Lastly, focusing on mental and emotional well-being is essential. This period can be challenging, and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for success. Embrace this transition with confidence, knowing that your skills and experiences are highly valued. #Veterans #CareerTransition #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #VeteranSupport

As I reflect on my 10 years in the military, I am grateful for the experiences and skills gained. These transformative years have not only shaped my character but also equipped me with invaluable skills highly relevant in the private sector. - Leadership: The military taught me the essence of leading by example, motivating teams under pressure, and making decisive actions in challenging situations. These experiences have instilled in me the ability to inspire and guide diverse teams towards common goals, a skill indispensable in any professional setting. - Problem Solving: Faced with complex problems requiring quick thinking and innovative solutions, the military honed my ability to analyze situations, think critically, and develop effective strategies under pressure. The adaptability and resilience cultivated are crucial assets for tackling dynamic challenges in the private sector. To all fellow service members, know that the skills developed in uniform are not only valuable but also highly sought after in civilian careers. Our experiences prepare us to excel and lead in any environment. Cheers to new beginnings and leveraging our strengths in the next chapter of our careers! #MilitaryToCivilian #Leadership #ProblemSolving #CareerTransition #VeteranSkills #NewBeginnings

In the military, adaptability isn't just a skill – it's a way of life. Transitioning from the structured environment of service to the dynamic landscape of civilian careers requires a similar mindset. Here are a few lessons I've learned along the way: - Mission clarity: Just as every mission in the military has a clear objective, defining your personal and professional mission is just as important. Having clarity of purpose will guide your actions and decisions. - Teamwork: The camaraderie forged in the military is unparalleled. Building a new support network of mentors, colleagues, and fellow veterans will provide valuable guidance and encouragement. - Adaptability: Flexibility is crucial in both military operations and civilian life. Embrace change, be open to new opportunities, and continually develop your skills to thrive in diverse environments. - Leadership legacy: Reflect on the leadership lessons learned in the military and how they can be applied in your civilian career. Whether it's integrity, resilience, or effective communication, your leadership legacy can inspire and influence those around you. - Continuous training: Just as military training is ongoing, commit to lifelong learning in your civilian career. Stay curious and seek out new challenges to stay ahead in your field. Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Your military experience has equipped you with a unique set of skills and qualities that are highly valued! #leadershipdevelopment #veterans #veteranownedbusiness #leadershiplessons