PURPOSE.
Such a powerful word with powerful significance. It's the force that propels us forward. It's the reason we rise each morning, the drive to make an impact, and the catalyst for personal and organizational success.
At the recent Texas Community of Practice event by Texas Veterans Network Powered by Combined Arms, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and hosted by Boeing, the theme of purpose emerged powerfully, even if it was not the original intent.
Organizations like Combined Arms, VA, Wounded Warrior Project, Texas Veterans Commission, and the many others present are clearly driven by a shared purpose—to help #veterans and their families thrive after #militaryservice.
I was happy to see employers like CVS Health, Boeing, Humana, H-E-B, and Salesforce, many of whose representatives are veterans and allies themselves. In addition to this shared purpose, we know that supporting veterans and military spouses in finding their purpose isn't just altruism—it's also a smart business strategy.
We know that finding solid employment is one critical component of a successful transition and to preventing future personal crises. We also know that today's job market offers abundant opportunities - almost anyone can find a j-o-b without too much effort.
But finding a meaningful career, one with a sense of purpose - requires introspection, humility, and the deliberate effort to find strategic alignment between the person and the organization's values and goals. Attracting the right talent requires intentionality on the part of companies as well.
When people find the right fit, it's a win-win for both the individual and the company. It is also a win for our communities.
This isn't groundbreaking, but I think it's important for those of us with some experience to help guide those still navigating their paths. And it's critical that we work together deliberately, intentionally, collaboratively, and also with some humility. As Mia Garcia and several of the speakers emphasized, no one person or organization can meet every need of every veteran. We need to work together to make the most of the constrained resources we all have.
Huge thanks to CAX, VISN16 and VISN17, and everyone who attended. I truly enjoyed running into old friends and colleagues and making new ones.
As an individual, as a veteran, as a member of my community, and on the incredible team at FourBlock, I look forward to continuing to work with like-minded individuals and organizations to help others find their "why" so that they, our communities, and our country, can thrive.
I leave you with this one slide that speaks to the multidimensional impact of transition on health and wellness. It begins with PURPOSE.
#empowerveterans #militarythriving #transitioniningmilitary #transitioningveterans #culture #purpose #meaningfulcareer
Prior service US ARMY
3wLooks like we are suring up our future. Great job!!