Explore every episode of the podcast War Room to Board Room
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. 3 Ep. 3 - Herman Bulls - Army Colonel/USMA Econ to Real Estate Executive/Board Member | 09 May 2025 | 00:42:52 | |
Herman Bulls is an International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, a global financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate operations and investment management. With over 35 years of experience, I help senior executives solve complex real estate challenges and achieve their strategic goals. He served as a Member of the Defense Policy Board at the US Department of Defense, providing advice and opinions on matters of defense policy. Additionally, I am the Vice Chairman of the Board at USAA, a Fortune 100 diversified financial services firm serving the needs of military members and their families. I also serve as Chairman of the board at Fluence Energy (Nasdaq:FLNC) and serve on the boards of Host Hotels (Nasdaq:HST) and Comfort Systems, USA (NYSE:FIX). I am a NACD Fellow and have been recognized as one of the most influential individuals in corporate America and one of the top 100 corporate governance professionals in the nation. My specialties include real estate, finance, strategy, leadership, governance, and communication. I am passionate about delivering value, creating impact, and building trust. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S. 3 Ep. 2 - MAJ Charles Lewis, PhD - USAFA/Air Force Finance to USAFA Instructor/Management PhD | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
MAJ Charles Lewis, Ph.D., USAF. A former instructor and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, MAJ Lewis will be sharing his valuable insights on career mapping, leadership principles, and his research around management. Get ready for a deep dive into strategic thinking and professional development! Our speaker brings more than ten years of leadership, management, and strategic analytical expertise to his current position as Air Force Material Command Budget Analyst in the US Air Force. He has an MBA and PhD from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and is currently working at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in addition to his Air Force duties. He has held a number of leadership and cost-analysis positions in the Air Force, taught management, and served as Duke's Deputy Director of Personnel. He is also the co-founder of Migrate Rollers, a business that has been in operation for more than eight years, and he has academic and military endeavors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 3 Hon. Adrian Perkins - Transitioning from an Artillery Battery Commander into Harvard Law School and Politics | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:36:42 | |
Hon. Adrian Perkins, JD is a private equity partner and a teaching fellow at the University of Chicago. Adrian is a Board Member for Service to School, and HLS’s Visiting Committee, United States Conference of Mayors, and the Federal Communications Commission. He served as a Field Artillery Officer. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and 2008 Class President. He is also a graduate of Harvard Law School, where he was a part of the Harvard Business Law Review and a Pat Tillman Scholar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 2 Kafi Joseph - Rugby/Military Police to Consulting/Chief of Staff | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:54:45 | |
Kafi is an Operations Lead for CEO Advisory + DEI at Accenture, Former Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, and a Manufacturing Project Manager at Fairbanks Morse Engine and National Air Cargo. She served as both an active and National Guard Military Police Officer and former FW West Point Outreach Officer. She is a graduate of West Point, George Washington, and Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S. 2 Ep. 1 - Alijah Talley - ADA/Outreach Admissions to Corporate Real Estate | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:42:05 | |
Alijah Talley is part of the Affinius Capital(formerly USAA Real Estate Development) Team, an avid Real Estate Investor, and Executive Director of the Qonnection . He also served as Air Defense Officer and West Point Diversity Admissions Officer. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 21 - Military Police/Operations Analyst to Executive Coach/Entrepreneur with Shawnette Rochelle | 07 Jul 2023 | 00:47:45 | |
Shawnette Rochelle is the President, an executive coach, and a public speaker at Excellence Unbounded. She also served as a Military Police Officer, Operations Research Analyst, and West Point Assistant Economics Professor. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, and Georgetown University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 20 - AG/Outreach to HR Strategy and Real Estate Investing with Alice Garcia | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:40:06 | |
Alice Garcia is a Senior HR Strategist at a Large Bank and a Real Estate Investor/Property Manager. She also served as a Business Strategy & Planning Director at USAA, an Adjutant General (HR) Officer and West Point Outreach Admissions Officer. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and St. Mary’s University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 19 - Army Ranger (3/75)/RSLC Instructor to Business School/Consulting Manager with Marcus Harmon | 12 May 2023 | 00:56:13 | |
Marcus Harmon is a consulting manager at Simon Kucher. He also served as a Ranger NCO in the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Reconnaissance Surveillance Leadership Course at Fort Benning. He graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio and Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep 18. Artillery/Outreach to Healthcare Project Management/Real Estate with Albert Vallejos | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:39:15 | |
Albert Vallejos is a Regional Service Manager at Siemens Healthineers and Co-founder at Service First Jewelry. He also served as a Field Artillery Officer and a West Point Diversity Admissions Officer, Partnership Manager at Johnson & Johnson, and Project Manager at GE Healthcare. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and New York University Stern School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep 17 - Field Artillery/Outreach Officer to Entrepreneur/Corporate Attorney with Devin T. Adams | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:57:32 | |
Devin T. Adams is an Associate Attorney at Big New York Law Firm, President and Founder of WarBevCo (alcohol beverage production/distribution company), and the Mala Mia Mezcal Brand. He was an Airborne, Ranger-qualified Artillery Officer in the 173rd Airborne and West Point SE Outreach Officer. He is a graduate of West Point and Vanderbilt Law School. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 16 - Pilot/Head of Diversity Admissions to DEI Executive/Entrepreneur with Mike Burns | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:55:32 | |
Michael Burns is the Managing Partner of Burns Brothers, SXSW Advisory Board Member, and Co-Founder at Service First. He also served as an Aviator (Apache AH-64 Pilot), the Head of West Point Diversity Admissions Officer, the Head of Diversity at Citibank, and the Head of Transformation for its Call Centers at Conduent. He is a United States Military Academy graduate at West Point, University of Notre Dame – Mendoza School, and Columbia University – Executive & Organizational Coaching Program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 15 - Infantry Officer to Content Creator/Entrepreneur with Aditya “Sunny” Sundaresan | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:55:17 | |
Aditya “Sunny” Sundaresan is a Content Creator (4 million viewers) and Founder of Zuvier (Adventure x Travel Fashion Retail). He also served as an Infantry Officer at Fort Wainwright, AK. He is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and a current student at New York University – Stern School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S. 3 Ep. 1 - Kyle Eberly - Aviator to MBA/Consultant/Content Creator | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:40:48 | |
Kyle Eberly - a United States Military Academy at West Point graduate, former military pilot, Googler, and the voice behind Sitreps 2 Steercos - who's redefining what a successful military transition looks like. Hear how Kyle transformed his military leadership skills into: Governance at tech giant Google Innovative consulting approaches at PwC Groundbreaking veteran advocacy work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 14 - Air Defense/Outreach Officer to Tech Chief of Staff/Strategist with Jerry Varnado | 03 Mar 2023 | 00:50:18 | |
Jerry Varnado is a part of the cross-functional Strategic Initiatives at Meta (formerly Facebook) and is an Angel Investor. Before his time at Meta, Jerry was Chief of Staff at both Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and ChargePoint. He also served as Air Defense Officer and West Point Diversity Admissions Officer. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Columbia Business School. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 13 - AG/National Guard to MBA/Tech HR with Jessica (Ahn) Lucas | 24 Feb 2023 | 01:06:18 | |
Jessica Lucas, STMP (Senior Talent Management Practitioner) is the Director of Talent and Culture at Risk3sixty, after time as both an active duty Army AG and Georgia National Guard AG Officer. She is a graduate of West Point and the Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 12 - Combat Engineer/Process Engineer to MBA/Search Fund with Michael Dames | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:49:11 | |
Michael Dames is the President of Lusk Reserves (Search Fund) and President of Colorgraphy, after time as a Process Engineer and Operations Manager, Airborne, Jumpmaster, and Sapper-qualified Engineer Officer. He is a graduate of West Point, Missouri Science and Technology University, and the University of Chicago – Booth School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 11 - ROTC/Insurance to Management Consultant/Entrepreneur with Shante Frazier | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:34:28 | |
Shante Frazier is the Founder of Wellcapped, a rent-the-runway style wig company, after time as a Management Consultant and Retail Merchandising manager, an Progressive Insurance Analyst, National Guard Intelligence Officer. She is a graduate of Spelman and New York University Stern School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 10 - Cavalry/Outreach Officer to Finance/DEI Executive with Omar Ritter | 27 Jan 2023 | 01:01:04 | |
Omar T. Ritter is a Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wells Fargo, after time as a Corporate Finance Executive and Investment Banker, Cavalry Officer, and West Point Outreach Officer. He graduated from West Point and Columbia University’s Business School. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep 9 - Air Defense/Head Outreach Officer to Tech HR with Kenny Vaughn | 20 Jan 2023 | 00:50:22 | |
Kenny Vaughn is a Senior Manager, Transformation & Operations at Indeed, after time as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and West Point Head Outreach Officer. He graduated from West Point and the University of California – Haas School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 8 - Artillery/Intelligence to Consultant/Operations Executive with Marcus Jackson | 13 Jan 2023 | 00:35:17 | |
Marcus A. Jackson is a Management Consulting and former Operations Executive in (Supply Chain and Healthcare), after time as both a Field Artillery and Intelligence Officer. He is a former West Point NCAA D-I Football Player. He is a graduate of both West Point and Columbia Business School. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 7 - Combat Engineer to EMT/Paramedic to Nursing with Juliet Talavera | 06 Jan 2023 | 00:28:31 | |
Juliet Talavera, BSN, working Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the University of North Carolina Healthcare System after time as an Airborne Combat Engineer Officer and an EMT/Paramedic. She is a graduate of West Point and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 6 - Combat Engineer to Consulting/Entrepreneurship with Stephane Manuel | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:41:41 | |
Stephane Manuel, MBA and MS in Design Innovation, is CEO and Founder of TruFiktion. TruFiktion tells the untold stories of marginalized groups in a way that humanizes them and helps students, teachers, and adults understand how to improve our society. It provides comics, curriculums, and community to empower people to talk about history. He served as a Special Operations Engineer Officer and then an Accenture management consultant. He graduated from West Point and the Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 5 - Infantry Officer to Private Equity/Start-up Founder with Anthony Ruizcalderon | 16 Dec 2022 | 00:39:24 | |
Anthony G. Ruizcalderon is the President/Co-founder at Circular Hospitality, after time as an Infantry Officer and a Private Equity Vice President at Heitman based in Chicago and London. He graduated from West Point and the University of Chicago – Booth School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S. 2 Ep. 10 - Alana Abernathy - Naval Surface Warfare Officer to Holistic Health Practicioner/Writer | 08 May 2024 | 00:40:14 | |
Alana is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Women’s Health Advocate, Author, and Entrepreneur. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer during her time in the Navy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 4 - Adjutant General/Head of Outreach to Leadership Development/Start-ups with Natoshia Clinton | 09 Dec 2022 | 00:48:19 | |
Natoshia Clinton is an HR Business Partner at Hover and Cornell Executive Coach. After time as an AG Officer and a Cornell Leadership Program Officer/Instructor/Leadership Coaching. She is a graduate of West Point and Cornell University. She is also a mother of two, sharing the challenges of balancing family life. The key tenants she shared with us are Introspection, Mentorship, Collaboration, Discipline, and Humility. "Take inventory of the things you enjoy. I enjoy connecting with people" "Is it aligned with who I want to be in the world" "If there was a problem to be solved, what problem would you ask me to solve?" "Lean heavy into unpacking who I am and who I want to be in the world" "Be grateful for the lessons you had to learn, the experiences you had to go through. Be in gratitude for the leaders modeling the behaviors you want to emulate” "I used to view it [Black, female West Pointer] as a hindrance, but now I embrace my unique lens and as a superpower."
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 3 - Infantry/Outreach Officer to Law School/Big Law with Mr. Paul Bryant, Esq. | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:50:37 | |
Paul Bryant, Esq. is an Associate at Cravath, Swaine,& Moore LLP in New York, after time as an Infantry Officer and a West Point Diversity Outreach Officer. He is a graduate of both West Point and Columbia Law School. He balances the challenging demand of Legal Transactions and Mergers & Acquisitions while still making time for his beautiful family and young daughter. “Law School gives you a broad-based education with jargon and tools, but the firm is the finishing school for client, organization, and project management.” “Finances-Saving Money is one of the things that scares most junior military officers.” “What can I do now as 2LT to be a great attorney? My mentor responded focus on being a great 2LT and taking care of your soldiers.” “Have the right attitude and reputation, which enables greater latitude in your role.”
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 2 - Infantry/Outreach to Education/Human Capital Consulting with Mr. William T. Osilaja | 18 Nov 2022 | 00:41:36 | |
Mr. William T. Osilaja, a Human Capital Consultant at Deloitte, LLP, Infantry Officer, Former Diversity Outreach Officer, and Charter School Business Operations Officer, explains his strategy and tactical steps to transition. Before coming to West Point, Mr. Osilaja was a native of Evanston, IL. He graduated from West Point (BS) and the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business (MBA). During our conversation, he explores his decision to serve, transition, and choose his subsequent career. “Everyone wants to save the world and be a millionaire.” “Bloom where you’re planted” Key Points: - Understanding different types of people and personal awareness of your identity (y)/(es) Multi-racial Immigrant parent Grandparent and parents served - Understanding your passions and leveraging your skills (People Management, Operations) - Developing muscle of checking in with yourself (Constant introspection/reevaluation) - Humility and Perception is essential (Direct Military Feedback vs. Indirect Civilian Back) - The importance of communication in different environments Low context vs. high context communication Consulting leverages improvisation of “Yes and …” versus the hard yes and no of the military - Culture selection is vital as the initial shift/shock can quite significant - Deloitte’s Business Chemistry and Michigan Model of Leadership Communication, learning, and leadership styles Creator, collaborator Increased self-awareness and better communication - Greater intentionality in the transition process Talk to more mentors to collect as many data points as possible People are full of information, so leveraging them and transition programs like MLT Please connect with Tunde Osilaja on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tunde-osilaja-33a39175/ https://youtu.be/uyHFz_SMN-U Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ep. 1 - Aviator/Army Career to Academia/Thought Leadership with Dr. Hise O. Gibson | 11 Nov 2022 | 00:22:45 | |
Dr. Hise O. Gibson, a Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer, Combat Aviator, and Retired Army Colonel, explains his strategy and tactical steps to transition after 25 years of service. Dr. Gibson is a native of Lufkin, TX, before coming to West Point to play football. He is a graduate of West Point (BS), the Naval Postgraduate School (MS), and Harvard Business School (DBA). During our conversation, he explores his decision to serve, transition, and choose his subsequent career while balancing family life. “Don’t be scared of transitioning.” Key Points: - Finding time to think about your transition (24 months before) - Putting yourself out there, leveraging your network with mentors/peers - Recognizing your unique value Please connect with Dr. Gibson on the HBS Faculty Page and LinkedIn https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=660784 https://www.linkedin.com/in/hisegibson/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S.2 - Ep. 9 - CSM(R) Wayne Robinson - Senior NCO and Special Forces Operator to Leader Development Executive at Deloitte, Google, and Moderna | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:56:00 | |
Wayne Robinson is a dynamic thought leader in talent and organizational transformations, Advocate of Empowerment, successful Entrepreneur, and Award-Winning Veteran. His journey epitomizes the essence of transition- igniting change and purpose in individuals facing life and career evolutions. As a seasoned Global Leadership Strategist, Robinson orchestrates the rise of exceptional leaders in critical industries like healthcare, technology, and business. At Moderna, as Senior Director of Global Talent, he marshals the brightest minds to spearhead groundbreaking healthcare solutions, with a vision to elevate global well-being. During his tenure at Google, Robinson played a pivotal role in founding The Google School for Leaders, cementing the company's executive echelon with strategic acumen to navigate complex global landscapes. At Deloitte, he co-founded the Deloitte Resilience Academy, redefining leadership development through grit and practical growth. Robinson's strategic leadership ethos is deeply rooted in his 26-year military journey, where he served as an Army Command Sergeant Major and later dedicated nearly a decade to supporting veterans. His initiatives, like Vets in STEM and Student Veterans of America, have set benchmarks in aiding veterans' transition into civilian life and expanding educational opportunities. His impact extends to advisory roles with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, where he provided strategic counsel on programs supporting veterans and their families' educational and training needs. Robinson's academic accolades include an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, complemented by certifications from MIT Sloan and The Wharton School. His unique blend of education and experience embodies the transformation driving change, empowerment, innovation, and integrity-driven leadership in shaping the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 8 - General Bernie (BBB) Banks - General Officer and Academic to Associate Dean, Board Member, and Leadership Consultant | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:51:11 | |
BG Bernie (BBB) Banks is the Director for Rice University Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Former Associate Dean of Leadership for Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Independent Director for Customer’s Bank, Senior Advisory Partner for Sentinel Partner (PE Firm), Principal of Bank’s Talent Solutions, and former US Military Academy Professor and Department Head for Behavioral Science and Leadership, and Former White House Aide/Staff Officer. He was a Ranger-Qualified Aviation Officer and Artillery Officer, commanding organizations from the platoon to the battalion level. He holds a BS from the United States Military Academy, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg, an MA from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a PhD and MPhil from Columbia University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 7 - Dr. Jolene Erlacher - Military Spouse Transitioning/Developing Special Operations Soldiers/ Managing Intergenerational Teams | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:36:11 | |
Dr. Jolene Erlacher is an adjunct faculty member, a leadership coach, and a professional speaker. She works with U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers and focuses her research on leading intergenerational teams. She is a long-time military spouse. She is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 6 - Jabe Johnson - Transitioning : Entrepreneurship, Personal Training/Competitive Bodybuilding, and Acting | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:40:28 | |
Jabe is an IFBB bodybuilder and personal trainer at Equinox, He is the founder of War Ready Clothing Brand, and a screen actor in the Los Angeles area. He was a Ranger-Qualified Airborne Artillery Officer and my battle buddy from the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He is a graduate of Indiana University and Purdue University in Indiana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 5 - LTC(P) Theodis (TJ) Pope - Transitioning : Managing a Dual Military and Corporate Career | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:30:23 | |
TJ is a Senior Director, Engines Strategy and Growth Leader for Honeywell and U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Officer, Former National Guard Aviation Battalion Commander, and Former Product Director for Dow Chemical. He was an active UH-60 Blackhawk Aviation Officer before leaving active duty. He is a 2000 graduate of West Point and a 2011 graduate of The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| S2. - Ep. 4 Landon Cheben - Special Operations Aviation and into Commercial Aviation | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:44:19 | |
Landon is a First Officer/Pilot for Frontier Airlines, Volunteer with Several Non-profits, and a Real Estate Developer. He was a Ranger Qualified Aviation Officer for the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment. He is a 2010 graduate of West Point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||