Brian Santarpia on LinkedIn: "You won't be successful if you think you still wear your last rank and… (2024)

A video from last years magnificent University Royal Naval Unit Birmingham.This unit was our very first Royal Navy representation on the Hold Fast Challenges, and I have to say they were absolutely brilliant.They embraced their challenge with huge determination, and smiles, and threw the gauntlet down to the other Royal Navy University Units on social media.The leadership of this unit at the time, with the quite brilliant Adam Beasley, and the superb Allan Grover MCGI CIPD, made this a truly fantastic challenge day.On a cold February morning the Officer Cadets turned up, and totally embraced their unknown challenge day, and were a massive credit to themselves, and the Royal Navy.The success of the Hold Fast Challenge days, twelve RN university units later, is that we provide an outlet for young people to forget about everything for a few hours, and embrace a hugely positive, and strong mindset.No fuss.No excuses.Just get it done.And they did.Fantastic leadership, awesome young people, and a chance to forget about modern lifes barrage of mixed messages, means the Hold Fast Challenges provide what the vast majority of young people want.A back to basics, positive, fun day, of mental and physical health, leadership, community, effort, and reward.A factor missing from many young peoples lives at the moment ispride in themselves, pride in who they represent, and pride in where they come from.We offer it all.So you know what you have to do....Get behind the challenges, and help us create that awesome community of young people and leaders, who have that massively positive mindset, and spread it onwards to others.Every repost we get, builds our community! So do not be shy!#schools #universities #colleges #pridewww.holdfastchallenge.com

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#ICYMI: Meet David Blackburn, our Senior Manager of Program Operations & Director of Military Employment Services at Prospect. Discover his story in this enlightening article from Veteran Affairs Canada about transitioning from military to civilian life. https://zurl.co/tZQR Career transitions come in many forms—whether it’s shifting from military to civilian roles, changing industries, or returning to work after a break. At Prospect, we help people transition careers, providing the tools and guidance needed to navigate new professional landscapes successfully.Have you faced a career transition? Share your experiences below!#Veterans #CareerTransition

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As I navigate my way as a servicemember transitioning into civilian life, I can say that this is a very unique spot. I've had the advantage of watching my dad serve in the Air Force and witnessing him go it alone to try and find employment after his 23-year career. Sure, he did find it, but in 1999, he didn't have the benefits that TAPS, DoD-SkillBridge, and Hiring Our Heroes provides us. For those of us who gave our 20s and most, if not all of our 30s, and are retiring, I would say that so far it seems like five years is a good spread to successfully transition from military to civilian life.What is the five year spread you ask? Well to me, it's preparing yourself for 2.5 years before you transition, and spending 2.5 years reflecting and growing from your new role. The first 2.5 years needs to be spent following the ACT NOW EDUCATION checklist found here:https://lnkd.in/gN3tGx2vIn that time frame, and in addition to that checklist, you need to connect with those who are just a little bit ahead of you, like my friend Amber Cortes, and those who are currently participating in a Skillbridge like Steven Cox, or for more in-depth tips, follow Michael Quinn For the second 2.5 years, that should be spent growing, promoting yourself within the organization, and passing transition knowledge to those servicemembers who are right behind you, much like Aisha Myrick, Matthew Francis, and Brett Miller have done with with themselves and their respective companies. #hiringourheroes #education #actnow

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10 Reasons to join the Reserves - 4/10: Personal Development Ready to invest in your future like never before? Joining the UK reserves isn't a pastime – it's a transformational journey that fuels personal growth and propels you to new heights of achievement. 🚀When you step into the world of reserves, you're embracing an opportunity for continuous learning and self-improvement. It's not just about military training; it's about unlocking your potential through accredited courses, some even equivalent to a master's level. 🎓Discover the power of gaining career-specific qualifications that can set you apart, whether in the military or the civilian world. But that's not all – the reserves also provide you with a platform to cultivate invaluable, transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. These qualities will not only shape your military path but will also make waves in your civilian career. 💼Your journey in the reserves is a dynamic fusion of education and action, where you'll thrive as an individual while contributing to a larger mission. It's an opportunity to refine your strengths, conquer challenges, and emerge as a multifaceted, empowered version of yourself. 🌐Forge connections that span both realms – the military and the civilian – as you stand on the brink of personal achievement and professional excellence. Embrace personal development that goes beyond borders, and prepare to seize a future ripe with possibilities. 🌅More information here 👉https://ow.ly/pfsK50PBqQC

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During my military formation, I learned that success in life requires making decisions—ranging from daily choices to complex ones that can shape our destinies or those of others. We undergo rigorous mental training to overcome obstacles, with commanding officers providing resources and subordinates having high expectations of our leadership skills. This often overlooked training, crucial during active duty, is driven by our commitment to accomplishing tasks and ensuring the safety of our comrades.After much contemplation, I decided to transition from military life to embark on a new journey. This journey led me to a foreign land I had never explored, not for tourism or operational tasks, but to pursue a master’s degree—a goal always on my radar but previously unattainable due to time constraints. As a new immigrant, every aspect of this endeavor has proven challenging, but I’ve always embraced challenges, having chosen the infantry life and served in the United States Marine Corps among fellow devil dogs.The military training I received prepared me for this intricate journey. Despite numerous ups and downs, I successfully completed another milestone in my career. This transformative experience exposed me to different cultures, allowed me to share my experiences, and strengthened my resilience. Holding a Master of Business Administration from the University Canada West, I extend gratitude to all who supported me in obtaining this degree.However, this accomplishment marks a new phase, one step at a time, as I continue this journey, reminding myself each morning that the only easy day was yesterday.#ucw #militarytransition #usmc #mbajourney #graduate

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In both our personal lives and professional lives we are often times overcome with struggles. A quote from the US Navy Seals comes to my mind on this."The only easy day was yesterday." The ethos of the Navy’s naval special warfare command is encapsulated in a powerful phrase, “The only easy day was yesterday.” This motto, deeply ingrained into every Navy SEAL’s psyche, is an unyielding reminder of their dedication to overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries. This reminder plays true into the lives of every one of us. Look for the opportunity in every set back.Look at every obstacle as a learning point.Use the day as a way to uncover new opportunities.Try doing something differently. Work with your team to overcome the hurdles or even break them down.In the end embracing a positive mindset with the aspect to overcome the issues, you can accomplish almost anything.

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Are you actually ready to get out?One of my old Marines called me this week, asking if I would write him a letter of recommendation for a highly coveted role he was applying for (as he was getting ready to leave on deployment no less). Of course I said yes, and began to reflect on his impressive career.This call was a far cry from the last one we had, where he felt frustrated with his current predicament and wanted to "drop papers" to start his transition process. This was a bit of a surprise as he is a true "Marine's Marine", started off as an enlisted, and worked his way to become an Officer. I asked a very simply question; "if you got out tomorrow, would you be satisfied with everything you did while you were in?". He wasn't sure, and mentioned a few things he wanted to do still. So he needed to think about how to make them a reality. Which he clearly did, and is working to accomplish them.When you're on active duty, there is a lot to consider before making the transition. Transition programs do a decent job of helping you get ready to apply for jobs, but there is so much more to this process than simply figuring out where your next paycheck is coming from.If you are a service member who is getting out, or your know someone who is, let them know there is a free guide available to them. That asks these types of questions to make ensure they're getting out for the right reasons, and seeing the entire transition process for what it really is.link to the guide in the first comment!#activeduty #transitioningmilitary #marines #servicemembers

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"I've NEVER had someone work for me who didn't pass."That was just the kick in the ass I needed.When I joined the Navy in the early 90's...Women weren't allowed to serve on combat ships.So I was sent to Adak, Alaska, to work in Logistics.I had to pass an exam to advance.But... that exam was based on knowledge I should've gained on a ship.. had I been allowed on one.I was resentful & I didn't care.I just wanted to qualify for the GI Bill and get out, honestly.I drank too much.I showed up with my uniform wrinkled every day.I let people's negative comments get to me.I failed the test the first time - I hadn't even studied.But all of that changed when my Chief said those words.It unlocked something in me: real motivation.Even if purely for my ego's sake, it changed me.I started using that resentment, those negative comments, everyone's belief that I would fail - as fuel.I started studying & taking things seriously.I passed the test on my next try.Shortly after that, I qualified for the GI Bill.. but as you know, I didn't stop there. I served more than 20 years.I not only value that Chief's words to me..But if you work with me as a client, I use that same style of motivation.Sometimes people need a gentle nudge.. and sometimes they need a little tough love.Because my coaching style is tailored to you, I give you the exact kind of motivation you need.Let's get started ⚓#navy #motivation #coachingstyles #retirement

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🏨 Another great benefit that isn't published often for transitioning Servicemembers. I missed this opportunity during my transition 😞.🏨 The Hilton Honors Military Program provides up to 100,000 hotel points to eligible Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, Military Spouses, and other eligible persons to support needed travel for verifiable employment-related activities, such as a job search, training for a new job, or finding housing. Points are not awarded for vacations or non-employment activities, and no one is guaranteed to receive points. #military #transitioningmilitary #transitioningservicemembers #militarytransition #militaryspouse https://lnkd.in/gZy2e2P6

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Interesting article that’s worth a read.

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