Solving the Veteran's Identity Crisis, with Michele McManamon

For many veterans, leaving the military means much more than changing careers. It means walking away from the uniform, structure, community and identity that have defined them for years. The question suddenly becomes much bigger than “What job do I want?” It becomes “Who am I now?”

In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, welcomes Michele McManamon, CEO of Operation New Uniform, a career-readiness organization helping veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses successfully move into meaningful civilian careers. Michele explains why ONU focuses on careers rather than simply jobs, and why finding purpose after military service can be such an important part of that transition.

Michele also shares how Sandler's Identity/Role Theory became foundational to ONU's work. Veterans learn to separate who they are from the uniform and roles they've held, then use Sandler's attitude, behavior and technique framework to approach their next career with confidence and purpose.

Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida

Key Takeaways:

— Separate identity from role. Losing the uniform shouldn't mean losing your sense of who you are.

— Look beyond the résumé. Military experience may not translate neatly on paper, but the underlying skills can be incredibly valuable.

— Hire for proven behaviors. Veterans bring discipline, adaptability, responsibility and experience solving problems under pressure.

— Don't prescribe the next career. Help veterans discover what they actually want to do instead of assuming their military specialty should dictate their future.

— Build attitude before technique. Interview skills work better when confidence, identity and mindset are addressed first.

— Create connections. Employers and veterans both benefit when someone helps bridge the gap between military experience and civilian opportunities.

— Give people purpose, not just employment. A meaningful career can help veterans build a new chapter they genuinely want to wake up for.

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Helpful Links:

Michele McManamon, Operation New Uniform: www.onuvets.org

Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/

Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/