War Room to Boardroom

08/05/2025

From Combat to Corporate: Leadership Lessons That Transcend Sectors

📣 NEW EPISODE ALERT available tomorrow : War Room to Boardroom Podcast

We're honored to feature Herman Bulls, International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, whose extraordinary journey from West Point to the boardrooms of Fortune 100 companies exemplifies veteran excellence in corporate America.

🔹 Military Foundation: West Point graduate who translated military leadership principles into unparalleled corporate success

🔹 Corporate Impact: 35+ years driving strategic vision at JLL while serving on boards of USAA, Host Hotels, Fluence Energy, and Comfort Systems USA

🔹 National Leadership: Former Defense Policy Board member bringing military perspective to America's highest levels of corporate governance

Herman shares his playbook in this powerful conversation for transitioning military leadership skills to the C-suite, breaking barriers, and creating lasting impact across multiple industries.

Whether you're planning your military transition, advancing your civilian career, or seeking insights on organizational leadership, Herman's strategic wisdom is your competitive advantage.

🎧 Listen starting tomorrow

https://shows.acast.com/war-room-to-board-room/s-3-ep-3-herman-bulls-army-colonelusma-econ-to-real-estate-e

https://youtu.be/TeN2hbPnXII

06/05/2025

The Battle of Puebla: Leadership Lessons from an Unlikely Victory

Today, as many celebrate Cinco de Mayo, there's a powerful leadership lesson hidden in this holiday's true origins that resonates deeply with our military and veteran community.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexican Independence Day, but commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, where a severely outnumbered Mexican force defeated Napoleon III's elite French army. This wasn't just a military victory—it was a testament to strategic leadership against overwhelming odds.

What leaders can learn from the Battle of Puebla:

Resourcefulness trumps resources: General Ignacio Zaragoza's 2,000 poorly equipped soldiers defeated 6,000 well-armed French troops by leveraging terrain knowledge and tactical creativity.

Combined arms/multi-functional teams win: The Mexican force included indigenous Zapotec soldiers and diverse cavalry units, demonstrating how varied perspectives and experiences strengthen organizations.

Clarity of purpose drives performance: Each soldier understood what was at stake—their nation's sovereignty and freedom from imperial control.

Interestingly, this holiday has deeper American connections than most realize. During the American Civil War, Latino communities in California celebrated this victory as a twin struggle for democracy and freedom alongside the Union cause, parading with American and Mexican flags side by side.

As you transition from military to civilian leadership, remember: being outnumbered or outgunned doesn't determine outcomes. Strategic thinking, team diversity, and a clear mission can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

What adversity have you overcome through strategic leadership? Share your story below. Read more:

https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/what-is-cinco-de-mayo

30/04/2025

Finding Your True North: Lessons from Military Transition

Reflecting on a powerful conversation with Stephane Manuel, founder of TrueFiktion (United States Military Academy at West Point & Northwestern University alum), during ASU+GSV Summit a few weeks ago. Two key insights he shared really stuck with me:

1️⃣ The Paradox of Kindness: Stephane astutely pointed out that in the military, you often find profound kindness coupled with a directness that can be perceived as less "nice" than in corporate settings. This stems from the high-stakes environment where clarity and action are paramount. In contrast, the "niceties" of the civilian world don't always translate into genuine support when the chips are down.

2️⃣ Beyond the Comfort Zone: He also highlighted a crucial point for veterans transitioning to civilian life: the tendency to gravitate towards defense-related roles out of familiarity rather than true passion. It's a comfortable space, but is it the path that truly ignites your purpose?

Stephane's wisdom underscores the importance of intentionally seeking your authentic path, especially after a significant transition like military service. It's about looking beyond what's familiar and exploring where your true passions and skills align.

Want to hear more of Stephane's insights? Take a listen back to his impactful episode from Season 1 of War Room to Board Room. His journey and perspective are invaluable for anyone navigating career transitions and the search for purpose.

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/g4YKTYvU

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gNFNNYYB

Youtube: https://lnkd.in/g32DrYB8



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25/04/2025

From Air Force Finance to Management PhD: A Journey of Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Join us for a powerful conversation on the War Room to Boardroom podcast with MAJ Charles Lewis, PhD, United States Air Force!

S. 3 Ep. 2 - MAJ Charles Lewis, PhD - United States Air Force Academy/Air Force Finance to USAFA Instructor/Management PhD

MAJ Lewis shares his incredible journey, from his time at the United States Air Force Academy and finance roles to becoming an instructor and pursuing a PhD in management [00:03]. He offers valuable insights on career mapping, leadership principles, and strategic thinking. With over ten years of leadership, management, and strategic analytical expertise, MAJ Lewis's experiences and research are a must-listen for anyone interested in professional development.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

MAJ Lewis's journey from the Air Force Academy and finance to instruction and a PhD in management [00:03].

The challenges he faced and the lessons he learned [01:13].

Strategic thinking and professional development.

Listen now on:

Acast: https://lnkd.in/dw35eEfr

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dVAryTV7

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dnTRfs_q

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dnwGhkEZ

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28/03/2025

Just had an insightful conversation with Kyle Eberly on the War Room to Board Room" series! Kyle's journey from Army Black Hawk Pilot and Officer to Corporate Governance at Google, and the driving force behind 2 Steercos is truly inspiring.

Kyle, a fellow graduate of the West Point - The U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon alum, offers a unique perspective on navigating the transition from military service to the corporate world. He masterfully bridges the gap between military precision and corporate strategy.

His work with Sitreps 2 Steercos provides both comedy and invaluable tools and knowledge to translate their military experience into corporate success. We discussed the critical skills veterans bring to the table – leadership, transferability, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments—and how these translate into effective corporate governance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

The veteran transitions to civilian careers

Leadership lessons from the military

Bridging the gap between military and corporate cultures

Check out the episode to hear Kyle's incredible insights and learn how veterans are making a significant impact in the business world.

https://youtu.be/Yd1GFhfSyCM

https://shows.acast.com/war-room-to-board-room/episodes/s-3-ep-1-kyle-eberly-aviator-to-mbaconsultantcontent-creator

26/03/2025

🚁 From Cockpit to Boardroom: A Veteran's Strategic Journey 🏢

Join me on the latest War Room to Boardroom podcast as I sit down with 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

Key Insights for Transitioning Service Members: ✔️ Navigating corporate landscapes ✔️ Leveraging military experience in civilian roles ✔️ Building a purpose-driven career beyond service

Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or simply inspired by leadership stories of resilience and reinvention, this episode is your blueprint for purposeful professional evolution.

Listen starting Friday:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/war-room-to-board-room/id1654166323

https://open.spotify.com/show/3JVOJa8yVSwweUzfxQgmwn?si=df2e05ef65d84f54

17/03/2025

Just wrapped up an incredibly insightful few days at the Academy Career Conference (SACC) in Atlanta. It was a privilege to connect with so many bright, driven individuals, especially my fellow United States Military Academy at West Point alumni, who are navigating the complex transition from military to civilian life.

The conversations were rich and varied, touching on everything from career aspirations and personal passions to the practicalities of utilizing hard-earned benefits. Reflecting on my own transition, I shared a few key insights:

1. Your Next Move Isn't Your Last: Many service members feel pigeonholed by their military specialty (MOS, AFSC, NEC). But your skills – leadership, problem-solving, resilience – are transferable across industries. Don't be afraid to pivot.

As Pew Research Center Research highlights, career changes are increasingly common. Embrace the opportunity to redefine yourself. (https://lnkd.in/g-B4Mhwe)

2. Invest in Your Future Self: Don't leave benefits on the table. Consider the long-term impact of your decisions, especially regarding healthcare and retirement. Those benefits you earned are there for a reason.

3. Simplify the Buffet: The sheer number of post-military opportunities can be overwhelming. Graduate school, fellowships, headhunter programs – the options are endless. As my father wisely advised, "Knowing what you don't want to do is equally important as knowing what you want to do." Focus on what aligns with your long-term goals and ruthlessly eliminate distractions.

It's also crucial to remember that some challenges you faced in the military aren't unique to that environment. Organizational and interpersonal dynamics exist across all sectors. Recognizing this universality can ease your transition.

Looking forward to diving deeper into these topics with Kyle Eberly of "Sitreps 2 Steercos" on an upcoming podcast episode. Stay tuned!

A heartfelt thank you to the West Point Association of Graduates and the West Point Society of Atlanta for hosting such a valuable event. Your commitment to supporting our community is deeply appreciated.

20/02/2025

Upcoming Veteran Career Conferences: Your Gateway to New Opportunities

Attention transitioning service members and veterans: the job market is full of opportunities, and **veteran career conferences** are one of the best ways to explore them. These events are more than just job fairs—they’re a chance to **connect with recruiters, learn about company cultures, and discover career paths** that align with your skills and goals.

Here’s why you should attend:

1️⃣ Engage and Leave an Impression: Meet recruiters and hiring managers from companies that pique your interest. A strong first impression can open doors.



2️⃣ Be Curious: Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, veteran initiatives, or affinity groups. Show you’ve done your homework.

3️⃣ Prepare: Review a company’s annual or quarterly statements, listen to an earnings call, or read the top headlines on their website. Being informed sets you apart.

For example, during my transition, I had several conversations Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) with FAANG recruiters who advised me that a strategy consulting background would be key for strategy roles in Big Tech. Without it, my experience leaned more toward customer success. These insights were invaluable in shaping my career path.

Here are a few upcoming career fairs to mark on your calendar:

- Atlanta SACC 2025: March 12-13, 2025

[https://sacc-jobfair.com/](https://sacc-jobfair.com/)



- Hiring Our Heroes: Virtual and in-person events, including sessions on technology, cybersecurity, and military spouse fellowships.

[https://events.hiringourheroes.org/](https://events.hiringourheroes.org/)

- Military.com Events: A comprehensive list of upcoming job fairs tailored for veterans.

[https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/upcoming-job-fairs](https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/upcoming-job-fairs)

These events are a chance to explore, learn, and network. Whether you’re optimizing for agency, family, location, or career growth, attending a career conference can help you make informed decisions about your next mission.

Your military experience has equipped you with leadership, adaptability, and resilience—qualities employers value. Now it’s time to take the next step.

17/02/2025

Why We Exist: War Room to Boardroom’s Core Mission

At War Room to Board Room, our mission is simple, it empowers transitioning service members and veterans to navigate their post-military careers with clarity, purpose, and intentionality.

This project began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when leadership failures were glaringly evident—from mass teleconference firings to toxic workplace cultures being exposed. Inspired by my thought leadership work with Dr. Hise Gibson at Harvard Business School, I launched this platform to address a critical gap: helping veterans translate their military leadership skills into meaningful civilian careers while avoiding the pitfalls of poor workplace cultures, job fits, and the common traps.

The “So What” for Veterans:

Your transition is more than just a career change—it’s a life redesign. The key is to be intentional about what you’re optimizing for. Whether it’s agency, location stability, family, passion, or something entirely else, focus on what truly matters to you. Don’t just follow the herd.

For example, after moving every single year of my military career post-United States Military Academy at West Point, I knew I wanted **stability**—but with the option to travel. That clarity guided my decisions and led me to a fulfilling path in consulting and then technology. But I also recognize that consulting or tech isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.

A former boss, LTC(R) Rob Krieg, once shared the Trade-off Triangle: in life, you often have to choose among:

family

career

location

Understanding your priorities within this framework can help you make decisions that align with your values and goals.

Here’s the truth: there may never be anything quite like the military. But that’s not a bad thing. Civilian life comes with its rewards—many of which aren’t monetary. The key is to think hard about what you loved in the military, what you’d prefer never to do again, and what you want your next chapter to look like.

At War Room to Board Room, we’re here to help you navigate that journey. Through our podcast, resources, and community, we aim to connect the pockets of excellence in the veteran community and provide actionable insights to help you thrive.

Your transition is your mission. Let’s approach it with the same strategic focus, adaptability, and resilience** that defined your military service.

10/02/2025

Navigating the "Us vs. Them" Transition in Leadership

There's a pivotal moment in many careers, spanning the military, finance, consulting, and even tech, where you transition from being one of "us" to one of "them." It often coincides with promotions, increased responsibility, and a shift in perspective from short-term tasks to long-term organizational goals.
This shift can lead to a disconnect with the frontline – the soldiers, delivery drivers, cashiers, or analysts who drive the core business. Suddenly, the focus becomes upward management and internal politics, potentially at the expense of those you lead.

Here are some key lessons to navigate this transition effectively:

Stay Grounded: Maintain a deep understanding and appreciation for the frontline. Their work is the foundation of your organization's success.

Roll Up Your Sleeves: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, even as a top decision-maker. Leading by example builds trust and respect.

Break the Cycle: If you experienced abuse or poor leadership on your way up, commit to changing that dynamic when you're in a position of power.

As Rudyard Kipling wisely wrote in his poem "If," "...If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch..."

Let's strive to be leaders who bridge the gap, who value and empower every member of the team, regardless of their position.

10/02/2025

Super Bowl Leadership Lessons – What Football Teaches Us About Leading in Business and Beyond**

As millions of football fans around the world gather to watch the Super Bowl, it’s a great time to reflect on the leadership lessons that sports—especially football—can teach us. Whether you’re cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, or just here for the commercials and halftime show (let’s be honest, they’re often the real MVPs), there’s a lot we can learn from the game.

Here are a few leadership takeaways that resonate both on and off the field:

1. Leadership Requires Sacrifice
In football, sacrifice often means putting your body on the line for the team. In business, it might mean stepping out of your comfort zone, risking your reputation, or making tough decisions for the greater good. True leaders understand that sacrifice is not optional—it’s essential for achieving meaningful goals.

2. To Lead Is to Serve
Leadership isn’t about titles or authority; it’s about serving those placed in your charge. Whether you’re a coach, a CEO, or a team lead, your role is to empower others, help them grow, and guide them toward a shared objective. This requires humility, empathy, and a commitment to pouring back into your team.

3. Ownership of Success and Failure
In football, the quarterback often gets the glory for a win and the blame for a loss. In leadership, the same principle applies. Leaders must take ultimate responsibility for both successes and failures. Failures cannot be orphans—they must be owned, learned from, and used as stepping stones for growth.

As we enjoy the game, the commercials, and the halftime show (most of which will be forgotten by next week, let’s be real), let’s also take a moment to reflect on how these lessons apply to our own roles as leaders. Whether you’re on the field, in the boardroom, or serving in public office, the principles of sacrifice, service, and accountability remain the same.

Here’s to leading with purpose, passion, and a commitment to making those around us better. And to everyone watching the Super Bowl—may your team win (unless you’re rooting against mine 😉).

03/07/2024

🇺🇸 As we come together to celebrate our Nation’s Founding in backyards, concerts, parks, and ballgames, let's keep a few things in mind:

1️⃣ Active Citizenship: Maintaining and developing our Republic is an active endeavor for all citizens, not just service members, civil servants, or politicians. It requires an engaged and well-informed electorate to ensure that the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and United States Code remain true. So vote, volunteer at a polling station, participate in jury service, run for office, and hold your elected representatives accountable.

2️⃣ Imperfections and Improvements: Our Republic is imperfect, which is why improvements are necessary. Many citizens were not included in our founding, despite our high-minded rhetoric. As Thomas Jefferson noted, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” We must stay vigilant, ensuring freedom and justice for all.

3️⃣ Inclusive Freedom: Freedom is not a zero-sum game. As our Framers intended, freedom for all does not mean less freedom for those who have always enjoyed it. Jefferson's words remind us, “The hour of emancipation is advancing… this enterprise is for the young; for those who can follow it up, and bear it through to its consummation.”

Let's honor our past and actively shape our future. Engage, inform, and lead—our Republic depends on it. 🇺🇸