This Veterans Day, CCI Consulting honors the dedication of our veteran employees and the valuable insights from their transition from military to professional careers. As they have taken their leadership, resilience, and adaptability from military service into the civilian workforce, they continue to make an impact across various industries.
At CCI Consulting, we see firsthand how veterans’ unique ability to problem-solve under pressure, lead teams, and drive accountability adds a profound depth to our workforce. Employing veterans not only honors their service but also helps companies build a diverse, resilient workforce aligned with today’s organizational challenges and goals.
In celebration of Veterans Day, CCI is joined by some of our amazing staff members who have served in the military and currently support veteran career initiatives.
Lauri Plante currently volunteers as a career coach with The Honor Foundation. Lauri provides Special Forces veterans with critical career coaching to help them transition smoothly from a military career to a professional setting.
Jeffrey Harvey served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, achieving the rank of Captain. Jeff’s attention to detail, leadership principles, and bias for action have carried with him throughout his career in executive search.
Diana Hubble served as a First-Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy for 21 years. Her diverse positions in both leadership and logistics, give her a unique perspective to analyze and deliver solutions in leadership development, communication, and program management, enabling CCI’s clients to achieve results in a constantly changing business environment.
Career Coaching and Supporting Special Forces Veterans with Lauri Plante
- Lauri, you volunteer as a career coach with The Honor Foundation, helping U.S. Special Operations Forces transition into the corporate world. What inspired you to get involved in supporting veterans through their career transitions?
“I had the privilege of hearing Sean Carano, USMC and Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and now Director of Programs, Camp Lejeune Campus, speak at a community meeting. A woman said, “Thank you for your service” and there were various heads nodding, including mine. Sean offered an opportunity to do more and began to tell his personal story, the history and purpose of The Honor Foundation, and needless to say, I was all in. As a career management professional, I was incredibly impressed by the comprehensive approach to supporting these transitioning “Fellows.” These elite members of the military are highly focused and disciplined and have already proven they can listen & learn. Sharing my expertise is a gesture of gratitude for all they’ve risked and contributed.”
- With your experience guiding elite military professionals into civilian careers, what would you say are some of the most transferable skills that veterans bring to the private sector? How can employers effectively recognize and leverage these unique abilities?
“These are leaders who have been highly trained to think, are extremely disciplined and focused. One of the “Fellows” was recently accepted into Duke’s Global eMBA program and yet others are applying to Wharton and the University of North Carolina! Aside from learning the nuances of your business, you are gaining leaders who have high integrity, can deal with ambiguity, and offer critical thinking and decision-making skills. Little downside, plenty of upside!”
Transitioning from Military Service to Corporate Careers with Jeff Harvey & Diana Hubble
- Jeff, as a Marine Corps veteran, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to the private sector? What strategies or support systems helped you navigate this journey?
“The transition from a combat arms Marine officer to corporate work is immensely challenging at first. The skill of seeking out and destroying the enemy does not translate! I needed to figure out what my value proposition to a company was going to be. The best resource I found was networking with other veterans to understand their story of how they made the transition. I spoke with veterans in every sector and industry, and what I learned is that my most valuable experiences were based on leadership, decisiveness, discipline, mental agility, and fortitude.”
- You’ve now dedicated your career to executive search and recruitment. How has your military background influenced your approach to identifying and placing candidates in leadership roles?
“When I evaluate candidates for our clients, I pay attention to intangible human qualities that make great leaders including confident humility, flexibility, attention to detail, their response to failure, and their communication skills. I seek to understand how they handle setbacks and failure, how they inspire others, and how they face challenges head-on. I pay attention to how a candidate “shows up,” prepares, exercises discipline, communicates, and makes decisions. Leadership lessons from the Marine Corps can be a great formula for success in the civilian world. Lastly, I look for leaders who are accountable and set the example, help others, and prepare their employees to assume great responsibility.”
- Diana, your two decades of service in the Navy are very impressive. Could you share some insights on how you approached your career transition? What advice would you give to veterans preparing to enter civilian careers?
“Transitioning was scary as I joined the Navy right out of high school and had nothing to compare it to. Through military support and connections, I built my resume to highlight the special set of skills obtained in service and attained higher education, including an MBA. I now make myself available to support transitioning military members.
My advice is network, network, network. Do not be afraid to ask for help because we have all been there and we want to help.”
- As a career coach, you work closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds. How do you help veterans tap into their strengths and find roles that align with their values and long-term goals?
“Day 1 in the military you are made to recognize that you are a team where diverse backgrounds make you stronger. It challenges the way you view the world. I have been fortunate to be exposed to vast cultures and value systems, sometimes in direct opposition to the way I was brought up to find the connection to a greater purpose. This is something that I bring to each conversation, what is the greater mission, what do you need to do now, and in the future to achieve your vision?”
Hire a Veteran!
As we honor Veterans Day, let’s recognize the invaluable contributions veterans make not only in service to our country but also in their roles across the workforce. Sharon Imperiale, Owner & CEO of CCI Consulting notes, veterans bring “an abundance of unique experiences and skills that both the private and public sectors of business need. From acuity in analysis and decision-making to the ability to fully function alone or in a team, their resiliency and flexibility make them agile. That agility demands results.” At CCI, we are inspired by the unique perspectives and skills veterans bring to our team, enriching our organization and the clients we serve. We encourage organizations everywhere to embrace the opportunity to hire veterans, as doing so not only honors their service but also strengthens and empowers a results-driven, resilient workforce.
