Shawn Dawley | Public Speaker | 009
Download MP3In this conversation, Dr. Derek Wilson interviews Shawn Dawley, a retired Air Force Veteran who now runs his own business in leadership training and keynote speeches. They discuss Shawn's transition from the military to civilian life, his experience at Humana, and his current role at InGenesis, Inc. They also touch on the importance of networking, tailoring resumes for civilian jobs, and finding fulfillment in post-military careers. Shawn Dawley partially retired and started doing keynote speaking and developing clients through referrals. However, three years ago, when there was a significant influx of unaccompanied minors at the southern border, the US government issued contracts to private sector companies to handle the situation. Shawn worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the border. Eventually, he left to start his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, which focuses on keynote speeches, one-on-one executive coaching, and workshops. He addresses common challenges in leadership, such as change and emotional intelligence, and tailors his approach to different industries. Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones.
Takeaways
The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but networking and leveraging personal connections can help in finding job opportunities.
Tailoring resumes to highlight transferable skills and experiences is crucial when applying for civilian jobs.
Finding fulfillment in post-military careers may involve exploring different industries and roles that align with personal interests and values.
Building relationships and maintaining a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and support in the civilian world. Shawn Dawley started his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, after partially retiring and doing keynote speaking.
He worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the southern border due to the influx of unaccompanied minors.
Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones.
He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional impact of change and tailoring leadership approaches to different industries.
Sound Bites
"I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. It'll be eight years next month, which I feel like I was on that podium giving that retirement speech like it was yesterday."
"I was able to find a business role within that slice of humanity. I think there are probably 50,000 employees and so there's a lot of stovepipes and departments and I was able to find one that kind of married up."
"I got in front of some senior executives and we just had conversations. Their wheels are spinning. They're thinking, okay based on the portfolio of his experience how he presents himself in the interview, what do we have? Is there a role where we could leverage what he might have to offer?"
"I partially retired and my wife and I were doing a lot of traveling and I was keynote speaking, but I wasn't pushing real hard to develop clients."
"When the flood gates opened on the southern border, there was a significant number of unaccompanied miners."
"I really enjoyed seeing other people grow and develop."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:57 Overview of the Conversation Topics
05:14 Shawn's Military Background and Retirement
08:23 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Joining Humana
15:13 Networking and Finding Job Opportunities
21:23 Shawn's Role at Humana and Working with the Government
24:49 Finding Fulfillment in Post-Military Careers
25:15 Transition to InGenesis, Inc.
25:41 Partially Retiring and Keynote Speaking
27:12 Working at the Southern Border
32:28 Discovering a Passion for Developing Others
37:28 Building a Book of Business
48:07 Common Challenges in Leadership
55:27 Opportunities to See Shawn Dawley Speak
57:47 Advice for Veterans Transitioning Out of the Military
Takeaways
The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but networking and leveraging personal connections can help in finding job opportunities.
Tailoring resumes to highlight transferable skills and experiences is crucial when applying for civilian jobs.
Finding fulfillment in post-military careers may involve exploring different industries and roles that align with personal interests and values.
Building relationships and maintaining a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and support in the civilian world. Shawn Dawley started his own business, Shawn Dawley Inspired Leadership, after partially retiring and doing keynote speaking.
He worked in executive-level oversight for a large operation providing services at the southern border due to the influx of unaccompanied minors.
Shawn advises Veterans transitioning out of the military to identify what they loved about their previous jobs and not compare their new experiences to their military ones.
He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional impact of change and tailoring leadership approaches to different industries.
Sound Bites
"I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. It'll be eight years next month, which I feel like I was on that podium giving that retirement speech like it was yesterday."
"I was able to find a business role within that slice of humanity. I think there are probably 50,000 employees and so there's a lot of stovepipes and departments and I was able to find one that kind of married up."
"I got in front of some senior executives and we just had conversations. Their wheels are spinning. They're thinking, okay based on the portfolio of his experience how he presents himself in the interview, what do we have? Is there a role where we could leverage what he might have to offer?"
"I partially retired and my wife and I were doing a lot of traveling and I was keynote speaking, but I wasn't pushing real hard to develop clients."
"When the flood gates opened on the southern border, there was a significant number of unaccompanied miners."
"I really enjoyed seeing other people grow and develop."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:57 Overview of the Conversation Topics
05:14 Shawn's Military Background and Retirement
08:23 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Joining Humana
15:13 Networking and Finding Job Opportunities
21:23 Shawn's Role at Humana and Working with the Government
24:49 Finding Fulfillment in Post-Military Careers
25:15 Transition to InGenesis, Inc.
25:41 Partially Retiring and Keynote Speaking
27:12 Working at the Southern Border
32:28 Discovering a Passion for Developing Others
37:28 Building a Book of Business
48:07 Common Challenges in Leadership
55:27 Opportunities to See Shawn Dawley Speak
57:47 Advice for Veterans Transitioning Out of the Military
