From Special Ops to the Corner Office: Tips for a Seamless Transition

This article was inspired by a good friend's ( Anton Berwald ) audacious leap from covert missions to the US business world. I began my business journey in the USA 13 years ago. It's been an incredible ride full of insights. Now, I'm eager to share some lessons with a broader audience that is about, or wants to make the leap from service member to office commando.?

Please grab your helmets and buckle up because we're diving deep into the treacherous waters of navigating from Special Operations to the sacred halls of business leadership.

So what's the fuss all about? Switching from uniform to suit and tie is like changing overnight from being James Bond to Elon Musk.?So don't take it lightly.

But here's the secret sauce: men and women in uniform have acquired valuable character traits and attributes that, when applied correctly, can set them up for success in the business world.

Trust:

Trust isn't a luxury in the military - it's part of survival. You bank on your brother to have your back without hesitation. Now, pivot to the corporate maze. It mirrors this in eerie ways. Trust is the currency. Want to climb the ladder? Forge real connections. Show up consistently. Because in the business world, trust isn't handed out - it's crafted and earned. Lead with authenticity, and let your actions speak louder than your words.

Resilience:

Special Ops personnel are the poster children for resilience. They adapt and push through, regardless of the hardships. Now, swap combat stress for problem-solving and improvisation, and the resilience trait becomes your best ally. Missed targets? Failed projects? Don't sulk. Re-strategize, get back up, and drive onwards and upward. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Sounds familiar?

Patience:

Have you ever waited in an OP for hours, even days, for the precise moment to act? That's a skill! The business world isn't always about fast decisions. Sometimes, well-thought-out, patient strategies yield the best results. Don't rush. Listen, learn, observe, wait, and then strike decisively. And listen to understand, not to reply.

Furthermore, always remember to pace yourself. Most "civilians" do not possess the physical energy, discipline, and drive you gained from your military career. It can be intimidating and potentially isolate yourself.

Flexibility:

Special Ops is all about adapting to changing terrains and unpredictable scenarios. Likewise, businesses pivot all the time. Market changes? New competitors? Regulate your heartbeat, be flexible, and embrace the change. It's a constant factor on any mission, no different in business.

Empathy:

It's not all guns and glory. Special Ops should understand the human element. They've witnessed the core of humanity, sometimes at its worst and its best. This deep understanding of people is invaluable in a leadership role. Understand your team. Feel their challenges. Lead with heart and soul. And only attack problems, never your colleagues, when mistakes are made.

Humor:

I've laughed during missions overseas, training, and currently when that darn PowerPoint gives me the cold shoulder. Heck, I even blanked on a key team member's name recently. If we can't find humor in these moments, what's the point? Humor is our collective relief, easing tension in tight spots. It's what knits a team close, building spirit and unity. Those in Special Ops and the military get it — a grin can light the way, even in the most challenging times. Apply this skill daily, and doors will open for you.

Discipline:

This one's a given. The discipline ingrained in the armed forces and first responders is legendary. Apply this to the business world, and you have a recipe for consistency, reliability, and high standards. No more late meetings or unmet deadlines. Just do it! It will inspire your colleagues and set yourself up for success.

Additional Tips: Business heroes-in-the-making, here's the kicker. No matter how many skills you pack in your arsenal, navigating a new terrain can be daunting. So, find a?mentor. More specifically, find someone who's made this journey before. They'll be your North Star, guiding you, offering shortcuts, and ensuring you don't step on corporate landmines.

Final Thoughts: The transition might initially seem Herculean, but it's more than doable. You've got the skills, the grit, and the passion for making things happen. And for business leaders reading this, please take note the next time you see a resume with a Special Ops, First Responder, or any other service member with a leadership background. You might be looking at your future CEO.

To my good friend who recently traded his TDU and breaching tools for a Nike t-shirt and triggered this deep dive - cheers to your new journey! May the boardroom treat you as well as your brotherhood did, except with fewer doors to kick and more coffee to drink? Anton Berwald