BTU #30 - Travis Collier: The US Coast Guard & Using Sprints to Find Your Passion

“It's so unfortunate that veterans don't practice their new life, until they're in their new life. And really by then, you're behind the eight ball. So really any chance you get to take now while you're in uniform - look at it this way: the military is funding you as the R&D project to find the best life and the best way you can serve others. Finding those condensed opportunities to gain that experience, to gain that data. It's really traingulating - you're taking a fix on geography, income, occupation and fit. If it works it works, if it doesn't then you just keep trying something else." – Travis Collier

Travis Collier is a Journeyman Marine Inspector with the US Coast Guard, where he has served for the last 15 years. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Government and International Affairs from the US Coast Guard Academy, and a Master’s in Instructional & Performance Technology from Boise State University. He is the author of the books "Command Your Transition" & “SCALE”, and works as a coach for military members with 8-10 years of service to implement an intent and strategy to transition out the military and achieve even greater success on the outside .

In this conversation, we cover a lot of topics, including:

• Travis' advice of embracing a transition strategy really early in the transition process
• How to set aside a budget for your own personal Research & Development and use sprints and "takeover weekends" to find your passion
• An overview on coaching and how it can help veterans reach their full potential
• How important sales is to any veteran
• And much, much more…

• • Listen to it on iTunes.
  • Stream by clicking here.
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: How can I make these episodes more valuable to active duty military personnel considering transitioning to the civilian world? Please let me know in the comments.

Scroll below for links and show notes…

Selected Links from the Episode

• Eric's article on Top Talent
• Book Recommendations:
  • Command Your Transition: Declare your Intent, Craft your Mission, Make it on the Outside,
  • SCALE: Refuse to Settle Recognize What Matters Redefine Success
  • The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business
  • The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life
• Stanford Ignite Program
• David Sedaris' essay on the Four Burer Theory

Show Notes

• 1:24 - Travis' background
• 2:38 - A few curve balls Travis has experienced while in the US Coast Guard
• 8:15 - Travis' advice of embracing a transition strategy really early in the transition process
• 12:10 - How to set aside a budget for your own personal Research & Development and use sprints and "takeover weekends" to find your passion
• 18:42 - Finding the lifestyle to live, serve, and be honored by
• 26:04 - An overview on coaching and how it can help veterans reach their full potential
• 32:42 - How important sales is to any veteran
• 36:16 - Common roadblocks Travis sees for veterans
• 38:18 - Final words of wisdom