Colonel Sam Whitehurst welcomes you to another episode of Service Before Self. Today’s guest is David Hamilton, founder and CEO of America’s Future Series, a national speaker series that brings together business and military leaders to discuss issues involving national security.
America’s Future Series is also, directly and indirectly, impacting the lives of veterans and their families, by raising money to support charities that go to veterans and their families, as well as creating conversations and connections between people from different sides of the civil-military divide while delivering opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.
While the military, as an institution, is held in very high regard by the public, many people perceive that military service is either mentally or physically damaging to those who serve. Based on his long experience with employers and veterans, David Hamilton tackles this issue head-on and highlights the resiliency inherent to veterans; he exposes common misperceptions about veteran employees, and how veterans can create an organizational culture that enhances a company’s bottom line.
In today’s episode, David also discusses how he is creating a space for veteran entrepreneurs to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that is represented in so many American veterans.
Key Takeaways:
[4:37] David shares how he started his work in America’s Future Series.
[11:05] Making existing programs more impactful.
[11:35] How is America’s Future Series attacking the civil-military divide?
[13:16] David talks about certain stereotypes in regards to veterans.
[16:38] A good job is one that is meaningful for the employee.
[17:30] David shares the story of a friend.
[19:01] David shares how work needs to be done in both the veterans and the civilian mindsets.
[19:57] Sam talks about the work that Dixon Center does for organizations to create a culture that will attract veterans.
[20:54] America’s Future Series as a connecting device.
[23:27] Sam shares some statistics about veteran entrepreneurs in contrast to civilians.
[24:36] What is the root cause why veterans are not doing as much in terms of entrepreneurism as their civilian peers or past generations?
[28:33] David highlights other events that America’s Future Series will bring.
[33:08] Sam talks about the role of Dixon Center in supporting veteran entrepreneurs in starting their own business.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dixon Center: Reaching America
At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.
Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.
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