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June 15, 2023 49 mins

Retired military leaders possess a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge, ready to be channeled into making a lasting impact in the corporate world. However, to unlock their full potential, they must first navigate the unfamiliar terrain and craft a compelling personal brand in a world they have yet to fully comprehend. How can retired generals and flag officers launch successful consulting practices?

In this episode, Brett talks with Misty Cook, Founder and CEO of Concierge on Call (COC). Misty has extensive experience providing administrative and protocol services at the senior executive level for the Marine Corps. She supported three and four-star general officers for two decades during her military service. She learned not only how to anticipate the needs of these leaders but also how to lean in and make decisions. Misty possesses a veteran's perspective and understands the people, environment, and steps to take to build a business. 

In her 20 years serving in the Marines, Misty developed an eye for detailed planning, strategy, and networking techniques to support General Officers in their roles. Today, she talks about how she helps veterans find their identity in the corporate world. She also speaks about how veterans can overcome negative mindsets and her thought process for helping retired generals.

Concierge on Call (COC) positions retiring military leaders as sought-after consultants, leveraging the value of their years of service to obtain more lucrative opportunities that showcase their expertise. It was created to provide senior executive leaders departing the military a place to accelerate their post-retirement goals and get the support they need to make the most impact.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:42 - Backstory of Misty Cook

05:48 - The turning point at which Misty decided to start her own business

11:01 - What ERG is all about

15:51 - How Misty helps veterans find their identity in the corporate world

25:16 - How Misty helps service members transition out of the military 

28:23 - Why Brett took 20 years to find clarity

31:35 - Misty's thoughts on Brett's 20-year journey toward clarity

37:45 - What veterans can do to overcome negative mindsets

44:46 - The thought process Misty uses to help retired generals

47:40 - Misty's final thoughts

Favorite Quotes

10:06 - "The vernacular that corporate America and veterans use doesn't compute sometimes. And so it takes people like you and me to help those people understand." - Misty Cook

16:58 - "There's value at all ranks, and there is a struggle at all ranks for transition because everybody is in different places in their lives." - Misty Cook

17:49 - "Veterans have a lot to give, and they can give back. But they have to figure out where to go and how to brand themselves in a world they don't know. And if we don't find a place to take all that goodness and all that experience and knowledge, they start to feel like their identity was tied up in the stars, in the ribbons, or in the billets or offices." - Misty Cook

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