Welcome to Line of Departure, power-packed interviews that take you on an unfiltered journey into the lives of veterans in tech who have not only served their country but have also conquered the corporate world of business and technology. In these concise conversations, we cut through the noise, and uncover the untold stories that have shaped their journey from the military to the forefront of the tech industry. We dive into veteran-specific topics in business, dissect the latest tech news, and economic, and market trends, lessons on leadership, to civic duty and national security. Nothing is off the table, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of technology.
In each episode, we go beyond the surface and tell you the real story, delving into the raw and unpolished tales of personal hardship, growth, and ultimately success. From discussing topics that uniquely impact veterans in the technology industry, to dissecting the latest tech trends, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of tech leadership.

In the military, the term "Line of Departure" signifies the starting point of a mission, the aiming point for your journey. Picture yourself having a cup of coffee with your future self in 5 or 10 years. What would you discuss? How did you reach that point, and where did you start? Line of Departure is thrilled to unravel the stories behind successful tech careers after military service, aiming to uncover the foundational lessons and principles underneath.

Join us on this journey as we connect with veterans in the tech industry globally, and help us creating a narrative that celebrates great people and the technology that binds them. Line of Departure is not just a podcast; it's a platform where tech leaders share their wisdom, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Line of Departure

Welcome to Line of Departure, power-packed interviews that take you on an unfiltered journey into the lives of veterans in tech who have not only served their country but have also conquered the corporate world of business and technology. In these concise conversations, we cut through the noise, and uncover the untold stories that have shaped their journey from the military to the forefront of the tech industry.  We dive into veteran-specific topics in business, dissect the latest tech news, and economic, and market trends, lessons on leadership, to civic duty and national security.  Nothing is off the table, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of technology.
In each episode, we go beyond the surface and tell you the real story, delving into the raw and unpolished tales of personal hardship, growth, and ultimately success.  From discussing topics that uniquely impact veterans in the technology industry, to dissecting the latest tech trends, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of tech leadership.

In the military, the term "Line of Departure" signifies the starting point of a mission, the aiming point for your journey.  Picture yourself having a cup of coffee with your future self in 5 or 10 years. What would you discuss? How did you reach that point, and where did you start? Line of Departure is thrilled to unravel the stories behind successful tech careers after military service, aiming to uncover the foundational lessons and principles underneath.

Join us on this journey as we connect with veterans in the tech industry globally, and help us creating a narrative that celebrates great people and the technology that binds them. Line of Departure is not just a podcast; it's a platform where tech leaders share their wisdom, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Episode 0: Line of Departure Intro

In the inaugural episode of this podcast, hosts Eric and Ben engage in a comprehensive discussion that spans various aspects of Ben's life journey. The conversation begins with insights into Ben's upbringing and the pivotal decision to become a Navy SEAL, leading to a decade of active duty and multiple combat deployments. The focus then shifts to the challenging transition from military service to the business technology sector, exploring the nuances of career 2.0 and the experiences of life post-career transition.

Listeners gain valuable perspectives as Ben shares advice for both veterans navigating their post-military careers and organizations looking to effectively employ veterans. The episode delves deep into Ben's impactful work in Veteran Advocacy, particularly addressing mental health concerns within the veteran community. The hosts touch on topics such as the veteran psyche, the search for a sense of purpose, and the evolution of self-identity. Throughout the conversation, the audience is treated to a rich exploration of the complexities and triumphs that define the veteran experience, making for an engaging and enlightening episode.

Episode 1: Navy SEAL to Cybersecurity featuring Ben Davis

In this episode, we embark on a journey of discovery and collaboration, led by Eric Templeton and Ben Davis, as they introduce us to a remarkable individual, Marcus Moffett. Marcus, the Vice President of America's Sales Engineering for Cisco and a proud Air Force veteran, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table.

As Marcus shares his background, we learn about his upbringing on a farm and how it instilled in him a deep love for the outdoors. His military service shaped his values of servant leadership and selflessness, values he carries into his corporate career at Cisco.

Throughout this insightful dialogue, Marcus emphasizes the critical importance of supporting veterans in their transition, highlighting the need for better recognition of their leadership skills and capabilities in the private sector. He underscores the necessity for structured training and development plans, advocating for veterans to demand professional growth opportunities and engage with mentors and sponsors.

Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, business, and corporate responsibility, and discover how companies like Cisco are leveraging their resources for the greater good, all while maintaining their customer's technological edge.

This episode isn't just about discussing challenges; it's about catalyzing change.  So, whether you're a veteran navigating the civilian landscape or a business leader seeking to make a difference, tune in, and be part of the solution. Together, let's pave the way for a brighter future, one where our veterans thrive and our companies flourish. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation - hit that play button now!

Episode 2: Air Force, Oil Rigs, and Engineering with VP Marcus Moffett

Welcome to this week's episode of Line of Departure, where Eric and Ben dive deep with Morgan Mann, from his time serving in the Marine Corps to his current role as Vice President of Transformation at Cisco.

In this episode, Morgan chats with us about his passions for the outdoors, family, national security issues, along with the challenges and opportunities he faced transitioning from the military to the private sector.

We explore how Morgan found purpose beyond the Marine Corps, navigating the tech startup world before re-affiliating with the Marines post-9/11. His multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan offer profound insights into the post-9/11 veteran experience integrating into corporate life. 

Throughout our conversation, Morgan reflects on the importance of proactive career management, highlighting the need to break free from stereotypes and carve out new paths aligned with personal values. From starting his day with rituals to prioritizing family time, Morgan shares invaluable lessons on making every moment count.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of transitioning between two highly successful careers, from the challenges we all face, to the invaluable leadership skills learned along the way. Discover how Morgan's journey epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering commitment to make a difference.

Episode 3: Choosing Your Own Adventure, Marines to Tech Executive with Morgan Mann

In this episode, hosts Eric and Nicole welcome Valerie Bennett, a multi-faceted individual with a background as a surfer, technologist, and US Marine. Valerie shares her compelling journey, recounting her transition from the Marine Corps into technology. The conversation delves into the valuable lessons she has learned throughout this transformative journey and explores how she has managed to sustain a strong sense of purpose.
Listeners are treated to insights into the intriguing connection between Valerie's passion for surfing and her successful career in the tech industry. The episode unravels the parallels between these seemingly disparate worlds, inviting the audience to discover the unique intersections of surf culture and the fast-paced, innovative landscape of technology. Valerie's narrative offers inspiration and practical wisdom, making this episode a captivating exploration of resilience, adaptation, and the diverse paths that lead to fulfillment in both personal and professional arenas.

Episode 4: Life, Surfing and Tech with Valerie Bennett

In this episode, hosts Eric and Val engage in a conversation with Karina Loor, a US Navy Surface Warfare Officer Veteran and Partner Account Manager at Cisco Systems. Karina's journey unfolds as she recounts her remarkable life story, beginning as an immigrant from Ecuador and navigating her way into the military. The narrative expands to her experiences attending school in the United States, securing an NROTC scholarship, and achieving distinction in her career as a Navy Surface Warfare Officer.
Karina further dives into her academic achievements, highlighting her graduation from George Washington University and the attainment of an MBA from the University of North Carolina. The discussion offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of her military service, providing valuable insights for listeners. As the conversation shifts to her corporate career at Cisco Systems, Karina shares practical advice for individuals undergoing transitions, drawing from her own experiences of adapting to change. Whether it's a first-time transition or the fourth, Karina's wisdom provides a guide for navigating the complexities of career shifts, making this episode a resourceful exploration of resilience, education, and professional growth.

Episode 5: Making Genuine Connections with Karina Loor

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