Sep 27, 2021
This week on The FourBlock Podcast, we welcome Daniel (Dan) Hughes, a U.S. Navy Submarine Force veteran, data analytics entrepreneur, and passionate mentor for transitioning veterans. In this week’s episode, Dan joins co-host and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a dynamic discussion about his time in the Navy, his military transition, and his path to entrepreneurship.
Dan and Mike then explore the future of tech, data, and much more, including why “everyone is a data analyst now -- some people just don’t realize it yet.”
In conversation with Mike, Dan shares how he went on to start his company Claritee Group, LLC after the Navy and the lessons learned along the way, including the value of mentorship and the importance of leadership and personal development. They discuss his passion for sailing and the camaraderie that comes from it, and conclude with some invaluable advice for veterans in transition who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.
Dan is a U.S. Navy Submarine veteran who served on two missile submarines from 1986 to 1990. After leaving the Navy, Dan attended Temple University, where he graduated with a BBA in Accounting. Upon graduation, Dan joined Arthur Andersen as a business technology consultant.
In the late 1990s, Dan took the leap to start his own data analytics consulting firm and spent most of his career leading software developers and analysts building complex data analytics software solutions for clients across all major industries. He is a huge advocate of pushing technology innovation through a “keep it simple” and “build it, break it, fix it” design and implementation approach.
Dan has three passions outside of his family: building innovative data analytics software solutions to solve complex problems, mentoring military veterans during their transitions into civilian careers as an employee or entrepreneur starting a business, and using sailing as a personal development platform to promote adventure, camaraderie, adaptive thinking, and emotional well-being.
Dan currently resides in Montgomery County, PA, where he lives with his family.
Email: dan@dataswatteam.com
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace.
General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat.
But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective.
Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/
Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
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Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.