Jun 22, 2020
This week, we welcome Navy veteran and longtime travel industry
executive Chris Vasiliou, who reflects on his experience mentoring
severely injured veterans at Walter Reed National Military
Hospital; examines what makes a good mentor and the importance of
trust in relationship building; and shares actionable advice for
veterans on how to find the right mentor.
Chris was a senior executive in the travel industry for 30 years,
serving as Managing Director for Europe for American Airlines;
Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific for Sabre Holdings; the
Chief Operating Officer for Travelocity; and President and CEO for
Radius Travel.
While CEO of Radius, Chris volunteered as a mentor at Walter Reed
National Military Hospital, where he helped support the transition
of over 150 severely injured Marines and Sailors. Chris also served
on the faculty of Georgetown University; was the Vice Chair and
Executive Director of FourBlock; and he has mentored and continues
to mentor our own Mike Abrams. Chris is a Navy veteran, and his son
is a Marine who served in Iraq.
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, FourBlock founder, director of the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing 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 will be representing 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/
Over 77% of FourBlock alumni stay at their first jobs over 12 months. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.
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