Jul 13, 2020
What is the definition of ‘veteran’? This week, we welcome SgtMaj Anthony Spadaro, who joins host Mike Abrams to examine the varied experiences of veterans; discuss the unique impact of the military’s education model and how it teaches service members to become critical thinkers and prepare for leadership roles; and share some factors that HR departments should consider when shaping their veteran hiring initiatives.
SgtMaj Spadaro retired from the Marine Corps in 2020 after a distinguished 35-year military career. He served at the most senior levels for the Marine Corps and Department of Defense and culminated his service to our Nation as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the largest combatant command with 380,000 uniformed and civilian members and 36 partner nations.
During his time in service, Anthony served in every climate and place, in both peacetime and combat. He has served in a variety of diverse and challenging assignments, to include time as a Field Artilleryman, Intelligence Analyst, Marine Security Guard and Drill Instructor. As a Senior Enlisted Leader, Anthony served at every leadership billet – from Company/Battery First Sergeant all the way to the Force Level as a Sergeant Major. Anthony first met FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams when they served together in Bravo Batter, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, and continues to serve as a mentor to Mike today.
Originally from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Anthony is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Labor and Management (Summa Cum Laude). He has completed every level of military professional military education and is currently enrolled at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Though recently retired from the Marine Corps, Anthony continues to serve today as a leadership consultant and strategic advisor with Beaver Fit USA, Bravo Sierra, FourBlock, and FITOPS. Additionally, he is the Vice President for Training, 5th Principle LLC, a leadership coach with the Resilience Building Leader Program, and an Adjunct Faculty member with the Marine Corps University. Anthony and his wife Kathryn currently reside in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Anthony’s official military biography can be found at: https://www.defense.gov/Our-Story/Biographies/Biography/Article/944054/sergeant-major-anthony-a-spadaro/.
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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