Powerful lessons for corporate leaders from a Military Veteran

About the Guest

Leader, entrepreneur, and veteran officer, Gavi Kumar is an exultant soul who discovers bliss in winning relationships, working with passionate people, and discovering new partnerships. The merit holder has over eighteen years of experience in building strategic relationships with key technology and business leaders to ensure success. Called a relationship expert, Gavi is someone who believes in continual learning. He managed the switch from being military personnel to join the corporate world with ease owing to his open-mindedness for life-long learning. Gavi was also in the list of  The Most Admired Global Indians – 2020.

He summarizes his mantra for growth in the 3C’s- Commitment (Never Ever Give Up), Coachable (Learn as you grow), and Communication (Cordial and Compassionate).

Connect with Gavi Kumar

Key takeaways

• Once you have left the services, don’t feel disheartened or demotivated. Life is amazing, and every day is a new day. Everything is possible; you just have to have trust in yourself and never give up. If you can keep your spirit alive, face challenges head-on, and deliver what is expected of you, you can succeed in the corporate world.
• There’s a big gap between people providing opportunities for veterans and veterans receiving those opportunities. Corporate leaders and the government have a responsibility to know what veterans have experienced and what strengths they have as leaders. 
• Both corporate leaders and veterans have a role in bridging the gaps between corporate life and military life, but that can only happen when corporate leaders unite with us and have an open-ended dialogue, especially in the hiring process.
• When you’re about to leave the services, start building up your relationships and network as much as you can, no matter what skills you have. Be aware of the policies and programs that will assist you.
• Be social and use technology to build your network with corporate leaders. Enable yourself to succeed in the corporate world. Take action and don’t give up. 
• “Take care of people; people will take care of you.” If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, reach out to other veterans. Don’t ever give up; that’s the theme of this episode.
  

Quotes

“Everything is possible; you just have to have trust in yourself and never ever give up. That’s the bottom line.”

Highlights from the episode

How did you transition from being a senior officer in the military to becoming a corporate leader?

The journey has been incredible; of course, there are ups and downs, but it’s your spirit and attitude that make a difference. That’s in our DNA because of our training and services. I wasn’t sure about what my transition would be like, but I knew what my strengths and capabilities are in this space. I just went and did it. Once you have left the services, don’t feel disheartened or demotivated. Life is fantastic, and every day is a new day. You are a polished diamond, so your market value is invaluable. Go and be a leader just like you are in the services. Present yourself, and the people around you will look up to you and see your value. I wasn’t aware of sales and marketing jargon, but I had fire and passion. I have overcome the limiting belief that nothing is possible. Everything is possible; you just have to have trust in yourself and never give up.

What common challenges do veterans face when transitioning to the civilian workforce?

There’s a big gap between people providing opportunities for veterans and veterans receiving those opportunities. We’re working with the government to let them know the realities of veterans coming home. Corporate leaders also have a responsibility to know what veterans have experienced and what strengths they have as leaders. The ecosystem must be changed. Interviewers must expand their criteria and adapt to the veteran’s experience. They must overcome thoughts and beliefs that may cloud their judgment. Don’t gauge a person on your limiting beliefs and rules. Give opportunities to veterans, and you won’t regret it. If you can keep your spirit alive, face challenges head-on, and deliver what is expected of you, you can succeed in the corporate world. 

How do you tackle the cultural change?

Whether we are in corporate or in the military, everybody’s assigned a role and responsibility, and everybody does it. What’s important is the mindset that’s needed from corporate leaders. Both corporate leaders and veterans have a role in bridging the gaps between corporate life and military life, but that can only happen when corporate leaders unite with us and have an open-ended dialogue, especially in the hiring process. Today in the US, you need a mark of respect. Recognize veterans’ efforts and give them a chance. 

Where and how do you start the journey of the civilian workforce?

When you’re about to leave the services, start building up your relationships and network as much as possible, no matter what skills you have. Be aware of the policies and programs that will assist you. Reach out to friends and people you know who are in the corporate world. You must take action. You have a foundation of strength and capabilities, so don’t wait! Figure out what kinds of companies you would like to work for and be active on social networks like LinkedIn. That will give you a lot of insight. Please reach out to me because I can also help. 

Do you have tips for socializing in the corporate world as a veteran?

The power is in your hands (your phone), so use it. You know how to call, text, use Facebook, and even LinkedIn is pretty straightforward. Once you build your network, you will gain knowledge and skills and receive advice from peers. 

How do you overcome PTSD as a veteran?

It’s a very sensitive topic. Gavi likes to say, “Take care of people; people will take care of you.”
We have to stand above the disparities between corporate and military. It requires a lot of coaching, hand-holding, and awareness in your community. Our value and respect for soldiers have been diminished; that’s why veterans feel like they have been left alone. A soldier lives a thousand lives every day, so many hats he wears, but he doesn’t give up. We need to give more support to veterans. Whenever you see a soldier, give him a salute. That small action will give so much love and respect to him. If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, reach out to other veterans. Don’t ever give up; that’s the theme of this episode.