Military Operations to Business Operations

Serving in 2nd Ranger Battalion is no joking matter. It's a place where precision, discipline, and adaptability become second nature. If you had told me back then that my journey would take me through the worlds of fitness, technology, and entrepreneurship, I might have raised an eyebrow. Yet, here we are.

The lessons I learned in the military didn't just stay in the military. They morphed and grew with me as I transitioned into a decade-long career in the health and fitness industry. There, operational thinking took a new form—personal transformations achieved through customized workouts and goal-oriented strategies.

My call to duty came once more, but this time, from the corporate world. As a Chief of Staff, I found myself in the familiar terrain of precision and adaptability. However, the battles were different—integrating Agile methodology into workflows, turning each sprint into a mission accomplished.

Stepping into the shoes of a Product Manager, I was faced with tasks that seemed like an intricate puzzle—one that stands out was integrating surface electromyography (EMG) hardware into athletic shorts. This challenge took me back to my fitness days, but now it required more than just workout strategies. It required technological innovation, a keen operational mindset, and a tool that proved invaluable—Untools.co. It became my compass, guiding me through complex problems with its diverse problem-solving frameworks.

The journey didn't stop there; it dove headfirst into the entrepreneurial ocean. In this vast expanse, every lesson learned, every skill honed, and every obstacle tackled in my past roles became my anchor. The discipline of the military, the adaptability of the fitness industry, and the operational expertise of the corporate world, all merged to create a playbook for success.

| "Be a goldfish" - Ted Lasso

Throughout this journey, there was one constant, one guiding principle that I learned in the military—the 'goldfish mindset.' A goldfish, with its short memory, doesn't dwell on past mistakes but swims forward to face the next challenge. This mindset, so prevalent in my military training, was perfectly captured by Ted Lasso. In the worlds of business, fitness, or on the battlefield, not every move you make is going to be perfect. But just like the goldfish, you learn from the experience, let it go, and propel forward with renewed vigor.

From ranger drills to fitness regimens, to corporate strategies, my journey has been a testament to the power of operational thinking. It's about breaking down complex tasks, adapting swiftly, and embracing change, all while refusing to dwell on the past. Today, I swim through the vast ocean of entrepreneurial challenges, always ready, always adapting, just like the ever-ready goldfish.

So, as you navigate your own journey, remember, be part ranger, part athlete, part executive, but most importantly, be a goldfish. Learn, adapt, let go, and always be ready to swim forward. Because operational thinking isn't just a skill—it's a lifestyle.