Back to One

It is an honor to interview one of our veterans for Veterans Day, on November 11th.

Lenora interviews Ted Lucas, former EOD Officer, now advocate for hiring, supporting transition and recognizing the service of Veterans at Expeditors:

1. Ted and his career
2. The meaning of Veterans Day and how to express appreciation 
3. Organizations you can get involved in that support our veterans.
4. Tips and resources that support successful transition
5.  Why veterans are such a great fit for business

 Volunteer at a veteran’s service organization or take actions such as:

• USO
• Donate travel miles to the Fisher House,  Operation Heroes Miles
• Sponsor a service dog
• Honor Flights network to visit their war memorial for honor and closure
• Seattle Stand Down or Stand Down in other cities for those at risk of homelessness
• Care Package for those serving overseas at Christmas time or any time
• Write a letter – always great to get mail
• Flags for the Fallen – Memorial Day
• Boulder Crest Foundation for combat Veterans and First Responders
• EOD Warrior Foundation for men and women and families of elite bomb squads
• Pups for Patriots
• Homes for our Troops – specially designed homes for wounded veterans
• Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans and First Responders

Awareness:

• Veterans crisis line is 1-800-273-8255, then press 1.

 Veteran Transition: 

• It is stressful. From a regimented life to not knowing what you’re going to do.
• Never having written a resume and writing it to the job.
• Decompress before looking for a job.  Think about what you may want to do.
• Visit HiringOurHeroes.org for virtual job fairs, transitioning tools and programs
• Find a hobby for your free time to support structure
• Maintain a physical fitness routine
• Use outlines in book: Struggle Well to transition and have Post Traumatic Growth
• Create a resume with experience into business related terms (HiringOurHeroes.com has some support for this.)

 Veteran fit for business:

• Immediate benefit
• Team work and hard work mentality
• Handling tight schedules
• Working with limited resources
• Managing priorities on time
• Staying on task until mission is complete
• Technology savvy and globalized for trends
• Integrity
• An honest day’s work
• Sincerity and trust worthiness
• Aware of health and safety standards
• All about the team, diversity and inclusion
• Leadership training, able to both follow and lead

 For the veteran: 

• Learn about the company culture to see if you are a fit
• Work to customize your resume and add a cover letter to express what you can contribute
• Dress appropriate to the company you’re applying for.
• Get out and meet people and network, ask questions.
• Treat all the people involved well.  It can lead to opportunities.
• Request and prepare for Informational Interviews to learn about a job or sector.

Lenora interviews Rob Comer, Regional Manager for the Corporate Fellowship Program under Hiring Our Heroes.  A program that every business owner would want to know about.

The Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program connects businesses with transitioning service members.  Originally a workforce development agency initiative out of JBLM in 2014, to help transition military leaders to roles in corporate America, is now a national fellowship program.

As an Internship or fellowship model it is connecting junior, mid-grade to senior noncommissioned officers to business. The best way to transfer skills is to use them on the job.  With 12 weeks to participate, there has been instant success with now 500+ companies participating that can consider management level opportunities.  

A jobs program to connect to an employment opportunity for 12 weeks at no cost to the business, now sustaining 92% national job placement rate.

• Hiringourheroes.org
• Corporate Fellowship Program  
• Three Regional Managers
  • West Coast:  Rob  Comer             RComer@USChamber.com
  • Midwest: Sierra Schafer               Sschafer@USChamber.com
  • East Coast: Aleksandra Johnston  AJohnston@USChamber.com

Under the Hiring Our Heroes umbrella: 

• Service members are paid under the DOD Skillbridge to fund a 12 week transition period
• 36 hours weekly with 4 hours of CFP support
• No acquisition fee
• No placement fee 
• No percentage of salary fee 
• Resume reviews
• Remote interviews
• Available across the country
• Similar program available to military spouses
• Trades programs available

 Resume reviews and interviews happen the 8 weeks prior to each cohort start date.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Elizabeth Goettl, the inspirational CEO of Cristo Rey Network of Schools and a national award winning educator is interviewed about her expertise and successful leadership of the largest network of high schools serving students facing poverty in 37 cities across 24 states in the US.

• The Cristo Rey Network comprises 37 Catholic, college preparatory schools that today serve 13,000 students annually, of all faiths.
• CRN exclusively serves students from limited income families. 
• Mission effectiveness standards fill in academic gaps and elevate the level of rigor to ensure that students are ready for college.
• A Corporate Work Study Program provides an educational environment that equips students to excel in their undergraduate and post-graduate lives.
• 20,000 graduates and 98% students of color.
• Students gain four years of college preparatory education while gaining four years of workforce experience.
• Corporate partners often increase diversity while increasing job engagement.
• More than 60 university partners supports 90% college enrollment

Listen to this interview with Elizabeth and Lenora to hear so much more about how their program works to help students and businesses in the Corporate Work Study Program, providing benefits to both.

To join the movement and learn more, click the Cristo Rey Network and discover how you or your business can get involved.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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An interview of Lenora (me) by Marnie Swedberg from February 2020.  We cover five topics in fifteen minutes that can help with daily life:

• A New Normal
• Words to Create With
• All In
• Stable Love
• and for fun... Your Body Parts Know if You Don't Like Them

Enjoy!

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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I left and re-entered the workforce more than once while raising my two children. This episode answers the questions below and passes on keys to success that paid off well for me.  Though focused on moms, the wisdom can help anyone.

1. What prompted you to go back to work?
2. How do you know what type of job is best for you as you re-enter the job force? (Should you take a lower paying job at a good company with the hopes of moving up in the company?)
3. What are some tips for finding good jobs (job resources, word of mouth, training programs)?
4. What were some obstacles you had to overcome on your resume or with interviews (handling the gap)?
5. How can you accentuate your skills and experience to shine even if they are a bit aged?
6. How did you manage changes in the home when you started working (managing children schedules, food planning, pets, etc.)?
7. What do you do to balance work-life (spiritual, fitness, family, rest, etc.)?

In the end, make the most of every opportunity.  It isn't that hard to stand out, it's just really easy not to.

Link to resources discussed:
www.indeed.com
www.ziprecruiter.com
www.linkedIn.com

Your potential is greater than you think and you're worth the effort!

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Welcome to a unique interview with Rebecca Pratt, founder of OrphanReliefandRescue.org and author of two books; the second just published August 1, 2020. 

Rebecca shares real experiences from 15 years in West Africa and her organization's work to rescue children in the most difficult situations in a third world country. She dealt with corruption, human trafficking, and more. And with God's help, negative cultures started to change for the better for parents and children from abject poverty to mothers learning new sewing skills to help them support their own family and learning about God's great love for them and all human life.

These are the accountability groups discussed in the podcast:

• ECFA, Evangelical Christian Financial Accountability
• CAFO, Christian Alliance For Orphans
• Secular organization to check on organizations' IRS and 990 standings - Guidestar - website is: https://www.guidestar.org

Orphan Relief and Rescue’s website is www.orphanreliefandrescue.org

Rebecca's first book Inspired to Action can be ordered or downloaded at amazon.com with this link. 

Rebecca's second book Inspired to Live an Extraordinary Life, Even Through Difficult Circumstances can be ordered or downloaded with this link.

To see Rebecca's new book trailer, click on this link.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Investing is about a lot more than money. Does life just happen or can we change our future through investing?  Like a farmer, we can plant seeds for all kinds of different fruit.  It is long term thinking but the payoff and altered future is worth it in:

• Relationships
• Health
• Professional Skills
• Money

What do you want? What are you willing to invest?

Subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app.  Share this podcast with everyone who can use encouragement to invest in themselves.

For more episodes, go to Lenoradiane.com.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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We were created to win.  Life has its battles and we need our hopes up.  Lenora shares stories and always practical ideas on stirring up hope for a great future.  Things like...

• Use your imagination for good.
• Use your words to speak life.
• Discover how you're wired.
• Don't underestimate your talents.
• Grieve so you can move forward.
• Find reasons to laugh.

Books mentioned:  

• The Fourth Dimension - Dr Cho
• The People Code: Hartman Ph D
• Five Love Languages - Gary Chapman
• The Grief Recovery Handbook - John James & Russell Friedman

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Jose Ubeda, Senior Vice President Digital Solutions at Expeditors, shares his story from a teenager to a top Fortune 500 Executive.
From a bit of luck to the power of mentors, the right attitude and endurance, Jose found career success and a passion to give back to youth in multiple cities and countries.

A fun and honest conversation about opportunity and making the most of them.
Below are site links for documents and organizations mentioned during the interview:

• Opportunity Knocks In a Box
• Year Up
• Cristo Rey Network
• Avasar

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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From PTSD to Post Traumatic Growth.  Lenora interviews Ken Falke, 21 year Navy veteran, entrepreneur, co-author of Struggle Well and founder of Bouldercrest.org.  Many are familiar with PTSD and the intense challenges that can follow the aftermath of trauma but too few know of the hope that can be found in Post Traumatic Growth. 

After extensive research and disappointing data on the mental health treatments for PTSD, Ken came upon the research of Dr. Rich Tadeschi and Post Traumatic Growth. From there he began a partnership to document and scale what has been discovered through those who've gone on to thrive after trauma.

Boulder Crest foundation locations in Virginia and Arizona have been the proving ground to test and improve the program and now Boulder Crest Institute can equip others in the methodology to scale this effective program to countless other locations.

The interview and conversation is honest and brings awareness to the low percentage of success until this proven program approach.  You'll want to get the book "Struggle Well" and share this information with veterans and first responders struggling with PTS or PTSD.

Visit Bouldercrest.org for more information and to discover new hope for a future where individuals and their families can learn to thrive after trauma.

This podcast and video was recorded under the former podcast name "3Ps In A Pod" Episode 10, a podcast hosted by Lenora, daughter of a Korean War veteran and program Director for youth and veterans at a Fortune 500 company.
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An inspiring career story and a challenge for more companies to connect with young talent who need opportunity most.

Lenora interviews Dan Wall, President of Global Products, at Expeditors about his career story and pathway to success where he won multiple top awards, earned an MBA in his 40’s, founded a program called "Opportunity Knocks" and offers a challenge to other Fortune 500 Leaders to begin their own program like the one he founded for those who can use it most.

What we discussed…

Success Principles:

·       “I won’t let you down”

·       Taking an interest in others

·       How great service can lead to pay raises

·       The transition from manager to leader

·       Giving back and promoting opportunity

·       Great attitudes and great efforts to serve well

A corporate program founded to provide opportunity, mentoring and professional skills

A challenge to Fortune 500 Companies – Start your own “Opportunity Knocks” program that offers skills and opportunity to a young person who can use it most.  

           https://web.expeditors.com/opportunity-knocks/

           https://www.expeditors.com/about-us/sustainability

           https://www.seattleu.edu/business/executive/leadership-certificate/

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Early wins are smart for success on a new job.  This is a quick 10 minutes loaded with practical tips to set yourself up right.

Lenora shares what she's seen and done for early wins in a new role.
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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Sometimes we don't know how we will get through the challenges and storms of life.  Episode 7 shares honest stories from two moms who weathered some of life's storms and came out stronger on the other side.

Lenora is an international speaker, business leader and mom.  Lorinda is a business owner, wife, mother and friend.  They talk together about key things they did to get through tough situations and move through the battles they faced on to new hope and success.

From faith, to forgiveness and asking for help they found their way through their battles and even kept a sense of humor.

Sponsored by:
Lenoradiane.com
EnvisionUconsulting.com

A few recommended speakers Lenora still listens to today:  Malcolm Smith; Joel Osteen; Christine Cain; Andrew Womack; Les Brown; Jim Rohn; John Maxwell; Joyce Meyer

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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Comfort Zones are zones where we are comfortable...and where we tend to spend most of our time.  What if you want a new one?  Fear will work to keep you from stepping out. The host shares how she overcame intense fear and learned that failure is part of the process for success.
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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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3Ps in a Pod is about discovering purpose, connecting pathways and pondering perspectives.  Host Lenora Diane interviews Kandis Foley, an agile certified practitioner and professional scrum master who successfully home schooled 5 children and has gone on to success in the tech industry.

With 40% of parents now interested in homeschooling their children, Kandis describes the key challenges of homeschooling and how to address them using current IT skills for software development teams.

Request a copy of Kandis Foley's free ebook at http://agilehomeeducation.com/  (pdf) or https://dl.bookfunnel.com/sowqfcksfs (epub & Kindle)!

As soon as I heard Kandis talk about what she was doing, we knew it would be a great interview for parents considering homeschooling in the Covid environment.

Kandis talks about her five secrets of homeschooling:

• Coach
• Advisor
• Community
• Team
• Celebrations

And how they help handle the three biggest struggles of homeschooling:

• Relationships
• Power struggles
• Sibling relationships

Stay in contact with Kandis via email at info@agilehomeeducation.com, as she will be adding more tools for home schooling in the future.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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To watch the video version (not originally intended for viewing...as you'll notice) watch here: Agile Home Education

Lenora shares ideas on how to encourage ourselves in life these days and talks about the items below...

• How do we strengthen ourselves?  
• Why is change so exhausting?
• Will my brain recover?

Ideas to consider...

• Pace yourself
• Put a good vision in front of your eyes
• Look at what is changing and what is not changing
• Laugh because you simply need to
• Use your imagination for your benefit
• What do you put into your ears and eyes?
• Who do you listen to, to encourage you?
• How do you talk to yourself?
• Would you want to be your own friend?
• Who can you reach out to?

If you aren't kind to you, it is really hard to be kind to others.
Do you enjoy yourself?
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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

Subscribe to  "Back to One"  on your favorite podcast app to receive new episodes when back in production.

Pathways: Supporting Girls Aging Out of Foster Care
Many are looking for practical ways to help young people with need. Lenora interviews Dr Natalie Ellington Founder & Executive Director, Eileen & Callie’s Place, an organization that supports girls who are aging out of the foster care system and an annual "Celebrate 18" event.   Contact Info:  Email: EileenandCallie@gmail.com Website: EileenandCalliesPlace.org  
 
They discuss some of the reasons for and struggles that come from foster care.  

• 23,000 age out annually (Nat’l Foster Institute)

What girls face when they age out:

• 24% will graduate high school (Ed Week) 
• 1 in 5 will become homeless (Nat’l Conference of State Legislatures)
• Only ½ will be employed by age of 24 (Annie Casey Foundation)
• 71% will become pregnant by 21 (Nat’l Foster Institute)  
• Many never received counseling until adults 

Extended care available in some states through 21 providing various services  

How does Eileen and Callie's place help them?

• Relationship 
• Mentoring
• Connecting them with resources  
• Celebrate 18: a major annual birthday event which, for some, is the first time a birthday is celebrated.

Each girl/story is different. Listen!  They haven’t been heard; listen to understand.

What do foster kids need most?

• Trusted adult – Social support (family connections)
• Housing; basic needs
• Jobs; internships
• Education
• Medical needs, including mental health

How can others get involved?
Eileenandcalliesplace.org ; In-Kind and capacity building assistance (web site; social media; financial; Celebrate 18)

• Treehouse – volunteer, host an event, advocate 
• Mockingbird Society – foster parents

Supporting a foster child and those who age out can change a life.  It can also be one of the most satisfying ways to bless someone else's life.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

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3Ps In A Pod is about discovering purpose, connecting pathways and sharing perspectives.  I have been working with connecting young people to opportunities for over 10 years now and it's allowed me to see a whole lot, learn about what I think are disconnections within education and the workforce, and disconnections with individuals knowing about opportunities.  I think there's a lot of ways we  can help solve those disconnections. 

Purpose: I grew up not really having any idea of what my talents were and pretty insecure about really having any. It turns out that a lot of things you may take for granted about yourself,  are the very talents you've been given. If you invest in your talents, they become skills and lo and behold, you can do things for a living that you're actually kind of naturally wired for.

I knew some things I wanted to do but didn't really believe I could do them, but I could.  So I want to help young people find out what their talents are, a bit about their own purpose and enjoy the pathway. 

Pathways: When you think about pathways, you may not have a very good idea of what the options even are. So it's hard to know what the heck you want to do if you don't even realize what's possible. So at different times in this podcast, different episodes, I want to share, various pathways. Sometimes there'll be interviews with people from different industries or different organizations and you'll get to learn about those. 

Perspectives: Then there's perspectives. That's a favorite topic of mine and a favorite word of mine lately, because boy, it's a time to be learning. It's a time to be listening to new perspectives right now in our world. A perspective is a point that you're viewing from, how you're seeing something, the angle you see it from.  However I grew up or however you grew up that became your "normal."  How we learn is kind of, line by line precept upon precept. We build experience. 

The downside of that is that you can lock in so strongly to the way you learn something or what you now have accepted as reality that you no longer see other options. That's the downside of  a single perspective.  

I share a bit of what I learned while volunteering in jails and prisons for five years.

I realized  each one of us have filters on how we hear. We have filters in how we think and when we say something, we assume everyone hears it like we mean it.  We assume, somehow, that others have the same perspective that I do. 

It's powerful to listen. It's powerful to learn, to see from someone else's perspective. In future episodes we'll have conversations and share stories and touch more on that. I just think it's too important not to include. 

Please click subscribe and give me feedback. Tell me what you want to hear about.  You have more potential in you than you've ever thought possible. Invest in yourself. 

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

Subscribe to  "Back to One"  on your favorite podcast app to receive new episodes when back in production.

Host Lenora Diane introduces her first podcast called "Back To One", formerly called three peas in a pod  (purpose , pathways, perspectives ).

Curious by nature she will, over time, talk about a lot of different topics. Sometimes just with Lenora and sometimes there will be interviews. If you're like her, a lot of people in your life make a difference for you.

The podcast is to help you if you're curious about your perspectives, curious about different ways in our life of how we can do things better or sometimes faster, and also purpose. When we find out our why, find out  how we're wired and what we really care about. It really helps us.  Do either what we do right now better or begin to shift over to things we really care about and can even more naturally make a greater difference.

Lenora grew up in the Northwest and was born in Southern California. She tells of one of her first memories at age two, a bit about her family and re-entering the workforce as a mom.  She's spent more than ten years helping youth, and now veterans, gain opportunity in workforce pathways.

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Note: Episode was recorded under the former podcast name of "3Ps in a Pod"

Subscribe to  "Back to One"  on your favorite podcast app to receive new episodes when back in production.