From the Marine Corps to McChrystal Group: Helping Build the Team of Teams

10/21/23 • 51 min

This week we're joined by Geoff Tokajer, a Principal at the McChrystal Group. We go deep into finding meaning outside of government service, and talk through the utility of an MBA.
(0:00) Intro and Background
(6:30) Struggling with identity: Making the tough decision to leave the military
(9:50) MBA discussion: what you get out of it and should you get one
(20:50) How was private sector culture different from the military
(23:24) Dealing with the loss of identity
(26:23) Transitioning to the McChrystal Group
(32:52) Is consulting the best career move after the military or being in the IC, and skills you need
(45:13) Helping veterans through Shield and Stripes

If you’d like to volunteer with, donate to, or learn more about Shield and Stripes, please visit their website at https://shieldsandstripes.org/
If you’re a transitioning military member, or a member of the IC, and are looking for additional advice, then reach out to Geoff through his LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofftokajer/)

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Leave a comment on X @reltopodcast
Email us at [email protected]

Previous Episode

From Analyst to Leadership Psychologist: Hustle and Confidence

On this episode we talk with Ashley P. and learn more about hustling, believing in yourself, and finding your tribe.
(0:00) Intro and Background
(3:23) How to understand when its time to leave
(5:14) Learning about Organizational psychology and getting the courage to leave the IC
(11:15) Decision on whether to pursue a PhD program
(15:40) Should you get your PhD?
(21:02) Dealing with imposter syndrome
(25:00) Building a personal brand, or lack thereof
(32:00) Breaking into consulting
(36:30) Important things to highlight in interviews
(40: 58) Salary negotiations
(44:50) Feeding the Wolf: Should you start your own LLC?

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Next Episode

Startups vs Established Companies: 3 Things to Consider When Deciding

In this week's episode we dig into the differences between start-ups and established companies and walk through why a start-up may be a good idea.
(0:00) Intro
(1:10) Three categories to consider
(1:34) Category 1 + important business questions to ask during the interview process
(13:45) Category 2 + blazing your own trail
(19:45) Job Hack for finding jobs
(22:30) Cameron’s un-paid advertisement for Silicon Slopes
(23:40) Category 3 + how much do you want to be a part of company culture

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REL TO Podcast - From the Marine Corps to McChrystal Group: Helping Build the Team of Teams

Transcript

Cam (00:01.238)
All right, everybody, welcome back to the Rel To Podcast. We have been really lucky recently with the suite of guests. And I think a lot of excitement today. We've been blessed to have Geoff Tokager join us today. Super interesting background and a lot of experience kind of navigating the gap between public sector, national security, and private sector. So Geoff, welcome aboard. Glad to have you with us.
Geoff "GT" Tokajer (00:31.176)
Thanks for having me guys, really