I have talked with numerous veterans who have told me that their identity was so intertwined with their military affiliation that they had a difficult time understanding who they were as an individual. When you aren’t sure who you are as a person, the path from service member to civilian can be a challenging one. We feel lost, unsure of next steps, and look for answers anywhere we can find them. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In today’s episode, Erin talks with Lacey Alexander, a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force. After retirement, Lacey spent 6 months of intentional work to transition from SMSgt Alexander to Lacey Alexander. Through coaching, self-reflection, and continuous learning she was able to define her values and vision to launch her own business and refine her focus to live in her purpose.
She now operates her Coaching, Consulting and Leadership Development business, Creative Solutions A2Z, focused on helping individuals and organizations succeed. Lacey also holds a number of roles in executive coaching, writing curriculum, doing instructional design, and teaching courses in partnership with companies such as Sayge, Resilience Building Leader Program (RBLP), Rutgers University, Freedom Learning Group and The Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development. Her overarching goal is to live a life continuing to grow, and supporting others on their growth journey.
While serving, Lacey was fortunate to be stationed in multiple locations around the world, and lead multi-national teams in locations to include: Okinawa, Japan, Germany, Italy, and deployments to multiple countries in the Middle East. This experience expanded her world view and created a passion for travel and appreciation of the rich cultures around the world.
To connect with Lacey:
https://linktr.ee/CreativeSolutionsa2z
To connect with Erin:
Life After the Uniform Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifeaftertheuniform
Life After the Uniform Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSilverPodcast
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/erinsilverpodcast/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
American Corporate Partners: https://www.acp-usa.org/
Boots to Business: https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-business#section-header-0
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg