What does it really take to move from leading $6B+ in military sustainment to winning in corporate industry?

In this episode of PM-ProShow, retired Army CW5 Mike Theroux breaks down how senior military leaders can stop underselling themselves—and start translating readiness, sustainment, and change leadership into real civilian impact.

Mike shares how certifications like PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMI-ACP, and CCMP became accelerators in his transition, not just résumé fillers. We dig into what "future fight readiness" actually looks like at the unit level, how project management and Agile thinking sharpen both military and corporate teams, and what companies still get wrong about hiring—and retaining—veteran talent.

We wrap with a rapid-fire Blind Slot Rank Game ranking pay, work-life balance, leadership responsibility, sense of purpose, and civilian bureaucracy.

If you're preparing to transition, leading troops today, or hiring veterans tomorrow—this episode delivers clarity you can use.

This week on the PM-ProShow, we sit down with Brian Smetana — Inspector General NCO, senior Army leader, and 23-year veteran — to break down what it really takes to transition, lead, and win beyond the uniform.

Brian gives a raw, ground-level perspective on preparing for retirement after more than two decades of service across logistics, recruiting, law enforcement, and leadership. From the emotional side of transition to the practical tools that actually move the needle, he lays out what soldiers need now to own their next chapter.

We get into:

• How to approach military transition like a mission — and crush it.
• Why cross-trained, adaptable leaders dominate the future fight.
• How certifications like PMP and Agile strengthen soldiers today, not "after the Army."
• What companies get right (and wrong) when hiring and keeping veteran talent.
• What environment helps veterans thrive in the civilian world.
• Rapid-fire Blind Slot Rank Game — Brian ranks service experiences 1–5, no repeats.

Whether you're an active-duty leader, a transitioning service member, or a company trying to understand veteran firepower, this episode brings clarity, honesty, and straight-up value.

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Ken Killingsworth went from Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army to Director of Watco University — where he now leads leadership development and corporate learning for one of America's top transportation companies.

In this episode of The PM-ProShow, Ken sits down with us to talk about what it really takes to lead the leaders — in uniform and beyond. From designing learning systems that drive performance to mentoring service members through their transition, Ken shares the hard truths, practical wins, and lessons learned from nearly three decades in leadership.

We dig into:

• How he pivoted from military to corporate leadership without losing his sense of mission
• What veterans must do now to crush their transition (not just survive it)
• Why certifications like PMP® and Agile aren't just resume candy — they're force multipliers
• How companies can stop "hiring veterans" as a gesture and start leveraging them as strategic assets

If you're a service member, vet, or corporate leader who wants to keep winning after the uniform, this episode is your playbook.

In this episode of The PM Pro Show, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Uriel Reyes shares how earning his PMP certification accelerated his transition into civilian project management. Hear how military leadership translates into PM success, the impact of certification on landing jobs, and practical advice for veterans preparing to transition.

Confused about how to use your GI Bill to pay for certifications or training programs? In this episode of The PM-ProShow, Tim Dalhouse (PM-ProLearn CEO) and Everette Jackson (Maryland's State Approving Agency Associate Director) break it all down. Learn the difference between cert prep reimbursement and exam reimbursement, the forms you'll need (VA Form 22-10272 and 22-0803), and how to ensure your program is eligible in WEAMS.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• GI Bill Chapter 33 and Chapter 35 eligibility

• Certification vs. licensing vs. non-college degree programs

• What programs and test providers are approved

• How to get reimbursed (step-by-step)

• Common myths and mistakes veterans make

• Updates on new search tools and database issues

Whether you're pursuing PMP®, Lean Six Sigma, or another cert, this is your go-to resource for using your benefits effectively.

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#GIBill #VeteranBenefits #CertificationTraining #ProjectManagement #PMP #MilitaryTransition #PMProShow

In this episode, we catch up with Edward Watson—one of PM-ProLearn's very first students who earned his PMP back in 2017. Edward shares how certification opened doors, built credibility, and shaped the last eight years of his career. Tune in for an inspiring look at long-term success through project management.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill has evolved—but are you using it to its full potential? In this episode, we break down how the GI Bill now covers more than just college, including professional certifications like PMP, PMI-ACP, and more. We explore recent changes, walk through how you can use these benefits, and tackle common challenges veterans and service members face when trying to access this life-changing program.

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, planning your next career move, or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to maximize your GI Bill benefits.

Subscribe for more insights on military education benefits, career transitions, and professional certifications.

Drop your questions in the comments—we're here to help!