Name:  Jeannine Bennett

Where were you born?
Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin.  However, I have been living in Virginia Beach, VA for more than 30 years.

Biggest transition I have faced in life?
I have faced many transitions in my life, so I will go with the most recent. Back in September 2017, I decided to walk away from a prominent, well-paying position with the federal government to pursue my passion of helping others through my own business. At the time, I was a strategic communication specialist and an advisor to the Commander of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, a two-star EOD Admiral. Walking away, was a tough decision because I worked hard to become the Director of the Commanders Action Group. I was afforded many opportunities by leadership and was jumping quickly through the wickets for the coveted Senior Executive Service SES) track. Truth be told, it felt good to finally have a seat at the table; however, sitting at the table took me away from what I really loved to do and that was helping the warfighter.

I knew to get back on course and follow my dream I would need to make a change or risk getting too comfortable and never pursue it.  So, I left and started a small business called Vision to Purpose on October 1, 2017. At Vision to Purpose we focus on helping others by providing tailored career, life and business solutions. Many of my clients are transitioning military members.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
There are no do overs in life. Enjoy the life you have been given, take more risks and don’t let anyone tell you your worth!

What is your why?
To be a light for others so they can find their way!

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
Helping people is part of my core as a human being. It doesn’t matter what role I possess mom, wife, professor, coach, leader, business owner, employee…I need to know I am helping others reach their goals.

According to the Gallup Strengths Finder, my Top 5 include:
Achiever
Learner
Context
Input
Discipline

This means, I have a very strong drive; I love to learn and am very inquisitive. Some would say I am a bit of a research geek, which is probably why I earned a doctoral degree. I love information and seeing how things fit together like a puzzle to be solved. Finally, I am a planner. I believe my why, my strengths and my experience in both the military and civilian environments is what makes me well suited to help our THF fellows with a seamless transition.

Military Connection:
I worked for the Navy for 10 years as a civil servant and trained with service members as part of the 10 month Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program.

Most of my family members have served in the military (grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, husband etc.) Navy, Army and Marine Corps.

Favorite THF Value & Why:
Be YOU
Fierce Empathy
Practice Artistry

Guiding Principle:
Feedback is a gift!

Without feedback it is hard to make things better.  You need to ask people around you for their thoughts because your perception and reality might not be the same.

Areas of Expertise:
Leadership, organization and management, executive coaching, resume writing, strategic communication, professional development, and training.