Identity and Belonging A Career Pathing Program
It's people like Jacob who inspire me with the passion of building the why. From his 'why,' I'm going to connect the 'what.' And as future collaborators…we are going to make a difference in the lives of many. For starters, we have a problem impacting the Veteran Community. My name is Dr. Keith Castille. Today I'm going to introduce you to ID.BE. In short…Identity and Belonging….A Career Pathing Program that will aim to change the lives of 100,000 warriors in the veteran-connected community by the year 2029. I've devoted the last 12 years to researching, dissecting, and speaking about enhancing human capital worldwide. Identity and belonging is a critical component of human behavior, especially seeking a path after military service. This is not ONLY a passion. This is personal.
Imagine receiving a phone call at 2 in the morning
It’s not what you know it’s who you know. If you’re not net working, you may find yourself NOT WORKING.
Career Transitioning Programs Not Prepared Properly for Transition
When discussing career transitioning programs, 47% found it difficult. Close to half felt that they were not prepared properly for transition.
A Gap Exists to Leave No Servicemember Behind
Let’s keep in honest in this room. With over 5000 programs in the transition arena,
A gap exists. ID.BE was created to not only fill the gaps, but to challenge existing programs to LEAVE NO servicemember and family member connected to the military community behind. Spouses like Heather Campbell and Jennifer Blazier who took a backseat to ensure that their spouses can answer our nation's call. Who's answering their calls after a combined 16 PCS moves. Who's ensuring that they have the mentoring, counseling, and tools to INTENTIONALLY connect to where they want to be. Where they feel their identity is intact. Where they know they belong. Last question…What about the kids in this equation.
How will ID.BE do this: Through a structured 4-phase career pathing process. We do this through---Initial Assessment, Pathway Selection, Partnerships for Success, and Ongoing Support.
A One Stop Shop Coaching and Mentorship with Tactical Compass and Narrative Pro
WE are A ONE STOP SHOP. From Coaching and Mentorship to include Mental Health Counseling. Innovative, descriptive, comprehensive AI assessments like Tactical Compass and Narrative Pro that will help clients understand and translate their military service and where they are most optimal. AND THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IS ID. BE'S SECRET SAUCE. Tactical Compass will employ a cutting edge AI assessment that will strategically aid in identifying one’s identity and belonging. While Narrative Pro, used by 44,0000 individuals in its beta…has proven the capabilities to translate military writing into industry standard terminology. Resumes, CVs…YOU Name it.
Through this method, a dedicated career pathway is brought into focus, agreed upon, and committed to.
Meet Amber Mitchell. Served 25 years in the Air and Space Force. After a few attempts working in the federal space, she pursued her passion in the salsa business. By receiving mentorship, counseling, and information on access to funding, she is well on her way to take “BETTER THAN YOURS SALSA” to heights unimaginable.
Or maybe it’s the path Chris took. Upskilling and Reskilling. He is weapons technician in the Air Force. Aka a bomb loader putting warheads on foreheads. Unfortunately, his work on the flightline does not translate well to an industry and passion he loves. Being able to provide skills that would enhance his current occupation, or reskill to critical jobs such as welding, AC repair, or plumbing. There is an ocean of possibilities.
Like my buddy Justin Reeves. His passion of the intelligence community and emerging tech is a skill that’s highly sought after. We need Justin in a place that will accept him, care for him, and continue to grow his passion. Locating organizations in the tech sector will be crucial to transfer his skills to a world of quantum or nano technology.
People like Subi who has a passion and skill that he would love to take to an organization that builds a community of hope like the DAV, VSO, the Salvation Army, you name it….he is ready to add value to their team. We need to help him locate an organization that would match his skills to a passion and will key in on his identity of being a world change agent.
Programs Fail Because Support Is Short-Term ID.BE Provides 24 Months of Support
A percentage of programs fail in assisting the veteran community because their support to their clients is short-term. ID.BE is structured to provide 24 months of support. Because we understand life happens. Moreover, there is a likelihood that returning to the HUB for reevaluation is warranted.
Earlier I referred to ID.BE as the hub. But ecosystem is the magic sauce.
Synergize Efforts Across the Four Pathways
I challenge business leaders in the room to find ways to synergize efforts across the four pathways discussed. Let's align our mission to help 100,000 members of our community career path by 2029.
Every person connected to our military is told, "Thank you for your service". After service, we MUST DO everything we can to ensure that our promise is kept. Let's change the narrative to: "HOW can WE be of SERVICE TO YOU…To ensure you're IDENTITY and BELONGING isnt lost after serving this great nation. In less than six short months, we are set to open our doors to change lives across America…ONE heartbeat at a time. Thank YOU!!!!
