In this episode of "Stories of Service," the host, Theresa Carpenter, introduces her guest, Rich Cardona, a former Marine pilot who transitioned into a successful podcaster. The discussion covers Rich's journey and experiences, highlighting his transition from military life into the digital media space. His accomplishments include launching his own company, Rich Cardona Media, and creating the top 50 ranked podcast, "The Leadership Locker," which shares insights to help transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs.
I’m a retired Marine so my goal in life is to keep things SIMPLE and to always move with a sense of urgency.
Rich Cardona's Philosophy:
Communication is far more complex than we imagine. Because we need to do things like reach an audience, lead a team, persuade a potential buyer, or make sure we don't add friction to our relationships - we need to be able to be chameleons when we communicate. Learning about communication has made me a better husband, father, business owner, creator, and friend. Rich's commitment to authenticity and personal growth has earned him a spot among the top 50 podcasters, making him a beacon of hope for those embarking on similar journeys.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Transitioning Challenges and Rewards: Moving from military life to the digital media space presents its own set of challenges, but the rewards are equally fulfilling.
✔️ Audience Understanding and Content Creation: Success lies in understanding your audience and crafting content that resonates deeply with them.
✔️ Authenticity in Social Media: In an era dominated by social media, authenticity reigns supreme. Being genuine and true to oneself is key to building a strong personal brand.
✔️ Leveraging LinkedIn: Platforms like LinkedIn offer vast opportunities for personal branding and networking, providing a gateway to professional growth.
✔️ Continuous Learning: Adaptation and constant learning are essential for thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media.
✔️ Career Control and Satisfaction: Taking control of your career path empowers you to pursue your passions and find fulfillment in your endeavors.
💡 Discussion Points:
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Understanding Your Audience: How can creators effectively analyze their audience and tailor content to meet their needs?
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Authenticity vs. Perception: Balancing authenticity with the curated image often demanded by social media platforms.
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LinkedIn as a Personal Branding Tool: Strategies for utilizing LinkedIn to enhance personal branding and professional networking.
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Staying Ahead in Digital Media: Tips for staying abreast of industry trends and continuously evolving in the digital sphere.
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Empowering Career Choices: The benefits and challenges of forging your own career path and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
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About Theresa Carpenter:
With 28 years of military service, including multiple deployments overseas and in combat zones, I currently hold the position of Chief Public Affairs Officer for Allied Maritime Command, the maritime lead for NATO. As an active duty communication strategist and Navy commander, I've served as a Surface Warfare Officer and an enlisted aviation electrician’s mate.
For more than three years, I've hosted a podcast, "S.O.S. (Stories of Service)," featuring over 130 episodes that explore stories of transformational growth through the lens of advocacy for veterans, active duty personnel and military families. The show, inspired by my childhood trauma, aims to understand how individuals can overcome suffering and advocate for positive change.
My blog provides a platform to share insights through storytelling, emphasizing personal accountability and kindness towards humans and animals. Professionally, my record as a communicator reflects innovation, technical expertise, advocacy, strategic vision, and a penchant for thinking outside the box.
The podcast airs live on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and major platforms like Apple and Spotify. I'm passionate about highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary work and fostering a community that embraces personal growth, institutional reform, and kindness.
***Personal account - not DoD endorsed.***
