Podcast Summary: The Unshakeables – "Empowering Veterans for Success: Warrior-Scholar Project"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Unshakeables titled "Empowering Veterans for Success: Warrior-Scholar Project," host Ben Walter delves into the transformative journey of Ryan Pavel, a military veteran turned lawyer. Ryan's story epitomizes resilience and unwavering commitment as he navigates the unexpected challenges of leading the Warrior Scholar Project (WSP) amid organizational upheaval. Joining Ryan is Mark Elliott, Managing Director and Global Head of Veteran Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, who offers invaluable insights into supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Ryan Pavel’s Journey

Ryan Pavel’s path to the Warrior Scholar Project was anything but straightforward. Growing up in a privileged suburb, Ryan faced early setbacks, including a rejection from the University of Illinois. Seeking direction, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where his aptitude for languages led him to specialize in Arabic.

Ryan Pavel [00:24]: "I didn't realize how much depended on it until I actually got a look at the full financials."

Despite initial struggles with rigorous language training, Ryan's determination saw him excelling as an Arabic translator in Iraq. His military service provided him with a unique skill set and a drive to serve his community further. Transitioning to civilian life, Ryan encountered the complexities of higher education, navigating the GI Bill's limitations and ultimately transferring to the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in International Relations.

Ryan Pavel [12:08]: "One of the big challenges is, particularly when you're junior enlisted, the question of why is not acceptable."

Ryan’s academic journey was marked by perseverance, balancing active duty with education, and eventually earning his law degree from the University of Virginia. His commitment to supporting fellow veterans led him to the Warrior Scholar Project, where he aimed to replicate and expand the program’s success.

The Warrior Scholar Project

The Warrior Scholar Project is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping enlisted veterans for success in higher education and beyond. Founded in 2012 by Christopher Howell, WSP provides structured academic boot camps that prepare veterans for the challenges of university life.

Ryan Pavel's involvement with WSP began part-time while juggling his legal career. When WSP received a substantial grant, Ryan was offered the role of Executive Director. However, just as he was stepping into this leadership position, the original Executive Director departed, leaving Ryan to navigate the complexities of sustaining the organization.

Ryan Pavel [21:19]: "I need everybody to be able to contribute to the thing and I need to have regular communication with this large granter and to be able to say, hey, here's the deadlines."

Faced with incomplete grant applications and operational challenges, Ryan’s unshakeable determination led him to confront these issues head-on. His proactive approach not only salvaged the grant but also solidified his role as a leader within WSP. Under his guidance, the organization has grown significantly, serving over 2,500 veterans through academic programs with a remarkable 90% degree completion rate.

Ryan Pavel [23:20]: "The percent of students that complete their degrees within six years for all veterans is about 47%. For our students, it's about 90%."

Supporting Veterans: Challenges and Strengths

Mark Elliott from JPMorgan Chase offers a broader perspective on the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and the unique strengths they bring to the private sector.

Mark Elliott [25:07]: "We tend to suffer in silence because we've been taught to solve problems. We've been taught to deliver without having to constantly run back for instructions."

Veterans often grapple with finding a new mission outside the military, adapting to different organizational cultures, and overcoming the ingrained tendency to solve problems independently without seeking help. Despite these challenges, veterans bring invaluable attributes to the workforce, including adaptability, leadership, and robust problem-solving skills.

Mark Elliott [26:52]: "I'm adaptive. I do know how to problem solve. I know how to take large organizations and do amazing things with them."

For aspiring veteran entrepreneurs, Mark emphasizes that military service inherently involves managing small teams, maintaining equipment, and delivering results—skills directly translatable to running a business.

Mark Elliott [27:06]: "We're already small business owners. We just don't think of it that way."

Advice and Insights

In the latter part of the episode, Ryan Pavel shares crucial advice for aspiring business owners, highlighting the importance of relationships.

Ryan Pavel [30:20]: "Everything is about relationships. ... it's much more about the longer-term view of saying, hey, there's something to just being able to build that relationship and then to be able to trust each other."

Building authentic and meaningful relationships can lead to transformative opportunities, as evidenced by WSP securing a $5 million grant through strategic networking and trustworthy connections.

Conclusion

This episode of The Unshakeables underscores the profound impact that dedicated individuals like Ryan Pavel and supportive organizations like the Warrior Scholar Project have on the lives of veterans transitioning to civilian success. With the backing of leaders like Mark Elliott and institutions like JPMorgan Chase, veterans are empowered to leverage their skills, build meaningful relationships, and achieve remarkable achievements in higher education and entrepreneurship.

Mark Elliott [28:15]: "Know that you're not out there by yourself... organizations like that are ways that you can tap into."

Ryan Pavel’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of community support, and the enduring spirit of The Unshakeables—those who stand firm in the face of adversity to create lasting positive change.