Eric Wright’s Journey to Veterans’ Empowerment in the Workplace

• Eric Wright embodies the veteran life and values: honor, courage, and commitment.
• He shares the similarities between military missions and project management, and how this helps ease the transition of a veteran into a project manager.
• Eric believes that in order to create a project from scratch, one has to first visualize the goal and reverse-engineer their way into achieving it.

1. Could you tell us about your values and how they shaped who you are today?

While I may not explicitly recognize them all the time, my values have undeniably shaped me. 

Like a golfer learning from the ball’s trajectory or a sailor guided by the wind, I believe in the power of reflection. It’s through self-reflection that I gain self-awareness, which is a crucial step to positive change.

Another core value comes from my father’s words: “Do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.” This resonates with me deeply. It’s easy to act with integrity when everyone’s observing, but true character shines through in private moments. 

Finally, integrity. It’s the foundation of trust, essential in both business and personal relationships. From the bond with a pet who relies on you to the complex web of professional connections, trust is built on integrity. These two values are inseparable for me.

2. Tell us about your dynamic professional journey. What role do you enjoy the most?

Throughout my career, I’ve navigated both challenging and rewarding experiences. Whether it’s teaching university courses, leading project management workshops, or mentoring young professionals, the most fulfilling aspect remains the same: igniting passion. Passion is the fuel that propels us through adversity. It cultivates grit, determination, and unwavering commitment, not just in ourselves, but in those we inspire. 

Our passions guide us toward fulfilling roles. This belief has led me to gravitate towards opportunities that allow me to leverage my skills and knowledge to empower others. When others rely on you, delivering your best helps build trust. It becomes the cornerstone of any strong team. Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” beautifully captures this idea– our thoughts hold immense power to shape reality. In my experience, cultivating passionate focus is the most empowering skill we can possess.

3. Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they influenced your life?

My parents, step-parents, aunts, and uncles were all my mentors. Imposter syndrome was a persistent challenge, but these mentors helped me explore and learn new skills, roles, and environments. Now, I pay it forward by mentoring thousands of veterans annually. My advice is to find mentors in your field—they’ve walked a similar path. 

That said, mentorship isn’t always formal. I’ve learned immensely from project managers, professors, and even colleagues who excelled in their roles. Their work ethic, expertise, and life values became valuable lessons for me. 

But remember, mentorship is a two-way street. Mentors offer guidance and support, but success ultimately requires dedication and hard work.

4. How have relationships with others affected your career?

My network of friends within the project management industry is invaluable. I constantly learn from their expertise through books, videos, and simply by following their journeys. 

One of my areas of research interest is first principles thinking. I was recently published in the First Principles Thinking Institute’s online journal, which gave me a supportive community of mentors and friends. These relationships have broadened my knowledge and fueled my research interests.

Additionally, my close friend, who runs a veterans’ entrepreneurship center, has become a valuable mentor. His real-world experiences, both as an Air Force veteran and an entrepreneur, gave me so much to learn in life. His friendship and guidance significantly impacted my understanding of entrepreneurship. 

That’s why I value genuine relationships because I know that they have significantly shaped my values, perspectives, and career growth.

5. You’re interested in how veterans transition to civilian life. You’ve even authored several books on the topic, one of them being “How to Speak Civilian.” What was the thought process behind this book and what inspired you to write it?

As a university professor with a naturally inquisitive mind, I’ve always questioned conventional approaches. I constantly analyze processes and seek ways to optimize outcomes. This curiosity led me to observe the challenges veterans faced as students. Many veterans transitioning to college struggled because they weren’t sure how the civilian world worked.

The inspiration for “How to Speak Civilian” came about by luck. A student simply asked, “Do you have these tips written down anywhere?” And then it hit me. So, I decided to write a book resource -– a compilation of advice that I’d been giving for years specifically for veterans who were transitioning to civilian life. 

“How to Speak Civilian” is like an orientation guide for college graduates entering the workforce for the first time. It answers practical questions covering what to expect on your first day, how different departments function, and why your boss’s long-term plan matters. It became an Amazon bestseller, and I’m proud to offer it to veterans for free.

6. What inspired you to establish Vets2PM?

After finishing my PhD, I worked as a professional project manager. One interesting project involved revamping a project management curriculum. 

During this project, I met veterans from India, the UK, Europe, Africa, and South America. They shared a common observation: the skills used in military missions and project management were remarkably similar. Both involve creating value for an organization through a team, with a defined plan and temporary timeframe. 

This sparked a realization that veterans already possess many project management skills. I helped them translate their experience into a globally recognized project management certification through translation and credential training and career placement.

Another influential factor was Eric Ries’ book “The Lean Startup.” The book challenges the traditional startup model of massive investment and upfront product development. Instead, it proposes a leaner approach, where startups quickly test a minimal product and iterate based on user feedback. 

Inspired by both the veterans’ skills and the “Lean Startup” philosophy, we gathered a group of veterans and presented the idea that they would make great project managers. They saw potential, and Vets2PM was born.

7. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and what are the lessons you took away from those experiences?

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been gaining the trust of those I aim to help. It can be frustrating when people are skeptical, but I’ve learned that trust takes time and consistent effort. 

Another challenge has been managing expectations. Success rarely happens overnight. Just like getting physically fit, it requires ongoing commitment and hard work. People often underestimate the countless hours and dedication behind achievements. 

As an entrepreneur, I’ve also faced the challenge of navigating uncertainty. I’ve learned the value of experimentation-–trying things out quickly to see what works and what doesn’t. Failing fast allows for course correction and faster progress.

Perhaps the most crucial lesson is the importance of perseverance. Entrepreneurship requires unwavering belief in your vision, even when others doubt you. It’s like launching a rocket-–the initial thrust is critical, but once you gain momentum, you can overcome obstacles.

8. What do you enjoy the most and the least about your work, respectively?

The most rewarding part of my work is serving others. That’s what fuels my passion. Even when things get challenging, I remember that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself, and that others depend on me to fulfill my role. 

On the flip side, the most frustrating aspect is the constant time constraints. Time is our most precious resource, and there’s no way to get more of it. As I get older, this reality motivates me to establish systems and processes that empower others to carry on the work I do.

9. What book would you recommend to our readers and why?

I recommend the book, Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. This book explores how Abraham Lincoln led the country during a time of incredible division and hardship. 

What makes this book so relevant is its focus on real-world examples of leadership in a messy, challenging environment—much like the situations we all face in life. There’s no one-size-fits-all leadership manual, but this book offers practical takeaways you can apply.

One of the fascinating leadership lessons from Lincoln is his approach to written communication. He would draft responses in the heat of the moment, and then revisit them later with a clear head. This allowed him to capture his initial passion while also ensuring his message was logical and well-reasoned.

The book also highlights the difference between management and true leadership. While managers plan, organize, and oversee tasks, leaders go a step further. They connect with their people, understand their challenges, and lead from the front. President Lincoln exemplified this by being the only sitting president to be under fire-–a testament to his commitment to being present with his troops. He spent significant time outside the White House, directly connecting with the people he led.

10. What are some principles from the military that you think we can apply to our work habits in the office?

My military background instilled valuable principles that translate well to the civilian workforce. The Army, where I served, emphasizes honor, courage, and commitment. These aren’t just words on a plaque, they guide our everyday decisions.

Courage is a big one. It takes guts to tell the truth, admit mistakes, and ask for help. In the office, this might look like speaking up about a new idea even if it feels risky.

Commitment is another key principle. I don’t make promises lightly, but when I do, I follow through. The same goes for deadlines and projects in the workplace.

Finally, strive for excellence. Don’t just meet the minimum requirements-–exceed them. Think of it like this: if you’re going to invest time and effort into a task, why not give it your all and achieve the best possible outcome?

11. Could you describe your leadership style and how it has evolved?

Leadership is a complex topic, easy to spot when lacking but tricky to define. Over time, I have embraced a flexible approach, drawing from various styles depending on the situation. 

For example, if I am working with someone new to project management, even if they’re highly skilled overall, I might use a more directive approach. This guidance isn’t a reflection on their competence, but rather a way to equip them for success in this specific situation. 

On the other hand, if someone expresses a passion for a particular task, I might shift to a more supportive style. I’d acknowledge their enthusiasm, and ask how I can best guide them towards completing it. This style, sometimes viewed negatively, is crucial for building strong relationships with your team. It’s about being attentive and observant without micromanaging.

My ideal leadership style is the one that adapts to the situation and people involved. This way, I can empower my team and achieve the best possible outcome.

12. What advice would you give to young people trying to be innovative and what is your secret for growth?

For aspiring innovators, my first piece of advice is, to begin with the end in mind. Set clear, specific goals-–what problem do you want to solve? Knowing your destination allows you to plan backward and outline the steps to get there. This clarity of purpose will guide your decisions on what to build, who to serve, and how to generate revenue.

The secret to my growth has been the power of visualization. Like athletes who visualize their perfect performance, I visualize the successful outcome of my projects. This mental picture fuels my commitment and guides my execution. The clearer the goal, the more focused my efforts become. Just like visualizing a perfect golf shot, a strong mental image increases the likelihood of success.

13. What is the one piece of advice you would share with your younger self?

Looking back, I would advise my younger self to cultivate self-awareness. It’s easy to wonder “what if” about different choices, but the truth is, those experiences, both good and bad, shaped who I am today.

While there are things I wish I’d done differently, dwelling on them is not helpful. Instead, self-awareness is key. Ask yourself: “Am I happy with where I’m at? Does this align with my goals and aspirations?” If not, you have the power to make changes. But if the answer is yes, keep moving forward.

Eric Wright’s journey embodies veteran values. His inquisitive nature fueled a constant quest to understand the world. By relentlessly asking insightful questions, Eric didn’t just find solutions to problems but also tackled some of life’s biggest, long-standing questions.