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36:26
When the Badge Is Taken Away: Rebuilding After Law Enforcement
š What happens when your entire identity is stripped away overnightāand youāre forced to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam sits down with Matt Seeberāformer Albany Police Department officer, Marine Corps veteran, attorney, real estate investor, and president of a veteran-owned construction company. Matt shares his raw and unfiltered story: from finding brotherhood in law enforcement, to being suspended during a politically charged moment in policing, to having his name and reputation publicly dismantledāwhile fighting for his future. This conversation goes far beyond career change. Itās about identity loss, resilience, faith, discipline, and what it really takes to rebuild when the plan you had for your life disappears. In this episode, we cover: ⢠Why so many veterans and cops seek brotherhood after service ⢠The reality of being suspended, vilified, and left in limbo ⢠How public perception can derail identityāand how to reclaim it ⢠Planning your exit before youāre forced to leave ⢠Using short-term, long-term, and āimpossibleā goals to regain control ⢠Why discipline and work ethic give former cops a massive edge ⢠Translating law enforcement grit into business leadership ⢠Leaving the pension mindset and trusting your ability to adapt ⢠Finding purpose after law enforcementāand doing work that matters Today, Matt leads large-scale construction projects for the Department of Veterans Affairsāhelping improve the infrastructure that serves those who served. If youāre a police officer, veteran, or high-performer questioning whatās nextāor rebuilding after a setbackāthis episode is required listening. š Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ā± Chapters: 00:00 ā Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:15 ā Mattās Path from the Marine Corps to Policing 04:10 ā Brotherhood, SWAT, and Career Momentum 08:40 ā The Incident That Changed Everything 14:30 ā Public Scrutiny, Suspension & Identity Loss 18:10 ā Law School, Faith & Rebuilding from Rock Bottom 22:45 ā Goal Setting When the Future Is Unclear 27:00 ā Finding Direction After Law Enforcement 30:10 ā Work Ethic: The Cop Advantage in Business 34:10 ā What Matt Would Do Differently 36:00 ā Final Advice for Officers Facing the Transition #CopToCorporate, #MatthewSeeber, #LawEnforcementTransition, #CareerReinvention, #VeteranEntrepreneur, #LifeAfterTheBadge, #Discipline, #Resilience, #Leadership, #FaithAndWork, #CareerPivot, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio
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27:24
Planning the Exit Before Itās Forced: A Smarter Career Transition from Public Service to Corporate
š Leaving military or law enforcement service without a plan can turn one of lifeās biggest transitions into a costly mistakeābut it doesnāt have to. In this episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Eric Kreadyāa retired U.S. Army Military Police officer with over 20 years of service and a leader in the civilian security industry. Eric shares how he successfully transitioned from a lifetime in uniform into corporate security and why most service members wait far too long to prepare for life after service. Eric is also a driving force behind Operation Career Change, a global initiative built by veterans and law enforcement professionals to provide free, real-world transition tools for those entering civilian security careers. This conversation explores: Why most military and law enforcement transitions fail The dangers of waiting until your final year to prepare How to build a professional network that actually helps post-service Translating military and police experience into civilian language Why professional certifications are becoming essential in hiring How career mapping creates a competitive advantage Why security careers preserve purpose, service, and identity The importance of not transitioning alone Whether youāre active duty, approaching retirement, or already navigating life after service, this episode delivers practical guidance and hard-earned insight to help you transition with confidence. š Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ā± Chapters 00:00 ā Welcome to Cop to Corporate 01:15 ā Ericās Path from Enlisted Soldier to Army Officer 03:10 ā Facing Transition After a Lifetime in Uniform 04:30 ā Why Career Transition Feels So Daunting 06:00 ā The Gap in Law Enforcement Transition Resources 08:30 ā Discovering ASIS International 10:20 ā What Is Operation Career Change? 13:30 ā Career Mapping & Competitive Positioning 16:15 ā Translating Military & Police Experience 18:45 ā Why Certifications Matter More Than Ever 21:00 ā Building the Right Professional Network 23:10 ā Why Security Careers Attract Veterans & Officers 24:55 ā Ericās Three Rules for a Successful Transition 26:30 ā Where to Find Resources & Get Help 27:00 ā Final Advice for Those Preparing to Exit Service #CopToCorporate, #EricKready, #OperationCareerChange, #MilitaryTransition, #LawEnforcementTransition, #SecurityCareers, #CareerReinvention, #LifeAfterService, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #VeteranLeadership, #CareerStrategy, #SamTierney, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio
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32:32
Undercover to Entrepreneur: Jen Benjaminsā Identity, Purpose, and Reinvention After the Badge
šØ Leaving law enforcement isnāt just a career changeāitās an identity shift that can shake your purpose, relationships, and mental health. In this powerful episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Jen Benjamins, a retired Las Vegas Metro Police Department detective, supervisor, and undercover operator with 22 years of service. Jen opens up about the hidden psychological toll of undercover work, the emotional crash after retirement, and the brutal reality many officers face when the job ends and the purpose disappears. Jen shares her deeply personal transitionāfrom depression, loss of identity, and broken relationships to rebuilding her life, reconnecting with her kids, and launching Covert Blue LLC, a training company dedicated to preparing the next generation of investigatorsāespecially women in undercover roles. This conversation explores: - The psychological impact of undercover work and supervision - Why retirement can trigger depression, loss of purpose, and isolation - The danger of neglecting family relationships during a policing career - What Jen wishes she had done differently before leaving the job - Why officers must plan emotionallyānot just financiallyāfor retirement - How to rebuild identity and purpose after the badge comes off - Turning specialized law enforcement experience into a business - Why vulnerability and asking for help can save lives - Advice for officers facing retirement, burnout, or transition This episode is raw, honest, and essential listening for anyone in law enforcementāor anyone who loves someone in the professionāwho wants to understand what life after the badge really looks like. š Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ā± Chapters: 00:00 ā Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:05 ā Jenās Path into Law Enforcement 02:40 ā Jumping Straight into Undercover Work 03:55 ā The Decision to Retire at 45 05:10 ā Crisis, Burnout, and Family Wake-Up Calls 06:45 ā Life Immediately After Retirement 08:15 ā Loss of Identity, Depression, and Isolation 10:30 ā Rebuilding Purpose and Relationships 12:45 ā The Psychological Toll of Policing 15:40 ā Suicide Awareness and the Cost of Silence 16:30 ā What Jen Would Do Differently 18:40 ā The Importance of Checking Out from the Job 20:10 ā Finding Identity Outside Law Enforcement 21:25 ā Turning Experience into a Business 24:20 ā Skills That Transfer to Entrepreneurship 27:20 ā Courage, Rejection, and Building a Company 27:55 ā Top Three Pieces of Advice for Retiring Officers 30:40 ā Where to Find Jen and Her Training #CopToCorporate, #LifeAfterTheBadge, #LawEnforcementTransition, #UndercoverWork, #WomenInPolicing, #PoliceWellness, #MentalHealthAwareness, #CareerAfterCops, #Entrepreneurship, #CovertBlue, #JenBenjamins, #SamTierney, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio
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51:06
The Side Hustle Crossroads: When Your Business Starts Pulling You Away From The Badge
š Transitioning out of law enforcement is challenging, but it can also open doors to entrepreneurship and global opportunities. In this episode of Cop2Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Chase Williamsāa former Marine, police officer, entrepreneur, and private security professionalāto unpack the lessons, mindset shifts, and strategies that helped him navigate multiple career pivots. Chase shares his journey from the patrol streets of Denver to launching a successful car and motorcycle rental business, and eventually into the paramilitary security industry overseas. This conversation explores: - How discipline and respect from law enforcement translate to entrepreneurial success - Maintaining flexibility in high-stakes, unpredictable environments - Time management strategies for side hustles while working full-time - Financial preparation and realistic expectations for career transitions - The importance of mentorship, networking, and surrounding yourself with high performers - Finding purpose and alignment in your career after leaving law enforcement Whether youāre considering leaving law enforcement, starting a business, or navigating a high-risk career pivot, Chaseās story offers practical insights and inspiration. š Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ā± Chapters 00:00 ā Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:10 ā Meet Chase Williams & Career Background 03:05 ā Military Service and Transition to Law Enforcement 05:18 ā Why Chase Left Full-Time Patrol 06:37 ā Starting an Entrepreneurial Side Hustle 09:05 ā Time Management & Sacrifices for Entrepreneurship 12:10 ā Emotional Journey of Leaving Law Enforcement 15:01 ā Growth and Challenges of the Rental Business 20:11 ā Law Enforcement Skills That Translate to Business 25:22 ā Discipline, Respect & Flexibility in Entrepreneurship 31:44 ā Self-Talk, Mental Preparation & Resilience 34:25 ā The Power of Networking & Learning from Others 38:31 ā Selling the Business & Transitioning Again 38:52 ā Returning to Paramilitary Security Work 42:59 ā Finding Purpose and Alignment in Your Career 45:18 ā Reflections on Growth, Skills & Future Opportunities #CopToCorporate, #CareerTransition, #ChaseWilliams, #Entrepreneurship, #LawEnforcement, #MilitaryToBusiness, #Discipline, #Flexibility, #SamTierney, #CareerGrowth, #PrivateSecurity, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio
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52:46
šļø COP TO CORPORATE | From the Badge to the Boardroom
Featuring Quinton Johnston, David Perry & Gary Ellis (Samson Shield Leadership) Making the transition from law enforcement to the corporate world is one of the most complex identity shifts a professional can face ā and few have done it with the level of impact, integrity, and success as todayās guests. In this episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with the leadership team behind Samson Shield ā Quinton Johnstone, David Perry, and Gary Ellis ā three former law enforcement leaders who transformed decades of frontline policing, crisis response, investigative work, and executive leadership into a high-performing corporate security and risk management organization. Together, they share unfiltered insights into what it truly takes to move from the badge to the boardroom ā including the emotional challenges, financial realities, identity shifts, and strategic decisions that define life after policing. Chapters: 04:15 ā Early Service & Law Enforcement Roots 10:30 ā Transferable Skills Beyond the Badge 16:45 ā Entrepreneurship While Still Serving 23:10 ā Knowing When to Leave the Badge 29:40 ā Identity & Life After Law Enforcement 36:20 ā Corporate Security & Hiring Insights 43:15 ā Transition Advice for Officers 50:30 ā Final Thoughts & Whatās Next 53:48 ā Episode Wrap-Up š In This Episode, We Explore: ⢠What originally drew each guest into law enforcement ⢠The defining moments that shaped their policing careers ⢠When and why they knew it was time to leave the job ⢠How to prepare while still serving for a future outside policing ⢠Translating police skills into corporate and entrepreneurial success ⢠Building and leveraging professional networks after law enforcement ⢠The emotional loss of camaraderie ā and how to rebuild purpose ⢠Mistakes to avoid when starting a business post-policing ⢠Resume and mindset shifts required to succeed in the corporate world ⢠Why planning, education, and volunteerism are critical for transition This conversation goes far beyond job titles and resumes ā itās about legacy, service, purpose, and redefining success after a career built on duty and sacrifice. š¬ Key Takeaway: There is life after policing ā but success doesnāt happen by accident. It requires intentional planning, honest self-assessment, and the courage to start over. šļø Recorded & produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcast studio in Bellevue, Washington. š Learn more or book a session: https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ š Donāt Forget: š Like the episode š¬ Comment with your biggest takeaway š© Share with someone considering life after law enforcement š Subscribe for more Cop to Corporate conversations #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceTransition #LawEnforcementCareers #CorporateLeadership #VeteransInBusiness #CareerPivot #LeadershipDevelopment #JustTalkStudios #BellevueWA #BellevuePodcastStudio
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25:03
From Patrol Officer to Company Founder
Leaving law enforcement doesnāt mean leaving leadership, purpose, or impact. In this episode of Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement, host Sam sits down with Jeremy Baumannāformer police officer turned corporate security executive and CEO of Corporate Security Advisersāto unpack what it really looks like to transition from patrol to the private sector. Jeremyās journey spans rural Illinois policing, managing large-scale corporate security operations, serving as an Interim Chief Security Officer, and ultimately building a national consulting firm that helps organizations protect their people, assets, and operations. This conversation goes far beyond job titles. Jeremy breaks down: Why corporate security is far more complex than most officers realize How humility and starting āone step backā can help you go farther, faster The biggest mistakes cops make when trying to land senior corporate roles How law enforcement skills actually translate to business leadership Why networking early matters more than āshotgun applyingā to jobs What separates officers who struggle after the transition from those who thrive If youāre currently on patrol, considering life after the badge, or already navigating the corporate world and feeling stuckāthis episode offers real, tactical insight from someone whoās done it at the highest level. šļø About Cop to Corporate Cop to Corporate shares real stories from former law enforcement professionals who have successfully transitioned into corporate, entrepreneurial, and private-sector careersāproviding clarity, confidence, and direction for officers planning their next chapter. 00:00 Intro ā From Cop to Corporate Security CEO 01:05 Why Jeremy Chose Law Enforcement 02:30 Small-Town Policing & Early Career Reality 04:10 The Career Epiphany: āI Need Moreā 06:10 A Mentorās Advice That Changed Everything 08:00 First Corporate Security Role & Reality Check 10:05 Managing Large Teams & Learning Leadership Fast 12:00 Why Corporate Security ā Policing 14:00 Networking vs. Resumes in Corporate Hiring 16:10 Law Enforcement Skills That Translate Best 18:00 The Biggest Mistake Cops Make When Transitioning 20:10 Starting One Step Back to Move Faster 22:05 Humility, Problem Solving & Asking for Help 24:00 Final Advice for Officers Considering the Jump š¬ Produced by Just Talk Studios This episode was recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington. Learn more or book a session at š https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ cop to corporate, life after law enforcement, law enforcement career transition, police officer career change, former cop corporate job, corporate security career, corporate security leadership, chief security officer career, CSO path, private sector security, police to business, law enforcement skills in corporate, security management careers, executive protection background, leadership after policing, police podcast, law enforcement advice, career after the badge, transitioning out of policing, security consulting #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceToCorporate #CareerAfterTheBadge #LawEnforcementCareers #CorporateSecurity #SecurityLeadership #FormerPoliceOfficer #CareerTransition #LeadershipJourney #PrivateSectorSecurity #PodcastInterview #JustTalkStudios
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22:10
Cop to Corporate: Chris Howell on 2020 Burnout, Identity Shift & Thriving at Flock Safety
Join Cop to Corporate host Sam Tierney on Cop to Corporate as she sits down with Chris Howell, former law enforcement officer turned Flock Safety team member. Chris opens up about his shift from high-stakes policing in a big agency to a quieter beach community role, the burnout from 2020 events that led him to leave, and the emotional challenges of transitioning out of service. Discover how he landed at Flock Safety, built a powerful Law Enforcement Employee Resource Group to support fellow ex-officers with mentorship, mental health resources, and overcoming impostor syndrome ā plus invaluable advice for anyone making the leap from badge to boardroom. If you're a cop considering corporate life, this episode is a must-watch! šā”ļøš¼ What happens when a law enforcement career no longer feels sustainable ā but walking away feels just as terrifying? In this episode of Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement, host Sam Tierney sits down with Chris Howell, a former police officer who successfully transitioned into the tech world at Flock Safety. Chris shares his journey from working at a massive agency to policing a small beach community, the emotional toll of 2020, and the quiet moment that made him realize it was time to leave the badge behind. He opens up about identity loss, hyper-vigilance, imposter syndrome, and what really happens when your body and mind finally slow down after law enforcement. Now at Flock Safety, Chris helped spearhead a Law Enforcement Employee Resource Group, supporting former officers through mentorship, mental health awareness, and career development ā proving that your law enforcement experience doesnāt end when the uniform comes off. If youāre a current or former cop wondering what life after law enforcement looks like, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical guidance for your next chapter. šā”ļøš¼ šļø Recorded & produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcast studio in Bellevue, Washington. š Learn more or book a session: https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ 00:00 ā Welcome to Cop to Corporate 01:05 ā Chrisās law enforcement background 03:15 ā Big agency vs small department policing 05:30 ā Hitting the wall physically & mentally 07:45 ā Civil unrest, burnout & the 2020 breaking point 10:10 ā The āhard candyā moment that changed everything 12:15 ā Fear, identity loss & leaving the badge 14:45 ā Transitioning into tech at Flock Safety 16:40 ā Networking on LinkedIn & fixing the ācop resumeā 18:30 ā Building a Law Enforcement ERG at Flock 20:15 ā Advice for cops considering leaving law enforcement 21:30 ā Final thoughts & encouragement life after law enforcement, police officer career transition, cop to corporate, leaving law enforcement, former police officer, law enforcement burnout, police mental health, transitioning out of policing, law enforcement jobs after policing, tech jobs for cops, Flock Safety, police identity crisis #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceTransition #FormerPoliceOfficer #LawEnforcementCareers #CareerChange #PoliceMentalHealth #LeavingTheBadge #SecondCareer #FlockSafety #JustTalkStudios šļøšš¼
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19:50
From Police Officer to Hollywood Stunt Woman
š¬ From Police Officer to Hollywood Stunt Woman | Cop to Corporate with Hannah Betts What happens when a police officer listens to curiosity instead of fear? In this powerful and unexpected episode of Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement, host Sam sits down with Hannah Betts ā a former UK police officer who made an extraordinary transition from emergency response policing to professional skydiving and ultimately to becoming a Hollywood stunt woman. Hannahās story challenges the idea that life after law enforcement has to follow a āsafeā or traditional path. Instead, she opens up about fear, identity, structure, and what it really means to build a second career that still honors who you are. Calling herself a āprofessional scaredy cat,ā Hannah explains how fear isnāt something to eliminate ā itās something to understand, navigate, and use as a guide. š®āāļø What Youāll Learn in This Episode āļø What law enforcement careers in the UK look like compared to the U.S. āļø How Hannah transitioned from patrol policing to elite competitive skydiving āļø Why structure and discipline matter when leaving law enforcement āļø How fear shows up during career transitions ā and how to work with it āļø The emotional challenges of leaving camaraderie, identity, and stability āļø How hobbies and side passions can evolve into full-time careers āļø Why curiosity is often a better compass than certainty āļø Advice for officers whoāve left the job and feel lost or unsure of whatās next Whether youāre actively planning your exit, already out of uniform, or simply questioning what your next chapter could look like, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and real-world perspective. šÆ Who This Episode Is For ⢠Police officers considering life after law enforcement ⢠First responders navigating career transition or burnout ⢠Veterans and public servants redefining identity after service ⢠Anyone afraid to take the āleapā into something unknown ⢠Creatives, risk-takers, and high performers craving purpose š About Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement Cop to Corporate shares real, unfiltered stories from former law enforcement officers whoāve transitioned into corporate roles, entrepreneurship, creative careers, and beyond. This show is about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success after the badge. š Produced by Just Talk Studios This episode was recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier professional video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington. š Learn more or book your session at https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ š¬ Join the Conversation If this episode resonated with you: š Like the video š¬ Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway š Subscribe for more real conversations about life after law enforcement Your next chapter might look very different than you imagined ā and thatās not a bad thing. 00:00 ā From Cop to Hollywood Stunt Woman 01:10 ā Hannahās Law Enforcement Career in the UK 03:05 ā Why She Chose Policing 04:45 ā Emergency Response & UK vs U.S. Policing 06:40 ā Discovering Skydiving While on the Job 08:30 ā The Decision to Leave Law Enforcement 10:25 ā Fear, Structure & Losing Stability 12:20 ā Competitive Skydiving & World Championships 14:20 ā Why She Didnāt Go Back to Policing 15:45 ā From Skydiving to Hollywood Stunts 17:05 ā Advice for Officers Afraid to Leave 18:30 ā Final Thoughts on Life After the Badge #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceCareerTransition #FormerPolice #StuntWoman #CareerAfterCops #FirstResponderCareers #FearAndGrowth #SkydivingLife #HollywoodStunts #CareerReinvention #PublicServiceToPrivateSector
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30:12
Cop to Corporate: Colin Whittington - The Heroes Academy
Thinking about life after law enforcement? šā”ļøš¼ In this episode of Cop to Corporate, we sit down with Colin Whittingtonāformer Virginia Deputy Sheriff of the Year, CEO of Recruiting Heroes, and author of Beyond the Thin Blue Line. Colin built āHeroes Academyā to help cops, veterans, and first responders translate their skills into meaningful private-sector careers. What Youāll Learn: How to turn policing skillsāleadership, crisis response, investigationsāinto corporate value Resume and LinkedIn strategies that actually get results How to network beyond law enforcement and connect with hiring managers Real success stories of officers who made the leap to thriving careers Why Watch: If youāre a cop considering your next chapter, this episode gives you actionable tools, inspiration, and a clear path to thrive in the corporate world. š Get Colinās book: Beyond the Thin Blue Line ā https://amzn.to/4h0bK1a š Learn more: RecruitingHeroesLLC.com #CopToCorporate #LawEnforcementTransition #CareerChange #CorporateSecurity #VeteransCareers
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