Guest Scholars:

• Dr. Alaina Doyle (Flourish Coaching & Consulting).

• Dr. Michael Kirchner (Purdue University - Fort Wayne).

• Dr. Sarah E. Minnis (Western Carolina University).

Topics Include:

• What do we mean by the term Veterans?

• Why is the topic of Veterans in the workforce such an important one for organizations broadly and also for HRD as a profession?

• What are the main challenges that Veterans face in the workforce outside of the military, and what can organizations be doing to address those challenges?

• What advice do you have for HRD professionals who are looking to do more to support Veterans in their organization?

Bios:

• Dr. Alaina Doyle is a scholar and an award-winning practitioner specializing in human resource development and corporate learning. She is the founder of Flourish Coaching and Consulting and a U.S. military veteran. Alaina holds a PhD in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas and is passionate about supporting veterans as they transition from military to civilian workplaces, providing career coaching, organizational consulting, and advocacy to help veterans navigate professional identity shifts, enhance employability, and integrate successfully into diverse industries.

• Dr. Michael Kirchner is an Associate Professor and the Graduate Program Director of Organizational Leadership at Purdue University-Fort Wayne (PFW), where he teaches courses in the areas of staffing, human resource development, and organizational behavior. His research exploring veteran career transitions, military leader development, and employee onboarding has been published in numerous outlets. Kirchner is the owner of Time for Development, where he provides leadership development workshops and leadership coaching to non-profit, for-profit, and government entities. Dr. Kirchner is a Veteran of the US Army National Guard after having served in Baghdad, Iraq from 2004-2005.

• Dr. Sarah E. Minnis is an Associate Professor of Human Resources at Western Carolina University. She is a current Associate Editor of the Journal of Veterans Studies and the former Co-Editor of the International Journal of HRD Practice, Policy & Research. Sarah is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Western Association of Veteran Education Specialists and the Supra et Extra Award from the NASPA Veterans Knowledge Community. Sarah’s research addresses the civilian reintegration and employment of military veterans, enhancing support for transitioning veterans and employment communities, and emphasizing the value and skills veterans bring to the workforce. Sarah utilizes research-based strategies to coach veterans through the military to civilian transition, to guide organizations in becoming veteran-ready, and to educate civilians on the vital contributions veterans can make in their communities.

How To Listen

The series is available via any major podcasting service, including the following (click on a name to listen and subscribe):

• Apple Podcast

• Google Podcast

• Spotify

• PlayerFM

• Podcast Addict

• Amazon Music

• Listen Notes

• Stitcher

About The Series:

For full details of the Human Resource Development Masterclass podcast, visit the AHRD website via the handy shortcut of: http://www.hrdmasterclass.com/

Sponsor:

Concordia University Wisconsin, Earn your Doctorate in Business Administration online. Unlock new career opportunities with a PhD or Doctor of Business Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. Our flexible, online programs are designed for ambitious professionals seeking to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in their industries. With expert faculty, research-driven coursework, and specializations in Financial & Economic Management and Organizational Performance & Change, you'll gain the skills to excel in executive leadership, consulting, or academia. Take the next step in advancing your career—visit earnyourdoctorateonline.cuw.edu today!