216- From Combat Cameras to IT Director: Shawn Hardee's Unexpected Career Path

Shawn Hardee

A decorated veteran and accomplished IT executive, Shawn Hardee brings decades of experience transforming complex operations through principled leadership. Having served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, Hardee held numerous roles overseeing global technology missions and teams of up to 140 personnel. Now retired from active duty, he leads all IT functions for a multifaceted healthcare organization, guiding strategic initiatives that enhance patient care. With a record of success managing complex projects, budgets and teams across both public and private sectors, Hardee offers valuable insights on driving organizational success through disciplined execution and developing high-performing staff.

From Combat Cameras to IT Director: Shawn Hardee's Unexpected Career Path

Mike sits down with veteran Shawn Hardee to get the inside story of his unpredictable 20-year ride in the Air Force, spanning roles from combat camera maintenance to network technician. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of Shawn’s little-known missions and pick up hard-earned strategies for navigating changing career paths, as he recounts his recent transition to Director of IT in the healthcare industry. Prepare to gain proven tactics for taking risks and surviving your own cross-country journey from this adventurous military vet.

Once you establish a good solid relationship with a person, a team, an organization, leadership, you can move mountains.

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216- From Combat Cameras to IT Director: Shawn Hardee's Unexpected Career Path

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Episode Show Notes

Introduction and Retirement from Military Service [0:00]

Deployment to Djibouti, Africa for Combat Camera Maintenance [3:18]

Transition from Video Production to IT Career [6:43]

Learning to Lead and Handle Multiple Specialties Simultaneously [10:38]

Importance of Understanding the Language in IT Director Role [20:32]

Learning from Military to Private Sector Management Challenges [23:53]

Challenges in dealing with resistance from the private sector [27:56]

Building Relationships and Leading with Credibility [38:20]

Overcoming the Challenge of Frequent Job Changes [41:37]

Realizing Everything is Sales [46:17]

Challenges of Maintaining HIPAA Compliance in IT Role [49:26]

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Job Interview Process [53:36]

Finding Contentment and Belonging in Your Career [57:18]

Building Relationships and Taking Risks [59:51]

Career Defining Moments and the Power of Taking Chances [1:03:33]

Shawn Hardee

From Combat Cameras to IT Director: Shawn Hardee's Unexpected Career Path

3 Key Takeaways

Listen To The Full Episode Below

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