Episode 21:

Military Service and Business Values, with J.J. Konstant
J.J. Konstant

J.J. Konstant was a 2003 graduate of St. Ambrose University, where he was an all-academic conference basketball player and member of the Dean’s List. He attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in October of 2003. After being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on December 12, 2003, he spent the next 8 months in Quantico, Virginia training to be an Infantry Officer. In September of 2004, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. As the Rifle Platoon Commander for Fox Company’s Third Platoon, he deployed to eastern Afghanistan in June of 2005. There he led his Marines in conducting operations aimed at disrupting Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and other associated terrorist personnel operations. In September of 2005, he received the Purple Heart from the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In January of 2006, J.J. received The Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device from the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. Both awards were the result of his actions from August 12-19 as part of the now famous “Operation Whalers.” In September of 2006 1st Lt. Konstant deployed as a Mobile Assault Platoon Commander and Joint Terminal Attack Controller to Iraq’s Haditha Triad in Al-Anbar Province. There he led his Marines in conducting counterinsurgency operations and was again wounded by two separate roadside bomb attacks. He received his second Purple Heart for wounds received on November 9, 2006. Other military honors J.J. has received include the: Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of a second award, naval unit citation, meritorious unit citation, national defense service medal, Afghanistan campaign medal, Iraq campaign medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, sea service deployment ribbon with bronze star in lieu of second award, a certificate of appreciation, and two certificates of commendation for his service in each theater of battle.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • What J.J.'s college plans were, and how his career deviated from his plans in unexpected ways
  • How J.J. found his sense of purpose, selfless and desire to be a part of something bigger than himself came from his parents
  • J.J.'s personal experience in Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, which led to the book "Victory Point" by Ed Darack
  • How J.J.'s exceptional military distinction led to him being awarded numerous medals for his service
  • How J.J. transitioned the skills and training he learned in the military into the business world
  • Why J.J. uses his position as a mentor to help give the same drive and teamwork he learned to other business leaders
  • Why J.J. believes in appreciating and supporting everyone who is a part of his business team
  • What leadership qualities J.J. believes are critical for successful and authentic business leaders
  • What advice J.J. offers to people who are changing industries, positions or work environments
  • Why J.J. doesn't promote himself on social media or have a website to promote his speaking and consulting

How to contact J.J. Konstant and additional resources:

ebook

Growing Through (Not Just Going Through) Crisis

Why vulnerability can be a powerful leadership asset