Podcast: Build a Stronger Team

Hosted by Rebecca Scott, Humans, Now and Then explores how our rapidly changing world impacts our human experience, now and in the future. This episode was recorded in early November 2020 and released on Veterans Day (11/15/20), in a very fitting way to celebrate not only Erik and his experiences in the Army, but all of his teammates, our Veteran teammates at Alpha Echo Project, as well as all military service men and women and then families who support them.

The show's main website with links to all of the podcast platforms our episode is available on: https://humansnowandthen.com/the-alpha-echo-project-and-your-mission-to-build-a-stronger-team

SHOW DESCRIPTION We often discuss the importance of company culture in terms of an image, a feeling, or a cool atmosphere. However, what happens when we think about it in a tactical sense, at the ground level, within teams, when high stakes are on the line?  In this episode, I speak to Erik and Alexis, Co-Founders of the Alpha Echo Project, about what they've learned about teamwork from an elite Army unit, the importance of strong trust within teams, and why understanding individual responsibilities is critical when achieving important goals.

Bios:

ERIK

Co-Founder of Alpha Echo Project, Erik is a Reserve duty Infantry Officer who holds widespread experience in asymmetric warfare, counter-insurgency, and Special Operations Force missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Units include the Asymmetric Warfare Group, 75th Ranger Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and Johns Hopkins University ROTC. Erik’s awards include two Bronze Stars, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, and German and Australian Airborne Wings. Erik has earned the Army’s coveted U.S. Army Ranger School Tab, Airborne Parachutist Wings, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and is Army Level I Combatives qualified. In his Reserve duty, he serves as an operation officer in the 301st Information and Psychological Operation Command. He also served as a Branch Manager and Financial Advisor in the financial services sector, where he earned his Series 7, 66, and 26. Erik's Veteran Spotlight profile by Shootout For Soldiers. 

ALEXIS

Alpha Echo Project’s Co-Founder, Alexis is a graduate of the University of Richmond Robins School of Business, where she earned a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing. A 2020 Hall of Fame inductee for her high school, Alexis was a 4-year full scholarship lacrosse player and served as Captain two consecutive years. Alexis worked in commercial and residential real estate development and at US Lacrosse before she ventured into the world of advertising when she was accepted into the prestigious Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Master of Science in Business with a concentration in Strategic Planning. She was offered a highly coveted internship working on the Burger King account with the ad agency Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, later named Agency of the Year so many years that it was named Agency of the Decade (2000s). Alexis soon earned a position with The Martin Agency after a class project won the agency new client business with The Learning Channel (TLC). Her TLC work received the Jay Chiat Gold award for strategic planning in branding. From the World Bank Group to professional sports and several brands, teams, and leaders later, Alexis still enjoys sports and amplifying cultures with their clients.

Visit their website at alphaechoproject.com

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Resources:

General Stanley McChrystal, Team of Teams. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317066/team-of-teams-by-general-stanley-mcchrystal-tantum-collins-david-silverman-and-chris-fussell/