Several of San Diego’s top business executives came together last month to launch a first-of-its-kind program in San Diego, “Battlefields and Boardrooms.”

Created by Gen Next, an invite-only membership organization based on the tenets of educating and engaging their Members on critical generational issues and Disruptive Thinkers, an organization that inspires entrepreneurship within the military, Battlefields and Boardrooms and Disruptive Thinkers, an organization that inspires entrepreneurship within the military, Battlefields and Boardrooms aims to improve the exchange of strategy between civilian and military leaders. Ten pairs of military and business executives within San Diego have met and started their 12-month exchange and mentorship. Eric Basu, CEO of Sentek Global and former Navy SEAL, gave the keynote speech and focused on his personal responsibility to help others transition from the military. “I think we have as a country, a duty to the person who puts on a uniform and is willing to give up everything for a modest salary so we can live the life we do.” Basu covered a list of strengths, such as “mission focused” and team-orientated, a former military member can bring to the civilian work place.

Ben Kohlmann, founder of Disruptive Thinkers, hopes the yearlong exchange will help both sets of leaders. “There’s a growing civil/military divide because our cultures are different — you need some bridge for that. San Diego is the ideal place to launch an important program like this,” noted Kohlman.

Kohlmann is a Navy pilot now based in Norfolk, VA as a part of the Chief Of Naval Operation’s Rapid Innovation Cell. He is an F/A-18 instructor pilot and flies with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT- 101).

Micha Mikailian, Chairman of Gen Next San Diego, and founder of E-Boost Consulting, added, “I want to give my mentee context (from the public sector) that’s going to have a positive impact on his future. I also want to learn from him — to bring decision-making skills or disciplines he’s received through his experience that relates to what I do in day- to-day life.”

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