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How to Hire Sales Talent That Actually Performs: Why Athletes and Veterans Are the Secret Weapon

shiftgroupstg on June 12, 2025

How to Hire Sales Talent That Actually Performs

Why Athletes and Veterans Are the Secret Weapon

Hiring great sales talent isn’t just about resumes. It’s about finding driven, coachable, and resilient individuals who can adapt fast and deliver results. If you’re looking to hire sales talent that goes beyond checking boxes, it’s time to consider an untapped pool: former athletes and military veterans.

At Shift Group, we specialize in helping companies hire sales talent with a proven edge, and we’ve seen firsthand how backgrounds in sports and service translate to success in high-performance sales roles.

Why It’s So Hard to Hire Sales Talent That Lasts

Sales is notorious for high turnover. Many candidates look good on paper but lack the grit, consistency, or adaptability required to succeed long-term. That’s why traditional hiring channels often fall short.

Here’s what’s usually missing:

  • Accountability: Sales is a grind. Without ownership, reps burn out.

     

  • Resilience: Rejection is part of the game. Most people aren’t wired to handle it.

     

  • Coachability: Feedback is essential, but not everyone’s open to it.

     

Work ethic: Success in sales comes down to showing up and putting in the reps.

The Shift Group Difference: Hire Sales Talent with Built-In Grit

 We work with elite candidates from athletic and military backgrounds, individuals who are trained to thrive in high-pressure environments. They’re used to structure, feedback, competition, and performing as part of a team.

Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Grit under pressure: Veterans and athletes don’t fold when things get hard, they push through.

     

  • Fast learners: Used to complex playbooks and real-time adjustments.

     

  • Team-first mindset: They take responsibility and elevate those around them.

     

  • Goal-oriented: Clear targets are nothing new. They’re wired to win.

Whether you’re building a BDR team from scratch or expanding an enterprise sales force, we help you hire sales talent that shows up ready to contribute.

Success in Action: Real Companies, Real Results

Companies across SaaS, logistics, finance, and more are already seeing the upside. Our partners report:

  • Faster onboarding and ramp times

  • Higher activity and conversion rates

  • Better team culture and retention

They’re not just hiring sales talent, they’re building teams with staying power.

Ready to Hire Sales Talent That Performs?

If you’re tired of rolling the dice with sales hires, Shift Group is here to change the game. We match you with candidates who bring real-world grit and the mindset to succeed.

Let’s talk. We’ll help you hire sales talent that delivers from day one.

Hire Elite Sales Talent
About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

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Unlocking Your Transferable Skills as a Former Athlete or Veteran

shiftgroupstg on June 5, 2025

Unlocking the Power of Your Transferable Skills as a Former Athlete or Veteran

Turn your discipline, resilience, and leadership into career assets that hiring managers can’t ignore.

At Shift Group, we believe your background is your biggest asset—when you know how to use it.

That’s why our approach starts by helping former athletes and veterans recognize the transferable skills they already bring to the table. Because the skills developed in a locker room, on a field, or in the military aren’t just relevant to business—they’re often exactly what companies need.

So let’s talk about transferable skills: what they are, why they matter, and how we help our candidates apply them in high-impact roles across industries.

The Skills You Can’t Teach

Every company wants people who show up ready to compete—mentally tough, team-oriented, and coachable. That’s not just a wish list. That’s exactly what veterans and athletes do best.

These are the qualities we see time and time again in Shift Group candidates:

  • Discipline – Showing up early, staying late, doing the work no one sees. You’ve lived that.

  • Resilience – You’ve bounced back from losses, injuries, or setbacks—and kept pushing.

  • Communication – You’ve led huddles, briefings, and group missions. You know how to keep people aligned and motivated.

  • Adaptability – Whether it’s a last-minute game plan shift or a field op gone sideways, you know how to pivot under pressure.

  • Leadership – You’ve led from the front—and understand what it takes to earn trust and drive performance.

These are the exact same skills that lead to success in roles like business development, operations, product management, finance, and more.

You Bring the Grit. We Help Translate It.

Here’s the truth: your skills are already sharp. You just need a new playbook.

Our training isn’t about reinventing who you are—it’s about helping you apply what you’ve already learned to a new arena. We’ll teach you how to tell your story, how to talk about your experience in business language, and how to approach new roles with the same mindset that made you elite in your previous world.

We’ve seen athletes go from the court to closing six-figure deals. We’ve seen veterans go from the battlefield to the boardroom. And the through line in every success story? Transferable skills.

Why Employers Are Paying Attention

The companies we work with don’t hire athletes and veterans out of charity. They come to us because they know what our candidates bring—and they keep coming back because it works.

When a former quarterback becomes a quota-crushing BDR, or a platoon leader steps into a high-growth strategy role and thrives, it changes how hiring managers think about talent. It raises the bar.

And that’s what Shift Group is here to do.

Your Skills Still Matter. Let’s Put Them to Work.

Whether you wore a jersey or a uniform, your experience has value. You’ve already proven you can perform under pressure. Now it’s time to unlock that potential in a new environment.

We’ll help you get there.

Get Started with Shift Group Today!
About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

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Built to Lead: Why Veterans Thrive in Business Careers

shiftgroupstg on May 22, 2025

Built to Lead: Why Veterans Thrive in Business Careers

Inside the mindset & skills powering successful transitions from military service to business success

For many veterans, the end of military service marks the beginning of an entirely new challenge: navigating the civilian workforce. While these men and women have led teams, executed complex missions, and made decisions under pressure that most of us can’t imagine, they’re often overlooked or underestimated in business roles.

At Shift Group, we believe that’s not just a mistake. It’s a missed opportunity.

The Transition Is Real—and It’s Tough

Leaving the military means more than just a change in career—it’s a change in identity. Veterans go from operating in a tightly structured, purpose-driven environment to a world that can feel ambiguous, unfamiliar, and, at times, isolating. They’re told to “translate their skills” to fit business job descriptions, but there’s rarely a clear guide on how to do that.

That’s where we come in.

Veterans Bring Unmatched Value to the Business World

We’ve worked with hundreds of veterans through our Unlock program, and one thing is clear: the traits that made them successful in the military—ownership, resilience, grit, and adaptability—are the exact traits that help companies win in business.

Veterans have:

  • Leadership under pressure: They’ve led in high-stakes environments where clarity and calm matter most.

  • Strategic discipline: They know how to make and execute plans with precision.

  • Team-first mindset: They bring strong collaboration and communication, often in diverse and high-functioning groups.

  • Coachability: They’re used to feedback loops and constantly working toward improvement.

These are not soft skills. They’re competitive advantages.

How Shift Group Helps Veterans Reframe Their Story

Veterans often struggle not because they’re unqualified—but because they haven’t been shown how to communicate their value in a way the business world understands. Through our Unlock Program, we guide them through that process with:

  • Self-discovery and mindset assessments to help them reorient their strengths and goals.
  • Personal branding and storytelling (like our “My Story” video) to show—not just tell—their personality and communication style.
  • Hands-on case studies that give them real business context and help them perform foundational job functions before they ever step into an interview.
  • Digital profiles that act as modern resumes, capturing their full picture—experience, mindset, and skills—in one place.

We also connect them with opportunities at companies that want to hire candidates who have done hard things, overcome challenges, and know how to win as part of a team.

Success Stories That Speak for Themselves

One veteran who completed the program told us:

“I had no idea how to explain what I did in the military in a way that made sense to business people. Shift Group helped me find the right words—but more than that, they helped me find my confidence again.”

Another shared:

“Going through the case study made me realize: I can do this. I’m not behind—I just needed a place to rep the skills I already had.”

These aren’t exceptions. They’re the standard when veterans are supported the right way.

Hear from more Veterans who have made successful transition in our Hall of Fame

Helping veterans find purpose, not just employment, after military service

When we help a veteran land a role in business, we’re not just helping them get a job. We’re helping them rediscover purpose. And we’re helping companies tap into one of the most underutilized talent pipelines in the market.

Veterans know how to show up. They know how to lead, how to learn, and how to grind. The business world needs more of that.

If you’re a veteran unsure of your next step—there’s a place for you here. You don’t need to figure it out alone. Programs like Shift Group are built specifically for you, by people who’ve walked a similar path.

And if you’re a company looking for high-performance people who already know how to operate at a high level, don’t overlook veterans. Reach out—and we’ll show you why they’re some of the best teammates you’ll ever hire.

Get Started with Shift Group Today!
About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

Fractional BDRs, Full-Time Results: How Ignite Builds Pipeline Without a Permanent Hire

shiftgroupstg on May 15, 2025

Fractional BDRs, Full-Time Results

How Ignite Builds Pipeline Without a Permanent Hire

When you’re scaling a business, few things are more important—or more difficult—than building pipeline. But hiring a full-time Business Development Representative (BDR) isn’t always the right next step. Maybe you’re still validating your go-to-market strategy. Maybe you don’t have the bandwidth to ramp and manage junior sales talent. Or maybe you just need to move faster.

That’s where Ignite comes in.

What is Ignite?

Ignite is our fractional or outsourced BDR service, built to deliver qualified opportunities while lowering risk and maximizing learning. It gives companies access to trained, high-performance talent and proven sales systems—without committing to a full-time hire before you’re ready.

Think of it as pipeline, on demand.

Why We Built Ignite

We’ve worked with hundreds of companies that face the same dilemma:

“We need top-of-funnel support, but we’re not ready to build a full team yet.”

Ignite solves that problem by offering:

  • Elite, trained BDRs from our athlete and veteran talent pool

  • Plug-and-play GTM infrastructure, including tech stack, sequences, and support

  • Flexible engagement terms that give you room to scale or shift without long-term commitments

Who Ignite is For

Ignite is a perfect fit for:

  • Early-stage startups building their first go-to-market motion

     

  • Founders and sales leaders who want to test messaging and ICPs

     

  • Companies between hires who need stopgap coverage

     

  • Teams without sales leadership who want structure, support, and execution

Your Future Team, Ready to Go

One of Ignite’s biggest advantages? When you’re ready to hire full-time, the transition is seamless.

Unlike traditional hiring where candidates come in cold, Ignite lets you get to know the talent on your terms—watching them navigate your product, culture, and sales process in real time. They’re not just a resume or an interview; they’re already integrated members of your team who understand your business inside and out.

This means:

  • Faster onboarding when you decide to bring them on full time

  • Reduced hiring risk because you’ve seen their performance first-hand

  • Better cultural fit thanks to shared experience and ongoing collaboration

  • Immediate impact with less training and ramp-up time

For companies looking to build a high-performing sales team with confidence, Ignite provides a unique “try-before-you-buy” pathway that turns fractional reps into full-time players—ready to help you win long term.

Speak with our team to learn more!
About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

Be Learning or Earning: Lessons from JT Ibe on Growth, Grit, and Career Success

shiftgroupstg on May 9, 2025

From the Field to the Office: JT IBE's Career Playbook for Former Athletes Success

At Shift Group, we believe success is built on mindset

And few people embody that better than our guest on Episode 3 of the Shift Group Podcast, JT Ibe.

From professional football to the world of business, JT shares a powerful mantra that has guided every stage of his career: Be learning or earning.

Whether you’re transitioning industries, climbing the ladder, or starting something new, JT’s journey offers lessons for anyone striving to grow and succeed.

From the Field to the Boardroom: JT’s Journey

JT is a former athlete who successfully transitioned into a sales career—an inspiring example for anyone looking for opportunities for former athletes. But like many athletes, JT eventually faced a major crossroads — how to pivot from sports to the professional world while staying true to his values.

His answer? Stay coachable. Stay committed. And most importantly: always keep growing.

JT’s experiences taught him that no matter the industry, the mentality that makes you successful remains the same — a hunger to learn, paired with a relentless work ethic.

The "Learning or Earning" Mindset Explained

JT lives by a simple but powerful phrase: “You’re either learning or you’re earning.” That mindset carried him through challenges on the football field and now fuels his success in the corporate world.

  • Learning Phase: You’re sharpening skills, building knowledge, and gaining experience — even if the paycheck doesn’t reflect it yet.

     

  • Earning Phase: You’re applying those skills and relationships to deliver real value — and getting rewarded for it.

In JT’s view, every day should be spent doing one or the other.

If you’re not actively learning something new, you should be earning from what you’ve already mastered.

It’s a mindset that keeps you from getting stuck. It forces you to move forward, stay adaptable, and seize opportunities before they pass you by.

Lessons for Career Shifters and Lifelong Learners

JT’s philosophy is especially relevant for anyone making a big career shift — whether that’s transitioning from sports, changing industries, or starting from scratch.

Some of his biggest takeaways include:

  • Stay Humble: Approach every new challenge like a rookie — willing to ask questions, take feedback, and hustle.
  • Value the Process: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. The time spent learning is an investment that pays off later.
  • Be Intentional: Don’t “coast” through jobs. Know whether you’re there to learn, earn, or ideally — both.

As JT puts it:

“You should never waste a day. Either grow your mind, grow your network, or grow your results.”

Final Takeaways: Keep Moving Forward

JT’s story is a reminder that true success isn’t just about natural talent — it’s about choosing every day to either learn something new or earn from what you’ve built.

In a world that rewards speed and adaptability, this mindset is more important than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next leap, embracing the “learning or earning” mentality can be your ultimate advantage.

JT’s success isn’t unique—it’s repeatable. That’s why organizations like ours help employers hire college athletes and transition them into high-impact roles.

👉 Want to hear JT’s full story and more insights?

🎙️ Listen to Episode 3 of the Shift Group Podcast here.

FAQs: Athletes in the Workplace

Sales, recruiting, and leadership development roles are ideal fits due to the drive, discipline, and resilience athletes naturally bring.

Athletes come with grit, coachability, and goal-oriented mindsets—traits that translate directly into business performance.

Platforms like Shift Group specialize in matching athletes with companies that value their unique skill sets.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

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What Your GTM Org Might Be Missing

shiftgroupstg on May 2, 2025

Burned Out by Team Turnover? Here’s What Your GTM Org Might Be Missing

Your Talent Problem Isn’t About Skills—It’s About Staying Power

Let’s be honest. You’ve brought on candidates who looked great on paper—sharp resumes, strong interviews, solid references. And yet…

They ghost.
 They burn out.
 They bounce as soon as adversity hits—or when a shinier offer rolls in.

But here’s a bold truth: if your sales org isn’t built around competitive, coachable talent, you’re setting yourself up to stall.

At Shift Group, we’ve helped dozens of companies fix one common GTM mistake: ignoring athletes when building sales teams.

Why does this matter? Because athletes bring a rare mix of Grit, discipline, and growth mindset—exactly what modern companies requires.

Why Your GTM Team Keeps Spinning Its Wheels

Sales, prospecting, client success—they’re all long games. Tools have changed. Outreach has evolved. But the fundamentals haven’t:

Success still takes resilience, follow-through, and mental toughness.

Too often, modern hiring prioritizes polish over persistence. And when the going gets tough, many hires check out. They lack the endurance to handle rejection, embrace feedback, or commit to growth over the long haul.

Here’s what you might be seeing:

  • Inconsistent performance across reps

     

  • Low engagement or quiet quitting

     

  • Constant ramp-up cycles due to turnover

     

  • Lack of accountability and follow-through

     

  • Difficulty building a cohesive, dependable team

     

If that sounds familiar, That’s why Shift Group help GTM leaders rethink hiring—by focusing on athlete career placement rather than chasing paper résumés.

What Your Team Really Needs: Grit

Grit isn’t a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage.

It’s the difference between a rep who shuts down after a bad week and one who adapts, refocuses, and keeps executing.

And that’s exactly what veterans and athletes bring.

These individuals come from structured, team-first environments where quitting isn’t an option—and resilience is built into the culture.

Veterans and Athletes: Built for Go-To-Market Roles

Here’s what we consistently see from former athletes and ex-veterans  in the field:

✅ Discipline 
 They know how to follow process—and trust it. Whether it’s an outreach sequence or a customer renewal plan, they do the work, even when it’s not exciting.

✅ Coachability
 Feedback isn’t threatening to them—it’s essential. They ramp faster, improve steadily, and avoid repeated mistakes.

✅ Team Orientation
 They’ve learned to win together, not compete internally. That mindset makes them collaborative, not combative.

✅ Resilience
 They’ve pushed through real adversity—in combat, in training, or in competition. That means they won’t unravel over a tough quota or a few rejections.

Still not convinced? Look at some of the fastest-growing sales teams—we guarantee you’ll find former athletes on their roster.

Stop Over-Indexing on “Experience”—Start Hiring for Character

Yes, experience matters. But experience without the right mindset leads to burnout, baggage, or bad habits.

Veterans and athletes may not have years of SaaS under their belt—but they bring the intangibles most hiring managers wish they could teach:

  • Commitment

  • Focus

  • Purpose

  • Drive to improve

With a little training and the right structure, they become some of the most consistent, loyal, and impactful contributors to your GTM org.

Shift Group: Your Partner for Building a Grit-First Team

Shift Group helps forward-thinking companies hire trained, ready-to-work go-to-market talent from athletic and military backgrounds.

We go beyond traditional recruiting by:

  • Vetting candidates for character, potential, and mission-fit

  • Delivering sales and GTM-specific training before they join your team

  • Matching you with candidates ready to plug in and perform

  • Supporting both you and your hires post-placement to ensure success

These aren’t short-term hires. They’re foundation-builders who raise the bar and drive momentum from day one.

It’s time to build your team around resilience, not just resumes.

The Right People Are Out There—You Just Haven’t Looked in the Right Place

If you’re frustrated by turnover, disengagement, or inconsistent team performance, the solution isn’t another tool or platform—it’s better people.

Veterans and athletes don’t just fill roles—they elevate teams.
 They bring grit, character, and commitment that’s hard to find in the traditional hiring pool.

Let’s help you find them.

Speak with our team!

Common Questions About Hiring Veterans and Athletes

Nope. Every candidate goes through sales- and GTM-specific training. They understand outreach, communication, tools, and processes—and they’re ready to contribute on day one.

Veterans and athletes are quick learners with strong process discipline. They’re ideal for fast-paced, high-complexity environments like SaaS, fintech, and logistics.

They’re more reliable, more consistent, and more coachable. Most importantly, they’re in it for the long haul—not just until the next offer comes along.

Absolutely. Many of our partners start small and grow entire teams with Shift Group talent. We stay with you at every stage.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

Unlocking New Careers: Expanding Opportunities for Former Athletes and Veterans

shiftgroupstg on April 3, 2025

Unlocking New Careers: Expanding Opportunities for Former Athletes & Veterans

From Field to Future: New Careers for Veterans & Athletes with Unlock

For years, former athletes and military veterans have brought an elite mindset—discipline, resilience, and leadership—into the business world. Yet many companies fail to recognize their full potential because traditional hiring methods often overlook how these skills translate into business success.

With the launch of Unlock, Shift Group is taking a major step forward in career development, opening doors beyond tech sales into new industries. This expansion means more opportunities, more training, and more direct pathways for athletes and veterans to land impactful roles across multiple fields.

Beyond Sales: New Career Paths for Athletes & Veterans

The Unlock program provides targeted training and mentorship to prepare candidates for roles in:

            1. Sales & Revenue Generation
              Why it works: Former athletes and veterans thrive in competitive, high-pressure environments. Their ability to set goals, build relationships, and push through challenges makes them natural sales leaders.

              Common roles: Account Executive, Business Development Representative, Sales Manager

            2. Strategy & Operations
              Why it works: Precision, execution, and adaptability are key to both military and sports careers—qualities that translate seamlessly into operations and strategy roles

              Common roles: Operations Manager, Strategy Analyst, Supply Chain Specialist

            3. Finance & Analytics

              Why it works: Tactical thinking and data-driven decision-making are second nature to athletes and veterans, making finance and analytics a strong fit.

              Common roles: Financial Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Investment Associate

            4. Product Management & Development
              Why it works: Leadership, risk assessment, and problem-solving are crucial for product roles, and veterans and athletes bring a unique edge to innovation and execution

              Common roles: Product Manager, UX Researcher, Agile Project Manager

            5. People & Culture (HR, Recruiting, Leadership Development)
              Why it works: Building strong teams and fostering accountability are ingrained in sports and military environments, making HR and leadership roles a natural transition.

              Common roles: Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Manager, Leadership Development Coach

How Unlock Bridges the Gap

Shift Group’s Unlock program is built to eliminate the guesswork in career transitions. It provides:

This is Just the beginning

With Unlock, athletes and veterans now have a direct pathway into industries that value their skill sets. Whether you’re looking to break into sales, strategy, finance, or product, Shift Group is here to help you make a seamless, high-impact transition.

If you’re ready to explore new career paths and position yourself for success, now is the time to take action.

If you’re ready to explore new industries and redefine your career path, start your journey through the Unlock program today.

FAQs: Unlock Program: What Athletes, Veterans, and Employers Need to Know

Unlock is Shift Group’s expanded training and placement program designed to help former athletes and military veterans transition into careers beyond tech sales. It includes targeted training, coaching, and mentorship to prepare candidates for roles in strategy, operations, finance, product, and more.

Unlock prepares athletes and veterans for roles in Sales & Revenue, Strategy & Operations, Finance & Analytics, Product Management, and People & Culture. Each pathway includes role-specific training and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Not at all. Unlock is built for high-character individuals with proven leadership and discipline. The program bridges your experience from sports or service to your desired career through hands-on training, professional storytelling, and real-world job alignment.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

De-Risk Hiring with Shift Group: The Solution to Hiring with Confidence

shiftgroupstg on March 27, 2025

De-Risk Hiring with Shift Group: The Solution to Hiring with Confidence

Eliminate Hiring Risks with Pre-Vetted, High-Performing Talent

Hiring the right talent is one of the most critical decisions for business success, but it comes with risks—misalignment, high turnover, and the time-consuming process of sourcing and onboarding. Shift Group eliminates that risk by connecting hiring partners with pre-vetted, high-performing talent from our exclusive pipeline of former athletes and military veterans who are trained, adaptable, and ready to contribute immediately.

With 450+ hiring partners, we’ve developed a proven system that helps companies build elite teams while reducing hiring risks and ensuring immediate business impact.

Build a High-Performing Team with Less Risk

Instead of spending countless hours on talent acquisition and onboarding, Shift Group delivers top-tier candidates directly to you, so you can focus on scaling your business with confidence. Our hiring partners consistently see: 

Faster Hiring Process – Gain access to pre-screened, qualified talent that’s ready to contribute immediately.

Higher Performance – Our candidates excel in sales, leadership, and business roles, helping companies grow revenue and improve efficiency.

Stronger Retention – Hire proven professionals with a track record of commitment, teamwork, and adaptability—built for long-term success.

Shift Group: Your PArtner in De-Risking Hiring

Shift Group is your trusted partner in eliminating hiring risks. With over 450 hiring partners, we deliver business-ready talent who bring exceptional discipline, resilience, and leadership. Our candidates undergo a thorough pre-screening process, ensuring they seamlessly fit into your organization’s culture and goals. By partnering with Shift Group, you remove the uncertainty and challenges of traditional hiring, empowering your business to grow with confidence and make the right hiring decisions from day one.

What Makes Our Candidates Stand Out?

Pre-Vetted & Business-Ready Talent – Every candidate completes 30+ hours of professional training, ensuring they have the foundational skills to succeed in business roles.

High-Performance Mindset – Former athletes and veterans bring discipline, resilience, and a competitive edge that allows them to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Streamlined Hiring Process – We take the guesswork out of hiring by connecting you with candidates who have already been evaluated for skill set, work ethic, and leadership potential.

Stronger Teams, Lower Turnover – Our candidates don’t just fill roles; they enhance team culture, drive results, and stay committed—reducing the risk of costly turnover.

Make the Right Hiring Decision—The First Time

Hiring the wrong person can cost your business hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost productivity, wasted resources, and turnover. Shift Group mitigates that risk by providing a pipeline of elite, pre-vetted talent—former athletes and military veterans—who bring proven leadership, adaptability, and a high-performance mindset to your company.

Don’t leave hiring to chance. Work with Shift Group and gain access to business-ready talent that delivers results from day one. Contact us today to start hiring smarter.

learn how we can de-risk your hiring by speaking with someone from our team here

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

How Your Athletic Mindset Drives Career Success

shiftgroupstg on March 20, 2025

Careers for Former Athletes: How Your Athletic Mindset Drives Career Success

How Former Athletes Can Thrive in New Career Paths

Leaving sports behind can feel like stepping into the unknown.  But the same qualities that made you successful in competition as an athlete—discipline, resilience, and a drive to win—are exactly what companies look for in top candidates. As a former athlete looking for a new career, the challenge isn’t whether you’re qualified; it’s about translating your skills into a new arena.

Your Athletic Mindset Is Your Superpower

In the business world, the traits you honed as an athlete—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—are exactly what companies are looking for. Here’s what you bring to the table:

  • Elite Work Ethic – Years of training, discipline, and accountability set you apart.
  • Resilience Under Pressure – You’ve performed in high-stakes situations and know how to adapt.
  • Coachability & Teamwork – You take feedback, improve quickly, and thrive in competitive environments.

These qualities give former athletes a competitive edge in any career that values leadership, resilience, and a drive for results

Career Paths Where Athletes Excel

Your experience as an athlete translates to a multitude of exciting careers. Here are just a few areas where you’ll excel:

  • Sales & Business Development – Your competitive drive and strategy help close deals and grow businesses.
  • Operations & Strategy – Quick thinking and execution under pressure make you a strong operational leader.
  • Human Resources & Talent Management – Leadership and team-building skills prepare you to attract and retain top talent.
  • Marketing & Brand Management – Your storytelling and branding experience drive brand awareness and growth.

How Shift Group Helps Athletes Navigate Their Career Path

At Shift Group, we know that career transitions aren’t easy, but they’re possible—and they can be extremely rewarding. That’s why we’ve designed a process that helps athletes transition seamlessly into business careers:

  • Personalized Coaching – We help you translate your athlete mindset into a successful career.
  • Real-World Training – Industry-specific insights show you how to apply your skills in business.
  • Professional Branding – We refine your resume and LinkedIn to make you stand out to employers.

Expansive Network – Gain access to 450+ hiring partners seeking driven, team-oriented talent.

Transitioning from sports to a new career can be challenging, but with the right guidance, your athletic experience becomes a powerful asset. At Shift Group, we provide personalized coaching, industry insights, and a network of employers who value your unique strengths. Let us help you take on your next challenge and succeed in the business world.

Learn more about how we help athletes transition into successful careers here.

FAQs: Shift Group and Career Help for Athletes & Veterans

Your athletic background equips you with qualities like discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure—all valuable traits that employers seek in candidates across industries.

Former athletes excel in a variety of roles, including Sales & Business Development, Operations & Strategy, Human Resources & Talent Management, and Marketing & Brand Management, where leadership, strategic thinking, and teamwork are key.

 

Shift Group offers personalized coaching, real-world training, and professional branding services to help athletes seamlessly transition their skills into business careers. Our expansive network of over 450 hiring partners connects athletes with top employers.

 

Athletes thrive in industries like sales, business development, operations, and human resources, where the ability to lead, adapt quickly, and work under pressure are highly sought after.

To begin your career transition, reach out to Shift Group for a consultation. We’ll help you identify your strengths, refine your professional brand, and connect you with employers who value your athletic mindset.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Recent Post

Why Veterans Excel in Business Development

rj irving on March 14, 2025

From Veterans to Top Performers: Transforming Military Skills into Business Development Success

Why Veterans Excel in Business Development

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be challenging, but for many veterans, business development offers an ideal fit. The same leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills honed in the military translate directly into high-performance traits in BD roles.

In a competitive industry where adaptability, persistence, and teamwork define success, veterans bring a proven track record of performing under pressure—making them some of the best hires for business development teams.

Proven Under Pressure: 5 Military Skills That Translate to Business Development

Veterans entering business development often find that many of their core military skills align perfectly with what it takes to succeed in a high-growth environment:

  1. Discipline & Work Ethic – Military training instills a relentless work ethic, a key trait of top-performing BD reps who must manage outreach, nurture relationships, and push through rejection.
  2. Resilience & Mental Toughness – Business development is a game of perseverance, and few people handle setbacks better than those who’ve faced high-pressure situations in the military. Veterans know how to stay focused, bounce back, and keep pushing forward.
  3. Leadership & Teamwork – Whether leading a unit or working within a mission-critical team, veterans understand accountability and collaboration—essential for thriving in BD roles and driving pipeline growth.
  4. Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Military personnel are trained to assess situations quickly and pivot when needed. In business development, where markets shift and buyer needs evolve, this ability to think fast is a major advantage.
  5. Mission-Oriented Mindset – Veterans are trained to set clear objectives and execute with precision. This focus on achieving goals translates seamlessly into building strong sales pipelines and exceeding outreach targets.

The Growing Demand for Veteran Business Development Talent

Companies are increasingly recognizing the immense value that veterans bring to business development roles. Their discipline, adaptability, and resilience make them natural high-performers in fast-paced sales environments. With structured training and the right support, veterans not only ramp up quickly but also drive significant pipeline growth and often surpass their peers in key performance metrics.

At Shift Group, we’ve successfully placed hundreds of veterans in BD roles, and the results speak for themselves—faster ramp times, lower attrition rates, and consistent quota achievement. These professionals don’t just fill roles; they help build high-performing teams that drive long-term success.

Breaking Into Business Development as a Veteran

For veterans looking to break into business development, the transition is easier than ever. Programs like Shift Group provide training, mentorship, and direct connections to top-tier hiring companies looking for BD talent with leadership potential.

If you’re a veteran considering a career in business development—or a company looking to build an elite team—now is the time to make the move.

Ready to get started? Learn more about our veteran hiring program here.

FAQs: Shift Group and Career Help for Athletes & Veterans

Veterans excel in business development because they bring discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills from their military training. Their ability to handle pressure, work in teams, and stay mission-focused makes them highly effective in sales and BD roles.

Key skills that translate well into business development include leadership, teamwork, adaptability, resilience, and a strong work ethic. These traits help veterans excel in sales outreach, relationship management, and goal execution.

 

Veterans can transition into business development through specialized training programs, networking, and mentorship. Organizations like Shift Group offer structured pathways that help veterans gain the skills and connections needed for success.

 

Veterans are in high demand in industries like technology, SaaS, cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare. Companies value their ability to perform under pressure, build relationships, and drive revenue growth.

Veterans can explore job opportunities through veteran-focused hiring programs, LinkedIn networking, and career placement services like Shift Group. Many companies actively seek veterans for BD roles due to their leadership potential and strong execution skills.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

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