2 Block Walk – Dylan Rheault

2 Block walk With Dylan Rheault

Shift Group is built by people who’ve bet on themselves, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. 2 Block Walks is a quick hit of personality, hosted by our Director of Customer Success, Riley Bergholtz. She grabs a teammate, takes a lap around the block, and throws out a few questions, some thoughtful, some silly.

It’s our way of showing the people behind the work. Our team of former elite athletes and military veterans who make Shift Group what it is.

Meet Dylan Rheault

Dylan knows what it’s like to compete at the highest level. After playing Division I baseball at Central Michigan, he spent nine years as a pro pitcher across five MLB organizations and the Canadian National Team. When his playing career wrapped up, he faced the same transition many of our candidates do—figuring out how to apply years of elite experience in a new environment. Now at Shift Group, Dylan is our Chief of Staff, bringing the same focus, discipline, and team mindset that defined his time on the mound.

Q: What do you do at shift group

A: I’m behind the scenes, working in the shadows, just making everything run as smoothly as possible. Making sure things are happening when they’re supposed to, where they’re supposed to. 

Q: Would you rather be able to play any instrument or speak any language?

A: Speak any language definitely. But it would be really nice to be able to play “Still D.R.E.” on the piano. That would be really cool too 

Q: So if you had to pick an instrument, it would be piano?

A: Yeah, piano. And like… exclusively “Still D.R.E.” Like, that’s the move. Imagine someone brings you over to a piano at a party, like “Oh, they can play,” and then one of your friends walks by and goes, “Oh, play something!”

Q: Oh, so what would you do if they asked for “Still D.R.E.”?

A: Like, “What about ‘Still D.R.E.’?” And I’d just be like—don’t even say anything—just start hammering it out. That’s the dream.

Riley: I can play “Don’t Stop Believin’” on the piano, and it’s the best party trick I have.

Dylan: That’s a good one. Yeah, that’s great. Crowd-pleaser for sure.

Helping Athletes Transition to New Careers After Sports with Briana Gilmartin | Video + Recap

Helping Athletes Transition to Careers After Sports with Briana Gilmartin

Video & Recap

Summary

Transitioning from a professional athletic career to a new profession can be a daunting journey for many athletes. If you’re an athlete or athlete transitioning to a career after sports, start small, stay curious, and seek out supportive communities that can guide your way

In a recent episode of Changing the Game, Jordan Duran spoke with Briana Gilmartin, Director of Program Management for People and Culture at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), about her own transition from college athlete to HR leader and the NWSL’s groundbreaking Beyond the Field professional development program. If you’re an athlete preparing to move into a career after sports, this recap shares key insights and actionable advice to help you navigate your path forward

From Athlete to Business Professional

Briana’s story begins as a passionate soccer player from a young age, following in her sister’s footsteps. She played Division 1 soccer at Iona College but faced career-altering injuries that led her to reevaluate her identity beyond sports, a common challenge athletes face during transitions. Recognizing there was no professional women’s soccer league at the time, Briana pivoted her focus toward academics, earning a double major and minor, and gradually building a career in Human Resources.

Her journey underscores a vital point for transitioning athletes: developing new skills and exploring career interests early can help ease the shift from sport to the workforce.

The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

Briana emphasizes the power of networking and building genuine relationships. She advises athletes and career changers to say “yes” to opportunities, connect with people, and engage in various types of career conversations, including:

  • Information Sessions: Exploratory chats to understand what a job or industry really involves.

  • Career Conversations: More focused discussions to learn about specific roles and career paths.

  • Mentorships: Ongoing relationships that provide guidance, support, and professional growth.

By leveraging these conversations, athletes can better discover their passions and create meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities.

Overcoming Challenges and Taking Small Steps Forward

One of Briana’s most impactful pieces of advice for athletes transitioning out of sports is to focus on “even small steps moving forward.” The path can feel overwhelming, but every conversation, every new skill learned, and every networking effort counts.

Athletes bring invaluable qualities to the workforce such as determination, teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Recognizing and believing in these transferable skills is essential to building confidence in a new career chapter.

Translating Athletic Skills to New Careers

Briana highlights how athletes already possess many of the skills employers seek: drive, determination, teamwork, communication, and resilience. She encourages transitioning athletes to recognize the value they bring beyond just their athletic experience. These skills are highly transferable and can set athletes apart in their new careers.

She also stresses the importance of taking small steps forward during the transition, whether that’s scheduling an informational interview, exploring new passions, or pursuing educational opportunities alongside sport. This gradual, proactive approach helps build confidence and clarifies career direction.

Briana’s work with the NWSL’s Beyond the Field program reflects this philosophy by providing athletes with tools and support to translate their sporting experience into professional success. She reminds athletes that they already have what it takes to thrive; they just need to believe in themselves and be willing to explore new possibilities.

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. 

Olympic Medalist Jazz Carlin: From Athlete to Sales Leader | Video + Recap

Olympic Medalist Jazz Carlin’s Journey from Athlete to Sales Leader

Video & Recap

Summary

Stepping away from elite athletics is never easy. For many athletes, the end of competition can bring a sense of identity loss, uncertainty, and unfamiliar territory, especially when it comes to finding a fulfilling career. Olympic medalist Jazz Carlin knows this firsthand.

On a recent episode of Changing the Game, Jazz shared the story of her transition out of sport and into the business world. Her journey into tech sales is a powerful example of how the qualities developed in athletics, resilience, coachability, and a relentless work ethic can unlock high-performance careers after sport.

Starting Over with no business Experience

After retiring from swimming, Jazz was eager to launch a new career but found herself running into the same wall many athletes do: a lack of “relevant experience.” Despite applying for entry-level roles in business development and tech sales, she was routinely passed over without even getting an interview.

“I was 28 and had never worked in an office. But I’d been training and competing against the best athletes in the world my whole life. That is experience,” she explains.

Everything changed when one company saw her potential and offered her a chance, plus 12 weeks of training. That initial opportunity led to exposure to multiple sectors, sales methodologies, and team dynamics. It gave her the foundation to grow, develop, and ultimately thrive in the business world.

Translating Athletic Skills into Business Success

Once in the role, Jazz did what elite athletes do best: she embraced the learning curve with humility and intensity. She asked questions constantly, shadowed teammates, and took full advantage of the training she received. Her eagerness to learn and comfort with being coached helped her ramp up quickly and start making an impact.

In a short time, she progressed from contributing individually to coaching others. Jazz began mentoring and developing sales reps, eventually managing multiple teams and helping to drive company-wide success. Her athletic background had instilled key traits like resilience, feedback-seeking, and a drive for continuous improvement, skills that translated directly into leadership.

That first opportunity, combined with her determination and coachability, gave her what so many athletes are looking for after sport: a sense of purpose and a new professional identity.

“Once I had that experience,” she said, “everything changed. Suddenly, people wanted to talk to me.” Experience opened doors, but it was her mindset and work ethic that helped her walk through them.

Coaching, Leadership, and Building Winning Teams

Today, Jazz leads sales development at SourceWhale and was recently named one of the Top 50 SDR Leaders. Her passion lies in coaching and team-building, helping others unlock their potential, just like someone once did for her.

“There’s no better feeling than helping someone go from struggling to succeeding,” she says. Her leadership style is rooted in communication, mutual accountability, and a relentless focus on improvement.

In hiring, she looks for candidates who bring energy, curiosity, and a growth mindset—qualities that naturally align with former athletes. One of her most successful hires had no formal sales experience but brought passion, a sports background, and an eagerness to learn. “She asked thoughtful questions, showed hunger, and she’s since been promoted multiple times.”

Jazz also touched on how being authentic in interviews makes a huge difference: “Hiring managers remember stories and energy. Don’t be a robot—be yourself. Tell us what shaped you.”

Her Advice to Athletes Considering a Career Shift

Jazz knows how intimidating it can be to start from scratch in a new industry. But she also knows the payoff is worth it.

“You have to be open to learning and fall in love with the process,” she says. “In both sport and business, it’s the basics done really well, done consistently that drive success.”

Sales is a natural fit for athletes: it’s competitive, team-oriented, and reward-driven. But more importantly, it’s a career where work ethic, resilience, and curiosity can open massive doors, regardless of your resume.

“If you’re an athlete thinking about your next step, give it a shot. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.”

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. 

Can I Get A Job At Shift Group? | Video + Guide

Can I Get A Job At Shift Group?
FAQ Video

Summary

Can I Get A Job At Shift Group? We get it, Shift Group sounds like a great place to work. And it is. But most people who apply to our jobs on LinkedIn don’t realize something important: our main mission isn’t to hire you into our company. It’s to train you, support you, and help you land a job with one of the hundreds of companies that work with us to hire elite talent like you.

Key Takeaways

  • Shift Group isn’t just a company, it’s a career-launching platform.
  • Our program connects athletes and veterans to top employers.
  • While some team members do get hired by Shift Group, that’s not the program’s goal.

Our Team Started Where You Are

Yes, we do have a team. And almost everyone on it started as a candidate in our program. We’ve built something we’re proud of, and if you’re someone who aligns with our values and our mission, who knows, there may be a spot for you one day.

But here’s the truth: Our mission is not to build a massive internal team. It’s to help you build your career by giving you tools, training, and access to the companies that partner with us to hire from our talent pool.

You’re Not Just Applying to a Job. You’re Joining a Community

If you applied to a Shift Group job on LinkedIn, you might think you’re applying for a single role. But Shift Group is more than a job, it’s a launchpad. We’re here to open doors to thousands of roles at companies actively looking to hire former athletes and veterans.

When you go through our program, you don’t get one opportunity. You get exposure to countless opportunities, plus the skills and coaching to win the one that’s right for you.

Can I Get A Job Without The Training? | Video + Guide

Can I Get A Job Without The Training?
FAQ Video

Summary

Can I Get A Job Without The Training? Mass applying to jobs online might feel productive, but it rarely leads to real results. At Shift Group, we believe in hard choices, the kind that build lasting careers. Our training isn’t easy, but it works. If you want real outcomes, it starts with real effort.

Key Takeaways

  • Career success after sports or service doesn’t come from quick fixes.
  • The Shift Group process is challenging by design and proven to work.
  • Effort and consistency are non-negotiables for long-term success.

Why "Easy" Doesn’t Work

It’s easy to click apply 100 times on job boards and hope something sticks. But here’s the truth: mass applying is rarely effective, especially if you don’t have a clear story, targeted direction, or professional preparation.

At Shift Group, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in sweat equity. Because just like in the military or on the ice, the reps matter.

The Harder Path Pays Off

Want to play Division I hockey? You shoot 500 pucks a day.

Want to break into a high-performance business role? You do the work.

Our training is designed to help former athletes and veterans develop the mindset, skills, and story needed to stand out. It’s not quick. It’s not easy. But it works if you show up and commit.

Do the Work, Get the Job

Yes, our program requires time and energy. But if you stick with it, you’ll gain the confidence, clarity, and competitive edge to win offers and succeed long-term.

If you want someone to hand you a job, this isn’t for you. If you’re ready to earn it, we’ve got your back.

How Much Does The Training Cost? | Video + Guide

How Much Does The Training Cost?
FAQ Video

Summary

How Much Does The Training Cost? If you’ve heard about Shift Group and wondered, “What’s the catch?” here it is: there isn’t one. Our program is completely free for anyone who has worn a uniform, whether on the field or in the military. The only thing we ask for is effort, attitude, and alignment with our values.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shift Group program is 100% financially free for former athletes and veterans.
  • You’ll pay with effort, not money. This program requires accountability, coachability, and authenticity.
  • Shift Group is funded by hiring companies and partner organizations, not the candidates.

Why It’s Free (and What That Really Means)

It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not. If you played college sports (or higher) or served in the military, you can access Shift Group’s full training and support program without paying a dime.

Instead, we ask that you bring three things:

Effort: You show up and do the work.

Attitude: You approach the process with humility and hunger.

Alignment: You buy into our values: accountability, coachability, and authenticity.

If you do that, we’ll meet you with everything we’ve got—from expert coaching to job placement support.

The Real Investment

This isn’t a shortcut or a silver bullet. It’s a process, and like any good training, what you put in is what you get out. If you commit to showing up and putting in the work, we’ll help you land a job you’ll love.

What Steps Are Involved In The Training? | Video + Guide

What Steps Are Involved In The Training?
FAQ Video

Summary

What Steps Are Involved In The Training? Wondering what Shift Group training actually looks like? Here’s a breakdown of how our program works—from career discovery to interview prep, and how it’s customized to fit your goals.

Key Takeaways

  • Training is a blend of 1:1 coaching and online, self-paced modules.
  • Every candidate starts with foundational work in self-discovery and career exploration.
  • You’ll gain industry-specific knowledge and interview support based on your career track.
  • Your path is personalized depending on your goals and industry of interest.

What the Training Covers

Shift Group’s program is built to get you job-ready with a mix of coaching, content, and prep work. Here’s what it includes:

  • Program Overview: Understand the full process and how to navigate it.
  • Self-Discovery: Get clear on your strengths, goals, and values.
  • Career Discovery: Explore industries and roles that align with your background.
  • Telling Your Story: Learn how to position your experience and translate it into business language.
  • Career Upskilling: Dive into industry-specific content that prepares you for success in your first 12 months on the job.

Once you complete training, your candidate profile goes live, and you start receiving job opportunities.

Personalized Support from Start to Finish

Throughout the journey, you’ll work with a dedicated career coach who not only guides you through the training but also helps you prepare for each interview along the way. It’s hands-on, high-touch support, tailored to the role and industry you’re aiming for.

Built for Your Transition

Whether you’re coming from the military, sports, or another chapter of life, our goal is to equip you with the confidence, language, and skills to thrive in a new career. And we stay with you until you land the job.

How Much Time Does The Training Take? | Video + Guide

How Much Time Does The Training Take?
FAQ Video

Summary

How much time does the training take? Time is valuable, especially when you’re transitioning out of the military or sports and preparing for a new career. So how long does Shift Group training actually take? The short answer: it depends on your goals. The better answer: it’s flexible, efficient, and built to move at your pace.

Key Takeaways

  • Training length depends on your career path.
  • Total time commitment ranges from 4 to 15 hours.
  • All training is self-paced and online, with support from your coach.
  • You control the speed—book calls and complete modules on your schedule.

A Breakdown of the Training

Shift Group’s training is designed to fit into your life, not the other way around. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” model because no two career paths are exactly the same. But here’s what a typical experience looks like:

Program Overview: 15–20 minutes

Assessments: 20 minutes

Industry Overviews: 5–10 minutes each (you choose how many to explore)

Telling Your Story Module: 1 to 1.5 hours

Coaching Call: 30 minutes, scheduled at your convenience

Job Skills Foundation Training: Anywhere from 2 to 10 hours, depending on your track

Add it all up, and you’re looking at 4 to 15 total hours, done on your own time, with access to guidance when you need it.

Built for Real Life

Whether you’re already working, juggling family responsibilities, or just figuring out your next step, Shift Group’s structure allows you to make progress without pausing your life. Everything is online, and you can book time with your coach when it works for you.

Why Isn’t My Resume Sufficient Enough? | Video + Guide

Why Isn't My Resume Sufficient Enough?
FAQ Video

Summary

Why Isn’t Your Resume Sufficient Enough? Your great-grandfather used a resume. You won’t. The job market has changed, and the people who win are the ones who know how to tell their story in a way that stands out. At Shift Group, that means getting on video.

Key Takeaways

  • Resumes are outdated and often fail to reflect who you are.
  • Video is how people consume content and how employers increasingly evaluate talent.
  • Your ability to communicate confidently and clearly is a differentiator.
  • Shift Group helps you build that skill through a simple, repeatable process.

Why Resumes Don’t Cut It Anymore

A resume is a static document. It doesn’t capture your personality, your presence, or how you think on your feet. In today’s hiring landscape, employers want to see more. They want to know who you are, not just where you’ve been.

That’s why we help you create a short, powerful video, your “My Story.” It lets your communication skills shine and helps hiring managers connect with you on a human level before you ever step into an interview.

Video Tells a Better Story

Think about it: how much time do you spend watching video content every day? Now think about how you’re presenting yourself to potential employers. Shouldn’t the medium match the moment?

Creating a strong video presence isn’t just about landing your next job, it’s about preparing for the reality of how careers are built today.

How Much Money Can I Make In These Roles? | Video + Guide

How Much Money Can I Make In These Roles?
FAQ Video

Summary

How much money can I make in these roles? Let’s talk about money because we know it matters. If you’re coming out of uniform or transitioning from sports, the most common question we hear is: “What will I make in my first job?” The short answer? It depends, but here’s the real talk on what to expect and what drives your earning potential.

Key Takeaways

  • Most entry-level business roles we help place candidates in range from $50,000 to $100,000 base salary.
  • Your life experience, effort in the program, and chosen career path all influence your offer.
  • High-earning potential is real, but industry matters. Some paths can lead to $250K+ annually within a few years.
  • Nonprofit or mission-driven work often pays less, but can be more meaningful for some candidates.

What Impacts Your Earning Potential:

Not all entry-level roles are created equal. While many Shift Group candidates land offers in the $50K–$100K base range, here’s what moves the needle:

  • Your Background: If you’re coming in with leadership experience, technical skills, or an advanced degree, your comp could trend higher.
  • Your Effort: The more seriously you take our program, the assignments, the coaching, the training, the better the outcomes.
  • Your Path: Let’s be honest, industries like SaaS, cybersecurity, or finance have higher earning ceilings than nonprofits or education. And that’s okay. You have to choose the life you want.

The Long-Term Trajectory:

While the entry-level role is your starting point, it’s not the ceiling. Many of our candidates move quickly, doubling or even tripling their income within a few years. If you’re focused, coachable, and committed, a $250K–$300K income is within reach.