The Power of a Cup of Coffee: How Networking Transformed James Seastrom’s Career

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can feel like stepping into the unknown. Many veterans struggle with defining their next career move, often applying to jobs blindly or pursuing roles that don’t align with their skills and passions. But for James Seastrom, a former Navy veteran, the key to figuring it all out wasn’t in a job board—it was in a series of simple conversations.

In a recent Fireside Chat on the Vector Accelerator Podcast, James shared how informal networking—what he calls “cups of coffee”—helped him navigate his post-military journey.

“You really have to have them and ask, like, ‘Hey, I see you’re this. What do you do?’” James said. “What is a program manager versus a project manager at your company? That’s the key—‘at your company.’”

This mindset shift—from job-seeking to curiosity-driven networking—helped James discover his true passion: coaching.

The Struggles of Transitioning Without a Clear Plan Like many transitioning service members, James faced uncertainty when he left the Navy after 20 years in 2022. He and his wife sold their home and moved in with family, giving themselves a fresh start. But when it came to his career, James had more questions than answers.

“I had an idea of what I wanted to do, but I didn’t really know for sure,” he admitted.

At first, he pursued acting, landing an agent and even auditioning for Young Rock. But as he explored different opportunities, he realized he needed a more sustainable career. That’s when he started reaching out for advice.

The “Aha” Moment: Conversations Over Coffee James initially approached networking like many veterans do—by applying to jobs and hoping something would stick. But after a few frustrating interactions with recruiters, he realized the value of simply talking to people.

He started setting up informal conversations—what he calls “cups of coffee”—with professionals across industries. Through these discussions, he discovered that job titles often mean different things at different companies, and that understanding workplace culture was just as important as salary and job function.

“Half the time, people don’t even know what their job title means,” James joked. “So asking those obvious questions can help you narrow down what you really want to do.”

One pivotal moment came when a recruiter told him he wasn’t qualified for a position he had applied for. Frustrated, James pushed back, pointing out that the job description never listed the qualifications the recruiter claimed were necessary. A few months later, that same recruiter reached back out with a better opportunity.

This experience taught James the power of persistence—and the importance of advocating for yourself in the job market.

How Vector Accelerator Helps Veterans Master Networking James’ success with networking isn’t just luck—it’s a skill that can be learned. The Vector Accelerator program specifically guides veterans on how to approach networking with intention. Through structured exercises, veterans learn how to:

• Identify the right people to connect with.

• Ask meaningful questions that go beyond job titles.

• Develop a personal story that resonates with potential employers.

• Follow up and maintain valuable connections over time.

One of the key components of the Vector Accelerator curriculum is the Cups of Coffee Strategy, which teaches veterans how to make the most out of informal conversations. The program emphasizes that networking isn’t about asking for a job—it’s about learning, building relationships, and discovering the right career path through real conversations.

By using the techniques outlined in the program, veterans like James can confidently navigate career transitions with clarity and purpose.

How Networking Led to Coaching While James explored different industries, he kept coming back to one core passion: helping others. His time in the Navy had been about leadership and mentorship, and he realized he wanted to continue that work.

Through conversations with executive coaches, he discovered the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and pursued professional training.

“I had never felt more attuned,” he recalled. “You know, ‘flow state’ gets thrown around a lot, but I absolutely loved every bit of those conversations.”

That realization led him to launch his own coaching practice, Be Formidable Coaching, where he now helps others navigate career transitions with confidence.

Lessons from James’ Networking Journey James’ journey offers a roadmap for other veterans looking to transition successfully. Here are his top takeaways:

1. Be Curious, Not Transactional – Don’t approach networking with the sole intent of landing a job. Instead, ask genuine questions about what people do and how they got there.

2. Follow the Threads – One conversation often leads to another. Keep an open mind and follow up on interesting leads.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Challenge the System – If a recruiter tells you no, ask why. Advocate for yourself and push back when necessary.

4. Learn from Other People’s Journeys – Even if someone isn’t in your desired field, their career path might offer insights you hadn’t considered.

5. Keep the Relationships Alive – Networking doesn’t end when you get a job. Stay in touch, offer help when you can, and continue building your community.

“I sent a series of texts a couple of weeks ago to people I hadn’t talked to in years,” James shared. “Just a simple, ‘Hey, hope you’re doing well. No need to text back.’ And guess what? Four or five turned into meaningful reconnections.”

Conclusion: Your Next Cup of Coffee Awaits James’ journey proves that networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about building real relationships. Whether you’re a veteran in transition or simply considering a career change, take a page from James’ playbook: start reaching out, ask good questions, and let the conversations shape your path.

And if you want a structured way to develop this skill, the Vector Accelerator program is designed to guide you through it. By learning how to network with intention, you can create meaningful connections that lead to the right career opportunities.

Want to hear James' full story? Watch the full Fireside Chat episode on YouTube and learn more about how networking can unlock new opportunities.