Meet Cheryl Cross | Best Selling Author, Podcast Producer and Host – XCHANGEPodcast.com

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheryl Cross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
With my podcast, ‘The Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour,’ I’m on a mission to amplify 100 voices of transition. The reality is, stories of military-to-civilian transition often go untold, and I wanted to change that. I saw a gap – a lack of real, raw accounts of what this journey is truly like. So, I decided to step in and fill that void.

Each episode of my podcast dives deep into the experiences of three individuals: those in the thick of their transition, those who have been navigating it for 1-4 years, and those who are 5 or more years down the line. These aren’t just any stories – they’re personal, they’re honest, and they come straight from the hearts of everyday people who’ve served our country. We talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s about giving a voice to their unique journeys and the ‘soup’ of transition they find themselves in.

But it’s not just about stories. Each episode also brings in an expert – be it a career coach, a resume writer, or another professional who can shed light on the transition process. These experts provide practical advice and insights, adding another layer of depth and utility to each conversation.

The episodes run over an hour, but every minute is packed with valuable, real-life experiences and advice. My goal is to create a space that reflects the true nature of transitioning from military to civilian life – unfiltered, unpolished, and absolutely real.

I started this podcast because I was tired of the sugarcoated narratives about career transition. I wanted to create something unique, something that would give a voice to those often-unheard stories. This podcast is more than a collection of interviews; it’s a platform for change, understanding, and real support for those making one of the most significant transitions of their lives. It’s available on all podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and now, YouTube. Learn more about it at www.xchangepodcast.com

As an adjunct, I’ve completed my first book, and five days after launch it landed as #1 New Release on Amazon, “CIVILIAN MISSION: The 3-Year Guide for Military Professionals Planning Civilian Careers” and my next book, “Unlocking Your Worth; Mastering Salary Negotiation for Veterans” will be released April 2024.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting off in my hometown of Las Vegas as an award-winning radio broadcaster, my career has been a journey of leveraging what I know, to explore what I yearn to learn. My eagerness to learn and ability to compound on what I know caught the eye of the promotion department at Geffen Records in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal point in my professional life, a move from Vegas to Los Angeles – a dream I had since I was a teen.

After 20 years of work in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and spending over 15 years as an independent consultant in marketing communications and HR, I decided it was time to return to my broadcasting roots. This return wasn’t just a step back into familiar territory; it was a fusion of my passion for communications with my commitment to raising awareness for underserved communities. Including Veterans and family dependents.

As a Workforce Development Councilwoman for the State of Hawaii and a former Corporate Recruiter, I’ve always been drawn to the stories of people and their career journeys. This passion culminated in my current role as a podcast host, producer, and author, where I’ve been able to combine everything I love – broadcasting, advocacy, and mentorship.

What sets me apart is this unique blend of experiences. I’ve not just been behind the mic or the desk; I’ve been in the trenches of workforce development, understanding the real-world challenges people face. My podcast and my books are a testament to this journey – they’re platforms where I can give back, share knowledge, and empower others, especially those transitioning from military to civilian careers.

Was it easy? Far from it. The road was filled with learning curves and challenges. There were times when the path was unclear, but every experience, every setback, taught me something valuable. From having $20 in the bank to more than $200k, the grind remains the same. The key lesson I’ve learned is the power of adaptability – the ability to take your skills and apply them to new, sometimes unexpected situations.

I want the world to know that my brand and my story are about resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion. Whether it’s through the airwaves of Las Vegas, the bustling corporate environment of Los Angeles, or the diverse cultural landscape of Hawaii, my journey has been about using my voice and skills to make a difference, particularly for those who are often overlooked or underserved.

So, here I am today, not just as a former radio broadcaster or corporate professional, but as an author and voice for those in transition, a guide for veterans seeking new careers, and a storyteller who believes in the power of shared experiences to inspire and transform lives,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my, where do I start? Since I was a commissioner and lived 15 years in the city of Hermosa Beach, I would focus on that with this perfect itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Hermosa Beach

Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at Good Stuff Hermosa, known for its health-conscious breakfast and brunch options.
Afternoon: Take a walk along The Strand, a paved path that runs along the coastline. Enjoy the sun and surf, and maybe even grab some bikes for a ride along the beach.
Evening: Dinner at Tower 12, a local favorite with a laid-back vibe and great American fare. Their rooftop offers a fantastic view of the sunset.

Day 2: Exploring Local Culture

Morning: Breakfast at The Source Cafe, followed by a visit to the Hermosa Beach Farmers’ Market (if it’s a Friday).
Afternoon: Check out the Hermosa Beach Historical Society & Museum and visit my friend Rick Koenig to get a sense of the local history.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila for some high-end Mexican cuisine. Then, head to The Comedy and Magic Club, where you might catch a set from a well-known comedian.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Surf lessons! Hook up with my friend’s Laura and Chris Brown at Camp Surf in Hermosa Beach, a perfect way for beginners to learn to surf .
Afternoon: Lunch at The Hook & Plow for some fresh, farm-to-table fare. Spend the rest of the afternoon beach lounging or playing beach volleyball.
Evening: Have a casual dinner on the Hermosa Beach Pier. Maybe stop by the Lighthouse for some music followed by a stroll along the Pier Plaza for some local nightlife.

Day 4: A Day in Los Angeles

Morning: Take a short trip to Los Angeles. Visit the Getty Museum or Griffith Observatory for spectacular city views.
Afternoon: Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Evening: Dine at a trendy restaurant in downtown LA, then check out a live music venue or a rooftop bar for drinks.

Day 5: Relax and Enjoy

Morning: Brunch at Ocean Diner, known for its homestyle cooking.
Afternoon: Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the calm waters around the beach.
Evening: Have an early dinner at home, invite some friends to sit around the firepit.

Day 6: Shopping and Exploring

Morning: Head over to nearby Manhattan Beach for my son Steffen’s favorite breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House.
Afternoon: Spend the day exploring boutique shops and enjoying the beach town vibe of Manhattan Beach.
Evening: Back in Hermosa, meet some friends on Pier Plaza and bar hop, and then maybe some live music at Saint Rocke.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch

Morning: End your trip with a farewell brunch at Martha’s 22nd Street Grill, a local staple with a cozy vibe. Hermosa Beach and the surrounding areas are not just about beautiful beaches, but also about a rich, vibrant culture. From delicious dining options and historical insights to outdoor adventures and bustling nightlife, there’s something for everyone. It’s this lively, diverse atmosphere that makes Hermosa Beach and Los Angeles such exciting places to explore and enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks for this opportunity to give a shoutout, because you’re right – none of us get to where we are all on our own. For me, the heart and soul of my work – both in my podcast ‘The Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour’ and my book ‘CIVILIAN MISSION: The 3-Year Guide for Military Professionals Planning Civilian Careers’ – are the incredible stories and bravery of the veterans I interact with. These are the people who truly deserve the spotlight in my story.

I want to dedicate this shoutout to every veteran who has had the courage to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Those who’ve been bold enough to admit they need help, guidance, or just someone to listen as they navigate the often turbulent waters of transitioning to civilian life. It’s their honesty and willingness to share their struggles, as well as their successes, that make my work not just possible, but deeply meaningful.

These veterans come from diverse backgrounds, each carrying a unique story – some have faced challenges due to a lack of skills, some due to inadequate planning, and others due to a lack of vision for their post-military life. It’s through their narratives that we uncover the real texture of what it means to transition from military to civilian careers.

Their stories aren’t just anecdotes; they are powerful lessons and beacons of hope for others in similar situations. They show us that it’s okay to be in a place of uncertainty, to have moments where the path ahead isn’t clear. Their journeys provide invaluable insights for my audience, many of whom are grappling with the same issues.

So, this shoutout is for them – the unsung heroes of my work, the veterans who are boldly rewriting their career narratives and, in doing so, helping countless others realize their full potential. They’re the ones who truly deserve a little credit and recognition in my story. It’s their voices, their experiences, that fuel my passion and drive my mission to make a difference in the lives of those transitioning from military to civilian careers.

Website: www.xchangepodcast.com

Instagram: @theycallmecherylcross

Linkedin: www.linkedin/in/cherylcross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherylacross

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@XChangePodcastSeries

Image Credits
Black outfit, beige background, Photo by Tevin Moses, Honolulu, HI