From CO to CEO

A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership

By: William J. Toti

Narrated by: William Toti

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership by Captain William Toti, US Navy (Retired), former CO of the nuclear submarine USS Indianapolis and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, is the seminal manual for service members transitioning to civilian careers and navigating their rise up the corporate ladder.

You served your country dutifully, and as a member of the US armed forces, you also developed a discipline, drive, and skill set admired the world over. Your success in the civilian job market after your military career ends is all but ensured, right? Well, if statistics and real-life reports from your predecessors are any indication, this transition is not always smooth sailing.

More than 200,000 service members separate from the military each year. More than half of those surveyed about the process felt as if they had little to no help with the transition. That's why William Toti wrote From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership. As someone who successfully progressed from captain of a nuclear submarine to a captain of industry, he knows what it takes to make the most of your military training and what more is needed to rise up the ranks in the C-suite.

From CO to CEO aims to help you get the most out of your industry career, thinking through the kind of company and career track that is best for you. It provides a step-by-step guide to navigating the search, interview, and negotiation process and helps you acclimate to your new environment and to accelerate your climb to the top.

©2021 William Toti (P)2022 William Toti

Excellent Advice!

Excellent advice for transitioning military members; I can’t say enough great things about the specific and actionable items provided!

From Co to aspiring CEO

Great book that provides insight for transitioning military members. Insight that is missed in the transition assistance program. This book is one of many I read (listened to) in my military transition. I found this book to be one of the most useful and I plan to re read when I hit the 1 year mark in my new position.
Thank you for stepping up and providing a useful guide.

Candid. Straight. No Nonsense.

This is the best coaching advice for those transitioning from military service to a civilian career. I wish I had this book when I retired. Many of us who have "been there", in both worlds, can directly relate and agree with the stories, experiences, and outcomes. Those about to transition should keep it readily available as a quick reference guide, as their new careers progress. WWBTD - What Would Bill Toti Do?
I had similar experiences as Bill, as a US Navy officer, two tours at the Pentagon, in one of which I served under Bill's leadership. We were both there on 9/11/2001 - a day that changed all of us in many profound ways. His narrative and recommendations are spot-on. A MUST HAVE.

DR. Rafael E. Matos
LCDR, US NAVY (RETIRED)

Thorough review of options to begin next chapter

I transitioned over 3 years ago, but thought this was a great time to review what I may have missed along the way. I thought this was the most thorough review of options which were never discussed at our transition seminars.

Being a business manager in the Navy it wasn't totally unfamiliar either. Regardless, there is something for all of us here. I appreciate the thoroughness of specific types of jobs. I am not sure any work can capture all of those avenues in today's world, but this did cover the majority.

I do wish more time was used to discuss the difference between DoD roles and non-DoD roles. There is a much harder barrier to break in non-DoD environments unless you can find the advocate willing to take the risk and represent you in those initial years as you make a name in that industry.

Keep offering your guidance and knowledge. This is what makes our service and training an invaluable resource in private industry.

Excellent read for those considering transition

I’m active duty who is nearing retirement. I felt this book was talking directly to me as I wrestle with questions such as when should I retire from the military and transition to another career, what do I want to do next, and what are the pitfalls of veterans who do transition? Very practical and great insight from personal finance to helpful tidbits such as stereotypes and industry (particularly the defense industry). The book is read by the author himself…not the most charismatic/interesting sounding voice but it’s genuine and know he’s personally been in my shoes - highly recommend!

Highly Insightful, Enjoyable, Practical & Valuable

CAPT Toti (of whom I happen to have the honor of being a fellow Naval Academy classmate!🫡) has published an excellent book. "From CO To CEO," is a deeply insightful & practical guide to making the transition from military leader to civilian business leader. His book is well worth exploring.

BTW, I think that "From CO To CEO" can benefit anyone seeking a successful business career, not just transitioning military leaders, and not necessarily only for those who are entering business careers. I recently started in a position as Command Chief Engineer of a major Navy development entity, and Bill's book was full of great insights & guidance that I found tremendously valuable.