Air Force Veteran Robert Blacklidge is an Ecosystem Builder, a Serial Entrepreneur Speaker, an Educator, and a Mentor.

His work building the Lakeland Ecosystem has had and continues to have a significant impact. Robert has worked to bring several international programs to the Lakeland community. (1 Million Cups, Startup Grind, and Techstars Startup Weekend.)

These current efforts are built on his experience creating and running Hackathons including Office Depots, IEEE, Code Tampa, Startup Bus, and Biz Sprint. Robert volunteers running programs for several organizations to include Action Zone a veteran-focused business accelerator and Techstars Startup Weekend.

In this episode, Sgt. BeReal talks to Robert about how he started, how he ended, and where he is at now. Robert also shares how he stumbled and got his feet up again. They also discussed that the Military doesn’t prepare you as a civilian after Military duty.

Let's listen and know how Robert entered the entrepreneurial world and know how to have a proper mindset and focus to function as a civilian.

Key points

He is focused to serve the country and give back to the community.

A lot of politics in the military

The military will tear you down and build you up

A team to execute, a team to lead

Finished Masters in Entrepreneur Education

Building relationships as a civilian

Engage entrepreneurs in communities around the world

Connect with Robert:

Website:

http://RobertBlacklidge.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Connect With Sgt. 1st Class (SFC) John Valentine:

Website:

https://veteransbereal.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/veteransbereal/

Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veterans-be-real/id1507792755

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