Photo of Jason Martinez, courtesy of the Wounded Warriors Project.

The State of Talent Conference (SOTC) is a premier one-day conference experience completely focused on the future of workforce and talent development. Powered by CareerSource Suncoast, with partnered host Game On Nation, this leadership-focused conference provides a unique insight into the current state of talent in the workforce. Each year, SOTC brings together some of the best speakers from across the nation focused on talent development to help businesses engage their most valuable assets. With 500+ attendees, participants leave with insightful management strategies, networking and inspiration from the lineup of speakers brought on. While the original live event was canceled this year in light of COVID-19, SOTC will now be providing a free and immersive digital experience tomorrow July 16. Of the 10 speakers on board to present an engaging virtual presentation, SRQ connected with a few of the bright lights to hear what they're excited to share.

Jason Martinez is a leader in the development of communication, leadership and well-being programs to support our nation’s wounded warriors. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Florida Army National Guard, Jason utilizes inventive storytelling and interactive curriculum to engage audiences nationwide. Since 2008, he has been instrumental in the development of programs specifically focused on the physical health and wellness needs of our US veterans, implementing wellness programs designed to promote overall healthy and active lifestyles through participation in adaptive sports, fitness and nutrition. Throughout the last decade, Jason has helped hundreds of athletes, military veterans and executives achieve their professional development and well-being goals through collaborations with the NFL, Under Armour, CrossFit, YMCA, The Players Championship (TPC) and the Wounded Warrior Project as a speaker and brand ambassador.

SRQ: What are you most excited to bring to the table for the SOTC conference this year?

Jason: I am most excited for all of the learning to take place. Yet, I am equally excited for the virtual community and support that hopefully, we can create for all participants.

SRQ: Can you share what your seminar topic covers and how you chose this theme for the event? Did something influence you?

Jason: I chose to talk about improving resilience during moments of transition. Over the last decade, I’ve worked with hundreds of veterans through a variety of transitions. Lessons learned from working with this population really moved to the forefront of my mind as I thought about our current global state.   

SRQ: What do you hope for Sarastoans to take away? 

Jason: I hope that they take away tangible tips to help them improve resiliency. I hope that at least one thing connects, well I hope more than one, but at least one thing that might help them get through adverse moments. I hope that they walk away feeling empowered and with a sense of clarity around how to get through moments of transition. 

SRQ: Do you have any practical advice or “a-ha” moments you had in your professional life that you can share with our readers? 

Jason: Yes. I also think that with a clear mind we might experience more a-ha moments in our lives. After getting out of the Marines, I hoped to attend college, but I think like many transitioning veterans, I tried my luck at a few different jobs. Eventually, I signed up for college and found a degree that I wanted to pursue. I was so excited to finally be going after something that I wanted to do since the 11th grade, attending college and working with the college sports program. One day during a minor league baseball game, and after some in-depth research on the training staff, I walked to the fence behind the home team dugout and asked for one of the training staff. One of the players sent over the Head Athletic Trainer and I pleaded my case to volunteer for the team. He told me to come back the next day and I did. That one day turned into working with that minor league team for two different seasons and opened the door to many other opportunities for me.

Photo of Jason Martinez, courtesy of the Wounded Warriors Project.

Register for the State of Talent live virtual conference here.