Listen and Subscribe
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Following an amazing 30-plus year-career at UPS while proudly serving for nearly 22 years in the United States Air Force and National Guard, Chris Peck shares his wisdom, expertise and advice in an inspiring conversation with host Mike Abrams.
In this episode, Chris answers questions about why he joined the Air Force, how he began his career with UPS, and how he managed dual military and civilian careers, citing the values alignment between UPS and the military as one of the keys to success. Chris also shares how the experience that he gained in the National Guard concurrently helped him to advance in his career at UPS and explores how the military could leverage the civilian skills that our reservists have and integrate that expertise and experience into the military.
As Vice President Corporate Human Resources at UPS, Chris was responsible for maintaining UPS's reputation as an employer of choice for nearly 500,000 global employees. He oversaw human capital strategy in identifying, cultivating and engaging a globally diverse and highly skilled workforce committed to world-class service and safety.
Chris was a UPS partner for over 30 years, with proven experience in the operations, human resources and global strategy development. Starting as an entry-level part-time package handler while attending university, he was promoted to lead multiple line operations and Human Resources teams in New Jersey, California, Indiana, Chicago and Virginia. In 2001, Chris was expatriated to Belgium where he served as Vice President of Human Resources & Labor for UPS’ Europe, Middle East & Africa region.
Chris’ decade of international experience was then leveraged in UPS’ strategy group. Among his achievements in this role, he started up a 21-country Middle East joint venture in Dubai, expanded UPS’ Global Healthcare strategy and optimized the UPS Store franchise network. In 2011, he assumed senior HR leadership for UPS' largest operating region worldwide based in New York City and was subsequently promoted to his current UPS HQ role in Atlanta in 2014.
Dedicated to his country and his community, Chris proudly served for nearly 22 years in the US Air Force & National Guard. Chris is passionately committed to veteran causes and is active with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Corporate Partners, VETLANTA, and the USO. He currently serves on boards with United Way, ACP, VETLANTA, Mercy Care, USO, and Rutgers University. He is an active alumnus of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2016 and leads a financial ministry with his wife Lisa at Buckhead Church.
Chris obtained his BA in Economics from Rutgers University, his MBA from Saint Mary’s College, with post graduate studies at INSEAD and professional certifications as Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and Global Professional in HR (GPHR).
ABOUT US
Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term “Three Block War” to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.
FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.
Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.
Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.