Robert M. Alleyne

Speaker Background:

• Robert M. Alleyne is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Supply Corps officer.
• He served aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4) and with Military Sealift Command.
• After his naval service, he pursued professional basketball and later transitioned into the corporate world.
• He worked in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors (e.g., Lexus, Target, New York Life).
• He earned an Executive MBA from Rutgers and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• In 2017, he founded Alen Consulting Group, specializing in IT and management consulting.

Key Takeaways from the Talk:

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life:

• Transitioning requires planning, networking, and developing new marketable skills.
• He encouraged leveraging military discipline and leadership for success in civilian roles.
• He recommended the DoD SkillBridge program for gaining civilian experience while still in uniform.
• Emphasized the value of business planning, capital readiness, and customer identification for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship Insights:

• Alen Consulting Group focuses on IT solutions and management consulting, mostly through government contracts.
• He highlighted the challenges of entrepreneurship: fear, uncertainty, capital, and defining a business model.
• Advocated for incubators, accelerators, and networking organizations for support.

Community Involvement & Service:

• Blue and Gold Officer: Helps interview and mentor Naval Academy applicants in NYC.
• Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA): Supports diversity and outreach, organizes:
  • Leadership Symposiums celebrating underrepresented groups at USNA.
  • STEM outreach programs in underserved middle schools tied to the Army-Navy game.
• Black MBA Association – Metro NY Chapter:
  • Serves as Director of Military, Veteran & Community Affairs.
  • Created the “Those Who Served” initiative, offering:
    • PMP workshops
    • Career fairs
    • Interviewing and soft skills development
  • Hosts entrepreneurship summits, networking events (e.g., during Army-Navy games), and collaborates with other chapters in Philadelphia and NJ.

Advice to Transitioning Members:

• Start preparing early and build your network.
• Identify your next career path or industry.
• Learn project management, sales, and business development.
• Tap into support from groups like NNOA, Black MBA, and NAMA.
• Know that the transition is ongoing: “You never lose, you either win or gain experience.”

Highlighted Resources:

• SkillBridge Program
• Black MBA Association Chapters (national network)
• NAMA website and initiatives

• Upcoming events:

   

  • Army-Navy Game networking (2024 in DC, 2025 in Baltimore)
  • Entrepreneurship Summit – May 10 (NYC)
  • Congressional Black Caucus networking (September)

Closing Thoughts:

Robert M. Alleyne emphasized resilience, community, and giving back. His journey from active duty to CEO showcases how skills developed in uniform can lead to impactful civilian careers. He urged attendees to leverage organizations, stay connected, and believe in their potential to lead—whether in business, community, or public service.