In the premiere episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Navy Counselor First Class Petty Officer Brenda Robinson—a dynamic leader, first-generation service member, and career recruiter. From a spontaneous visit to a Navy office during high school to managing critical electrical systems aboard an aircraft carrier, Brenda shares her unconventional path into the military. Her story unfolds with humor, heart, and a clear-eyed look at what it takes to thrive in a high-stakes, high-opportunity environment like the U.S. Navy.

This conversation goes beyond uniforms and ranks. Brenda opens up about advancing through the enlisted ranks, navigating leadership as a young Latina, balancing dual military life with family, and charting a future in healthcare—all while earning her degrees with Navy support. Whether you’re curious about military life, passionate about career development, or simply love a story of resilience and reinvention, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a few surprises along the way.

What You'll Learn

• How Brenda accidentally walked into her Navy career—and never looked back

• The truth about Navy boot camp (Hint: It's not like the movies)

• How the Navy fosters leadership and career advancement, from E1 to E6 and beyond

• The surprising overlap between shipboard electrical systems and civilian trades

• Why military service can be a springboard to careers in STEM, healthcare, and beyond

• The role of women and Latinas in reshaping the face of the armed forces

• What it’s like to be dual military and how the Navy supports family life

• How duty stations get assigned (including how to land in sunny San Diego or Japan!)

Time Stamps

03:31 "Unexpected Challenges of Boot Camp"

07:40 Path to E5 Advancement

10:18 Rapid Advancement in Navy Ranks

14:18 Aircraft Carrier Work Center Specialties

17:01 Navy Skills: Versatile Career Paths

19:04 Versatile Skills for Employment

25:06 "Finding Your Local Navy Recruiter"

25:52 Tribute to Armed Forces

Connect with Us

Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/

Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group

Special Thanks

To Brenda Robinson and all service members for their dedication, service, and continued pursuit of excellence—on and off duty.

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Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.