In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Randy Gilbert, a retired Air Force First Sergeant and the co-founder of KnovaQuest. After a distinguished 21-year military career ranging from Security Forces to operating sensors, Randy faced the challenge many veterans encounter: finding a renewed sense of purpose outside the uniform. This conversation explores his transition from military leadership to becoming a tech founder dedicated to upskilling the next generation of cyber warriors.

Randy dives deep into the evolution of KnovaQuest, detailing how the company pivoted from general culture consulting to the specialized "Boots to Bytes" program. He discusses the critical balance between teaching technical "hard skills" like machine learning and the essential "soft skills" required for corporate navigation. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic systems, the value of networking with organizations like HKPO, and how to scale a business by listening to student feedback and staying agile in the fast-moving AI landscape.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to Pivot: Recognizing when to shift your business model to align with market needs and personal passion.

• Tech Transition Strategies: The importance of combining technical certifications with career readiness coaching.

• Networking for Growth: How leveraging military connections can lead to unexpected business partnerships.

• Operational Mindset: Applying the military concept of "What's Next?" to drive continuous business improvement.

• Leadership in Tech: How First Sergeant experience translates to managing company culture and student success.

About Randy Gilbert:

Randy Gilbert is a 21-year Air Force veteran and the CEO of KnovaQuest. His company focuses on the "Boots to Bytes" initiative, partnering with industry leaders to provide veterans and military spouses with cutting-edge training in Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence, coupled with career readiness mentorship.

Connect with Randy Gilbert & Cynergists:

KnovaQuest Website: http://www.knovaquest.com

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a veteran entrepreneur who is ready to find their next mission!

#Milpreneur #KnovaQuest #BootsToBytes #AirForceVeteran #CyberSecurity #AI #TechEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #CareerReadiness #scalingupsuccess

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout

00:48 - Randy Gilbert’s Air Force Journey: Security Forces to Intel

01:59 - The Birth of KnovaQuest: Seeking Purpose After Service

03:06 - The Pivot: Launching the "Boots to Bytes" Program

03:53 - The "Click" Moment: Validating the Business Model

04:36 - Identifying Business Blind Spots & Iterating for Success

05:20 - The Power of Networking & Strategic Partnerships

06:32 - Staying Ahead of Trends in Cyber Security & AI

07:51 - Maintaining Company Culture: The "What's Next?" Mindset

08:38 - Bridging the Gap: Teaching Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

09:28 - The Veteran Perspective: Calculated Risks in Business

10:23 - Rapid Fire: Habits, Travel, and Superpowers

11:42 - Life Advice: Courage in Decision Making

12:12 - Future Vision for KnovaQuest & Conclusion