The Strategic Veteran

The Strategic Veteran

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The Strategic Veteran episodes

  • The Hidden Bridge: Leadership, Legacy, and Solutions | Part III

    In this powerful conclusion to 'The Hidden Bridge' series, we're moving beyond identifying problems to forging real solutions. After exploring personal journeys in Part I and uncovering systemic recruitment challenges in Part II, we're now tackling the most crucial piece: leadership's role in transforming military transition.


    Join host Adam Peters as he continues this groundbreaking conversation with Thomas McKenzie and Matt Lasher, where we'll expose:


    • The leadership failures contributing to transition challenges 

    • Why current transition programs aren't meeting today's needs 

    • How the 1973 all-volunteer force assumptions impact modern veterans 

    • Actionable solutions for meaningful change


    This isn't just another discussion about what's broken - it's a blueprint for fixing the military transition system at its core. 


    We'll explore: 

    • Where leadership can intervene earlier in the military journey 

    • How to bridge the gap between military and civilian identities 

    • Practical steps for implementing systemic change 

    • The role of both military and civilian leadership in creating better outcomes.


    Whether you're on active duty, a veteran, or a civilian leader, this final chapter will equip you with the insights and tools needed to be part of the solution. Join us as we complete this vital conversation that's already creating waves in the veteran community.


    Don't miss this crucial final installment that ties everything together and charts a path forward for meaningful change in military transition.


    hashtag#MilitaryTransition hashtag#VeteranLeadership hashtag#SystemicChange hashtag#VeteranSupport

    1 hr 5 min
  • Mark Gray

    Discover how to elevate both your health and your business in this insightful conversation with Mark Gray, a dedicated Health & Performance Coach who turned his passion into a thriving career. If you’re juggling a hectic schedule, dealing with aches or pains, or searching for ways to optimize your energy, you’ll gain valuable tools from Mark’s story and practical tips. Learn why entrepreneurial health and veteran wellness are crucial for sustained business performance and how focusing on productivity and health can lead to pain-free performance, better relationships, and success in every aspect of life.


    1 hr 22 min
  • Evan Poling

    Discover how one Veteran found renewed purpose and success after military service! In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of transitioning from the National Guard to thriving in the world of business acquisition and Veteran Entrepreneurship. Join us as Evan Poling shares how his military experience and Servant Leadership principles helped him overcome challenges after the military transition, launch the BizRetire business buying platform, and make successful off-market business deals.


    Get an inside look at the importance of planning for your Post-Military Career, what it takes to stand out in Small Business Brokerage, and why understanding Leadership Principles from the Army can give you an edge in entrepreneurship. If you’re curious about Buying a business after military service or wondering How military experience helps entrepreneurship, this conversation is a must-watch!

    57 min
  • David Jensen

    Discover how David Jensen successfully navigated his Military Transition and found lasting success through Veteran Entrepreneurship. In this in-depth episode, David reveals how his ROTC experience prepared him for leadership roles and highlights the importance of the Army Emergency Relief (AER) program. You’ll hear first-hand insights on how to transition from military to civilian life, including advice on overcoming career struggles in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and the best ways to leverage camaraderie and resilience for personal growth.


    Curious about the Amway Business Opportunity for veterans? David shares his real-life Amway MLM success story—explaining the potential benefits (and challenges) of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) and Leadership Team Development (LTD). From side hustle ideas to veteran owned business opportunities, this episode lays out actionable steps, whether you’re considering a military career after service, seeking Army Emergency Relief financial assistance, or simply looking to transform your leadership skills into entrepreneurial success.

    1 hr 5 min
  • Rich Hardin

    Rich Harden—a U.S. Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer—proves that “the military is what you did, not who you are.” In this inspiring episode, discover how Rich reinvented himself by launching a Dog Training Business that grew into a million-dollar enterprise. From transitioning out of Military Service to overcoming the unique Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement Officers, Rich’s journey highlights Resilience, Adaptability, and community support. He also opens up about Men’s Mental Health and why meaningful conversations can be a powerful path to healing. If you’re curious about Starting a Dog Training Business After Retirement, leading with purpose, or joining a supportive men’s group, this conversation is for you.

    1 hr 7 min
  • Alex Sosa

    Discover how to master your Veteran Transition and unlock the path from Military to Civilian life in this eye-opening episode featuring Alex Sosa, a retired Marine Corps Warrant Officer. Join us as Alex shares his incredible journey from marching band in Los Angeles to 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, culminating in his Strategic Veteran approach to starting a business after military service. Whether you’re curious about the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), want Veteran benefits explained, or aspire to launch your own venture, this episode provides a wealth of insights and resources to help you overcome loss of identity after military life.


    Alex dives into the realities of Military Leadership, navigating VA Disability Benefits, and the challenges of going from enlisted ranks to a Warrant Officer. Learn how the SkillBridge program for veterans and networking for veterans can pave the way for success in your Post-Military Career. Alex also discusses founding the Veteran Development Group and Fidelis Merchant Solutions, demonstrating how an Entrepreneurial Mindset and a strong veteran community can help you thrive beyond active duty.


    In addition, we explore how to transition out of the military effectively, understand why TAP sometimes falls short for veterans, and highlight the importance of mentorship and community support. Tune in for actionable tips on building a business after military service, leveraging valuable Veteran Community Resources, and stepping confidently into civilian life with purpose and passion.


    CHAPTERS:  

    0:00 Intro  

    2:15 Meet Alex Sosa – Marine Corps Veteran  

    4:42 Growing Up in Los Angeles  

    7:16 Why Alex Joined the Marine Corps  

    11:05 From Marching Band to the Marines  

    14:32 Choosing a Military Job  

    18:45 Open Contract & Becoming an Airfield Technician  

    22:30 Rising Through the Ranks – Enlisted Journey  

    27:40 Becoming a Warrant Officer  

    30:55 Life as a Warrant Officer vs. Enlisted  

    36:15 Leadership Differences – Enlisted vs. Officer  

    40:20 Transitioning After 21 Years of Service  

    44:50 Biggest Struggles During Transition  

    48:33 The Military's Role in Transition Assistance  

    53:05 Why TAP Falls Short for Veterans  

    58:42 The Importance of Networking  

    1:03:15 Building a Business After the Military  

    1:08:10 Starting Fidelis Merchant Solutions  

    1:11:40 Founding Veteran Development Group  

    1:17:30 The Mission of Veteran Development Group  

    1:22:05 Helping Veterans Navigate Benefits & Transition  

    1:25:50 The Power of Mentorship & Community  

    1:30:15 Final Advice for Transitioning Veterans  

    1:33:00 Where to Find & Contact Alex Sosa  

    1:35:20 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action  


    Ready to take control of your Post-Military Career? Subscribe for more expert insights, and share this episode with fellow veterans and service members who could benefit from Alex’s story. Together, let’s empower the veteran community to succeed in civilian life.  


    #VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #MarineCorpsCareer #VeteranEntrepreneurship #SkillBridge #VeteranDevelopment #VAbenefits

    1 hr 10 min
  • Ron Jansen

    Discover the gripping and transformative journey of Marine Corps veteran Ron Jansen in this powerful podcast episode. From joining the Marine Corps Infantry to leading a squad in Fallujah during intense counterinsurgency operations, Ron shares a firsthand account of deployment, camaraderie, and the reality of transitioning from military to civilian life. Learn how these life-altering experiences shaped Ron’s leadership style, sparked his passion for writing a military memoir, and inspired his commitment to veteran support.


    In this episode, we delve into:  

    • Transition challenges faced by veterans returning from combat  

    • Leadership lessons gleaned from Marine Corps infantry and counterinsurgency operations in Fallujah  

    • Overcoming emotional disconnect, PTSD, and navigating group healing at veteran retreats  

    • Practical tips for veterans seeking purpose and success beyond military service  


    Join us for actionable insights and an inspiring conversation on how to better understand and support veterans. Whether you’re navigating your own veteran transition, exploring a future in the Marines, or simply looking to learn from real-life leadership lessons, this episode is sure to leave you with a fresh perspective on resilience, recovery, and reinvention.


    CHAPTERS:  

    0:00 Intro  

    1:15 Ron Jansen’s Military Background  

    3:40 Growing Up and Joining the Marines  

    6:55 Choosing the Marine Corps Infantry  

    10:20 Leading a Squad in Fallujah  

    14:10 The Intensity of Combat Training  

    18:25 Adapting Leadership Skills from Military to Civilian Life  

    22:50 Rediscovering Deployment Memories  

    27:55 Processing Military Experiences Through Writing  

    32:40 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life  

    37:30 Struggles with Emotional Disconnection  

    41:20 The Turning Point: Seeking Therapy  

    46:10 The Power of Group Healing and Retreats  

    50:35 Finding Purpose Beyond the Military  

    54:20 Ron’s Career in Project Management  

    58:10 Future Aspirations and Writing Again  

    1:01:30 Final Advice for Veterans  

    1:04:05 Where to Find Ron Jansen’s Book  

    1:06:00 Closing Thoughts  


    Ready for more inspiring veteran stories, practical advice, and powerful insights? Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode. Help us spread the word on how to support veterans and navigate the transition from military to civilian life!  


    #VeteranTransition #MarineCorps #MilitaryMemoir #LeadershipLessons #PTSD #VeteranSupport #MilitaryService

    59 min
  • Bill Kieffer

    Discover powerful insights into Veteran Career Transition and learn how to thrive after Military to Civilian Life in this inspiring episode featuring Bill Kieffer. As a former US Army logistics officer, Bill shares his personal journey from Operation Restore Hope to founding Veteran Career Journey, where he now helps veterans overcome Post-Military Career obstacles. Dive into expert strategies on Job Search, understanding Human Resources (HR) expectations, and effective Networking for Veterans to land the best career paths for their unique skill sets.


    Explore the real-life challenges veterans face, from Veteran Transition Challenges and biases in the workplace to Veteran Suicide Prevention concerns and how to nurture a supportive identity after service. Bill emphasizes the importance of Leadership Skills forged in the military and how these translate into valuable assets for civilian employers. If you’re wondering how to transition from military to civilian job or seeking practical Veteran Career Help, this episode is packed with actionable tips on Veteran Job Interview Tips, Overcoming Veteran Transition Obstacles, and discovering the Best Career Paths for Veterans.


    Stay tuned until the end if you want to learn exactly What is Veteran Career Journey, how employers can better support veterans, and how to secure Veteran Employment Resources. Whether you’re seeking Veteran Career Advice After Service or you’re an employer hoping to hire top-tier talent, this is your go-to guide for bridging the gap between service and success.


    CHAPTERS:

    0:00 Intro  

    2:15 Bill Kiefer's Military Background  

    5:40 Joining the Army & Family History  

    9:10 Life as a Logistics Officer  

    12:30 Operation Restore Hope Experience  

    18:20 Leadership Lessons from Somalia  

    23:45 Transitioning Out of the Military  

    28:50 Challenges of Military to Civilian Life  

    34:20 Importance of Identity in Transition  

    38:10 Understanding Civilian Employment  

    42:30 Networking & Job Search Strategies  

    47:25 Why Employers Struggle with Veteran Hiring  

    52:40 Biases Against Veterans in the Workplace  

    56:50 Founding Veteran Career Journey  

    1:02:10 Helping Veterans Succeed in Careers  

    1:07:40 How Companies Can Better Support Veterans  

    1:11:25 Advice for Transitioning Veterans  

    1:16:00 Where to Find Bill Kiefer & Closing Thoughts  


    READY TO LEARN MORE?  

    • Subscribe for more episodes highlighting actionable advice on succeeding after service.  

    • Share your biggest takeaway in the comments.  

    • Connect with Bill and explore career opportunities that utilize your military experience.  


    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––  

    #VeteranCareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilianLife #OperationRestoreHope #VeteranCareerHelp #LeadershipSkills #NetworkingForVeterans #VeteranEmploymentResources

    1 hr 8 min
  • Murray Beaulieu

    Join us for this insightful episode of the Strategic Veteran Podcast, where we sit down with Murray Beaulieu to explore everything from Veteran Transition and Military Career insights to the practical steps of establishing Business Credit. Whether you’re transitioning from the Army to Corporate Career or looking to strengthen your Financial Literacy, Murray’s experiences—from Army ROTC at Notre Dame to his service during the Cold War in West Germany—provide invaluable lessons for veterans and entrepreneurs alike.


    In this conversation, you’ll discover:  

    • Murray’s journey growing up as an Army Brat and gaining unique leadership lessons from his Vietnam Huey pilot father  

    • Tips for Transitioning from Military to Corporate World, including Veteran Networking Strategies, leadership development, and adapting skills in a civilian environment  

    • A deep dive into How to Build Business Credit for Small Business, including leveraging EIN, Dunn & Bradstreet, and leaning on your Credit Score without relying on a Personal Guarantee  

    • The difference between Business Credit vs. Personal Credit, plus why it matters for insurance, contracts, and long-term business growth  

    • Best practices for Building Business Credit Step by Step, how to choose the right vendors, and how Business Credit helps you sell your business down the line  


    Murray also highlights the influence of his Corporate Career at Raytheon, scaling Patriot Missile production, and applying Lean Six Sigma and Supply Chain principles. Whether you’re pursuing a successful civilian career or planning your first venture, this episode is packed with Financial Literacy tips, leadership insights, and strategies to help you thrive post-service.


    ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

    CHAPTERS  

    0:00 Intro  

    1:32 Meet Murray Beaulieu  

    3:45 Growing Up as an Army Brat  

    6:58 Murray’s Father: A Vietnam Huey Pilot  

    10:25 Choosing the Army and ROTC  

    14:40 The Notre Dame Experience  

    19:15 Serving in West Germany During the Cold War  

    24:30 Challenges of Military Life and Leadership  

    29:50 Transitioning Out of the Army  

    33:35 Finding a Job After Service  

    38:50 The Power of Networking  

    44:10 Corporate Career & Raytheon Experience  

    49:20 Scaling Patriot Missile Production  

    55:10 Leadership Through Comedy at Work  

    59:45 Moving from Corporate to Entrepreneurship  

    1:04:30 Understanding Business Credit  

    1:08:40 Business Credit vs. Personal Credit  

    1:13:20 Why Most Businesses Struggle with Credit  

    1:17:50 Building Business Credit Step by Step  

    1:23:30 Choosing the Right Vendors for Credit Reporting  

    1:29:10 How Business Credit Impacts Insurance and Contracts  

    1:33:40 Avoiding Personal Guarantees  

    1:37:50 How Business Credit Helps Sell Your Business  

    1:41:00 Connect with Murray for Business Credit Guidance  

    1:44:20 Final Thoughts & Importance of LinkedIn Networking  

    1:48:00 Outro  

    ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━


    Ready to level up your career? Don’t forget to hit that “Subscribe” button and share this episode with other veterans and entrepreneurs. For more guidance on Building Business Credit without a Personal Guarantee, connect with Murray or visit our website to learn about transitioning into the corporate world successfully!


    #VeteranTransition #BusinessCredit #FinancialLiteracy #MilitaryCareer #CorporateCareer #VeteranNetworking #PodcastEpisode

    1 hr 34 min
  • Jake Ray

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jake Ray as he shares his unique Military Transition journey from serving in the Army to commissioning in the Air Force. Discover how his passion for Military Service shaped his leadership style, learn about the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and gain insights into Veteran resources that can help guide your Post-military career. 


    In this episode, we discuss the importance of Veteran Suicide Prevention, the development of the ThetaCore app for veterans, and practical ways to support Mental Health for Veterans. Whether you’re seeking guidance on how to support veterans, exploring differences between Air Force vs Army experiences, or looking to expand your Networking for veteran career change, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and personal stories. Don’t miss out on hearing Jake’s hard-earned lessons and inspiring mission to help fellow veterans through behavioral health solutions and community connections.


    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    CHAPTERS  

    0:00 Intro  

    1:45 Jake Ray's Military Journey  

    4:30 Early Influences and Decision to Serve  

    9:15 Transition from Army to Air Force  

    15:50 ROTC and Commissioning into the Air Force  

    22:30 Deployments and Leadership Lessons  

    28:45 Differences Between the Army and Air Force  

    35:20 Navigating Military Culture and Responsibilities  

    42:10 Preparing for Military Transition  

    48:05 Importance of Networking for Veterans  

    53:40 Transition Challenges and Finding a New Purpose  

    58:20 The Birth of ThetaCore  

    1:04:10 How ThetaCore Helps Veterans  

    1:10:00 Power of Connection and Emotional Intelligence  

    1:14:55 Working Together to Prevent Veteran Suicide  

    1:19:20 Where to Find ThetaCore and Jake Ray  

    1:22:05 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice  

    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


    KEY TAKEAWAYS  

    • Discover the differences between Army and Air Force careers  

    • Learn effective strategies for transitioning into a rewarding post-military career  

    • Understand the significance of mental health support and veteran resources  

    • Hear firsthand experiences on ROTC, deployments, and military leadership  

    • Get insight into networking for veteran career changes and building community  


    If you found this episode helpful, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to our channel for more discussions on Veteran Suicide Prevention, Post-military career advice, and how to support veterans. Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!


    Find more information about ThetaCore and Jake Ray’s mission to help veterans build stronger connections and improve behavioral health. Let’s work together to raise Suicide Awareness and uplift the veteran community.


    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    HASHTAGS  

    #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuicidePrevention #MilitaryCareer #ThetaCore #MentalHealthForVeterans #VeteranResources #AirForceVsArmy

    1 hr 3 min

About The Strategic Veteran

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Strategic Veteran, a raw and unfiltered journey into military transition. Host Adam Peters challenges the status quo by sharing authentic stories of veterans navigating life after service while advocating for real systemic change in how our military prepares service members for civilian life.