Emilee Tucker is more than her corporate credentials—she’s an advocate for authentic leadership who transitioned from an 18-year corporate career to become an executive coach. Driven by her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Emilee pursued a master's in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership, combining formal education with practical certifications like NLP and Reiki. Her journey underscores the value of leaning into life's uncertainties to discover genuine joy and success.

Emilee introduced her unique ROI framework, breaking down how to find meaningful success through three simple yet profound principles:

1. Reward Yourself: Emilee emphasizes celebrating small daily victories, suggesting practical actions like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking a peaceful walk. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive habits, boosting confidence and momentum by rewiring your brain for success.
2. Omit Negativity: Emilee highlighted how negativity consumes valuable energy and time. She shared that humans have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, many repetitive and subconscious. By consciously reframing negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, individuals can reclaim significant mental and emotional resources, creating space for positivity and productivity.
3. Invite Your Dreams: Perhaps the most poignant segment for veterans, Emilee encouraged attendees to rediscover and articulate their dreams beyond past identities. She underscored the importance of visualization, emotional connection, and the power of clearly defining what they want to achieve, inviting veterans to create new, meaningful goals after their military service.

Follow Emilee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileetucker

https://www.instagram.com/iamemileetucker/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships at The Headstrong Project. Broadcasting from the Centre Club in Tampa, this live session captures a candid and compelling discussion around trauma-focused mental health care for veterans, the stigmas that prevent service members from seeking treatment, and how organizations like Headstrong are eliminating those barriers.

Kristen shares her journey as an Army brat turned nonprofit leader, her career path from USO and HireMilitary to leading corporate partnerships at Headstrong, and the incredible impact her team is making through trauma-informed therapy.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of:

• How Headstrong partners with major organizations like Wounded Warrior Project to deliver over 250,000 clinical sessions since 2012.
• Why military cultural competency is critical in mental health care.
• The importance of confidentiality and patient-directed engagement in building trust.
• A 98% retention rate after the first therapy session—and why that matters.
• How corporate partnerships, funding, and community collaboration are vital to expanding Headstrong's impact nationwide.

Whether you're a veteran, corporate leader, mental health professional, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our military community, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics:

• Mental health stigma in the veteran community
• The problem with PTSD as a limiting diagnosis
• Headstrong's care model: trauma-focused, confidential, stigma-free
• Access to care in under 13 days vs. 30+ days at the VA
• Importance of wraparound services and referrals
• Corporate partnerships with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and more
• Supporting veterans through transition with peer referrals and community connection

Featured Guest: Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships, The Headstrong Project

Host: Zack Knight, Founder & CEO of ATLVets

Call to Action: To learn more about Headstrong or connect someone with services, visit theheadstrongproject.org. To get involved with ATLVets, attend future speaker series events, or become a corporate partner, visit atlvets.org.

Special Thanks: To the Centre Club Tampa for hosting and to all the incredible veterans, corporate leaders, and nonprofit partners who joined us for this powerful conversation.

Subscribe and Share: Be sure to follow the ATLVets Podcast for more inspiring conversations from leaders on the front lines of transition, mental health, and community impact.

#ATLVets #HeadstrongProject #VeteranMentalHealth #TampaVeterans #MilitaryCulturalCompetency #MentalHealthAwareness

In the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur T. Shane Johnson to discuss his extraordinary journey from military service to business success. T. Shane's story is one of resilience, survival, and a relentless commitment to helping others, particularly in the veteran community. From surviving an MS-13 gang attack to launching Big Guns Coffee, his path is both inspiring and deeply impactful.

T. Shane shared his motivations for joining the Marine Corps, emphasizing the discipline, determination, and brotherhood that shaped his character. The mindset of a Marine—adapt and overcome—proved invaluable in his transition to entrepreneurship. Zack and T. Shane discussed how veterans possess a unique drive and resilience that make them natural leaders in the business world.

One of the most gripping moments in the episode was T. Shane’s recounting of a brutal attack by MS-13. While riding his motorcycle, he was deliberately hit by a car, leaving him with severe injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and punctured lungs. Despite flatlining multiple times, he fought his way back, determined to use his second chance at life to make a difference.

After recovering, T. Shane faced another challenge—transitioning to civilian life. He initially found success in the mortgage industry, but when the 2008 financial crisis hit, he lost everything and found himself homeless. Rather than giving up, he rebuilt from the ground up, using his story to inspire others through books, public speaking, and initiatives like Hike Across America, where he ran 12,000 miles to raise awareness for homeless veterans and suicide prevention.

T. Shane spoke passionately about the need to rebrand homelessness and help those affected regain their sense of self-worth. He proposed an initiative where homeless individuals could write and publish books, sharing their stories as a way to reclaim their identity and generate income. Zack resonated with this idea, emphasizing how purpose and identity are critical for personal and professional growth.

T. Shane’s journey took another turn when his 10-year-old daughter, Charlie, inspired him to start a business. Together, they launched Big Guns Coffee, a venture that not only supports veterans but also revolutionizes the coffee industry by being the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S..

Big Guns Coffee isn’t just a business; it’s a movement—one focused on empowering people through high-quality coffee and a mission-driven brand. T. Shane and Charlie have worked tirelessly to scale their business, and now, they’re preparing for a major national launch.

🚀 May 2025 – Big Guns Coffee will be available in 427 Sprouts Farmers Market stores

🚀 July 2025 – Expanding to 300 Walmart stores in North & South Carolina

This incredible milestone is a testament to hard work, resilience, and family-driven entrepreneurship.

Throughout the episode, T. Shane and Zack emphasized the importance of leadership, storytelling, and service. Whether in the military, in business, or in life, the ability to repurpose struggles into powerful narratives is what drives true impact.

As T. Shane said, “Why not be generous with your scars? Why not repurpose your struggles in the service of others?”

His journey from the battlefield to business is a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about using it to fuel a greater mission.

Episode Description:

In this special episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, recorded live at the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Command Sergeant Major Andy Wilson—former Delta Force operator and the powerhouse founder of Quiet Professionals.

Andy shares his incredible journey from dropping out of high school in Maine, to climbing the ranks of the most elite military units in the world, to building a multi-million-dollar defense contracting company from the ground up.

This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to transition successfully from the military to business. Andy gets real about the early struggles of starting multiple businesses, why reinvesting in systems and people has been the key to his success, and how he's navigated the world of government contracts, private equity, and rapid growth—all with a relentless focus on discipline and serving others.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• How Andy’s military career shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• Lessons learned from founding and exiting multiple businesses
• The power of reinvesting in people, systems, and scalability
• Why the term “self-made” doesn’t tell the full story
• How to manage risk, failure, and keep moving forward
• Transitioning from Special Operations to Special Operations in business
• The realities of private equity partnerships and scaling toward a billion-dollar valuation

Featured Guest:

Andy Wilson

• Retired Command Sergeant Major (Delta Force)
• Founder & CEO, Quiet Professionals
• Serial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist

Host:

Zack Knight

Founder of ATLVets & The Tactical Leader Podcast

Join ATLVets Events Nationwide:

Don’t miss out on our monthly events spotlighting veteran leaders across the country. Learn more: atlvets.org/events

Connect with Us:

Follow @TheTacticalLeaderPodcast + @ATLVets for more leadership insights and upcoming speaker events.

#TheTacticalLeader #ATLVets #AndyWilson #QuietProfessionals #VeteranLeadership #DeltaForce #Entrepreneurship #GovCon #Leadership #PrivateEquity #TampaBusiness #MilitaryTransition #PurposeDrivenBusiness

In this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight sits down with Tommy Richardson, a Marine veteran and Navy SEAL, to dive into his incredible 26-year military career, his transition to civilian life, and how he’s now helping veterans find purpose and leadership beyond the uniform. From his journey through Marine Corps infantry to the elite Navy SEAL teams, to launching Divine Savagery, Tommy shares insights on faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of physical fitness as a tool for reintegration.

This episode is brought to you by ATL Vets, the premier organization for veteran workforce development and entrepreneurship.

• 26 years in uniform: Tommy served in both the Marine Corps and Navy SEAL teams, experiencing combat at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• From Marine to SEAL: Initially aiming for Force Recon, Tommy instead found his calling in the SEAL teams, making the switch in 2007 with the help of fellow operators.
• Passion for the field: His decision to stay in the fight, rather than being stuck behind a desk, led him to special operations, where he thrived in a high-intensity environment.

• Faith kept him going: Tommy credits his faith in God as his ultimate source of strength, guiding him through both war and transition.
• Understanding the daily battle: He breaks down the constant war between spirit and flesh, helping veterans realize they’re still in the fight, but in a different way.
• Helping veterans find purpose: Tommy believes veterans are wired for leadership and that transitioning means finding a new mission, not losing identity.

• Healing through movement: After suffering injuries and surgeries, Tommy turned to powerlifting as a way to rebuild physically and mentally.
• Westside Barbell connection: Through an invite-only process, Tommy joined the legendary Westside Barbell gym, finding a new brotherhood of strength that mirrored the team environment of the military.
• Physical health as mental therapy: He emphasizes that fitness, discipline, and competition give veterans a way to regain structure and camaraderie.

Tommy's company, Divine Savagery, is built around three pillars:

✅ Speaking & Leadership Training – Helping organizations and veterans develop elite-level leadership skills.

✅ Business Optimization & Consulting – Applying military discipline and structure to corporate success.

✅ Wellness & Tactical Training – Offering physical training, nutrition coaching, and tactical skill development for veterans and civilians.

🔹 Westside Barbell training programs

🔹 Fitness, nutrition, and recovery coaching

🔹 Special operations & tactical training for military and law enforcement

💬 “The flesh is always going to war with the spirit. The choice is yours—are you going to fight, or let it consume you?”

💬 “I don’t want to be remembered when I’m gone—I want to make an impact now.”

💬 “Veterans are wired for leadership. We just need to find what still scratches the itch.”

💬 “If you’re struggling, send up the bat signal. Your brothers will come.”

🌐 Website: www.divinesavagery.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📲 Instagram: @raise.your.horn

🔗 LinkedIn: Tommy Richardson

This episode is proudly supported by ATL Vets, a leader in veteran workforce development, professional networking, and entrepreneurship.

🔗 Learn More: www.atlvets.com

👥 Join the Conversation: What part of Tommy’s journey resonated with you? Drop a comment or share your thoughts on social media using #TacticalLeaderPodcast!

In this episode of The Tactical Leader podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author Scott Mann for an impactful conversation about leadership, the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Key Topics Covered:

• Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Scott talks about meeting a Green Beret at the age of 14 and how that moment inspired his future in the military.
• The Challenges of Transitioning Out of Uniform: Scott opens up about the personal and professional struggles he faced when leaving the military and how he overcame these challenges.
• The Search for Purpose Beyond Service: Scott emphasizes the importance of finding meaning after service and the steps he took to rediscover his purpose in civilian life.
• Rooftop Leadership: Learn about Scott’s initiative, Rooftop Leadership, and his approach to leadership, which centers around managing energy—both your own and that of others.
• Veterans in Entrepreneurship: Scott shares why veterans are uniquely equipped for entrepreneurship and how he designed his life after military service.
• The Power of Storytelling: Scott dives into why storytelling is such an important tool for veterans and anyone looking to share their journey, heal from past struggles, and connect with others.
• Mental Health and Self-Care: Scott discusses the importance of self-care and maintaining mental well-being as a critical part of leadership and personal recovery.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”
• “You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”
• “Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop Leadership
• Scott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)

Want to learn more from Scott Mann?

Check out his book Nobody’s Coming to Save You and visit Rooftop Leadership for more on his leadership programs, speaking engagements, and resources for veterans.

About The Tactical Leader Podcast:

The Tactical Leader is dedicated to helping leaders, especially veterans, develop the skills needed for success in their personal and professional lives. Hosted by Zack Knight, the podcast features conversations with experts in leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity.

Episode Recap: ATL Vets Atlanta Speaker Series Featuring Heather McCarty

Key Points

• Heather McCarty, guest speaker from St. Louis, Missouri, is a veteran ally with a decade of experience in the veterans' space.
• McCarty previously worked at The Mission Continues, where she developed and oversaw programs, and taught at a military school in St. Louis.
• Her connection to the military comes from family members, including her husband, who is a Marine Corps veteran.
• Through her experiences, McCarty feels a sense of belonging in the veteran community and is passionate about bringing learning and programs to those who need them.

Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLp)

• Origin and Evolution:
• Research at The Mission Continues revealed a disproportionate number of women veterans were drawn to the organization due to feeling welcomed and belonging.
• This led to the creation of a three-day summit in 2016, followed by yearly summits and the development of a 5-6 month cohort-based program.
• The program launched in March 2020 and transitioned to a virtual format due to the pandemic.
• In 2023, The Mission Continues narrowed its focus, leading to the transition of WVLp to Beneath the Service, an organization focused on identity-based leadership.
• Objectives:
• Empowerment:  The program empowers women veterans by embracing their identity, boosting confidence, and changing their sense of purpose.
• Connection:  It provides a network for women veterans to connect and support each other, expanding beyond the cohort.
• Skill Building:  The program focuses on communication skills, recognizing the nuances that come with being a woman and a woman veteran.
• Action Planning:  Participants develop a plan to apply their skills and confidence in their communities or workplaces.
• Target Audience:
• Women veterans ready to invest in themselves and lead from a place that feels authentic.
• The program is not for those seeking job placement or still figuring out basic needs.
• Eligibility is open to women veterans living in the United States.
• Future Success and Partnerships:
• Future success includes offering a Virginia Tech certificate to program graduates and expanding alumni opportunities.
• Partnerships with organizations like ATL Vets provide additional support and resources for women veterans.

Q&A

• Funding and Resources:
• The program relies on sponsorships, grants, and creative ways to capitalize on the value of the cohort.
• The goal is to keep the program free for women veterans.
• Alumni Program:
• Alumni ambassadors play a vital role in shaping the program and providing support to future cohorts.
• They contribute to content, lead conversations, and serve as mentors.
• Ideal Number of Participants:
• While the ideal scenario is to reach all women veterans, the program focuses on quality and impact.
• The current cohort is limited to ensure a successful transition under Beneath the Service.

Additional Information

• The application for Cohort 8 is open until January 31st.
• The program kicks off in May in D.C., transitions to virtual, and culminates in D.C. in September.
• Beneath the Service offers other leadership development programs and resources.
• Contact information and website details are provided for further engagement.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a former Green Beret turned entrepreneur, storyteller, and author of Nobody’s Coming to Save You. Scott shares his journey from a bullied small-town kid to a decorated Special Forces officer and, ultimately, a successful civilian leader. Together, Zack and Scott delve into topics like the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of finding purpose, and how veterans can channel their skills into entrepreneurship.

Scott also discusses the creation of Rooftop Leadership and Task Force Pineapple, highlighting their missions to empower individuals and advocate for others. With candor and wisdom, Scott underscores the power of storytelling as a leadership tool and the significance of managing energy—for yourself and those you lead.

Key Topics Covered:

• Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Meeting a Green Beret at 14 and how that encounter shaped his future.
• Transitioning Out of Uniform: The personal challenges Scott faced and how he navigated the dark periods.
• Finding Purpose: The human need for meaning and how Scott discovered new relevance post-service.
• Rooftop Leadership: Its foundation, mission, and why leadership is about managing energy—yours and others'.
• Entrepreneurship for Veterans: Why veterans are well-suited for entrepreneurial paths and how Scott created a life by design.
• Nobody’s Coming to Save You: Scott’s latest book and why storytelling is central to his work.
• Self-Care and Recovery: Insights on the importance of unplugging, recharging, and maintaining mental health.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”
• “You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”
• “Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop Leadership
• Scott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)
• The Hero’s Journey: Advocacy and storytelling for veterans.

Connect with Scott Mann:

LinkedIn: Rooftop Leadership

Facebook: @ScottMann

Instagram: @scottmannauthor

Twitter: @RooftopLeader

YouTube: Rooftop Leadership

https://youtu.be/_szAosvdWdM

https://scottmann.com

https://rooftopleadership.com

http://theheroesjourney.org

https://lastoutplay.com

https://operationpineappleexpress.com

https://linktr.ee/rooftoppodcast

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow veteran or leader who could benefit from these insights!

Key Discussion Points:

• Self-Marketing and Storytelling:
• Why it Matters: Self-marketing is crucial for career advancement and entrepreneurship, but many veterans struggle with it due to a focus on teamwork and humility during their service.
• Overcoming the Challenges: Public speaking and self-promotion can be learned and improved with practice.
• The Power of Storytelling: Effectively communicating your story and accomplishments is key to standing out in the civilian world.
• Finding Purpose and Passion After the Military:
• The Transition Challenge: Many veterans struggle to find their purpose and passion after leaving the structured military environment.
• Discovering Your Strengths: Self-reflection and identifying your skills and interests are crucial for finding fulfilling work.
• Creating Your Own Future:  Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams; entrepreneurship can be a viable path for veterans.
• The Naked Truth About Hiring:
• Diligence Over Desperation: Take the time to find the right candidate who not only has the skills but also fits the company culture.
• The Importance of Reference Checks: Don't skip this crucial step in the hiring process; it can reveal valuable information about a candidate's work ethic and personality.
• Cultural Fit: A candidate's ability to mesh with the company culture is just as important as their skills and experience.
• Collaboration and Community:
• The Power of Networking: Building relationships and collaborating with others can open doors to new opportunities and support.
• Collaboration as Currency: Helping others and building a strong community can lead to mutual success.
• Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilians:
• Common Ground: Veterans and civilians share many of the same struggles and aspirations.
• Breaking Down Stereotypes: It's important to challenge misconceptions about veterans and recognize their diverse skills and experiences.
• Mutual Support: Both veterans and civilians can benefit from supporting and learning from each other.
• Resources for Veterans:
• CreateYourFuture Website: Offers free resources, including a book download on interviewing and a course on hiring.
• Additional Support: Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media for ongoing guidance and support.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective self-marketing and storytelling are essential for career success.
• Finding your purpose and passion after the military requires self-reflection and exploration.
• Collaboration and community are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Veterans and civilians can benefit from mutual support and understanding.
• There are valuable resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life and achieve their goals.

Call to Action:

• Visit createveterans.com for free resources and support.
• Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media.
• Share this episode with veterans and entrepreneurs who could benefit from the discussion.
• Support ATL Vets and their mission to empower veterans.

Links and Social Media

1. https://www.davidleejensen.com/
2. https://www.instagram.com/davidleejensen/
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleejensen/
4. https://www.hiringacademy.com/

In this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, addiction recovery coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they delve into the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life and the strategies to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment beyond the uniform.

Garret’s Journey from Marine to Motivational Leader

• How his service as a C-130 Hercules pilot shaped his worldview.
• The personal challenges he faced transitioning out of the military.
• His life-changing perspective after surviving a near-fatal accident as a child.

The Challenge of Transition

• Why many veterans experience anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacement
• Garrett’s personal struggles and how he turned to service and charity to heal.

The Three Fundamental Needs for Emotional Well-Being

• Connection: Building relationships with oneself and others
• Authenticity: Living true to your values without fear of judgment.
• Meaning: Finding purpose in work and personal pursuits.

The Power of Storytelling and Vulnerability

• How sharing experiences can help veterans reclaim their narratives.
• Zack and Garret’s personal reflections on the cathartic power of storytelling.

Actionable Insights for Veterans and Civilians

• Lean into passions that bring joy and fulfillment.
• Build strong, supportive communities.
• Seek out meaning and purpose in all areas of life.

• “Service doesn’t end when we leave the military. In many ways, it’s just beginning.” – Garret Biss
• “It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay silent.” – Garret Biss
• “Garret’s story shows us how to turn our experiences—good and bad—into opportunities to lead and inspire.” – Zack Knight

The Tactical Leader Podcast, hosted by Zack Knight, shares transformational stories and actionable insights from leaders who tackle life’s toughest challenges. From veterans to entrepreneurs, each episode is designed to inspire you to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

Subscribe now to The Tactical Leader Podcast and never miss an episode where leadership meets life’s defining moments!