Meet Chris Brown…

Coach Chris Brown has spent his career on the biggest international sporting stages, and as a two-time Olympic Coach, Chris is recognized most for leading the U.S. Women's Rugby Team from fifth to first in the World. Chris was awarded World Rugby's "Coach of the Series" upon the completion of his first season in charge.  

He’s a native of New Zealand and began coaching in South Africa before moving north to prepare Namibia for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Next up was Kenya, where Chris helped lead their Men's Rugby Team from 13th to 5th in the World. In London two years later, he would be instrumental in helping the U.S. Men's Olympic Rugby Team win their first World Series event. 

Chris's international experience and unparalleled coaching instinct have compelled even the most under-resourced teams to victory. Through his unique approach, he ignites the champion within each individual, pushing high achievers to break through their limitations and reach new heights. By fostering unwavering character, amplifying integrity, and cultivating resilience, he empowers individuals to achieve success and sustain it, both on and off the field. 

Top three tips for a successful life?

1. Be intentional in who you allow to speak into your life/ who you surround yourself with. 
2. Never compromise on the relationships that are most important to you. 
3. Know the why and motive behind every decision you make.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

Work hard, be humble and don't quit.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

Leading USA Women’s Olympic Rugby Team to number one in the world for first time

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

Be careful who you listen to…Who you listen to the most will heavily influence how you think.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Enjoy the moment. Embrace the process. Understanding what you sow now will either hurt you or accelerate you in years to come.

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Compromising on selecting an individual who had talent but not the character yet needed for the Olympic squad. It ended up taking much of my attention and also hurt the power of the unit.

What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards? 

Currently working on a leadership book with the underlying themes of the Heart & How of a Champion

Connect with Chris on social media: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-brown/

Connect with The Victory Podcast:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ 

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQ

The Victory Podcast is hosted and produced by Amy Forsythe for Victory Strategies.

Check out the VS Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #accelerateleadership #WhatsNext

Meet Darrell Utt…

From humble beginnings in West Virginia, Darrell Utt overcame great odds by hard work and sacrifice. From earning the coveted Ranger Tab and Green Beret, to leading teams in combat, to becoming the Chief of Operations for The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and has always put country above self. 

 Master Sgt. Darrell Utt retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces in January of 2017 and during his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘Valor’ for heroic actions and leadership during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006. 

 He was also awarded four (4) Bronze Star Medals for achievement and service in Iraq. As a Special Forces Team Sergeant, his Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) was recognized and awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for best Operational Detachment in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Darrell was also the Recipient of the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence – the only Special Forces Operations Team Sergeant from the seven (7) Special Forces Groups to be awarded this honor in 2007.

Top three tips for a successful life?

1. Invest in yourself 

2. Have fun along the way 

3. Think Positively

Best piece of advice you ever received?

Work hard, be humble and don't quit.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

Being awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for Best Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) in 10th Special Forces Group

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

Balance Life/Work and have fun!

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Find what you love to do and do it!

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Not successfully learning a foreign language.

What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards? 

-The Grand Opening of The National Medal of Honor Museum in March 2025.

-Big announcement coming soon for an exciting ‘release.’ Stay Tuned! 

 Causes you care about?

·       National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: https://mohmuseum.org/

·       Special Forces Association: https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/

·       Special Forces Foundation: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/

 Connect with Darrell on social media: 

Instagram (@Darrell.Utt)

Facebook (@DUttRowdy7)
Twitter (@DarrellUtt)

LinkedIn (@Darrell-Utt)
Youtube (@DarrellUtt)

Check out Darrell Utt on The Combat Story podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzv6lISLnwA

Connect with The Victory Podcast:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ 

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQ

Link to Podcast MP3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/episodes/14266800-064-darrell-utt-director-of-business-operations-for-the-nati

Meet Sherman Gillums…a native of Buffalo, New York, serves as the Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington DC.

Sherman has testified before Congress as an expert witness and appeared on national networks, such as CNN, Fox News, and C-SPAN, as one of the most influential voices on military and veteran issues. His expert commentary has regularly appeared in the Hill, Military Times, and other national publications. 

He was recognized by HillVets as among the 100 most influential voices on Capitol Hill in 2016, the same year his alma mater, University of San Diego, inducted him into its hall of honor. He was also personally recognized by The White House for noteworthy “service to our nation” and the Secretary of Veteran Affairs for “exceptional leadership.”

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served for 12 years, medically retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He holds a graduate degree from the University of San Diego School of Business and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. He will complete his doctoral studies at the University of Dayton in 2024.

Sherman and his wife Tammie, herself a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, have two sons, four daughters, including one who is presently a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, and a granddaughter. 

 Top tip for a successful life?

Learn your purpose = What you’re good at + What you like to do + What society needs + What you can get paid to do.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

There are “paper” leaders, and there are “people” leaders. Don’t chase paper. Chase purpose.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

When I left the Marine Corps after 12 years of service, knowing I had helped create, shape, and influence a new generation of Marines to continue the fight after I was honorably discharged. 

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

What you think is your curse may be your calling in disguise.

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Waiting too long to see the value of authenticity in leadership.

What's next for you? Currently working on doctoral degree and looking forward to a new career in education

Causes you care about?

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Connect with Sherman on social media: 

Twitter https://twitter.com/SGillums

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-gillums-jr/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ 

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/eIOtS8bLbio

Link to Podcast MP3: 

Meet John Novalis...He recently joined Victory Strategies after serving 32 years in leadership and executive level roles in the U.S. Army retiring as a Brigadier General.
 
He’s from Indiana, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Keller, Texas. John works for Bell Helicopter as the Director of Advanced Programs and Weapon Systems Integration, leading sustainment, logistics, and digital enterprise initiatives for Bell’s Future Vertical Lift programs.   

Top tip for a successful life?

Maintain mental, physical, and spiritual strength.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

Listen - Actively and with Empathy. Allows you to hear insights, new information, it is a display of humility and empathy, and finally it is a component of human intelligence.

Advice you would give yourself 30 years ago? 

Never miss an opportunity to spend quality time with your family. I lost my parents and brother at young ages...I feel regret. My career became more important than life experiences with my family. Life is fleeting.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

Leading, training, and deploying a unit of +3,000 personnel and +150 aircraft into Afghanistan. An experience that taught me team building, conflict resolution, logistics and sustainment, operations and crisis management, and the value of discipline and goal setting.

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

1. Be competent

2. Be humble

3. Be a person of character

4. Maintain life balance/equilibrium

What's next for you?

I plan to write a number of leadership articles relying on my experiences in the Army which included four years in combat, Command of numerous units both in peace and war, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Staff, and Director of Logistics and Sustainment for the 101st Airborne Division and for a period of time Iraq and Syria.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ 

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

MP3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/12702899

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #accelerateleadership #WhatsNext

061: Jason Lamb | Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel | Managing Director at Victory Strategies  

Meet Jason Lamb who recently joined Victory Strategies after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. He published numerous pieces on the subjects of leadership, culture, and talent management, both under his name, but also under the pseudonym “Col Ned Stark.”

Top three tips for a successful life?

1. Pursue quality over quantity
2. Stay true to your values and principles
3. Pursue what you feel called to do

Advice you would give yourself 30 years ago? 

“Take what you do seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.”

What's next for you? Your next big adventure or challenge? 

Public speaking, coaching, and teaching as a part of Victory Strategies. Sharing the value of Accelerate Leadership Academy.

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

“Make sure you follow your dreams and not someone else's notion of who or what you should be.”

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ 

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #WhatsNext?

060: Tom Dorl | Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel | Managing Director at Victory Strategies  

Tom is a committed and experienced servant leader with three decades of proven successes across military and business organizations. He served over 25 years in the Air Force as a command pilot, strategic planner, and commander and retired in the rank of Colonel. He’s currently a corporate pilot and the Director of Safety and Training for a private aviation company operating both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 

Tom’s top three tips for a successful life:

1. Find a balance of work & life 

2. Don't take yourself too seriously 

3. Develop a habit of life-long learning

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

“Spend more time with people, less on paperwork. Focus on the present and the future will take care of itself.”

Causes important to Tom: 

That Others May Live Foundation (TOML-F): https://www.thatothersmaylive.org/

The Milieux Project: https://themilieux.org/

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-dorl/

Download here:

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/12142165-060-tom-dorl-retired-u-s-air-force-colonel-managing-director-at-victory-strategies.mp3?download=true

Youtube link:           

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

059: Dave Hicks | Founder and CEO of Operation Sacred Promise | Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General | Aviation Pilot | Managing Director at Victory Strategies  

Dave Hicks is a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and serves as the Founder and CEO of Operation Sacred Promise. When he’s not on the road, he’s sharing his many lessons from the tip of the spear and a lengthy military career.

Dave is dedicated to helping the next generation of leaders with sharing leadership techniques and lessons learned through his lengthy career as a pilot, leader and now an advocate for several non-profit organizations.

Dave’s top three tips for a successful life:

1.  Smile and laugh...a lot. 

2. Exercise...even if it hurts.  

3.  You will make mistakes, it's what you do after making them that will define who you are in life...never stop learning.  

Causes important to Dave: 

Operation Sacred Promise: www.opsacredpromise.org

About: To stand shoulder to shoulder with our Afghan Air Force and Special Mission Wing warriors and their families by supporting their safe evacuation from Afghanistan and helping them build new, productive lives in the United States.

Team 5: www.team-5.org 

About: Advanced Medical Care to the most overlooked, austere and remote locations. Vegas Born, Veteran Founded, Volunteer powered SOF 501c3 Non-Profit. 

Youtube link: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

058: Misty Cook | Founder and CEO of Concierge on Call | Retired U.S. Marine Officer | Citadel Grad  | Protocol Expert

Meet Misty Cook, a retired U.S. Marine Officer, innovative business leader and protocol expert.

Misty retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a “Mustang” having served previously as an enlisted Marine. She has leveraged her expertise in matters of protocol and consulting into a business helping senior military officers and enlisted transition to their next chapter in life. 

Her company is called ‘Concierge on Call’ and the mission is to position retiring military leaders as sought after consultants, leveraging the value of their years of service to obtain more lucrative opportunities that showcase that expertise. 

Misty’s top three tips for a successful life:

“Be a good human. Make sure your "WHY" is aligned with your actions. Surround yourself with people that will mention your name in a room full of opportunities.”

Learn more about ‘Concierge on Call’ here:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/concierge-on-call-coc/

“Work hard for your goals and dare to dream!”

Meet Anthony Cosby, a retired U.S. Naval officer, innovative business leader and community impact mentor.

Anthony retired from the U.S. Navy after a very successful career beginning as an enlisted Sailor in 1991 and retiring as a Lt. Cmdr.  in 2012. He’s been a veteran advocate and gaining momentum to launch something big. Now, he’s blazing a trail and taking his athletic sock business to the next level. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Anthony and his team are positioned to scale and make an impact with up and coming athletes and in their local community.

“The next big thing for me is to scale my company, STZY Socks, to be the #1 athletic sock company in America.”

He shares his three top tips for a successful life and the inspiration from his mother that still guides him today. “Give thanks every morning, work your body and work your plan. Have Trust, Faith and Obedience in your daily walk with God.”

Full interview here: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/11171228

Learn more about STZY Socks:

www.stzysocks.com

https://www.instagram.com/stzysocks

https://www.facebook.com/stzysocks

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

Youtube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuxKuz0KG7_DaWAj2BgmaPnag2EJS3VBz

#lifeleadershipjourney #podcast #victorystrategies #leadershiplessons #top3tips #adviceforothers #Navyveteran #STZYsocks #anthonycosby #amyforsythe 

056: David Gurfein | Founder and COO of commercial real estate | CEO of Veteran Service Non-Profit Organization | Retired Marine Infantry Officer | Harvard Business School Graduate | Girl Dad

Meet David Gurfein, a retired Marine Corps infantry officer, Harvard Business School graduate, innovative business leader and all around great friend to many. 

He’s a leadership mentor and dynamic public speaker with expertise in leadership and improving organizational and team performance.

He shares his three top tips for a successful life and the inspiration from his mother that still guides him today. “Be bold. Be audacious and take chances.”

Specialties: 

- Executive Leadership

- Strategic & Operational Planning

- Business Development

- Business Analysis

- General Management

Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

Youtube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuxKuz0KG7_DaWAj2BgmaPnag2EJS3VBz

#lifeleadershipjourney #podcast #victorystrategies #leadershiplessons #top3tips #adviceforothers #marineveteran #amyforsythe #davidgurfein