In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Josh Welle, U.S. Navy veteran, former officer, and Vice President, Global Head of Cybersecurity Portfolio for Capgemini. Josh shares his journey from serving in the Navy to navigating leadership roles at top companies like Capgemini and beyond, bridging the gap between military service and the corporate landscape.

Throughout the conversation, Josh dives into the lessons military veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, including resilience, mission focus, and teamwork, while offering practical advice for transitioning into tech, cybersecurity, and corporate roles. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, building networks, and showing up with a positive attitude and willingness to contribute beyond your job description.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military skills—discipline, resilience, and mission focus—translate directly into corporate and tech success
• Practical steps for veterans to break into cybersecurity, tech, and consulting, even without formal experience
• The power of networking as a “team of teams” approach rather than a one-way ask
• How veterans can stand out in corporate environments through initiative, collaboration, and commitment
• Josh’s personal work with veterans, aspiring cadets, and underrepresented communities to help them succeed in corporate America
• Balancing work, life, and service-driven passions while remaining grounded in purpose and family
  
  

Josh also shares insights into corporate culture, veteran-friendly companies, and how to leverage your military mindset to thrive in civilian careers. Whether you’re a transitioning veteran or someone supporting the veteran community, this episode provides actionable strategies, inspiration, and real-world guidance for taking the next step after service.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Navy #Leadership #CareerTransition #Cybersecurity #TechCareers #CorporateAmerica #Mentorship #Networking #MilitaryToTech #Resilience #TeamOfTeams #TheMilVetPodcast

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Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Jacob “Jake” Wilmes, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former scout sniper, self-taught coder, AI and machine learning engineer, and founder of Hire Calling.

Jake shares his journey from serving in elite combat roles to navigating the complexities of civilian life, learning to code from scratch, and breaking into the tech industry with no formal background. He candidly discusses the challenges of transitioning from the military, the frustrations veterans face when applying to civilian jobs, and how perseverance, mentorship, and creative problem-solving shaped his path from startup roles to launching his own company.

Throughout the conversation, Jake walks through his non-linear career: learning coding and AI on his own, interning and working at tech startups, tackling diverse roles from software development to hardware troubleshooting, earning a master’s degree in data science to formalize his credentials, and ultimately founding Hire Calling — a platform designed to make the hiring process more transparent and engaging for both job seekers and employers.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military problem-solving skills translate to entrepreneurship, tech, and startup environments
• The realities of learning coding, AI, and machine learning from scratch while pivoting into civilian careers
• Why veterans often face “application black holes” and what can be done to bridge the gap
• How Hire Calling links job applications to nonprofit donations to increase transparency and trust
• The challenges of raising capital, selling your vision to investors, and building a product pre-launch
• Lessons learned about mentorship, persistence, and creative networking in both tech and entrepreneurship
  
  

Jake also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, from leveraging your military skills, building networks, and navigating funding, to understanding startup life and market opportunities.

If you’re a veteran exploring technology, AI, startups, or your next mission after service, this episode delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and real-world guidance from someone who’s navigated the transition, learned to code from the ground up, and is now building a platform to help other veterans succeed.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #MarineCorps #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #TechStartups #AI #MachineLearning #VeteranFounders #MilitaryToTech #StartupLife #ServiceAfterService #Resilience #HireCalling #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with John Price, US Army Special Forces veteran, former Senate staffer, private equity operator, and founder of HighGround.

John shares his journey from a college student at the University of Colorado Boulder whose life changed on September 11th, to joining the Army through the 18X Special Forces program, serving alongside elite teammates, and later navigating a challenging transition out of the military. He offers a candid look at the realities of leaving service without a clear plan, the identity shift veterans face, and how lessons from Special Forces — discipline, grit, planning, and trust in your compass — translate powerfully into business, private equity, and entrepreneurship.

Throughout the conversation, John walks through his non-linear civilian career: earning his MBA, working in Fortune 500 leadership roles, advising and fixing PE-backed portfolio companies, serving in the U.S. Senate on AI and acquisition reform, leading corporate development at Deloitte, and ultimately betting on himself to build a software company focused on making government markets easier to understand and navigate.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why military leadership and resilience provide an edge in private equity, venture capital, and founder roles
• The hard truths of transitioning from the military — and why having a plan matters more than the plan itself
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and compete confidently in elite business and academic environments
• Why understanding culture matters more than trying to “change” it in large organizations
• How private equity and government contracting really work — and the gaps veterans must close to succeed
• What it’s actually like to pitch investors, hear repeated “no’s,” and keep moving forward as a founder
• Why education, mentorship, and “putting in the reps” are critical before taking on senior leadership roles
• How veterans should think about entrepreneurship as both a sprint and a marathon
  
  

John also shares practical, hard-earned advice for veterans considering the founder path — from building the right team and doing deep market homework, to knowing which parts of military culture to bring forward and which to leave behind.

If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, government-focused technology, or simply trying to chart your next mission after service, this episode delivers grounded perspective, real talk, and actionable guidance from someone who’s lived every phase of the journey.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran

 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #SpecialForces #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #GovTech #DefenseTech #StartupFounders #VeteranEntrepreneurs #ServiceAfterService #Resilience #MilVet #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Raj Shah, Air National Guard F-16 pilot and Managing Partner at Shield Capital.

Raj shares his non-linear journey from growing up as the son of Indian immigrants in Georgia, to serving as a citizen-soldier in the Air National Guard, to working at McKinsey, founding multiple cybersecurity companies, and now investing in early-stage startups shaping the future of warfare and national security.

Throughout the conversation, Raj offers a candid look at what it really takes to succeed as a founder and investor — grit, resilience, team-first leadership, and a deep understanding of customer pain points — and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in high-risk, high-impact environments.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why military leadership, grit, and mission-focus translate powerfully into startups, venture capital, and tech
• Raj’s path from McKinsey to founding venture-backed cybersecurity companies — and the lessons learned from early failures and pivots
• How Silicon Valley views risk, failure, and second chances — and why learning fast matters more than perfection
• What venture capitalists actually look for when evaluating founders, teams, markets, and technology
• Why having the right co-founder and team matter more than the initial idea
• How veterans can break into tech, startups, and VC through networking, warm introductions, and mentorship
• Veteran-focused organizations and programs that help bridge the military-to-tech transition
• Why defense tech is booming right now — and how private-sector innovation is reshaping modern warfare
  
  

Raj also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, operating roles, or investing — including how to choose the right role, the right team, and the right mission-driven work that aligns with long-term purpose.

If you’re a veteran exploring career transitions, entrepreneurship, defense technology, venture capital, or simply looking to understand how military experience can unlock opportunities in high-growth industries, this episode delivers actionable insights and hard-earned wisdom from someone who has successfully navigated all of them.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #DefenseTech #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #CyberSecurity #StartupFounders #VetSuccess #Innovation #NationalSecurity #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #Networking #Resilience #VeteranEntrepreneurs

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine Patrick D. Nugent — former Regimental Commander at The Citadel, former Marine Corps infantry officer, Speaker, Adaptive Athlete, and Veteran Advocate — to share one of the most powerful and non-linear transition stories you’ll hear.

Patrick walks through his journey from growing up in Cleveland with a deep family legacy of service, to choosing The Citadel, commissioning into the Marine Corps infantry, and preparing for a long-term military career. That path was abruptly changed by a catastrophic training accident that left him with life-altering injuries, forced medical retirement, and an uncertain future.

What followed is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself.

Patrick shares how he navigated recovery at Walter Reed, confronted the reality of leaving the Marine Corps, and redefined his mission — ultimately earning admission to The Wharton School for his MBA and Harvard Kennedy School for his MPA. He then transitioned into management consulting at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he applied military leadership, grit, and team-first mindset in one of the most demanding professional environments.

Throughout the conversation, Patrick offers candid insight into what consulting actually looks like day-to-day, how veterans add unique value in high-pressure business roles, and why embracing discomfort and learning velocity matters more than having a “perfect” resume.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Patrick’s path from The Citadel and Marine Corps infantry to Wharton, Harvard, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• How a life-altering injury forced an unexpected but transformative career pivot
• What management consulting really looks like — including private equity diligence and federal work
• Why veterans excel in consulting through resilience, composure, and team leadership
• How to avoid “self-selecting out” of elite opportunities and let others tell you no
• The power of veteran and non-veteran mentorship during career transitions
• Using fitness, discipline, and structure to sustain performance after trauma

Patrick also shares hard-earned advice for transitioning veterans: aim higher than you think possible, lean on the veteran network, give back early, and never underestimate how transferable military leadership truly is.

If you’re a veteran navigating transition, considering consulting, business school, public service, or simply looking for proof that reinvention is possible after setbacks — this episode delivers inspiration, honesty, and actionable guidance from someone who has lived it.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #ManagementConsulting #BCG #MBA #Wharton #Harvard #InvictusGames #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #VeteranSuccess #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine Sean Bielat — former Marine Corps officer, McKinsey consultant, political candidate, private equity executive, and Managing Partner at Oscar Mike Venture Partners — to share one of the most non-linear and inspiring transition stories you’ll hear.

Sean walks through his journey from serving as a Marine Corps officer to consulting at McKinsey, running defense robotics at iRobot, launching his own company Endeavor Robotics, and investing in international defense technology in Europe. He discusses how he navigated the complexities of corporate America, private equity, and international markets, all while keeping mission and purpose at the forefront.

Throughout the conversation, Sean offers candid insight into the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning into business, entrepreneurship, and investing — and how the leadership lessons from the military can be leveraged to build teams, scale companies, and drive impact.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Sean’s path from Marine Corps officer to McKinsey, iRobot, and private equity
• How to carve out and run a successful business after leaving a large corporation
• Building high-performing teams, company culture, and trust as a CEO
• Lessons in investing, entrepreneurship, and strategic advising in U.S. and European defense markets
• Navigating complex international markets with limited capital and local knowledge
• The importance of mission, purpose, and unity in professional and global contexts
• How veterans can leverage operational and leadership experience to succeed in tech, venture, and private equity

Sean also shares advice for transitioning veterans and professionals: seek continuous education, take operational roles early, embrace non-linear career paths, and focus on where you want to feel fulfilled rather than a rigid job title.

If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, private equity, defense tech, or seeking purpose-driven work after service — this episode delivers inspiration, practical guidance, and a masterclass in leveraging military leadership to make an impact.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #DefenseTech #VentureCapital #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Clint Alanis — retired Marine Corps officer, special operations veteran, and Co-Founder and COO of Smack Technologies Inc — to explore one of the most authentic and non-linear veteran transition journeys you’ll hear.

Clint shares his experience moving from a high-stakes military career into the world of entrepreneurship and defense technology, reflecting on the challenges of leaving active duty, finding purpose outside the service, and leveraging his operational experience to solve complex problems in the civilian sector.

Throughout the conversation, Clint discusses:

• His decision to retire for family reasons and navigating life after leaving active duty
• The realities of transitioning from the military into the business and startup world
• How he leveraged his network, mentorship, and programs like the Honor Foundation to understand the commercial landscape
• Founding Smack Technologies and creating AI/ML solutions that give commanders decision dominance in the modern kill chain
• The importance of trust, relationships, and understanding your transferable skills in business
• Insights on what it takes to succeed in defense tech, private equity, and entrepreneurship without a traditional MBA
  
  

Listeners will gain actionable guidance on:

• Making strategic, family-oriented decisions during career transitions
• Understanding how military leadership skills translate into business and tech entrepreneurship
• Navigating the startup world, fundraising, and building high-performing teams
• Identifying problems worth solving and taking calculated risks in new industries
• How veterans can carve out meaningful post-service careers while maintaining purpose and impact
  
  

Clint also shares candid advice for veterans exploring entrepreneurship or the defense tech space: build relationships, trust your instincts, research relentlessly, and pursue what energizes you rather than following conventional paths.

If you’re a veteran seeking insight into entrepreneurship, defense technology, or purposeful career transitions after service, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
🔗 Follow on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #StartupLife #VentureCapital #MilitaryTransition #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Michael Martin, United States Naval Academy graduate, former Navy SEAL, global hedge fund leader, and now Co-Founder & President USA of Tiberius Aerospace, a cutting-edge defense technology company.

Michael shares his remarkable journey from the Seal Teams, to the high-pressure world of Wall Street, to becoming a key figure in Defense Tech 3.0. He discusses how the values and mindset forged in Naval Special Warfare shaped his ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments — and how building authentic, long-term relationships became the foundation for every chapter of his career.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How elite military experience translates into high-performance roles in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship
• Building trust-based networks that create opportunities years — or decades — later
• Lessons from the trading floor: risk, decisiveness, humility, and “long-term greedy” relationship building
• Navigating setbacks, including being fired, and how to turn career disruption into reinvention
• The shift from finance to defense tech and why mission-driven work matters
• What Defense 3.0 looks like — and why disruptive, globally connected technology companies are reshaping modern security
• Balancing leadership, family, community service, and purpose, including Michael’s ongoing commitment to the SEAL community and veteran support organizations
  
  

Michael also shares how Tiberius is revolutionizing ramjet and propulsion technology, attracting global interest, and preparing to scale rapidly — and why he believes now is the most critical moment for innovative defense solutions.

If you’re a veteran exploring career transitions, high-performance industries, tech leadership, or mission-driven entrepreneurship, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom, actionable insight, and inspiration from someone who has reinvented himself across three demanding fields.

Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #NavySEALs #CareerTransition #FinanceCareers #DefenseTech #Entrepreneurship #VetSuccess #Innovation #HedgeFunds #Defense30 #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #Networking #Resilience #VeteranFounders

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Shawn Robertson — Founder and Leadership Coach at Eternal Lessons and a transitioning US Army SOF Veteran. Shawn shares his remarkable journey from West Point to leading high-performing teams in the Army, to discovering his true passion for coaching and leadership development. He discusses how military experience shaped his ability to identify potential in others, develop elite performers, and translate those lessons into meaningful impact in the civilian world.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How elite military leadership experience translates into coaching, organizational development, and executive impact
• The process of recognizing and cultivating talent, even in high-performing teams
• Lessons from graduate school, West Point, and special operations that shaped his coaching philosophy
• The challenges and mindset shifts involved in transitioning from military to civilian life
• How to harness untapped potential in individuals and organizations through his “Dormant 40” framework
• The story behind Eternal Lessons and its mission to turn experience into actionable, lifelong lessons
• Insights into writing his upcoming book, “Activate” A Counterintuitive Guide to Unlocking Team Potential designed to guide leaders to unlock human potential (Summer 2026)

Whether you’re a veteran navigating a career transition, a leader looking to elevate your team, or someone interested in human capital and organizational psychology, this conversation offers actionable wisdom, inspiration, and a unique perspective on leadership and potential.

Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #ArmyOfficers #CareerTransition #Coaching #HighPerformanceTeams #OrganizationalPsychology #HumanPotential #VeteranFounders #EternalLessons #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #ExecutiveCoaching #Activate

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Tyler Temple — U.S. Navy veteran, former damage controlman, and Founder/CEO of Pollentia Inc.

Tyler shares his journey from growing up fascinated by boats and spending time on ferries, to joining the Navy and gaining hands-on experience in damage control and ship operations, to identifying a gap in the boating industry and founding a company focused on safety, accessibility, and cutting-edge technology. He discusses how his Navy experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and inspired the development of his AI-driven co-captain system — a centralized intelligence tool designed to make boating safer and simpler for everyone.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How early experiences and military service can ignite a lifelong passion and career path
• The importance of embracing failure, learning fast, and using setbacks to innovate
• How to identify gaps in a market and create a differentiated product that is difficult to replicate
• Practical strategies for entrepreneurship, including planning, building the right team, and understanding your ecosystem
• The value of humility, curiosity, and listening to your customers in driving success
• Lessons on transitioning from the military to a tech-focused business environment

Tyler also shares his vision for the future of marine technology and the goal of becoming the primary source for marine intelligence, while keeping boating accessible, safe, and user-friendly.

If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, technology, or looking to transition into business after service, this conversation offers actionable advice, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a startup from the ground up.

Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
Follow us on LinkedIn → @TheMilVet

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #Navy #Entrepreneurship #TechStartup #CareerTransition #MilitaryToBusiness #MarineTechnology #VeteranFounders #Innovation #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #EntrepreneurialMindset #AI #BoatingSafety

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet