In this insightful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Nathaniel Fick — entrepreneur, investor, writer, former United States Ambassador and United States Marine Corps veteran. Nate’s extraordinary journey bridges combat leadership, business innovation, and diplomatic service, offering listeners a rare look into a career that defies traditional boundaries.

From leading one of the first U.S. units into Afghanistan and Iraq to writing the acclaimed memoir One Bullet Away, Nate shares how his military foundation shaped his approach to leadership, crisis management, and mission-driven work. He dives into his path through business school, private equity, and cybersecurity, ultimately becoming CEO of Endgame and later serving as an executive at Elastic after a successful acquisition.

Nate also recounts how a surprise call from Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched him into public service once again—this time as the nation’s top diplomat for cyberspace and emerging technologies. He reflects on building international partnerships in AI and cyber defense, reinforcing trusted digital infrastructure, and helping shape U.S. tech diplomacy in a time of rapid change.

With refreshing candor, Nate discusses:

• Navigating non-linear career transitions between policy, business, and government
• Treating job interviews as a two-way street and choosing the right leaders to follow
• The power of servant leadership and lessons from mentors like General Jim Mattis
• The emotional highs and near-death moments of scaling a venture-backed startup
• Advice for veterans entering private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship
• The enduring impact of One Bullet Away and how storytelling builds bridges
  
  

Whether you're a veteran, operator, investor, policymaker, or aspiring leader, Nate’s story is packed with hard-earned insights on risk-taking, humility, and answering the call to serve—again and again.

Tune in to learn about:

• Blending public service and private sector impact over a dynamic career
• Why leadership experience matters more than technical skills early on
• How to vet your future boss and build meaningful mentor relationships
• Bridging the cultural gap between national security and Silicon Valley
• Why your military background is a hidden asset in venture and policy
• How to stay calm and "be clinical" in high-stakes environments
  
  

This episode is a masterclass in navigating transitions, leading with values, and finding meaning across multiple domains of service. Don't miss it.

Connect with TheMilVet community at themilvet.org and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories from those leading with purpose.

#MarineVeteran #CyberDiplomacy #VeteranLeadership #NateFick #OneBulletAway #TechPolicy #StartupLeadership #VentureCapital #TheMilVetPodcast #VeteranTransition #DigitalPolicy #PublicService #VeteranMentorship #Dartmouth #HarvardBusinessSchool

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins engages in a deep and candid conversation with France Hoang, Co-Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, West Point graduate, and United States Army Veteran.

France shares his inspiring journey, starting as a Vietnamese refugee evacuated from Saigon, and later graduating in the top 1% of his class at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in the U.S. Army in multiple leadership roles, including deployments with both the Military Police and Special Forces commands, and as Deputy Chief of Police and SWAT Commander at Fort Leavenworth. His military career includes service in Southeast Afghanistan and contributions to national security across multiple U.S. government branches.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into France’s transition from active duty to law school—graduating magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center—and his subsequent appointment as Associate White House Counsel and Special Assistant to the President, along with service as an Assistant United States Attorney and lawyer at Williams & Connolly. He reflects on building teams and integrating innovative technology in law, aerospace, and defense, co-founding companies with combined sales of over $600 million and creating employment for more than 1,200 professionals.

France opens up about his drive to empower lifelong learning in the age of AI as the CEO and co-founder of BoodleBox, a collaborative AI platform now used by over 10,000 professors and students at 650+ colleges, preparing the workforce for the future. He discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, team-building, resilience, and leadership, highlighting hard-won lessons from his decades of experience in high-stakes environments.

This episode delivers practical advice for veterans and founders on career transitions, embracing innovation, and pursuing passion-driven success. France continues to serve on multiple boards and is passionate about empowering communities in education, technology, and veteran support.

Connect with France and TheMilVet community at themilvet.org to learn more about empowering veterans in private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#VeteranLeadership #WestPoint #Entrepreneurship #AIinEducation #MilitaryTransition #StartupLife #Resilience #BoodleBox #TheMilVetPodcast #VeteranSupport #Leadership #CareerPivot

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In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Riley Tejcek, a remarkable United States Marine Corps Captain, Team USA bobsled athlete, author, and motivational speaker, to explore the inspiring journey of a multi-faceted military leader breaking barriers. Riley shares her unconventional path from a Division I softball player at The George Washington University to Marine officer and elite bobsled Olympic competitor, revealing how athletic discipline and mental toughness cultivated on the field seamlessly translated into military success and leadership.

Listeners will discover how Riley balanced the demanding dual roles of active duty Marine and Olympic-level athlete without a formal World Class Athlete Program, navigating deployments, training, and competition with relentless grit and resilience. She reflects candidly on her deployment to the Middle East, the challenges of being one of the few female officers in the Corps, and the deep bonds forged within the Marine team—often described as the strongest, most unique team she’s ever been part of.

Riley also discusses her children’s book, If You Can Dream It, Be It, which aims to inspire young girls by shattering stereotypes about women in the military and encouraging boldness and courage from an early age. She highlights the importance of visibility and representation, reminding listeners that identity and purpose can evolve, and that the military offers invaluable leadership skills and opportunities for growth beyond service.

This conversation is a compelling reminder that success in life—whether in service, sport, or entrepreneurship—requires embracing fear, taking leaps of faith, and forging your own path even when the roadmap doesn’t exist. Riley’s message resonates deeply for veterans, athletes, and anyone facing transition, urging them to be proud of their journey and to keep striving for greatness.

Tune in to hear about:

• The unlikely transition from collegiate softball to Marine officer and Olympic bobsledder
• Overcoming the hurdles of being a female athlete in a traditionally male-dominated military
• The realities and rewards of deploying while pursuing elite athletic ambitions
• How athletic mindset and Marine Corps leadership principles intertwine
• The motivation and impact behind Riley’s children’s book promoting dreams and courage
• Insights on recruiting and inspiring the next generation of Marines, especially women and athletes
• Why identity and community don’t end with the uniform—they evolve, and support is crucial

Whether you’re a service member, veteran, athlete, or leader, this episode offers an inspiring blueprint for perseverance, leadership, and purpose-driven life. Learn more about Riley’s journey and connect with TheMilVet community at themilvet.org.

#MarineCorps #TeamUSA #OlympicAthlete #WomenInMilitary #VeteranLeadership #AthleteTransition #MilitaryRecruiting #IfYouCanDreamItBeIt #MarineAthleteOfTheYear #VeteranSupport #MilitaryPodcast #Resilience #Leadership #FemaleMarine #Bobsled #MilitaryAthlete

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Nate Boyer—United States Army Special Forces Veteran, former NFL player, filmmaker, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP)—to explore one of the most unique and inspiring post-military journeys ever told.

Nate shares how, after serving in the Special Forces, he took an unconventional leap into college football at the University of Texas—despite never having played a down of organized football. That decision launched a path that eventually brought him to the Seattle Seahawks locker room, playing alongside legends like Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. But as Nate reflects, the real story begins after the final whistle—when both athletes and veterans alike are faced with a daunting question: Who am I without the uniform?

This raw and honest conversation unpacks how Nate discovered the deep parallels between the military team room and the pro sports locker room—and why losing that sense of mission and community leaves so many feeling lost. That insight led to the founding of MVP, a nonprofit that reconnects veterans and former pro athletes through shared workouts, peer support, and purpose-driven community.

In this episode, Nate opens up about:

• Why he transitioned from his military career to professional football—and what he learned on both fields
• Training alongside elite athletes while still deploying to Afghanistan in the off-season
• Getting “the call” from Pete Carroll and the surreal experience of suiting up in the NFL preseason
• How MVP recreates the team environment for those transitioning out of service or sport
• The making of MVP the movie—and why telling real stories matters
• How you can join, support, or partner with Merging Vets and Players today

Whether you’re a veteran, athlete, leader, or transition support advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that identity doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It just evolves—and MVP is making sure no one goes through that evolution alone.

Learn more and get involved at: vetsandplayers.org

Follow Nate: @nateboyer37

#MergingVetsAndPlayers #VeteranTransition #AthleteLifeAfterSport #GreenBeretToNFL #MVPtheMovie #TeamRoomToLockerRoom #VeteranSupport #NFLTransition #IdentityAfterService #MentalHealthAwareness #MissionContinues #VeteransInFilm #FromServiceToScreen #MilVetPodcast #NateBoyer

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Nicholas Kovalsky—United States Army veteran and the co-founder of  Perspectives Health—to dive into his unconventional journey from military service to mission-driven entrepreneurship.

Nicholas shares how his firsthand exposure to the mental health crisis, both in and out of uniform, inspired him to take action—starting first with a grassroots harm reduction nonprofit, and later pivoting into high-tech healthcare solutions. With raw honesty and grit, he unpacks the whirlwind journey of leaving college, going into debt, and betting everything on building a startup from the ground up—with no business background, no funding, and no clear path forward.

He reflects on the power of just showing up, trusting your team, and learning everything the hard way—through risk, rejection, and relentless iteration. From pitching at random conferences to moving cross-country with no safety net, Nicholas shows what it really takes to build a company that’s already transforming how clinicians manage their most time-consuming task: administrative documentation.

In this episode, Nicholas opens up about:

• Why he walked away from a full ride at UChicago to pursue a startup dream
• Building a startup team from scratch with zero product and 100% conviction
• How his company developed a game-changing AI agent for electronic health records
• The role of speed, risk tolerance, and “high agency” in entrepreneurial success
• What the military instills in founders that no MBA can
• The overlooked opportunity for enlisted veterans to lead in tech and innovation
• Why mental health, substance use, and homelessness remain top priorities for impact

Whether you're a veteran thinking about launching a startup, a mission-driven builder, or someone who believes in solving real problems with real-world action, this episode is packed with insights, hard truths, and authentic inspiration.

#VeteranFounders #AIHealthcare #MentalHealthInnovation #VeteransInTech #StartupJourney #MilitaryTransition #HighAgency #HealthTech #EnlistedVeterans #MissionDrivenStartup #FoundersStory #MilVetPodcast #FromBootsToBusiness #SubstanceUseCare #EntrepreneurshipInAction

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In this inspiring episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Matt Ibbetson, United States Navy Veteran, Partner at Ridgemont Equity Partners, and graduate of the United States Naval Academy to explore his fascinating journey from rural roots to high finance.

Matt shares how growing up on a farm instilled the work ethic that carried him through the Naval Academy, life undersea as a submarine officer, and later into elite consulting with McKinsey & Company. He dives deep into the lessons learned in leadership, discipline, and communication—skills that proved invaluable as he transitioned into the Private Equity world.

From building teams on a submarine to driving portfolio operations in middle-market companies, Matt reflects on:

• The power of preparation, humility, and hard work
• How military experience uniquely prepares veterans for leadership in business
• Why networking is about giving—not just getting
• Building value in private equity while staying true to family and personal values
• The importance of mission alignment in your career decisions
  
  

Whether you’re a transitioning service member, a veteran in business, or just someone looking for actionable career wisdom, Matt’s story is a powerful example of how to turn service-driven values into long-term professional success.

Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with insights on leadership, transition, and the value of service in every chapter of life.

#VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #PrivateEquity #VeteransInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #SubmarineLife #McKinseyAlumni #NavyVeteran #RidgemontEquityPartners #CareerTransition #MilVetPodcast #ServiceToSuccess #NetworkingMatters #MissionDrivenLeadership #FromMilitaryToBusiness

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Khalid Noori — Program Strategist at Honor the Promise, Special Operations Veteran; Afghanistan National Army Special Operation Command  (ANASOC), and graduate of Hindustan University — for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on service, sacrifice, and storytelling after war.

Khalid shares his extraordinary journey as a Veteran of Special Operations Command in Afghanistan to rebuilding a life and purpose in the United States after the fall of Kabul. Through raw honesty and deep reflection, he speaks about navigating the trauma of war, becoming a father in exile, and the enduring brotherhood between Afghan and American veterans.

We explore NOORI, a documentary set to be released in 2026, led by Honor the Promise and Lyla Kohistany, and produced by Dulcinea Productions, directed by Will Agee. The film follows Khalid Noori and Abdul Matin Popalzai—two former Afghan Special Operations members—on their journey across America as they transition to civilian life, explore identity and purpose, and reconnect with their fellow Afghan and U.S. SOF veterans, including GEN(R) Scott Miller, Michael Rodriguez, and Luke Focer, while confronting the personal and collective wounds of war.

The film’s impact partners are the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOT) and the Global SOF Foundation (GSOF).

If you’re interested in supporting this cause, please open the link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/operation-enduring-bond.

In this episode:

🔹 How Khalid's experiences in combat and as a refugee inspired the healing journey behind NOORI
 🔹 Why telling the full story of Afghanistan means honoring sacrifice—and celebrating partnership
🔹 The identity crisis veterans face after service—and how fatherhood redefined Khalid’s mission
🔹 What Americans often misunderstand about Afghanistan—and why that must change
🔹 A call to view Afghan veterans as assets, not victims, in the next chapter of American society

—---------

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#VeteranTransition #AfghanistanVeterans #NOORI #TheMilVetPodcast #PostTraumaticGrowth #MilitaryBrotherhood #HonorThePromise #SpecialOperations #VeteransStorytelling #AfghanSOF #MilitaryToCivilian #RefugeeToLeader #VeteransInAmerica #FatherhoodAfterWar #GlobalWarOnTerror #ForcesForGood #9_11Legacy #VeteranHealing #AfghanAmericanCommunity

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with David Harris, Software Investor at Vista Equity Partners, United States Air Force Veteran, and graduate of United States Air Force Academy and Stanford University, MBA to explore his transition from military service to the world of Private Equity—and how curiosity, grit, and strategic networking opened doors along the way.

David shares how his time at the United States Air Force Academy and his early career in software development laid the groundwork for an untraditional path into high finance. From navigating the MBA application process to landing internships at Blackstone and Scout Ventures, David walks us through the mindset and methods he used to translate military experience into business success.

He also opens up about the power of intelligent networking, how one cold LinkedIn message led to a chain of life-changing opportunities, and why the veteran community is uniquely positioned to support each other in the private sector.

You’ll hear about:

• Why David believes an MBA is the most efficient transition tool for vets unsure of their next step
• How internships and early exposure shaped his path into investing
• The myth of networking—and how to authentically “connect” instead
• How reaching out (even awkwardly) can lead to career-defining relationships
• His decision to skip investment banking and go straight into private equity
• Why software, people, and mission alignment led him to Vista Equity Partners
  
  

Whether you're exploring a pivot into finance, tech, or business leadership—or just want to hear how one veteran carved his own lane in a competitive industry—David’s story is packed with actionable insight and inspiration.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#VeteranTransition #MilitaryToMBA #PrivateEquity #VistaEquityPartners #VeteranNetwork #TheMilVetPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryExperience #CareerPivot #StanfordGSB #Blackstone #AirForceVeteran #VeteransInFinance #NetworkingForVeterans #MissionDrivenCareers #ForcesForGood

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Michael Osburn, Managing Director of Aristos Global and former Army contractor (civilian) assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Kunar during The Surge, to explore his unique path from civil-military operations in Afghanistan to tackling complex problems in private equity and construction consulting.

Michael shares how working alongside military, intelligence, and DEA teams as a civilian contractor shaped his approach to leadership, teamwork, and “being an asset, not a liability”—lessons that carried over into building his own company. From the challenges of fusing military and civilian efforts in dynamic environments to navigating a return to private sector life, Michael offers a grounded, practical perspective on how experiences in conflict zones translate into business acumen.

You’ll hear about:

• The challenges of integrating military, civil, and intelligence teams in Afghanistan
• The value of building real-world networks before you need them
• How Michael structured Aristos Global to operate as the “special operations” of construction consulting
• Advice for those transitioning from public service or overseas contracting into private equity, real estate, and construction

Whether you're considering a transition from high-stakes environments or interested in how crisis management skills apply to entrepreneurship, this episode is full of insight, authenticity, and practical wisdom.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#ConstructionLeadership #MilitaryTransition #ContractorExperience #PrivateEquity #RealEstateDevelopment #SpecialOperationsMindset #AfghanistanDeployment #TheMilVetPodcast #CivilMilitaryOperations #VeteranNetwork #LeadershipDevelopment #AristosGlobal #ForcesForGood

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In this episode, Beau Higgins sits down with Adam Frankl—Author, The Developer Facing Startup, Startup Advisor, US Army Veteran —to explore the powerful ways military principles translate into the tech world. Adam shares insights from his career at high-growth startups, the lessons he carried over from the military (like the five-paragraph op order and OODA loop), and how he uses them to lead teams and define winning strategies in business.

They dive deep into:
- Why credibility matters more than hype in developer culture
- How to craft a simple, powerful company strategy in five words or less
- What makes social proof more effective than sales fluff
- The massive and accelerating impact of AI on software development
- Why veterans bring unique value to startups—whether they know it or not
- Tactical advice for new founders: “Talk to your customers first.”

Whether you’re a veteran breaking into tech, a founder shaping your vision, or just curious about how AI is reshaping the future, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, storytelling, and sharp insight.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to lead with clarity, credibility, and purpose in today’s fast-moving world.

#VeteransInTech #StartupLeadership #MilitaryToTech #AdamFrankl #BeauHiggins #TechPodcast #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #ArtificialIntelligence #AIandStartups #MilitaryStrategy #OODAloop #VeteranTransition #AIRevolution #TechCareers #LeadershipPodcast #FoundersAdvice #DevCulture #SocialProof #EngineeringLeadership

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