In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call to discuss his journey from Army Aviation to corporate America and ultimately back to serving the veteran community. Jim shares lessons from more than two decades in the military, his transition into the private sector, and why giving back and serving a mission larger than yourself have remained central throughout his career.

Jim reflects on his unconventional path into the United States Army, beginning with ROTC in college and eventually becoming an Army aviator. He discusses the experiences that shaped him as a leader, including serving overseas, raising a family in the military, and his final assignment leading public affairs at West Point. He also explains how his work during West Point's bicentennial helped him build a civilian network that became instrumental in his transition to corporate America.

The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the challenges veterans can face when entering corporate environments, and how military leadership principles can become powerful assets in the private sector. Jim shares practical advice on managing your career, building relationships, becoming indispensable to an organization, and adapting to a corporate culture without losing the values that made you successful in the military.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Jim's journey from ROTC to Army Aviation and a 20-year military career
• The importance of camaraderie, mission, and serving something bigger than yourself
• Transitioning from the military into corporate America
• Why networking, not job boards, can open doors after military service
• How Jim leveraged his West Point network to launch his civilian career
• The differences between military and corporate cultures
• Why veterans sometimes struggle with managing their own careers after leaving the military
• How to take ownership of your career in the civilian world
• Why veterans should learn the culture and ethos of their new organization
• How to make yourself indispensable to an organization
• The importance of anticipating what your boss and organization need
• Why being the easiest person to work with can accelerate your career
• The value of listening more than you speak
• How military leadership and taking care of people translate into corporate success
• Why networking should be viewed as an opportunity to learn rather than simply find a job
• The importance of following up and building meaningful professional relationships
• Jim's transition from corporate leadership back into the nonprofit and veteran space
• The founding mission and purpose of Mission Roll Call
• How Mission Roll Call gives veterans a direct voice with policymakers
• The importance of unfiltered veteran feedback in shaping legislation and policy
• The role of veteran organizations in addressing homelessness, suicide, and other challenges
• Why veterans should "sound off" and make their voices heard

Jim also discusses his experience leading corporate communications at Siemens and Sealed Air before joining the USO and eventually being recruited to help build Mission Roll Call. He explains why Mission Roll Call was created to amplify the voices of veterans and their families, provide veterans with access to resources and support organizations, and deliver polling and survey data directly to policymakers.

The conversation highlights a central theme throughout Jim's career: the importance of listening. Whether leading soldiers, working with colleagues in corporate America, building professional networks, or advocating for veterans in Washington, Jim explains why understanding people and putting their needs ahead of your own can create stronger teams and better outcomes.

Jim closes with an ambitious vision for the future of Mission Roll Call: ending veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, while ultimately building an organization that accomplishes its mission and is no longer needed.

Whether you're preparing for military transition, navigating a career in corporate America, interested in veteran advocacy, or looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers practical lessons on networking, leadership, career ownership, listening, and continuing to serve long after leaving the military.

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business.

#TheMilVet #MilVetPodcast #Veterans #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranJobs #VeteranAdvocacy #VeteranCommunity #CorporateLeadership #Leadership #Networking #MissionRollCall #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSuccess

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Stockton Croft, Founding Partner of Eagle Merchant Partners, to discuss his journey into private equity, the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, and why great businesses are ultimately built by great people.

Stockton reflects on his unconventional path from the University of Virginia to Wall Street, through consulting and operating roles, before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. He shares the highs and lows of buying and building his own company, the challenges of leading through adversity, and how those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy as a private equity investor.

The conversation explores what separates successful founders from everyone else, why self-awareness matters when choosing your career path, and how veterans bring unique strengths to private equity-backed companies through leadership, discipline, and operational excellence.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Building a career in investment banking and private equity

• The transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship

• Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success

• The "Groom, Jockey, or Horse" framework for thinking about your career

• Lessons learned from buying, operating, and growing a business

• Navigating failure, uncertainty, and business turnarounds

• Why resilience and grit separate exceptional leaders

• How veterans create value inside private equity portfolio companies

• The importance of process, structure, and operational discipline

• Why people, not spreadsheets, drive investment success

• How to evaluate leadership teams before making investment decisions

• The qualities private equity firms look for in CEOs

• Why great leaders attract talented people who want to follow them

• Mentorship, succession planning, and building organizations that outlast their founders

• Practical advice for professionals interested in private equity, entrepreneurship, and investing

Stockton also shares valuable lessons from nearly three decades of investing and operating businesses, explaining why his perspective evolved from focusing on financial analysis to recognizing that leadership and talent ultimately determine the success of every investment. His reflections on risk tolerance, self-awareness, and continuous learning offer practical guidance for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a career in private equity.

Whether you're preparing for military transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or simply looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers timeless lessons on resilience, calculated risk-taking, leadership, and building organizations through great people.

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business.

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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 Dave Bellon, Managing Partner at Global Frontier Advisors L.P. and Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, to discuss his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, private capital, international investing, and building businesses in some of the world's most challenging markets.

Dave shares how his Marine Corps experience laid the foundation for a career defined by calculated risk-taking, continuous learning, and service beyond the uniform. After transitioning from the military, he pursued opportunities across private equity, investment banking, and international business before founding Global Frontier Advisors, where he helps connect investors with opportunities in critical minerals, natural resources, and emerging markets throughout Latin America.

The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience when ideas don't work as planned, and why the best founders view failure as tuition rather than defeat. Dave also reflects on the challenges of military transition, the importance of finding purpose beyond a job title, and how veterans can leverage their leadership experience to create value in business while continuing to serve their communities.

Drawing from decades of experience in finance, entrepreneurship, and international investing, Dave explains why building relationships, framing problems correctly, and maintaining humility are often more important than having the perfect business plan. He also shares how his passion for farming and volunteer work with Toys for Tots has helped him maintain perspective while balancing the demands of business leadership.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Transitioning from the Marine Corps into entrepreneurship and private capital
• Lessons learned from building and growing businesses in emerging markets
• Why failure is often the best investment in future success
• How entrepreneurs should approach risk and uncertainty
• The importance of framing problems before trying to solve them
• Leadership lessons from military service that translate directly into business
• Building trusted relationships in private equity and international investing
• Why humility and curiosity are essential leadership traits
• The role of critical minerals and natural resources in the global economy
• Investing and operating in Latin American markets
• Finding purpose beyond titles, promotions, and financial success
• Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and personal fulfillment
• Why veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in business and investing
• Continuing a life of service through mentorship, philanthropy, and community involvement
• Practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship or career transitions

Dave also shares thoughtful perspectives on identity after military service, the realities of betting on yourself as an entrepreneur, and why long-term success is built on resilience, integrity, and meaningful relationships. His insights provide valuable guidance for veterans, founders, investors, and professionals looking to build careers driven by both purpose and impact.

Whether you're preparing for military transition, exploring entrepreneurship, interested in private equity or international investing, or simply looking for timeless leadership lessons, this episode offers practical advice on embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond your own success.

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, executive leadership, and life after service.

#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #PrivateCapital #InternationalBusiness #Investing #CriticalMinerals #NaturalResources #MarineCorps #BusinessLeadership #Founder #EmergingMarkets #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranCareers #Mentorship #LifeAfterService

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Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Todd Woodrick, President and Founder of Ceptor Technologies Corporation and a former U.S. Air Force Combat Control Officer, to discuss his remarkable journey from the battlefield to the forefront of defense technology, private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.

Todd shares how a childhood inspired by Top Gun led him to the Air Force, only to have changing military needs redirect his career into Combat Control. After serving more than two decades in Air Force Special Operations, Todd transitioned into technology development at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory before building experience in private equity, venture capital, and defense manufacturing.

The conversation explores how military operators can successfully transition into the private sector, the realities of launching a technology company, and why understanding customers is far more important than simply building great technology. Todd also shares powerful lessons from uncovering a $98 million investment fraud early in his civilian career, reinforcing the importance of integrity, due diligence, and trusting but verifying the people you choose to work with.

Today, Todd is focused on building Ceptor Technologies Corporation, developing AI-enabled sensing systems that enhance situational awareness and help protect soldiers and Marines on tomorrow's battlefield. Drawing from decades of operational experience and defense innovation, he explains why the future of warfare will depend on accelerating decision-making through advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Transitioning from Air Force Combat Control to entrepreneurship
• How military experience translates into technology leadership
• The future of AI-enabled defense technologies and battlefield awareness
• Lessons from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and defense innovation
• Understanding private equity, venture capital, and defense investing
• Why customer discovery is the foundation of every successful startup
• The difference between building technology and building a business
• How defense acquisition works and what founders need to know before selling to the government
• Why veterans should understand funding, acquisition, and operational requirements before entering the defense market
• Lessons learned from uncovering investment fraud and the importance of due diligence
• Why "trust, but verify" is essential when evaluating career opportunities
• Choosing the right first job after military service
• The "Name, Title, or Salary" framework for navigating military transition
• Why founders should avoid burning bridges throughout their careers
• Building mission-driven companies with long-term purpose

Todd also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, joining startups, or pursuing careers in private equity and venture capital. His insights on leadership, ethics, innovation, and lifelong learning provide a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to build a meaningful career after military service.

Whether you're preparing for military transition, launching a startup, exploring private equity or venture capital, or interested in the future of defense technology, this episode offers actionable lessons on leadership, customer discovery, integrity, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership.

#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #ArtificialIntelligence #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Founder #Startup #DefenseInnovation #AirForce #SpecialOperations #CombatControl #ExecutiveLeadership #CustomerDiscovery #VeteranCareers #TechnologyLeadership

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Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes back Nick Lodestro, Executive Coach at The Military Veteran, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, for a candid conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, private equity, and the personal evolution that comes after building and scaling a successful business.

He shares how he co-founded and scaled a veterinary hospital platform from a small startup into a thriving private equity-backed business through multiple recapitalizations, all while staying committed to one principle above all else: culture.

Nick explains why culture-not contracts, technology, or operational efficiencies-is the ultimate competitive advantage in any business. Drawing on lessons from the Marine Corps, he discusses how mission, values, and servant leadership shaped the company's growth strategy and helped differentiate it in an increasingly competitive industry.

The conversation also explores Nick's difficult decision to step away as CEO after realizing the demands of leadership were pulling him away from the life he wanted with his family. Through honest reflection, he discusses the identity shift from operator to advisor, the importance of setting boundaries, and how stepping into board leadership and executive coaching has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

Today, Nick serves as Executive Coach at The Military Veteran, helping veterans successfully transition into leadership roles within private equity-backed companies. He shares why executive coaching can dramatically improve the success of first-time CEOs, general managers, and senior executives navigating the fast-paced world of private equity.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why professional sales is one of the most valuable career experiences for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs
• How military leadership translates directly into business success
• Building a company where culture becomes the true competitive advantage
• Scaling a business without sacrificing mission, values, or people
• Lessons learned from multiple private equity recapitalizations
• How buy-and-build strategies work in private equity
• Hiring culture carriers and building leadership teams that can scale
• The importance of understanding founder motivations during acquisitions
• Common mistakes entrepreneurs make while growing their companies
• Why founder identity can become tied to the business-and how to navigate letting go
• The personal cost of leadership and recognizing when priorities need to change
• Balancing ambition, family, and long-term fulfillment
• Transitioning from CEO to board member and strategic advisor
• Why executive coaching accelerates success for veterans entering private equity-backed businesses
• How veterans can leverage their leadership experience in entrepreneurship and executive roles
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous personal development
• Creating lasting impact by investing in the next generation of leaders

Nick also offers thoughtful perspectives on executive decision-making, scaling organizations through intentional leadership, and why the best leaders eventually shift from being the person with all the answers to empowering others to succeed. His reflections on leadership, family, and purpose provide valuable lessons for founders, executives, veterans, and anyone navigating major career transitions.

Whether you're preparing to leave military service, leading a growing company, pursuing entrepreneurship, or interested in private equity and executive leadership, this episode offers practical insights on building organizations that last, leading with purpose, and defining success on your own terms.

🔗 Learn more about The Military Veteran

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership.

#TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #ExecutiveCoaching #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #SalesLeadership #FounderJourney #CEO #BoardLeadership #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #LeadershipDevelopment #PrivateCapital #ScalingBusinesses #ExecutiveCoach #MarineCorps

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 longtime friend and financial services veteran Brian Stengel to discuss his extraordinary journey from growing up in a Marine Corps family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investment banker, and private equity investor in the technology sector.

Brian shares how being raised by a Marine Corps aviator shaped his perspective on leadership, adaptability, and embracing change. After graduating from the University of Virginia and earning his MBA in finance at the Wharton School, Brian built a 30-plus-year career on Wall Street, working with some of the world's leading investment banks before taking the leap into entrepreneurship and launching his own firms.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, navigating career setbacks, surviving market crashes, and leading through uncertainty. Brian also offers valuable insights into the world of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing, while sharing practical advice for veterans and professionals looking to transition into new industries or bet on themselves as entrepreneurs.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Growing up in a Marine Corps family and the lessons learned from military life
• How early influences shaped Brian's approach to leadership and business
• His journey from the University of Virginia to Wall Street and investment banking
• The decision to leave a successful career path and start his own company
• Lessons learned from entrepreneurship, failure, and resilience
• Navigating the dot-com boom, the 9/11 economic shock, and the financial crisis
• Building and advising high-growth technology companies and entrepreneurs
• The evolution of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing
• Why curiosity and continuous learning are critical in rapidly changing industries
• How networking creates opportunities and accelerates career transitions
• The importance of developing relationships and leveraging LinkedIn effectively
• Why veterans often possess the exact skills needed to succeed in finance and business
• The value of grit, perseverance, and embracing rejection as part of growth
• Practical advice for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a major career pivot
• Why your network truly becomes your net worth
• The importance of giving back, mentoring others, and building a legacy of service
• Finding purpose and fulfillment through lifelong learning and helping the next generation succeed

Brian also shares powerful lessons on navigating uncertainty, making difficult career decisions with incomplete information, and maintaining conviction in yourself during challenging times. Drawing from decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he offers candid advice on what it takes to build a meaningful career and why success is rarely a straight line.

Whether you're an active-duty service member preparing for transition, a veteran interested in private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship, or a professional seeking inspiration on leadership and resilience, this episode delivers actionable insights and timeless lessons on adaptability, networking, and betting on yourself.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #InvestmentBanking #WallStreet #Technology #TechLeadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #Networking #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #Finance #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #BusinessLeadership #StartupLeadership #PrivateCapital #VeteranCommunity

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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
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brooke Coburn, Co-Founder and Partner of Capitol Meridian Partners, to discuss his remarkable journey from growing up in rural upstate New York to spending 25 years at The Carlyle Group and ultimately launching his own private equity firm focused on the national security ecosystem.

Brooke shares how a single corporate finance class at Princeton sparked his interest in investing, why culture and mentorship shaped every major decision in his career, and what he learned helping build one of the world's most successful private equity firms during the industry's formative years.

The conversation explores the realities of building a career in private equity, the importance of finding the right people and culture, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive as operators in private equity-backed businesses.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Brooke's unconventional path from rural New York to Princeton and Wall Street
• How he discovered private equity before it became the industry it is today
• What made The Carlyle Group's culture different and why it mattered
• The importance of mentorship and finding leaders who invest in your growth
• Why culture is one of the most important career decisions you'll ever make
• How private equity firms think about talent, leadership, and building companies
• The difference between investment roles and operating roles in private equity
• Why veterans often excel as operators inside PE-backed companies
• The realities of breaking into private equity and alternative pathways into the industry
• How great companies scale and why leadership requirements change as organizations grow
• The lessons learned from helping build Carlyle into a global investment platform
• Why Brooke decided to leave a highly successful career to launch Capitol Meridian Partners
• The importance of betting on yourself and avoiding future regrets
• Why grit, resilience, and continuous learning matter more than having all the answers
• The role of people, culture, and leadership in creating investment success

Brooke also shares practical advice for young professionals and transitioning veterans, emphasizing that careers are rarely linear, mentorship is invaluable, and the right culture can accelerate both personal and professional growth.

Whether you're interested in private equity, considering entrepreneurship, exploring career transitions, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on investing, leadership, and building a meaningful career.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#TheMilVetPodcast #TheMilVet #PrivateEquity #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Culture #Mentorship #PrivateEquityCareers #NationalSecurity #VeteranCareers #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerDevelopment #InvestmentManagement #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService

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Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with leaders from the Alaska Adventure Project, a nonprofit based in Ketchikan, Alaska, that helps veterans reconnect through outdoor adventure, community, and shared experience. The conversation centers on how the organization supports healing and purpose for veterans through time in nature and small-group engagement.

Billy Boulton, the founder and president of Alaska Adventure Project, discusses his Marine Corps service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his transition out of the military after injury and PTSD-related struggles. He also describes how returning to Alaska and spending time commercial fishing and in the outdoors helped him rebuild a sense of purpose and inspired the creation of the nonprofit.

Darrin Isham, a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Petty Officer, talks about his role in helping build and lead the organization, drawing on decades of military and veteran-nonprofit experience. He emphasizes the value of veteran connection, structured peer support, and environments where veterans can open up safely.

Will Picquelle, who helps with outreach and fundraising for the organization, offers the civilian perspective on supporting veterans and building community around the mission. His involvement reflects the broader team effort behind Alaska Adventure Project and its focus on service, healing, and long-term connection.

The episode explores the realities of running a nonprofit organization, including fundraising, operational planning, community support, and balancing mission impact with sustainable growth. Beau and the team dive into the unique challenges veterans face after leaving military service, including isolation, loss of identity, and finding renewed purpose in civilian life.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The challenges of transitioning out of military service
• How nature and outdoor adventure can support healing and mental wellness
• The impact of PTSD, TBI, and veteran isolation after service
• Why community and camaraderie remain critical after the military
• How Alaska Adventure Project was founded and evolved over time
• The importance of veteran-focused nonprofit organizations
• Lessons learned building and operating a mission-driven nonprofit
• How military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship and nonprofit work
• Why small-group connection and alumni engagement matter for long-term support
• The role civilians can play in supporting the veteran community
• How shared experiences and storytelling help veterans reconnect and heal
• Why purpose, service, and belonging remain essential after the uniform comes off

Billy, Darren, and Will also share candid reflections on veteran suicide, the importance of maintaining lifelong connections, and the powerful transformation that can happen when veterans feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who understand their experiences.

Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, someone passionate about supporting the military community, or simply interested in stories of resilience, leadership, and healing, this episode offers an authentic and inspiring conversation about finding purpose after service and building community through shared experience.

🔗 Learn more about Alaska Adventure Project → Alaska Adventure Project
🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet

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

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PTSD #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #Leadership #Nonprofit #OutdoorTherapy #AdventureTherapy #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #Healing #Community #Purpose #TheMilVetPodcast

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Colonel Kevin Hudson to discuss his remarkable journey from infantry officer to Cobra pilot, and ultimately to executive leadership in the private sector at YAM Worldwide. After serving more than 26 years in the Marine Corps, Kevin made the transition into a completely new industry, helping build Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) from a startup with fewer than 20 employees into a global company with more than 900 employees worldwide.

Kevin shares how military leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills translated directly into the business world, despite having no prior experience in golf manufacturing. The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the importance of networking, finding the right post-service career path, and why veterans often bring more value to civilian organizations than they realize.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Kevin’s path from infantry officer to Marine Corps aviator and Cobra pilot
• What inspired him to join the Marine Corps and serve for more than two decades
• Lessons learned leading Marines in combat and throughout a military career
• The realities of transitioning from military service into the private sector
• How networking and professional relationships create career opportunities
• Why veterans often underestimate the business skills they have developed in uniform
• How military experience translates into operations, manufacturing, talent management, and executive leadership
• The importance of understanding budgets, personnel management, and organizational culture
• What it was like helping launch and scale a startup company from the ground floor
• The similarities between leading military units and leading high-growth businesses
• Why defining where you want to live and how you want to live is critical during transition
• Common fears veterans face when leaving the military and how to overcome them
• The value of mentorship and maintaining strong veteran networks
• How veterans can continue serving their communities after military retirement
• Finding purpose, balance, and fulfillment in life after the military

Kevin also reflects on his experience serving as a Marine Corps monitor, where he witnessed countless officers and enlisted Marines navigate transition. Drawing from those experiences, he offers practical advice for service members preparing for civilian careers and emphasizes that military veterans are uniquely equipped to tackle complex challenges, lead teams, and drive results in any industry.

Whether you're an active-duty service member planning your next chapter, a veteran exploring new opportunities, or a business leader interested in the value veterans bring to organizations, this episode offers actionable advice and powerful lessons on leadership, adaptability, and lifelong service.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #MarineCorps #Leadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #ExecutiveLeadership #PXG #Entrepreneurship #OperationsLeadership #Manufacturing #VeteranNetworking #Mentorship #VeteranCommunity #BusinessLeadership #LifeAfterService #TheMilVet #MilitaryLeadership #CareerTransition #VeteranSuccess

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Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Meet Christopher Knapp, retired Navy officer, defense technology leader, and Chief Engagement Officer of the Uncrewed Warrior Foundation, in this insightful episode of TheMilVet Podcast. It is a conversation about unconventional career paths, military transition, purpose after service, and finding your place in the rapidly evolving world of defense technology.

Chris shares his remarkable journey from enlisting in the Navy as a journalist at 17 years old to becoming a Naval Flight Officer, serving in airborne command and control, supporting operations in Afghanistan, and ultimately leading uncrewed systems and innovation efforts within Naval Special Warfare.

Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on the pivotal decisions, setbacks, and leadership lessons that shaped his career, including the moments when he chose to follow his instincts instead of the traditional career path.

In this episode, Chris opens up about:

• Going from Navy journalist to Naval Flight Officer through the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 program

• Overcoming failure in flight school and learning how to persevere through adversity

• Finding purpose and belonging while serving alongside Naval Special Warfare

• Leading innovation, science and technology, and uncrewed systems programs within the military

• Navigating the difficult reality of military promotion systems and career transitions

• Why he never planned to leave the Navy and how he adapted when circumstances changed

• Transitioning into the defense technology industry during the COVID era

• Building a career around autonomy, robotics, and the future of warfare at Gambit Defense

• Helping veterans transition into the uncrewed systems industry through the Uncrewed Warrior Foundation

• The importance of mentorship, community, and honest conversations during transition

This is an honest and inspiring discussion about embracing unconventional paths, adapting to change, and continuing to serve through leadership, innovation, and mentorship long after military service ends.

Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, a defense professional interested in emerging technology, or someone navigating a major career change, this episode offers practical insights on resilience, growth, and creating impact in your next chapter.

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

#TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #NavyVeteran #DefenseTech #Autonomy #UncrewedSystems #Innovation #VeteranCommunity #CareerTransition #SpecialOperations #Mentorship #DefenseIndustry #Purpose #TheMilVet

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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