TheMilVet Podcast

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Tom Lynch, a Managing Partner at Iron Point Partners and former U.S. Navy JAG officer, about his path from military service into finance and private equity. Tom reflects on how his background shaped his leadership style, transition into investing, and career in real estate private equity.

Tom reflects on the influence of military service and Jesuit education in shaping his leadership philosophy, work ethic, and commitment to service. He discusses his unconventional path into finance - attending Dartmouth College and UVA Law, serving as a Navy criminal defense attorney, and later leveraging the GI Bill to earn a business degree while still on active duty. Tom offers candid insight into what it was like entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidate in his late twenties with a military background and young family.

Throughout the episode, Tom emphasizes the value veterans bring to the private sector, including leadership, adaptability, teamwork, discipline, and judgment under pressure. He encourages transitioning service members to embrace their unique backgrounds rather than viewing themselves as “behind” their civilian peers, reminding listeners that careers are long and that military experience can become a lifelong differentiator.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Transitioning from military service into investment banking and private equity
• How veterans can leverage networking and mentorship to enter finance
• Why military leadership experience is a major competitive advantage
• The realities of entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidate
• What family offices are and how they operate
• Lessons learned building and fundraising for private equity funds
• The evolution of real estate investing and digital infrastructure
• Why culture and teamwork matter in long-term career success
• How veterans can position themselves for leadership roles in business
• The importance of resilience, continuous learning, and long-term thinking

Tom also shares how service remains central to his life today through his involvement with organizations including Gonzaga College High School, the Washington Jesuit Academy, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which supports injured service members and their families navigating recovery and long-term care.

Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, exploring opportunities in private equity or finance, interested in entrepreneurship and investing, or simply looking for lessons on leadership and long-term career growth, this episode delivers practical advice and real-world perspective from someone who successfully navigated the path from military service to private equity leadership.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #PrivateEquity #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Finance #RealEstate #InvestmentBanking #Entrepreneurship #VeteranCareers #Networking #FamilyOffice #DigitalInfrastructure #DataCenters #TheMilVetPodcast

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Giles Walger, Founder of OODAx, and United States Marine Corps veteran. Giles shares how his transition from the Marine Corps to Amazon’s Pathways program - and later to AWS Mission Engineering - equipped him with the tools, mindset, and network needed to thrive in the private sector and ultimately launch his own company.

Giles dives into how his experience solving complex warfighter problems at AWS shaped his entrepreneurial path, giving him a “real-world MBA” in product-market fit, customer discovery, and navigating the complexities of government acquisition. He explains how OODAx helps emerging defense tech companies bridge the gap between innovation and the Department of Defense by accelerating access, aligning with mission needs, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.

The conversation also unpacks the realities of transitioning out of the military, the importance of starting over with humility, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in high-impact industries like defense tech and venture-backed startups.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military experience translates into success in corporate and startup environments
• The “three C’s” (care, conviction, competence) and why they matter in any career
• What makes Amazon and AWS valuable stepping stones for veterans entering tech
• How to navigate the defense tech ecosystem and avoid common pitfalls
• The concept of “product-mission-system fit” and why it’s critical for government sales
• Key questions to evaluate startups before joining them
• How to break into defense tech, venture capital, or private equity-backed companies
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and paying it forward

Giles also shares practical resources - including podcasts, books, and strategies - for veterans looking to break into defense tech, along with candid advice on choosing the right company and building a meaningful post-service career.

Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, considering entrepreneurship, or looking to enter the defense innovation space, this episode offers actionable insights and a clear roadmap for success.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#Veterans #DefenseTech #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #Leadership #Startups #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Networking #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast

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

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Patrick J. Murphy, Executive Director of Hilco Global, former Congressman, and United States Army Veteran. Patrick shares his remarkable journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Philadelphia to the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Iraq, and later serving in Congress where he helped shape landmark legislation like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He reflects on how his experiences in combat and public service fueled his desire to continue serving in new ways - eventually leading him into the private sector, venture capital, and his current role at Hilco Global.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of transition - from the uncertainty of leaving the military to the grind of running for office, and later, reinventing himself in business. Patrick shares candid insights on resilience, rejection, and the importance of staying mission-focused through every phase of life.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why “your network is your net worth” is more than just a phrase - it’s a career strategy
• How to embrace adversity (“embrace the suck”) and turn setbacks into momentum
• The skills veterans bring to leadership roles in government and business
• Lessons from serving in Congress and leading at the highest levels of the military
• How to successfully transition into private equity, venture capital, and the commercial sector
• The importance of communication and simplifying complex ideas
• Why continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for long-term success

Patrick also shares practical advice for veterans looking to break into new industries - emphasizing the power of mentorship, relationship-building, and taking initiative. His story is a testament to the idea that careers are rarely linear, and that purpose-driven leadership can evolve across multiple domains.

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, exploring public service, or looking to break into business and investing, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom, actionable advice, and inspiration from someone who has led on the battlefield, in Congress, and in the boardroom.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #Networking #PublicService #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #ServiceAfterService

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
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Thomas Higginbotham, Founder and CEO of Kestrel and United States Air Force Veteran. Thomas shares how growing up in a multi-generational Air Force family, serving as a fighter pilot, and later working through a grueling flight training experience shaped his resilience and mission-driven mindset.

The conversation follows his journey from active duty to Stanford, then into roles at Google X and C3 AI, where he developed deep expertise in AI, enterprise systems, and defense technology. Thomas explains how he identified a scalable opportunity in defense software and ultimately founded Kestrel, while reflecting on the realities of becoming a founder, learning to sell, building conviction, navigating investor skepticism, and committing fully to a vision before the market fully existed.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military experience can translate into startup leadership and technical innovation
• The importance of grit and resilience built through real-world adversity
• Why sensor orchestration is becoming a critical capability in modern defense systems
• How Stanford, Google X, and C3 AI shaped a founder’s mindset
• Lessons in enterprise sales, product-market fit, and government procurement
• Why conviction is essential when building a company before the market fully exists
• The role of culture fit in career transitions from military to civilian life
• How to think about “selling” as a core professional and leadership skill
• What it takes to leave a stable career and commit fully to a startup

Thomas also shares candid advice for aspiring founders, especially veterans, emphasizing the importance of conviction, preparation, and understanding the increasing competitiveness of the defense tech landscape.

Whether you're a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, a technologist interested in defense innovation, or someone navigating a major career transition, this episode delivers grounded insights on building, betting on yourself, and staying committed when the path forward is uncertain.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with veterans building in venture capital, private equity, and founder-led companies.

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #AirForce #Startup #DefenseTech #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #Founders #Leadership #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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 Gregory Scott Henson, founder of Cloud Veterans and former tech CEO, and Philip Lukaszonas, a U.S. Army veteran and manager of customer success at Ingram Micro to discuss how they are helping veterans build careers in cloud technology.

Greg and Philip share the origin story behind Cloud Veterans—a nonprofit initiative built to solve a major gap in the hiring pipeline: talented veterans with the right mindset but lacking access to training, certifications, and guidance to enter the tech industry. Drawing from Greg’s experience scaling a global Microsoft partner and Philip’s own challenging transition out of the military, they unpack how Cloud Veterans is bridging that gap through free, structured, and community-driven training.

The conversation dives into the realities many veterans face when transitioning, especially those from non-technical or combat arms backgrounds, and how programs like this are designed to meet them exactly where they are. From foundational certifications to advanced cloud pathways, Cloud Veterans provides not just training, but mentorship, accountability, and a lifelong support network.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Breaking into cloud and tech careers with zero prior experience
• Translating military skills like discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving into the corporate world
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and intimidation around tech roles
• The importance of community, mentorship, and accountability in career transitions
• How hands-on labs, certifications, and real-world prep accelerate job readiness
• Leveraging AI tools to enhance job search, preparation, and long-term career growth
• Why tech careers, especially in cloud, remain resilient in the age of AI

Greg and Philip also share their bold vision for scaling Cloud Veterans to serve thousands of veterans annually, while maintaining a 100% free, volunteer-driven model supported by corporate sponsors. Their mission is clear: empower veterans and their spouses with the tools, training, and confidence needed to thrive in tech, and continue serving in new ways beyond the uniform.

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran exploring new career paths, or someone looking to break into tech, this episode offers practical guidance, inspiration, and a clear roadmap to get started.

🔗 Learn more about Cloud Veterans → cloudveterans.org & gregoryscotthenson.com
🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #TechCareers #CloudComputing #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Reskilling #AI #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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 speaks with former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer about career transitions, leadership in high-pressure environments, and building a path beyond government service. Fleischer reflects on how he moved from college with no clear plan to Capitol Hill and then to the White House, where he served as press secretary to President George W. Bush during the September 11 attacks.

The conversation then shifts to Ari’s transition out of government after more than two decades of service. He breaks down how he navigated burnout, leveraged his network, and built a thriving career in communications consulting, advising major corporations and sports organizations during moments of crisis and public scrutiny.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How careers can evolve unexpectedly and why staying open to opportunity matters
• The power of networking (and why it’s really about relationships, not transactions)
• Lessons in leadership, loyalty, and accountability from the White House
• Navigating career transitions, burnout, and life after high-pressure roles
• Building a consulting career by identifying and owning your unique skill set
• Why specificity, not generality, is key when marketing yourself professionally
• How veterans can translate military experience into real-world career success

Ari also shares powerful perspectives on gratitude, service, and why veterans have a distinct advantage in the workforce; highlighting the discipline, resilience, and reliability that set them apart.

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, exploring a career pivot, or looking to sharpen your professional edge, this episode delivers practical advice, real-world lessons, and inspiration from one of the most recognizable voices in modern political communications.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org

 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #Networking #Consulting #PublicRelations #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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 Randy Mullen, Founder & CEO of Sightline Ventures and a former U.S. Air Force Officer, to explore his journey from military service to building a mission-driven company in the defense tech space.

Randy shares how his upbringing near Edwards Air Force Base first sparked his interest in the military, eventually leading him into Air Force contracting and acquisitions. With experience spanning global deployments, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Education with Industry program at Ball Aerospace, he developed a deep understanding of how the Department of Defense operates and how innovation reaches the warfighter.

Throughout the conversation, Randy offers a candid look at one of the hardest decisions of his life: stepping away from a promising military career and command opportunity to prioritize his family. He opens up about the emotional weight of that transition, the uncertainty that followed, and how a series of unexpected pivots ultimately led him to entrepreneurship.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Choosing family over career and navigating the tension that comes with it
• Embracing uncertainty and adapting when plans fall apart
• Translating military experience into entrepreneurship and business development
• Building a company with purpose while continuing to serve beyond the uniform
• Taking calculated risks and betting on yourself during transition
• Reinventing yourself to stay challenged, relevant, and growing
• Investing in mentorship, personal development, and long-term vision

Randy also shares how Sightline Ventures is helping early-stage defense tech companies bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, ensuring critical technologies get into the hands of those who need them most. His story is a powerful reminder that while transition may be messy and unpredictable, it can also open doors to impact, growth, and renewed purpose.

Whether you’re navigating your own transition, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking to lead with greater intention, this episode delivers practical insight and real-world perspective to help you move forward with confidence.

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

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #Startups #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
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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Mike Gaffney, Naval Academy graduate, former nuclear-trained submarine officer, and now CEO of Cellphire Therapeutics, Inc., to unpack a career that spans undersea operations, top-tier consulting, private equity, and biotech leadership.

Mike shares how growing up around his father’s Naval Academy classmates and mentors, including a future vice admiral, shaped his decision to attend the Academy, not for prestige, but for values, character, and leadership. An unlikely nuclear submariner who majored in English and later earned a graduate degree in politics, he explains how the process of elimination, the end of the Cold War, and a few hard realities (like getting seasick and wearing glasses) pushed him beneath the surface and into the Navy’s nuclear community.

Mike then walks through his pivot from consulting into the investment world with Allied Capital, where he ultimately became the firm’s de facto healthcare lead. He breaks down how the private equity landscape has transformed since the late ’90s, from a smaller, less crowded field to today’s hyper-competitive market where deal flow, specialization, and relationships are everything and why that shift pushed him toward building companies rather than just backing them.

Throughout the conversation, Mike offers practical insight on:

• Leveraging your network the right way; focusing on adding value, reciprocity, and long-term relationships rather than transactional asks
• Translating military leadership into commercial settings by obsessing over team quality, clarity of purpose, and execution discipline
• Surviving “getting punched in the face” in business through resilience, problem solving, and resourcefulness forged in uniform
• Understanding how modern private equity and growth capital really work;  why deal flow, specialization, and operating value creation matter more than ever
• Stepping into a new leadership role with humility, curiosity, and a deliberate approach to listening before changing things
• Shaping culture intentionally so strategy doesn’t just live on a slide, but shows up in daily behaviors and decisions

For veterans interested in private equity, venture capital, or executive roles in high-growth companies, Mike offers grounded advice: this is a brutally competitive space where many people want the same jobs, but trusted introductions, demonstrated grit, and a reputation for solving hard problems can differentiate you. He emphasizes that trust and likeability aren’t built in one conversation or a single coffee, they compound over time through consistent behavior, follow-through, and showing up for others.

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

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Healthcare #Biotech #Resilience #Networking #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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 Matthew R. Brooks, Founder and Principal of Second Echelon Capital, Colonel, US Air Force (Retired) and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to explore his journey from the cockpit to entrepreneurship, and now to investing in fellow veterans.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Matt shares how a single touchdown catch against Notre Dame became a lifelong lesson in teamwork, humility, and mission-first leadership. He reflects on his Air Force career, commanding the 5th Bomb Wing, and the values that shaped him; integrity, service, and excellence.

But Matt’s story doesn’t stop at retirement.

After leaving active duty, he stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, acquiring and scaling his family’s hotel supply company before successfully exiting. Now, as founder of Second Echelon Capital, he invests in veteran-owned small businesses, helping other service members navigate the path of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).

Throughout the conversation, Matt dives into:

• The realities of military transition; what he expected vs. what surprised him
• Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and why buying a business can be a powerful path for veterans
• The sleepless nights, financial pressure, and hands-on leadership required to run a small business
• Why community matters, and how organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization help founders avoid going it alone
• Translating military leadership into building systems, processes, and high-performing teams
• Aligning your commercial pursuits with your personal passions
• The importance of mentorship, financial readiness, and learning when to say “no”

Matt also shares practical resources including books, podcasts, and conferences for veterans interested in business ownership, along with candid advice about preparing your family and finances before taking the entrepreneurial leap.

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran considering buying a business, or a leader looking to invest with purpose, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to move from leading airmen to leading companies, and from operator to investor.

🔗 Connect with Matt Brooks → secondecheloncapital.com
🔗 Email → [email protected]
🔗 Follow on LinkedIn → Matthew R. Brooks
🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#Veterans #AirForce #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #VeteranOwned #SmallBusiness #Investing #ETA #PrivateEquity #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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 Sean Patterson, Founder of CrossGen AI and Chief Operations Officer at StartGuides, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sean reflects on how the foundation of service, rooted in discipline, accountability, and commitment to something greater than yourself, continues to influence how he leads, makes decisions, and approaches new challenges. Drawing from both high-pressure moments and everyday leadership responsibilities, he shares how clarity of values becomes a compass when circumstances are uncertain.

Throughout the conversation, Sean offers an honest look at transition; what it feels like to step away from a structured military environment and into a world where you must define your own direction. He speaks candidly about identity shifts, professional reinvention, and the internal work required to grow beyond previous titles or roles.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Anchoring your decisions in core values during seasons of change
• Translating military leadership into business, entrepreneurship, and community impact
• Navigating the emotional and professional realities of transition
• Letting go of ego while maintaining high performance standards
• Building resilience through discomfort, responsibility, and ownership
• Redefining success beyond rank, position, or external validation
• Leading with humility while embracing long-term vision

Sean also discusses the importance of mentorship, surrounding yourself with the right people, and continuously refining your mindset as responsibilities increase. His story highlights that growth doesn’t stop when service ends, it evolves.

Whether you’re preparing to transition, currently navigating change, or striving to lead at a higher level, this episode delivers grounded wisdom and practical insight to help you move forward with clarity and conviction.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#Veterans #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #Mentorship #MilitaryToCivilian #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