TheMilVet Podcast

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

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, 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

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, 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

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 Trey Hart, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Valhalla Group and U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs Officer for a powerful conversation on veterans transitioning into the world of private equity and venture capital.

Trey shares his personal journey and how his background shaped his leadership, values, and investment strategy. He dives deep into the unique strengths veterans bring to the business world, the importance of USERRA protections, and the challenges many face entering an often nepotistic and niche Private Equity / Venture Capital space.

You’ll hear Trey’s thoughtful perspective on:

• Why hiring one veteran can shift an entire company’s culture and policy
• Common resume pitfalls for transitioning service members—and how to fix them
• How Valhalla Group is investing at the intersection of national defense and commercial innovation
• The importance of veteran-to-veteran networking—and why it’s not a dirty word
• How to own and reshape the narrative of what it means to be a veteran today

Whether you're currently transitioning, already in the civilian workforce, or just curious about how military experience translates into business leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and actionable advice.

🎧 Listen now to learn how veterans can lead in the boardroom, in startups, and in shaping the future of American industry.

Learn more about Valhalla Group: https://www.valhallainvestors.com/

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, Beau Higgins sits down with Jason Grower, retired Navy Pilot and passionate veteran advocate, to talk about the realities of military transition — the good, the bad, and the uncertain. From losing a job offer weeks before retirement to finding renewed purpose through networking and community impact, Jason’s story is a roadmap for navigating life after service.

Jason shares how critical it is to own your transition, build your network before you need it, and stay connected to your community — both professionally and personally. The conversation also explores how veterans can rediscover purpose, give back, and thrive in new ways beyond the uniform.

Beau and Jason dive into the following topics:

• Why transitioning service members must own their careers
 • The misconceptions around networking — and how it actually mirrors military life
 • How to rebuild your identity and purpose after taking the uniform off
 • The importance of asking for help — and doing it the right way
 • Local vs. national resources for veterans — and why knowing where you're going matters
 • How volunteering and mentorship can fill the “give-back” gap many veterans feel

💡 Whether you're still serving, recently transitioned, or just looking to support the veteran community, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and actionable advice from someone who's been through it — and is helping others do the same.

🔗 Learn more about the New Hampshire Military Leadership Team and Honor Flight
📧 Connect with Jason on LinkedIn or get involved with local veteran support organizations

#VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranResources #NetworkingNotNotWorking #OwnYourCareer #HonorFlight #GiveBackAfterService #TheMilVet #JasonGrower #BeauHiggins #VeteranSupport #VeteranCulture #VeteranMentorship #MilitaryLifeAfterService

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, Beau Higgins sits down with Alex Lisot, former Air Force Officer and Founder of Master the Military, to discuss the most common — and often misunderstood — challenges veterans face during the transition to civilian life. From VA disability frustrations to rebuilding purpose and community, Alex shares how his platform is guiding thousands of veterans with practical, no-fluff tools and support.

Alex opens up about his own experience navigating the VA system, the lessons learned from building and exiting his first business, and why he chose to structure Master the Military as a for-profit solution in a space dominated by nonprofits. He and Beau dive deep into topics like:

 • Why veterans often struggle with self-investment
 • The myth that the VA is the enemy
 • Building community after service
 • Creating structure and purpose outside the uniform
 • Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and transitioning out

💡 Whether you’re active duty, in transition, or already out, this episode offers insight, motivation, and resources from someone who’s walked the path — and is building the bridge for others to follow.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.masterthemilitary.com
📧 Contact Alex: [email protected]

#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VAClaims #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBenefits #MasterTheMilitary #MilVet #VeteranLife #MilitaryToCivilian #VAHelp #ForProfitWithPurpose #AlexLisot #BeauHiggins #VeteranResources

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 powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kellie Hall Sbrocchi, an active duty Navy officer, trailblazing recruiter, digital influencer, and founder of the Why Not Do Both? Movement.

Kellie shares her deeply personal journey—from resisting the idea of the Navy as a teen to rising as one of the service’s most visible and authentic voices. She opens up about breaking stereotypes, navigating criticism, and staying true to herself in a uniformed world that wasn’t built with femininity in mind.

💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why Kellie almost didn't join the Navy—and what changed her mind
  
  
• How she navigated bias and built credibility while embracing femininity
  
  
• The origin story behind her viral platform and her podcast, Why Not Do Both?
  
  
• Lessons in leadership, resilience, and creating space for others to be fully themselves
  
  
• Why representation in the military matters more than ever
  
  

📣 Kellie’s story is one of courage, conviction, and choosing to lead in her own way. Whether you're in uniform, transitioning out, or just want to be inspired by someone choosing the harder path on purpose—this episode is for you.

If you want to connect with Kellie, please see below for her social links!

Instagram | Podcast | TikTok

https://kelliesbrocchi.com/

For collaborations, bookings, or media inquiries, please contact [email protected] directly.

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 The MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Phelps, a 20-year veteran and accomplished author, to explore his remarkable journey from military service to the private sector and publishing world.

Wayne shares candid stories from his time as a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) officer and later as a pioneering UAV squadron commander during a transformative period for military aviation. From being part of the 15th MEU during 9/11 to leading drone operations in combat zones, Wayne gives us a firsthand look at the evolving role of technology in warfare.

But his story doesn't end with retirement. Wayne opens up about his less-than-perfect transition out of uniform, the challenge of finding purpose post-service, and how he navigated roles in both established companies and cutting-edge defense startups. He also discusses his book “On Killing Remotely”, a deep psychological study of drone warfare and its impact on modern-day warriors.

This episode is a must-listen for veterans thinking about their next chapter, those curious about the realities of tech startups, and anyone interested in the human side of remote warfare.

🎧 Listen in to hear:
- What it’s really like to transition from Marine Commander to Startup Executive
- How Wayne’s work is shaping the conversation around drone warfare and mental health
- The importance of leadership, humor, and adaptability in every phase of service and beyond

📘 “On Killing Remotely” – Available wherever books are sold

Want more stories like Wayne’s? Subscribe to The MilVet Podcast and follow us for deep dives into military-to-civilian transitions, leadership insights, and the veteran impact in private equity and venture capital.

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 special episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes longtime friend and retired Marine Corps Colonel Tom Gordon, now serving as the Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, one of the nation's premier senior military colleges.

Tom shares his remarkable journey from aspiring Marine Corps Officer in junior high to leading Marines in some of the Corps’ most demanding roles — including commanding 1st Tank Battalion, leading the first Black Sea Rotational Force, and serving as the Military Secretary (Chief of Staff) to the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert Neller. Tom reflects on what it was like to witness top-level leadership firsthand and how that shaped his understanding of service, influence, and mentorship.

We also explore his unique transition into academia, the lessons he’s carrying forward at The Citadel, and his motivation behind writing his leadership-focused book, Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles into Practice — now in its fifth reprint and gaining traction beyond the military in law enforcement and other leadership circles.

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran exploring new chapters, or someone passionate about leadership and public service, this conversation is packed with authentic wisdom, laughs, and actionable insights.

Topics Covered:

• Tom’s path to the Marine Corps via The Citadel
• Leading Marines in tanks, Eastern Europe, and large-scale operations
• Lessons from the top: Inside the Commandant’s inner circle
• Transition tips (and what not to do)
• Higher education, service, and shaping future leaders
• Writing Marine Maxims and its real-world impact
  
  

📘 Check out Marine Maxims wherever you get your books — a must-read for leaders in and out of uniform.

Listen now to hear a truly grounded and inspiring conversation between two Marines who’ve seen it all — and are still finding ways to serve.

#MilVetPodcast #TomGordon #TheCitadel #MarineMaxims #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #VeteranVoices #MarineCorps #LeadershipDevelopment #VetsInHigherEd #ServiceAfterService #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranPodcast #TransitionTips #CommandantLife #LawEnforcementLeadership #MilitaryCareer #VeteransInAcademia

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 special episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with a legendary Marine, friend, and former boss—General James Lukeman (Ret.), now President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. With 40 years of active duty service, including command at every level from platoon to division, General Lukeman shares candid reflections on his journey from a Marine Corps family upbringing to an unexpected rise to general officer.

Together, Beau and General Lukeman dive into:

• The mentors and leaders who shaped his path
• His unconventional route to general officer—selected just days before retirement eligibility
• The realities of transitioning after decades in uniform
• His current mission at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the incredible story of the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a history enthusiast, or just love good leadership stories, this episode offers rich insights, laughs, and a powerful reminder of what it means to serve—and to preserve that legacy for future generations.

🎧 Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, reflection, and Marine Corps pride.

#MilVetPodcast #VeteranLeadership #MarineCorps #MilitaryTransition #MarineCorpsHeritage #LeadershipMatters #MilitaryHistory #VeteranVoices #USMC #GeneralOfficer #MarineForLife #MilitaryPodcast #ServiceAndSacrifice #MentorshipMatters

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