Why do so many high-performing Veterans struggle in corporate America — and what needs to change?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Jason Smith, an Air Force Veteran, business consultant, and nonprofit leader who has worked extensively with Veteran service organizations including FourBlock and Bunker Labs. Jason shares what he has seen over years of helping Veterans transition into corporate roles and why too many are being placed into environments that are not prepared to support them.

The conversation explores the cultural gap between military service and corporate America, why Veterans often feel underutilized or misunderstood, and how organizations fail when they treat Veterans as a hiring initiative instead of a performance advantage. Jason also discusses entrepreneurship as a powerful alternative path, the responsibility Veterans have to show up prepared, and the responsibility corporations have to recognize and leverage Veteran leadership. This episode offers clear-eyed insight for Veterans navigating corporate careers, leaders building teams, and organizations seeking to unlock elite performance.

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Guest Links:
Website: https://futurevetconsulting.com

What happens when leadership is guided by values instead of convenience?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Colonel (Ret.) Kevin Miller, founder of Know Power Know Responsibility, to discuss leadership, critical thinking, and the responsibility that comes with personal and professional power. Drawing on more than three decades of military service and a civilian career in education and leadership development, Kevin explains how values-based decision-making shapes stronger individuals, organizations, and communities.

The conversation explores critical thinking, accountability, vulnerability in leadership, and why taking responsibility only for what you can control reduces anxiety and strengthens resilience. Kevin also shares insights from his books, including Know Power, Know Responsibility and his upcoming release Superhero Nation, which focuses on helping people live their best lives while strengthening communities and the nation as a whole. This episode offers thoughtful perspective for Veterans, leaders, educators, and anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and integrity after service.

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Guest Links:
Website: https://knowresponsibility.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knowresponsibility
Instagram: @kevinmillerkpkr 

Leadership after military service is not about rank or title. It is about purpose, resilience, and continuing to serve in meaningful ways.

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Jason Dickinson, founder of Veterans on the River and Director of People and Leadership Development at DLB Associates, to discuss how Veterans can build purpose-driven lives after the uniform comes off. Jason shares his journey from combat arms and leadership roles in the Army to building both a civilian career and a Veteran-focused nonprofit.

The conversation explores leadership development, resilience, and why creating space for reflection is critical for long-term growth. Jason explains how Veterans on the River uses outdoor experiences and leadership education to help Veterans reconnect with purpose, community, and self-awareness. This episode offers insight for Veterans searching for their next mission, leaders developing others, and anyone seeking to balance career, service, and personal fulfillment.

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Military leadership does not disappear after service, but it does require translation.

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Christopher McKinney, an Army Veteran, founder of OpSynergy, and program manager at Stratevia, to discuss how Veterans can successfully bridge the gap between military experience and civilian careers. Chris shares how earning professional certifications, particularly the Project Management Professional (PMP), helped him transition, advance quickly, and ultimately build a Veteran-focused business.

The conversation explores resume translation, professional credibility, leadership in corporate environments, and why Veterans should build base-level civilian skills before launching a business. Chris also explains how OpSynergy was created to ensure transitioning service members can earn certifications without financial barriers, and why doing “just a little more” than peers often sets Veterans apart. This episode offers practical, grounded advice for Veterans navigating transition, career growth, and entrepreneurship.

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Learn more at https://opsynergy.net

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is not about losing capability. It is about learning how to translate it.

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Josh Atkinson, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of PM ProLearn, to explore how Veterans can build professional credibility while still in uniform. Josh explains why the challenge Veterans face is not a capability gap, but a credibility gap — and how certifications and industry frameworks help bridge that divide.

The conversation covers project management, professional certifications, leadership development, and why understanding civilian language, culture, and expectations is critical to long-term success. Josh also shares lessons on identity, trust-based leadership, and why Veterans should invest in themselves early instead of waiting until transition. This episode offers practical insight for active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and Veterans preparing for their next chapter.

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What does leadership look like after military service, and how do Veterans continue serving at the national level?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Don Bacon, a retired Air Force Brigadier General and U.S. Representative, to discuss leadership, accountability, and public service after the uniform comes off. Congressman Bacon shares how military values shape his approach to decision-making, governance, and representing others.

The conversation explores the transition from military command to public office, the responsibility of leadership in high-stakes environments, and why service does not end at retirement. Congressman Bacon reflects on integrity, trust, and the importance of principled leadership in today’s complex political landscape. This episode offers perspective for Veterans considering continued service, leadership roles in their communities, or public office — and for anyone seeking a grounded discussion on duty, responsibility, and country.

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What does it mean to serve after the uniform comes off, and how do Veterans build purpose, identity, and leadership in civilian life?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Blake Stilwell, Editor-in-Chief of We Are the Mighty, to talk about storytelling, media, and the responsibility of representing the Veteran community with accuracy and respect. Blake shares his journey from military service as a visual storyteller to leading one of the most recognizable Veteran-focused media platforms.

The conversation explores how Veterans can translate their skills into meaningful careers, why so many education and job programs are available at no cost, and how leadership is often quiet, steady, and values-driven. Blake also discusses good and bad leadership, accountability, and why service is more than a job, it is a way of life. This episode is a reminder that Veterans bring credibility, discipline, and perspective to every space they enter.

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Project management is one of the most in-demand career fields in the world — and Veterans are uniquely prepared to succeed in it.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Matt Quick, Head of Military Affairs at the Project Management Institute (PMI), to break down why project management is a natural transition for Veterans and how certifications like the PMP can open doors across nearly every industry.

After 25 years of military service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, Matt now advocates full-time for helping Veterans translate their leadership, planning, and execution skills into civilian careers. He explains why PMI’s framework works, how Veterans can get trained and certified early, and why transparency, communication, and trust are the foundations of effective leadership.

This conversation is a practical guide for Veterans planning their next chapter — and for leaders who want to build teams that operate with clarity and accountability.

🎧 Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattquick

PMI Military Resources: https://www.pmi.org/military

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Zack Knight has spent his entire adult life serving — first as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, then as a police officer, bodyguard, entrepreneur, and community leader. Today, he leads organizations dedicated to Veteran transition, storytelling, and personal development, including ATL Vets, Be a Tactical Leader, and Knightly Productions.

In this Veteran Led conversation, Zack shares how discipline, service, and self-awareness shaped his evolution from the military into entrepreneurship. He and John S. Berry discuss the importance of mentorship, the dangers of isolation in Veteran communities, and why purpose must be built deliberately — not discovered by accident.

Zack also explains how strategic storytelling helps leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and create meaningful change.

ATL Vets: https://atlvets.org/
Zack Knight Website: https://zackaknight.com/
Be a Tactical Leader: https://beatacticalleader.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zackaknight

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Chris Carlson has built a rare career spanning acting, law, public speaking, and Veteran entrepreneurship — and at the center of all of it is one skill: storytelling.

A lawyer, public speaker, and actor with more than 40 film credits, Chris now serves as a program coordinator for Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF), where he helps Veteran business owners scale, communicate more clearly, and influence with purpose. 

In this episode, he and John S. Berry explore how stories shape human decision-making, why authenticity wins over complexity, and how leaders can “read the room” to connect more deeply with their teams. Chris also shares lessons from the courtroom, the movie set, and the CEO Circle — along with practical techniques professionals can use to become more compelling communicators.

Narrative Pros: https://narrativepros.com
IVMF: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu

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