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

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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 → matthew@secondecheloncapital.com
🔗 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

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine Patrick D. Nugent — former Regimental Commander at The Citadel, former Marine Corps infantry officer, Speaker, Adaptive Athlete, and Veteran Advocate — to share one of the most powerful and non-linear transition stories you’ll hear.

Patrick walks through his journey from growing up in Cleveland with a deep family legacy of service, to choosing The Citadel, commissioning into the Marine Corps infantry, and preparing for a long-term military career. That path was abruptly changed by a catastrophic training accident that left him with life-altering injuries, forced medical retirement, and an uncertain future.

What followed is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself.

Patrick shares how he navigated recovery at Walter Reed, confronted the reality of leaving the Marine Corps, and redefined his mission — ultimately earning admission to The Wharton School for his MBA and Harvard Kennedy School for his MPA. He then transitioned into management consulting at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he applied military leadership, grit, and team-first mindset in one of the most demanding professional environments.

Throughout the conversation, Patrick offers candid insight into what consulting actually looks like day-to-day, how veterans add unique value in high-pressure business roles, and why embracing discomfort and learning velocity matters more than having a “perfect” resume.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Patrick’s path from The Citadel and Marine Corps infantry to Wharton, Harvard, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• How a life-altering injury forced an unexpected but transformative career pivot
• What management consulting really looks like — including private equity diligence and federal work
• Why veterans excel in consulting through resilience, composure, and team leadership
• How to avoid “self-selecting out” of elite opportunities and let others tell you no
• The power of veteran and non-veteran mentorship during career transitions
• Using fitness, discipline, and structure to sustain performance after trauma

Patrick also shares hard-earned advice for transitioning veterans: aim higher than you think possible, lean on the veteran network, give back early, and never underestimate how transferable military leadership truly is.

If you’re a veteran navigating transition, considering consulting, business school, public service, or simply looking for proof that reinvention is possible after setbacks — this episode delivers inspiration, honesty, and actionable guidance from someone who has lived it.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #ManagementConsulting #BCG #MBA #Wharton #Harvard #InvictusGames #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #VeteranSuccess #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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*This episode is a recording of our Vets in Tech Panel at The Military Veteran Career Conference (TMV3) in San Francisco. To experience conversations like this firsthand, you can register for our events at www.themilvet.org/events

This panel, moderated by Brendan, consists of Steve Chiou (PM at Box), Kyle Eberly (PM at Google), Mashon Wilson (Strategy Lead at Google), and Yosef Adiputra (PM at Snap).

In this chat, the panelists discuss

• Their paths to breaking into tech careers
• The significant differences between big tech companies
• How compensation works in the tech world
• What a day in the life of a PM is like

Thanks for listening!

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

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*This episode is a recording of our Fireside Chat with Graham Weaver at The Military Veteran Career Conference (TMV3) in San Francisco. To experience conversations like this firsthand, you can register for our events at www.themilvet.org/events

Graham Weaver is the founder and managing partner of Alpine Investors, a people-driven private equity firm that invests in software and services businesses. With over 20 years of experience in private equity, Graham founded Alpine based on the belief that exceptional people create exceptional businesses, a People First philosophy that guides the firm’s choices today. When he’s not helping to build Alpine, Graham teaches two courses on entrepreneurship at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB).

In this chat, Graham and Brendan discuss:

• How Graham's passion for people led him to found Alpine Investors
• Why Graham recommends that people think about their lives on a longer horizon
• Why you should always follow your passion

Thanks for listening!

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

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Dave Gerhardt is the founder and CEO of Exit Five (exitfive.com), a media company focused on helping B2B marketers build successful careers through community and content.

Before Exit Five, Dave spent over a decade as a marketer working his way up to Chief Brand Officer at Drift and Chief Marketing Officer at Privy.

Follow Dave on LinkedIn and subscribe to his newsletter to access more of his amazing content. 

Dave joins Brendan and Tim to discuss:

• How he came to build a career in marketing
• Why side hustles can completely change your career
• What he sees as emerging trends in marketing
• Why he believes that trying to become "well-rounded" can be a waste of time

Thanks for listening!

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

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Gerta Malaj is a negotiation expert with a professional career that spans big tech (LinkedIn, IBM) to global biotech (Sanofi), startups (3x founder & advisor), and venture capital. Gerta is an angel investor and an LP of a VC Fund. She is also a veteran spouse and holds a Master's in Engineering from MIT.

Gerta has free negotiation downloads on her website at yournegotiations.com. She is also active on LinkedIn and Twitter (@gerta_ma).  

Gerta joins Brendan to discuss:

• How a shift in thinking about negotiation can help you secure more compensation
• Common pitfalls when negotiating compensation
• Why salary isn't the only thing you should be worried about
• How and when to prepare for a negotiation to maximize your benefit

Thanks for listening!

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

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Paul Lawrence is an Army veteran and former Under Secretary of Veteran Benefits at the VA. Paul's professional career spans multiple levels of leadership at consulting firms, but since 2021 he has focused on being a veteran advocate and author. Paul is active on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), where he shares valuable resources and spotlights veterans and organizations who are contributing to the veteran community.

Paul has published two books following his service as Under Secretary. His most recent work, Veterans Benefits for You: Get What You Deserve, is an incredible resource for all veterans looking to better understand their benefits and is a TMV Recommended Read. 

Paul joins Brendan to discuss:

• The most effective way to file claims with the VA
• Recent updates to VA Loan guidelines
• How he was nominated as Under Secretary of Benefits at the VA
• How to navigate your relationship with the VA and get what you need

Thanks for listening!

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

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Sasha Seymore is a co-founder and the COO of Learn to Win, an education technology company based in Redwood City, California, that improves training and onboarding for commercial enterprises, the Department of Defense, and athletic teams and programs. Sasha is also a reserve intelligence officer for the US Navy serving with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), helping the U.S. military make faster use of emerging commercial technologies. 

Prior to Learn to Win, Sasha worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company and played professional basketball in Europe. Sasha received an MBA from Stanford as a Knight-Hennessey scholar, an MA from Queen's University Belfast as a George Mitchell Scholar, and a BA from the University of North Carolina, where he was a Morehead-Cain Scholar, Senior Class President, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year on the men's basketball team. Sasha serves on the National Leadership Council for the Positive Coaching Alliance and was named to the 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 list in Education.


Sasha joins Brendan to discuss:

• How he balances his career in the Navy Reserves with being a startup founder
• How Learn to Win was born from his experience playing college basketball
• The nuances between the military, startups, and careers at larger companies
• His advice for getting the most out of your career post-military

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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David Hunt is a former Naval Aviator and the Founder and CEO of Crossrope. 

Crossrope is a company on a mission to inspire millions of people to experience a different way to get fit through jump rope fitness. 

Founded in 2012, Crossrope has grown into a leading fitness brand today with many product offerings and over 20,000 positive reviews from customers. 

David joins Brendan and Tim to discuss:

• How David got the idea for Crossrope and began his entrepreneurial journey
• How making jump ropes grew into tech and media at Crossrope
• The importance of capitalizing on opportunities in life and business

TMVPod listeners can use code MILVET for 20% off any item at crossrope.com 

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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 Joe Musselman is a Navy Veteran, Founder of The Honor Foundation, and Founder & General Partner at Bravo Victor Venture Capital. 

The Honor Foundation is a career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces that effectively translates their elite military service to the private sector and helps create the next generation of corporate and community leaders. 

Bravo Victor Venture Capital's mission is to find, fund, and follow-on with mission-first founders so the United States and our allies win. It does so by investing in companies to reaffirm America's position as the world's leader in software, hardware, and advanced manufacturing technologies. 

Joe joins Tim to discuss:

• Why investing in national security is good for the world and for business
• Which skills veteran founders can learn and leverage to become successful
• Why Joe founded the Honor Foundation
• What drew Joe to venture capital after being a non-profit founder 

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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Chris Robinson is a former Marine Corps pilot and Goldman Sachs M&A banker.

Chris is now the founder and CEO of Clearyst, a sustainability value platform consisting of several product lines developed by subsidiary companies.

Chris joins Brendan to discuss:

• His experience in an Executive MBA program
• Ways in which transitioning veterans can "crack the code" of the business world
• His thoughts on skill development and key pillars of professional success
• How Clearyst leverages a new way of thinking with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing

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

Major General Gregg Martin served in the Army for 36 years and now works as a mental health advocate. Known also as the Bipolar General, MG Martin was medically retired due to his condition. He recently authored a book titled Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness. 

In this episode, MG Martin joins Brendan to discuss 

• How he found out he had bipolar disorder
• His journey to living with and managing the illness
• His views on mental health treatment in the military and the VA

You can learn more about about Major General Martin at generalgreggmartin.com and order his new book, Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness at your favorite place to buy books. 

Thanks for listening!

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 fellow Marine Sean Bielat — former Marine Corps officer, McKinsey consultant, political candidate, private equity executive, and Managing Partner at Oscar Mike Venture Partners — to share one of the most non-linear and inspiring transition stories you’ll hear.

Sean walks through his journey from serving as a Marine Corps officer to consulting at McKinsey, running defense robotics at iRobot, launching his own company Endeavor Robotics, and investing in international defense technology in Europe. He discusses how he navigated the complexities of corporate America, private equity, and international markets, all while keeping mission and purpose at the forefront.

Throughout the conversation, Sean offers candid insight into the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning into business, entrepreneurship, and investing — and how the leadership lessons from the military can be leveraged to build teams, scale companies, and drive impact.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Sean’s path from Marine Corps officer to McKinsey, iRobot, and private equity
• How to carve out and run a successful business after leaving a large corporation
• Building high-performing teams, company culture, and trust as a CEO
• Lessons in investing, entrepreneurship, and strategic advising in U.S. and European defense markets
• Navigating complex international markets with limited capital and local knowledge
• The importance of mission, purpose, and unity in professional and global contexts
• How veterans can leverage operational and leadership experience to succeed in tech, venture, and private equity

Sean also shares advice for transitioning veterans and professionals: seek continuous education, take operational roles early, embrace non-linear career paths, and focus on where you want to feel fulfilled rather than a rigid job title.

If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, private equity, defense tech, or seeking purpose-driven work after service — this episode delivers inspiration, practical guidance, and a masterclass in leveraging military leadership to make an impact.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran
 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #DefenseTech #VentureCapital #Resilience #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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Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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Kris Sandor is a former Navy Submarine Officer, McKinsey Associate, and CEO of of Citi Bike (acquired by Lyft).

Kris is now the co-founder and CEO of Readyly, a company that deploys Generative AI and automation to accelerate customer support for mid-market companies. 

Kris joins Brendan to discuss:

• The value of working for a large firm and how that is crucial to succeeding in the startup world
• Why search funds are such a risky undertaking
• A primer on tech jobs and culture, and what project management really is
• What gaps between the military and business world that veterans should keep in mind

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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Jen Sovada is a retired Air Force officer and the President of Public Sector at SandboxAQ.

SandboxAQ is an enterprise SaaS company combining AI + Quantum tech to solve hard problems impacting society. Their solutions include post-RSA cybersecurity modules that migrate enterprises to higher levels of security, quantum sensing software and hardware and the ability to simulate and optimize data.


Luke joins Brendan to discuss:

• Jen's unique perspective on transition timeline
• Why focusing on your passions leads to career satisfaction
• How government is changing to benefit small business innovation
• Why the dual-use industry can be so attractive to veterans

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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Luke Hutchison is a former Army officer and the Founder & CEO of Perfect Venue. Perfect Venue helps restaurants easily organize their events in one place to save time, increase sales, and streamline operations with the #1 event management software for independent restaurants & hospitality groups. The company has been featured in Tech Crunch, Fortune, and others. 


Luke joins Brendan to discuss:

• His journey of simultaneously transitioning out of the military and founding a startup
• What founders should seek to do before raising external funding
• How to maximize your chances of finding the right investors for your business
• The value of working in the startup ecosystem

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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Loree Draude was one of the first women to fly combat jets in the U.S. Navy. She deployed twice to the Persian Gulf and accumulated over 300 carrier landings. After completing her naval service, Loree earned her MBA at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She spent 20 years in Silicon Valley, leading teams at startups and tech companies, including Google and Facebook. Loree is now an executive coach, leadership trainer and motivational speaker. Loree is also the author of the bestselling book She's Just Another Navy Pilot.

In this episode, Loree joins Brendan to discuss 

• Deciding between theater school and business school during transition
• Successes and failures working at startups
• Her careers at Google and Facebook
• Why she pivoted to become a bestselling author and coach

You can learn more about about Loree at loreedraude.com and order her new book, Soar Into Joy at your favorite place to buy books. 

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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This episode is a cross-post from Brendan's recent appearance on The Scuttlebutt Podcast.

In this episode, Brock Briggs hosts Brendan Aronson on the Scuttlebutt Podcast. Brendan is a former Marine Corps infantry officer, co-founder and  CEO of The Military Veteran, and associate at Context Ventures. 

In this conversation, Brendan talks about building a company exclusively aimed at transitioning vets, the different business models TMV is pursuing, the pros and cons of B2B and B2C sales, and why bootstrapping is right for most entrepreneurs. 

Brock and Brendan also explore some of the traits that Brendan sees in the highest-performing veterans in business, and what leads to the most successful outcomes. They also discuss the science of networking, how to conduct effective outreach, and how to be a giver when you have nothing to give. 

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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Jonathan (JD) Due is a retired Army Armor Officer and the Executive Director of the Center for Military Transition at William & Mary. The Center for Military Transition is a one-of-a-kind program with a mission to be the national leader in helping veterans transition into and succeed in high-level civilian management positions. 

JD joins Brendan to discuss:

• The unique challenges that retiring service members face
• How networking and introspection led him to a fulfilling civilian career
• Education resources for veterans and transitioning service members
• The unique offerings that the Center of Military Transition has to help veterans thrive in education and in civilian life

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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Frank Scappaticci is Co-Owner and Partner at Gray Line Investments. After graduating from West Point and serving as a Field Artillery Officer in the Army, Frank transitioned into various roles in banking and consulting. In 2020, partially driven by the enjoyment of buying his own home, Frank began investing into real estate. Eventually, Frank co-founded Gray Line Investments, a real estate investment firm that specializes in syndicating commercial real estate and storage units. 

Frank joins Brendan to discuss:

• His journey from the Army to consulting, banking, and finally real estate
• The similarities and differences between various asset classes
• How syndication works 
• His thoughts on the current real estate market and where it's headed

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Wes Going is a Senior Engagement Manager at L.E.K. Consulting. After serving six years in the US Navy, Wes attended NYU Stern School of Business. Following business school, Wes joined L.E.K. and has built a successful career there. 

Wes joins Brendan to discuss:

• How to prep for consulting interviews
• What it's like to be a strategy consultant
• Why and how to examine your fit within a consulting firm
• The skills he has gained and the impact he's had while working as a consultant

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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Shawn Banzhaf is a published author, a retired Army Sergeant First Class, a former police officer and pastor, and the Executive Director of the Arizona State University Pat Tillman Veteran Center. To say that Shawn has a wealth of wisdom is an understatement. 

Shawn joins Brendan to discuss:

• His journey with trauma and how it led to his book
• Higher education resources for veterans
• How higher education can ignite new passions after service
• Tips on how to navigate college as a veteran

Check out Shawn's book, The Five Ls: A Practical Guide for Helping Loved Ones Heal After Trauma

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
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

Christian Grant and Tom Marchant have over 25 years of combined consulting experience and over 20 years of military experience in the Army and Marine Corps. 

Both guests have built exceptional careers at Deloitte. Christian currently works as a Principal focused on utilities and renewable energy and Tom as a Senior Manager in Mergers and Acquisitions.  

Christian and Tom join Brendan to discuss:

• What attracted them to consulting, and what has kept them at Deloitte
• The myriad of career options available at Deloitte
• Why veterans are successful consultants
• The number of programs Deloitte has to help you get hired

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 Clint Alanis — retired Marine Corps officer, special operations veteran, and Co-Founder and COO of Smack Technologies Inc — to explore one of the most authentic and non-linear veteran transition journeys you’ll hear.

Clint shares his experience moving from a high-stakes military career into the world of entrepreneurship and defense technology, reflecting on the challenges of leaving active duty, finding purpose outside the service, and leveraging his operational experience to solve complex problems in the civilian sector.

Throughout the conversation, Clint discusses:

• His decision to retire for family reasons and navigating life after leaving active duty
• The realities of transitioning from the military into the business and startup world
• How he leveraged his network, mentorship, and programs like the Honor Foundation to understand the commercial landscape
• Founding Smack Technologies and creating AI/ML solutions that give commanders decision dominance in the modern kill chain
• The importance of trust, relationships, and understanding your transferable skills in business
• Insights on what it takes to succeed in defense tech, private equity, and entrepreneurship without a traditional MBA
  
  

Listeners will gain actionable guidance on:

• Making strategic, family-oriented decisions during career transitions
• Understanding how military leadership skills translate into business and tech entrepreneurship
• Navigating the startup world, fundraising, and building high-performing teams
• Identifying problems worth solving and taking calculated risks in new industries
• How veterans can carve out meaningful post-service careers while maintaining purpose and impact
  
  

Clint also shares candid advice for veterans exploring entrepreneurship or the defense tech space: build relationships, trust your instincts, research relentlessly, and pursue what energizes you rather than following conventional paths.

If you’re a veteran seeking insight into entrepreneurship, defense technology, or purposeful career transitions after service, this episode is a must-listen.

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

#Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #MarineCorps #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #StartupLife #VentureCapital #MilitaryTransition #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

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

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Gerry Byrne is an entrepreneur and communications executive who has extensive experience in launching and managing global media enterprises across sectors that include advertising, marketing, media, entertainment, fashion, and retail. He is the Vice Chairman and Board Member of the Penske Media Corporation. A Marine officer and a Vietnam veteran, Gerry is also committed to giving back to the community. He is the CEO/Co-Founder of Warriors Rise (2022), a VSO focused on Veterans employment.

Gerry joins Brendan to discuss:

• What it was like to find a career as a veteran following Vietnam
• How media has changed in the 21st century - and how it hasn't
• What it's like to advise and manage massive media companies

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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JD Modrak is the Director of Portfolio Operations East at Kasa. After earning his MBA from Chicago Booth, JD began his career working in Strategy at United Airlines. JD then pivoted into the startup world to find the intersection of his passions for leading small teams and real estate.

JD joins Brendan to discuss:

• His journey to the startup world, and the pros/cons of working in startups
• How his grad school side hustle transformed into his passion 
• Why owning profit and loss is a superpower
• His recommendations on framing life to maximize happiness

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
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

Welcome to the newest TMV Pod format!

In this episode, Brendan, Alexis, and Blake come to you live from San Francisco to discuss a question nearly every veteran has to answer  - Should I stay in or get out? All bases are covered in this episode as we have one person on their way to military retirement, one veteran, and one who transitioned from active duty to the reserve component.

The Mil Vet team covers:

• How they framed their decision and at what point(s) they considered it
• The costs and benefits of staying in and getting out
• What obstacles they've faced due to their decision
• Advice on resources to help inform your own decision

The "From my Foxhole" series is designed to discuss some of the most common decisions that transitioning servicemembers must consider as they make the leap to the civilian workplace. You'll get to hear the perspectives of other veterans as they discuss how they approached the topic, why they made a certain decision, and the pros and cons associated with it.

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

Garrett Smith is the Founder and CEO of Reveal, a defense tech software company that pairs with ISR platforms to create 2D/3D maps and performs analytics on aerial data, deployed on mobile devices at the edge. 

Garrett is a former active duty Force Recon Marine and currently serves in the Marine Corps Reserve. Garrett is an alum of BYU and Stanford.

Garrett joins TMV Co-founder Tim Hsia to discuss:

• The benefits of continuing service in the Reserves
• The value of living what Garrett calls a "varied life" of experiences
• What it's like to launch and operate a Defense Tech Startup
• Best practices for maximizing health and wellness as a veteran

Learn More about Reveal at https://www.revealtech.ai/

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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Aaron Kline is the Co-founder and COO of Boom & Bucket, a heavy equipment marketplace business based in Austin, TX. Aaron is a former Naval Aviator and Stanford GSB alum.

Boom & Bucket was founded in 2020 and provides advertising, financial transfer, and pricing for buyers and sellers of heavy equipment. 

Aaron joins TMV Co-founder Tim Hsia to discuss:

• Transition out of the military
• Thoughts on business school as a transition strategy
• The challenges of keeping up with technology as a startup founder
• What it's like to operate in the heavy equipment industry

You can find more about Boom & Bucket and Aaron at

• Aaron's Linkedin or email at aaron@boomandbucket.com
• Adam Lawrence's (Co-founder & CEO) Linkedin
• Boom & Bucket's website and values at http://www.boomandbucket.com/values
• Boom & Bucket Tiktok at https://www.tiktok.com/@boomandbucket

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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Niha Singhal is the Assistant Dean, Global Executive Degree Programs at the NYU's Stern School of Business. Niha has an MBA from Harvard and has worked in talent acquisition and professional development for nearly 20 years. Niha has served as NYU Stern's Assistant Dean since 2011. 

Neha joins Brendan to discuss 

• Traditional and brand-new educational opportunities at NYU Stern
• The differences and similarities between full-time and executive MBA programs
• How veterans can benefit from business education
• Thoughts on admissions and career opportunities

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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Larry Smith is an Army veteran who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Tokyo Electron. Tokyo Electron is one of the world's largest suppliers of chipmaking equipment and is at the center of international strategic initiatives surrounding the industry. 

Larry joins Brendan to discuss 

• How he ended up in his first post-military job (which he originally had no interest in)
• What skills he leveraged to become a business leader 
• His passion for helping reduce veteran homelessness
• Career opportunities for veterans in the semiconductor industry

Larry will also be joining us in September 2023 as the keynote speaker for NYC Mil Vet Career Conference.

Tap here for more info. 

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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Welcome to the newest TMV Pod format!

The "From my Foxhole" series is designed to discuss some of the most common decisions that transitioning servicemembers must consider as they make the leap to the civilian workplace. You'll get to hear the perspectives of other veterans as they discuss how they approached the topic, why they made a certain decision, and the pros and cons associated with it.

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Alexis and Blake, two TMV interns, to discuss a question nearly every transitioning servicemember considers - Should I go straight to the workforce, or go to school?

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

Morgan Hitzig is a Navy Reserves Officer and the Operations & Growth Strategy Lead at Peregrine, a tech startup whose mission is to create technology to help mission-critical government institutions make data-driven decisions, power real-time operations, and strengthen community relationships. Morgan is an alum of Johns Hopkins University. 

Morgan joins Brendan to discuss life in the startup space, the pros and cons of dual-use companies, and doing work that you're passionate about. 

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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Dr. Chris Howard is a retired Air Force Pilot and Intelligence Officer, and a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Harvard Business School, and a Rhodes Scholar. Dr. Howard now serves as the COO of Arizona State University after making the jump from the corporate world to education nearly twenty years ago. 

Dr. Howard joins Brendan to discuss transition, navigating post-military careers, and what the business of education is like. 

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 Michael Martin, United States Naval Academy graduate, former Navy SEAL, global hedge fund leader, and now Co-Founder & President USA of Tiberius Aerospace, a cutting-edge defense technology company.

Michael shares his remarkable journey from the Seal Teams, to the high-pressure world of Wall Street, to becoming a key figure in Defense Tech 3.0. He discusses how the values and mindset forged in Naval Special Warfare shaped his ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments — and how building authentic, long-term relationships became the foundation for every chapter of his career.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How elite military experience translates into high-performance roles in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship
• Building trust-based networks that create opportunities years — or decades — later
• Lessons from the trading floor: risk, decisiveness, humility, and “long-term greedy” relationship building
• Navigating setbacks, including being fired, and how to turn career disruption into reinvention
• The shift from finance to defense tech and why mission-driven work matters
• What Defense 3.0 looks like — and why disruptive, globally connected technology companies are reshaping modern security
• Balancing leadership, family, community service, and purpose, including Michael’s ongoing commitment to the SEAL community and veteran support organizations
  
  

Michael also shares how Tiberius is revolutionizing ramjet and propulsion technology, attracting global interest, and preparing to scale rapidly — and why he believes now is the most critical moment for innovative defense solutions.

If you’re a veteran exploring career transitions, high-performance industries, tech leadership, or mission-driven entrepreneurship, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom, actionable insight, and inspiration from someone who has reinvented himself across three demanding fields.

Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
 Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #NavySEALs #CareerTransition #FinanceCareers #DefenseTech #Entrepreneurship #VetSuccess #Innovation #HedgeFunds #Defense30 #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #Networking #Resilience #VeteranFounders

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Riley Rees is a retired Air Force C-17 pilot, MIT Sloan graduate, and Founder & CEO of Sofia Health. Sofia Health is an online marketplace connecting consumers to health and wellness practitioners, and its mission is to make it easier for people to connect with health and wellness professionals.  

Riley joins Brendan to discuss how cool it is to fly C-17s, how injuries and ailments from her time in service led her to become a startup founder, and her recommendations for living a healthy life.

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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Marine Corps Veteran Vineet Rajan is a Stanford GSB Alum and Co-Founder & CEO of Forte - a mental wellness employee platform that provides Content and Connections so employees can uniquely and meaningfully contribute at work, home, and in their community.

Vineet joins Brendan to discuss the period of industry discovery he went through during business school, what it was like to execute a search fund during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how and why he decided to start a mental wellness company. 

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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Marine Corps Veteran Nate Jester is a Real Estate Lawyer in Atlanta, GA and is an alum of USNA and Harvard Law School. 

Nate joins Brendan to discuss all stages of pursuing law, from applying to law school, to what life is like at law school, and opportunities afterward. Nate also provides some great insight into how intimidating the transition out of the military can be, and the value of volunteering in your community. 

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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Service to School is hosting its first VetLink Summit on June 23rd and 24th at the University of Chicago!

You will meet current students, alumni, and representatives from more than 20 colleges and universities at the event.

To register, visit https://www.service2school.org/vetlink-summit or register through their linktree on Instagram @service2school

_________________

On day one, you will learn how veterans have succeeded in applying to VetLink schools, made an impact on campus, and used the degree to launch their careers.

On day two, you will hear from top graduate schools and veteran professionals on how VetLink students can use their experience to succeed in their next career step. 

_________________

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Recently, Brendan was invited as a guest on the Service to School Stories Podcast. Service to School is an outstanding non-profit and an organization that we are proud to call a friend of The Mil Vet.

In this episode, Brendan discusses his experience as an entrepreneur, his thoughts on transitioning from the military to the business sector and deciding whether an MBA is right for you, the power of networking, and more!

Be sure to listen in to hear Brendan and Alec Emmert discuss the commonalities and differences between common post-MBA career paths and excellent summaries on various career fields. 

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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Army Veteran MaShon Wilson is a Strategy and Business Operations Lead at Google, specializing in Go-to-Market, Ads Policy, and Growth Strategies. MaShon graduated with an M.B.A. from Duke University and B.S. from U.S. Military Academy at WestPoint.

MaShon joins us this week to discuss his own transitions, first from the military to an MBA program and consulting, and then from consulting to tech. MaShon provides excellent insight into what it's like to "make the jump" into the tech world, and how he built the skills necessary to become a Strategy Lead at Google. 

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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Henry Ward sits down with Quil Lawrence in front of a live crowd at The Mil Vet Startup Conference to discuss military service, Henry's path to tech and entrepreneurship, and the future of work and compensation, among other topics.

If you enjoy this episode, join us at The Military Veteran Career Conferences or the Mil Vet Startup Conference to hear more successful veteran speakers and connect with other vets like you. 

Henry Ward is the CEO and co-founder of Carta. The company is trusted by more than 30,000 companies, over 5,000 investment funds, and half a million employees for cap table management, compensation management, liquidity venture capital solutions, and more. Carta’s liquidity solutions have returned $13B to shareholders in secondary transactions. The company has been included on the Forbes World’s Best Cloud Companies, Fast Company’s Most Innovative list, and Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Prior to Carta, Henry was founder and CEO of Secondsight, a portfolio optimization platform for retail investors. He also held leadership positions at software companies including Reddwerks Inc. and BetweenMarkets. Henry graduated from University of Michigan with a BGS in Mathematics and Computer Science and holds a MSC in Market Finance from EDHEC Business School.

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering veterans' issues nationwide. He won a Robert F. Kennedy Award for his coverage of American veterans and a Gracie Award for coverage of female combat veterans. In 2019 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America honored Quil with its IAVA Salutes Award for Leadership in Journalism. In the Spring of 2000, a Pew Fellowship sponsored his first trips to Iraq — that reporting experience eventually built the foundation for his first book, Invisible Nation: How the Kurds' Quest for Statehood is Shaping Iraq and the Middle East (Bloomsbury, 2009). Lawrence has reported from throughout the Arab world and from Sudan, Cuba, Pakistan, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan for twelve years, serving as NPR's Bureau Chief in Baghdad and Kabul. He covered the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the second battle of Fallujah in 2004, as well as politics, culture, and war in both countries. In 2012, Lawrence returned to the U.S. to cover the millions of men and women who have served at war, both recently and in past generations. NPR is possibly unique among major news organizations in dedicating a full-time correspondent to veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs. A native of Maine, Lawrence studied history at Brandeis University, with concentrations in the Middle East and Latin America. He is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Arabic.


This chat was originally recorded on February 2nd, 2023. The video recording can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koAYWU6DurE

Thanks for listening!

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Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Rob Huberty is a Navy SEA veteran, Wharton Alum, and co-founder of ZeroEyes. ZeroEyes is an AI weapons detection platform that identifies visible guns and provides schools, commercial buildings, and government sites with the best possible reaction time to threats. 

Rob joins Brendan to discuss his career as a Navy SEAL, the impact that gun violence has had on his life, and how he found his new mission after leaving the SEALs. Rob also provides exceptional commentary on how he views success and fulfillment in a career. 

Thanks for listening!

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David Kim is a former Army officer and West Point and Harvard Business School alum. Since leaving the Army, David has spent nearly 20 years in the Private Equity industry. He is currently the Co-head of Investor Relations at Apax Partners. 

In 2002, David and his wife founded Children of Fallen Patriots (https://www.fallenpatriots.org), a non-profit that seeks to provide college scholarships to every American child who has lost a parent in the line of duty. 

David joins Brendan to discuss his transition out of the military, the private equity industry and raising capital, and the Children of Fallen Patriots mission. 

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Nick Lodestro is a Marine Corps veteran and founder of VetEvolve. VetEvolve is a company that provides industry know-how and reliable support to veterinary teams, enabling them to deliver exceptional patient care.

Nick joins Brendan to discuss his transition from the Marines, the invaluable experience he gained in his first civilian job, and how he leveraged that experience to become a successful entrepreneur. Nick also discusses what it's like to introduce institutional investment into a company, and provides great insight into entrepreneurship through acquisition. 

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 Shawn Robertson — Founder and Leadership Coach at Eternal Lessons and a transitioning US Army SOF Veteran. Shawn shares his remarkable journey from West Point to leading high-performing teams in the Army, to discovering his true passion for coaching and leadership development. He discusses how military experience shaped his ability to identify potential in others, develop elite performers, and translate those lessons into meaningful impact in the civilian world.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How elite military leadership experience translates into coaching, organizational development, and executive impact
• The process of recognizing and cultivating talent, even in high-performing teams
• Lessons from graduate school, West Point, and special operations that shaped his coaching philosophy
• The challenges and mindset shifts involved in transitioning from military to civilian life
• How to harness untapped potential in individuals and organizations through his “Dormant 40” framework
• The story behind Eternal Lessons and its mission to turn experience into actionable, lifelong lessons
• Insights into writing his upcoming book, “Activate” A Counterintuitive Guide to Unlocking Team Potential designed to guide leaders to unlock human potential (Summer 2026)

Whether you’re a veteran navigating a career transition, a leader looking to elevate your team, or someone interested in human capital and organizational psychology, this conversation offers actionable wisdom, inspiration, and a unique perspective on leadership and potential.

Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #ArmyOfficers #CareerTransition #Coaching #HighPerformanceTeams #OrganizationalPsychology #HumanPotential #VeteranFounders #EternalLessons #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #ExecutiveCoaching #Activate

Thanks for listening!

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

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Ryan Green is a USNA Alum and Navy veteran. After leaving the Navy, Ryan founded Gridwise. Gridwise exists to fix pain points and make gig drivers’ lives and jobs more productive and fulfilling.

Ryan joins Brendan to discuss his journey in entrepreneurship, from starting a company while he was at the Naval Academy, to bringing Gridwise from an idea to a successful company. Ryan's recount of Gridwise's origins is a fascinating look at how a founder forms an idea and the process of building it into a product. 

Thanks for listening!

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

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Catharine Parnell is a former active duty JAG officer, and alum of the Fordham University School of Law. Since leaving the Army, Catharine spent time working with the Department of Justice, and is now serves as an internal legal counsel for Skyloom. Skyloom is a cutting-edge telecommunications company building interplanetary networks.

Catharine joins Brendan to discuss her journey to the Army after law school, as well as her transition out of the Army. Catharine and Brendan also discuss career options for lawyers, what it's like to work for a startup, and how The Mil Vet Career Conferences helped Catharine get to where she is now. 

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Scott Harrington is a former Apache pilot and West Point and Michigan Ross alum. Since leaving the Army, Scott has spent significant time working at Mckinsey & Co and Bridgewater Associates in various roles. Leveraging his wealth of experience, Scott now advises early stage startups. 

Scott joins Brendan to discuss his transition out of the military, his experiences working at two premier firms, and provides incredible insight into institutional investing and capital markets. 

Thanks for listening!

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

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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