The Victory Podcast

In this episode, we are excited to join Dirk Smith, an executive leadership coach with Victory Strategies whose 32-year career in the U.S. Air Force took him from the cockpit of elite fighter aircraft to commanding complex combat operations and shaping strategy at the Pentagon. A retired Major General and accomplished fighter pilot, Dirk has led thousands through some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Yet behind the extraordinary career is a deeply personal story of love, loss, and sacrifice. In this powerful conversation, Dirk strips away the armor to share some of his most defining moments, exploring how personal hardship shaped his understanding of empathy and what it truly means to lead with humanity.Learn more about Dirk at https://www.victory-strategies.com/smithWatch the full conversation with video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0sG-YT7789I

In this episode, we are excited to join Chad Vincelette, callsign "Vinny," a U.S. Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot with over 26 years of service who translated his combat-proven military experience into a dynamic career in industry as Senior Director at Victory Strategies. Vinny commanded Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, the Navy's East Coast Master Jet Base and home of the Atlantic Fleet's strike fighter community. In this episode, Vinny shares one of the most impactful moments of his life and career, when he ejected over enemy lines in Iraq in 2003. Today, Vinny lives to empower leaders, give back to his community, and inspire the next generation with vision, integrity, and selfless service. Learn more about Vinny at https://www.victory-strategies.com/vincelette.Check out the full recording with video at https://youtu.be/Cd47HHmgPtc!

In this episode, we are excited to join Dr. Samantha "Combo" Weeks, a retired Air Force Colonel and combat-proven fighter pilot who translated her incredible experience in the military to a career in industry as a Vice President and Chief Transformation officer alongside numerous advisory roles. Combo was the first-female, solo pilot on the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, better known as the "Thunderbirds," and lives to inspire and empower the next generation with integrity, selfless service, excellence, and a bold indominable spirit.  Learn more about Combo at drsamanthaweeks.com.________________________________________Welcome to the Victory Podcast, and our limited series: Beyond the Labels.  We are excited to share stories and insights from our teammates that go beyond the labels you see at the top of their bios.  In our work together, we've discovered common threads to our experiences, and stories that many of us have never shared publicly about how we approach life and leadership. Our name, Victory Strategies, is all about achieving success against all the odds, facing the obstacles along the way and becoming stronger because of it. Our host for this series is Angelina "Strike" Stephens, a keynote speaker and leadership coach with Victory Strategies.  Learn more about Strike at www.strikestephens.com.

In this episode, we are excited to join Kelly Evans, a seasoned executive and former CEO with more than 30 years of experience building high-performance teams and scaling privately held and private-equity-backed companies. Kelly reflects on some of the most impactful moments of his journey, including the challenges, uncertainty, and personal growth that came with leading through change. His perspective is honest, human, and grounded in lived experience, offering meaningful insight for leaders navigating transition, succession, and what comes next.  Learn more about Kelly at victory-strategies.com/kelly-evans________________________________________Welcome to the Victory Podcast, and our limited series: Beyond the Labels.  We are excited to share stories and insights from our teammates that go beyond the labels you see at the top of their bios.  In our work together, we've discovered common threads to our experiences, and stories that many of us have never shared publicly about how we approach life and leadership. Our name, Victory Strategies, is all about achieving success against all the odds, facing the obstacles along the way and becoming stronger because of it. Our host for this series is Angelina "Strike" Stephens, a keynote speaker and leadership coach with Victory Strategies.  Learn more about Strike at www.strikestephens.com.

Welcome to the Victory Podcast, and our limited series: Beyond the Labels.  We are excited to share stories and insights from our teammates that go beyond the labels you see at the top of their bios.  In our work together, we've discovered common threads to our experiences, and stories that many of us have never shared publicly about how we approach life and leadership. Our name, Victory Strategies, is all about achieving success against all the odds, facing the obstacles along the way and becoming stronger because of it. In this episode, we are excited to join Jacob Werksman, our CEO and founder, with one of his first teammates, Adam Weiner, as they share not just the origin story, but the story behind the assembly and growth of the team you see today.  Jacob and Adam will also share stories from their own personal journeys that were instrumental to their growth as leaders, and to the values that became the foundation for Victory Strategies. Our host for this series is Angelina "Strike" Stephens, a keynote speaker and leadership coach with Victory Strategies.  

Meet Chris Brown…Coach Chris Brown has spent his career on the biggest international sporting stages, and as a two-time Olympic Coach, Chris is recognized most for leading the U.S. Women's Rugby Team from fifth to first in the World. Chris was awarded World Rugby's "Coach of the Series" upon the completion of his first season in charge.  He’s a native of New Zealand and began coaching in South Africa before moving north to prepare Namibia for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Next up was Kenya, where Chris helped lead their Men's Rugby Team from 13th to 5th in the World. In London two years later, he would be instrumental in helping the U.S. Men's Olympic Rugby Team win their first World Series event. Chris's international experience and unparalleled coaching instinct have compelled even the most under-resourced teams to victory. Through his unique approach, he ignites the champion within each individual, pushing high achievers to break through their limitations and reach new heights. By fostering unwavering character, amplifying integrity, and cultivating resilience, he empowers individuals to achieve success and sustain it, both on and off the field. Top three tips for a successful life?Be intentional in who you allow to speak into your life/ who you surround yourself with. Never compromise on the relationships that are most important to you. Know the why and motive behind every decision you make.Best piece of advice you ever received?Work hard, be humble and don't quit.Professional achievement you’re most proud of:Leading USA Women’s Olympic Rugby Team to number one in the world for first timeWhat advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?Be careful who you listen to…Who you listen to the most will heavily influence how you think.What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?Enjoy the moment. Embrace the process. Understanding what you sow now will either hurt you or accelerate you in years to come.Biggest regret from a professional perspective?Compromising on selecting an individual who had talent but not the character yet needed for the Olympic squad. It ended up taking much of my attention and also hurt the power of the unit.What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards? Currently working on a leadership book with the underlying themes of the Heart & How of a ChampionConnect with Chris on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-brown/Connect with The Victory Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcastLink to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQThe Victory Podcast is hosted and produced by Amy Forsythe for Victory Strategies.Check out the VS Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #accelerateleadership #WhatsNext

Meet Darrell Utt…From humble beginnings in West Virginia, Darrell Utt overcame great odds by hard work and sacrifice. From earning the coveted Ranger Tab and Green Beret, to leading teams in combat, to becoming the Chief of Operations for The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and has always put country above self.  Master Sgt. Darrell Utt retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces in January of 2017 and during his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘Valor’ for heroic actions and leadership during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006.  He was also awarded four (4) Bronze Star Medals for achievement and service in Iraq. As a Special Forces Team Sergeant, his Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) was recognized and awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for best Operational Detachment in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Darrell was also the Recipient of the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence – the only Special Forces Operations Team Sergeant from the seven (7) Special Forces Groups to be awarded this honor in 2007.Top three tips for a successful life?1. Invest in yourself 2. Have fun along the way 3. Think PositivelyBest piece of advice you ever received?Work hard, be humble and don't quit.Professional achievement you’re most proud of:Being awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for Best Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) in 10th Special Forces GroupWhat advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?Balance Life/Work and have fun!What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?Find what you love to do and do it!Biggest regret from a professional perspective?Not successfully learning a foreign language.What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards? -The Grand Opening of The National Medal of Honor Museum in March 2025.-Big announcement coming soon for an exciting ‘release.’ Stay Tuned!  Causes you care about?·       National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: https://mohmuseum.org/·       Special Forces Association: https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/·       Special Forces Foundation: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ Connect with Darrell on social media: Instagram (@Darrell.Utt)Facebook (@DUttRowdy7) Twitter (@DarrellUtt)LinkedIn (@Darrell-Utt) Youtube (@DarrellUtt)Check out Darrell Utt on The Combat Story podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzv6lISLnwAConnect with The Victory Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcastThe Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsgLink to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQLink to Podcast MP3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/episodes/14266800-064-darrell-utt-director-of-business-operations-for-the-nati

Meet Sherman Gillums…a native of Buffalo, New York, serves as the Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington DC.Sherman has testified before Congress as an expert witness and appeared on national networks, such as CNN, Fox News, and C-SPAN, as one of the most influential voices on military and veteran issues. His expert commentary has regularly appeared in the Hill, Military Times, and other national publications. He was recognized by HillVets as among the 100 most influential voices on Capitol Hill in 2016, the same year his alma mater, University of San Diego, inducted him into its hall of honor. He was also personally recognized by The White House for noteworthy “service to our nation” and the Secretary of Veteran Affairs for “exceptional leadership.”He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served for 12 years, medically retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He holds a graduate degree from the University of San Diego School of Business and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. He will complete his doctoral studies at the University of Dayton in 2024.Sherman and his wife Tammie, herself a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, have two sons, four daughters, including one who is presently a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, and a granddaughter.  Top tip for a successful life?Learn your purpose = What you’re good at + What you like to do + What society needs + What you can get paid to do.Best piece of advice you ever received?There are “paper” leaders, and there are “people” leaders. Don’t chase paper. Chase purpose.Professional achievement you’re most proud of:When I left the Marine Corps after 12 years of service, knowing I had helped create, shape, and influence a new generation of Marines to continue the fight after I was honorably discharged. What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?What you think is your curse may be your calling in disguise.Biggest regret from a professional perspective?Waiting too long to see the value of authenticity in leadership.What's next for you? Currently working on doctoral degree and looking forward to a new career in educationCauses you care about?Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/Connect with Sherman on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/SGillumsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-gillums-jr/Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcastThe Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsgLink to Youtube: https://youtu.be/eIOtS8bLbioLink to Podcast MP3: 

Meet John Novalis...He recently joined Victory Strategies after serving 32 years in leadership and executive level roles in the U.S. Army retiring as a Brigadier General. He’s from Indiana, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Keller, Texas. John works for Bell Helicopter as the Director of Advanced Programs and Weapon Systems Integration, leading sustainment, logistics, and digital enterprise initiatives for Bell’s Future Vertical Lift programs.   Top tip for a successful life?Maintain mental, physical, and spiritual strength.Best piece of advice you ever received?Listen - Actively and with Empathy. Allows you to hear insights, new information, it is a display of humility and empathy, and finally it is a component of human intelligence.Advice you would give yourself 30 years ago? Never miss an opportunity to spend quality time with your family. I lost my parents and brother at young ages...I feel regret. My career became more important than life experiences with my family. Life is fleeting.Professional achievement you’re most proud of:Leading, training, and deploying a unit of +3,000 personnel and +150 aircraft into Afghanistan. An experience that taught me team building, conflict resolution, logistics and sustainment, operations and crisis management, and the value of discipline and goal setting.What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?1. Be competent2. Be humble3. Be a person of character4. Maintain life balance/equilibriumWhat's next for you?I plan to write a number of leadership articles relying on my experiences in the Army which included four years in combat, Command of numerous units both in peace and war, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Staff, and Director of Logistics and Sustainment for the 101st Airborne Division and for a period of time Iraq and Syria.Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcastThe Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsgMP3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/12702899Check out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #accelerateleadership #WhatsNext

061: Jason Lamb | Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel | Managing Director at Victory Strategies  Meet Jason Lamb who recently joined Victory Strategies after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. He published numerous pieces on the subjects of leadership, culture, and talent management, both under his name, but also under the pseudonym “Col Ned Stark.”Top three tips for a successful life?Pursue quality over quantityStay true to your values and principlesPursue what you feel called to doAdvice you would give yourself 30 years ago? “Take what you do seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.”What's next for you? Your next big adventure or challenge? Public speaking, coaching, and teaching as a part of Victory Strategies. Sharing the value of Accelerate Leadership Academy.What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?“Make sure you follow your dreams and not someone else's notion of who or what you should be.”Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/ LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcastThe Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsgCheck out the Victory Strategies Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #WhatsNext?