TheMilVet Podcast

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, hosts Jim Lose and Tim Hsia sit down with General Charles Q. “CQ” Brown Jr. (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, former 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss his 40-year military career, leadership philosophy, transition to civilian life, and perspective on the future of national security and defense technology.General Brown shares how his father inspired him to serve, why he initially pursued engineering before becoming an F-16 pilot, and how opportunities throughout his career turned four years of military service into four decades. He reflects on his experiences as a fighter pilot, weapons school instructor, squadron commander, senior commander in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.The conversation explores what it means to serve as the nation's senior military advisor, including providing options to civilian leaders, managing risk, communicating across the military, and leading through uncertainty. General Brown also discusses difficult leadership decisions, the responsibility of sending service members into harm's way, and why leadership is ultimately about making other people's jobs easier.He reflects on becoming the first African American to lead a U.S. military service branch and the second Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, as well as his decision to speak publicly about race relations following the death of George Floyd. He shares why moral courage matters at senior levels and the lasting impact leaders can have on others.General Brown also discusses his transition to the private sector, what companies often misunderstand about veteran talent, and why veterans bring adaptability, risk management, leadership, and a "figure it out" mentality to business. He offers advice to transitioning service members on building networks, asking questions, and remaining open to new opportunities.The episode concludes with a discussion of China's growing influence, the defense industrial base, defense technology, AI, drones, autonomous systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and the future of human-machine teaming.Listeners will gain insight into:• Leadership lessons from 40 years of military service • The role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs • Leading through uncertainty and difficult decisions • Moral courage and leadership • Transitioning from military service to the private sector • Why veteran leadership translates to business • Building networks after military service • China, national security, and the Indo-Pacific • Defense technology, AI, drones, and autonomy • Inspiring the next generation of leaders • General Brown's philosophy on service, leadership, and legacy🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #AirForce #AirForceVeteran #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #CQBrown #JointChiefs #NationalSecurity #DefenseTech #China #IndoPacific #AI #Drones #Autonomy #VeteranLeadership Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Mark Cavaliero, President of Morris Family Farm LLC and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, to discuss his journey from Marine officer to civilian leadership and his transition into a life focused on family, mentorship, and giving back.Mark shares how his early experiences as an Eagle Scout shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps, where he developed the resilience, sense of urgency, and mission-focused mindset that would serve him throughout his career. After transitioning from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve, Mark leveraged his military experience and technical expertise to build a civilian career before pursuing entrepreneurship and new opportunities beyond the military.Mark discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, from navigating financial uncertainty to learning sales, building a team, and overcoming economic downturns. He explains how applying Marine Corps principles to business planning, developing repeatable processes, and surrounding himself with the right partners helped him build and lead a successful technology business before selling it to a private equity-backed organization.Today, Mark is focused on his work as President of Morris Family Farm LLC, volunteering, mentoring young people through Boy Scouts and substitute teaching, and helping protect waterways and lakes in central North Carolina.Listeners will gain insight into:Translating military leadership and technical skills into civilian opportunitiesLeveraging the Marine Corps network to build career connectionsApplying military planning principles to business and leadershipOvercoming the challenges of entrepreneurship and financial uncertaintyLearning sales and developing repeatable business processesFinding the right partners with complementary skill setsKnowing when it's time to exit a businessBalancing professional responsibilities, family, and personal fulfillmentFinding purpose through mentorship, volunteering, and community serviceBuilding lasting relationships that create opportunities throughout your career🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #MarineCorps #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneurs #BusinessLeadership #Networking #CareerTransition #GivingBack Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Lieutenant General Matthew “Jerry” Glavy, USMC (Ret.), a 39-year US Marine Corps Veteran, former Deputy Commandant for Information, and defense technology leader. Jerry shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in Buffalo, New York, to flying CH-46 helicopters, supporting presidential missions, and helping shape the early development of US Cyber Command and military cyber capabilities. Today, he continues serving the warfighter through defense technology, AI, and veteran-focused initiatives.Jerry reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, the importance of readiness and putting Marines first, and how faith helped him navigate high-pressure moments throughout his military service. He also discusses his transition into civilian life, the challenges of finding purpose after retirement, and how patience, networking, and a commitment to service helped him discover his next mission.Listeners will gain insight into:• Building a career through mentorship, leadership, and embracing unexpected opportunities• Transitioning from military service to defense technology and the private sector• Developing cyber, AI, and software capabilities to better equip the warfighter • Finding purpose and identity after a long military career• Using tactical patience and networking to navigate the military-to-civilian transition• Translating military experience into skills civilian employers understand• How AI Ready Veteran helps veterans prepare for civilian careers with AI-powered tools• Leveraging veteran talent to solve critical defense technology challenges• Giving back through nonprofit organizations and veteran-focused initiatives• Staying grounded in faith, family, and service throughout life's transitionsJerry also shares his vision for bringing talented veterans into the private sector to help deliver capabilities the military needs, explains the mission of AI Ready Veteran, and tells the story behind The General's Hot Sauce.🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.Learn more about TheMilVet: https://themilvet.org#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #DefenseTech #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #VeteranTransition #Leadership #Networking #VeteranEmployment #AIReadyVeteran Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Scott Mackes, US Naval Academy graduate, US Navy veteran, entrepreneur, investor, founding member of 10X Vets, and founder of the Service Academy Business Mastermind Group (SABM). Scott shares his journey from playing baseball at the Naval Academy and serving as a Surface Warfare Officer to navigating a challenging military transition and ultimately building multiple businesses.Scott discusses how the CliftonStrengths assessment helped him better understand how he was wired, launch his first business, and discover his passion for bringing entrepreneurs together to succeed. He also shares the stories behind SABM, 10X Vets, and Academy Fund, and explains why surrounding yourself with the right people has been one of the most important lessons of his career.Listeners will gain insight into:Navigating the transition from military service to entrepreneurshipDiscovering your strengths and finding the right career fitTurning side hustles into full-time businessesLeveraging networking and LinkedIn to create opportunitiesKnowing when to bet on yourselfBuilding communities around shared goals and valuesSurrounding yourself with the right people🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #NavyVeteran #NavalAcademy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneurs #Leadership #CareerTransition #Networking Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Nick Miller, Founder & CEO of Pellucid Network and US Army Veteran, to discuss his journey from growing up in a military family and commissioning through ROTC at Lehigh University to leading technology and marketplace initiatives at In-Q-Tel and AWS.Nick shares how his experience in the Army shaped his approach to leadership, technology, and problem-solving, including his time at Arlington National Cemetery, where he helped lead a digital transformation effort and launched one of the Department of War’s first iPhone apps.The conversation explores Nick’s transition from military service into the private sector, his six-plus years at AWS, and how he helped grow the public sector AWS Marketplace business from less than $15 million annually to nearly $4 billion. Nick also discusses why he left AWS to launch Pellucid Network, his vision for the future of enterprise marketplaces, and his mission to make it easier for innovative technology companies to sell into government and other highly regulated industries.Listeners will gain insight into:Transitioning from the military into technology and businessTranslating military leadership principles into the private sectorThe importance of “showing up,” delivering on commitments, and communicatingStarting necessary movement and continuously “improving the foxhole”Building a career through networking, mentorship, and explorationFinding the right culture and career fit after military serviceNavigating a high-performance culture at AWSBuilding and scaling technology businessesMaking the leap from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipHelping veterans and paying mentorship forward🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #ArmyVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Technology #AWS #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CareerTransition #Startups #VeteranEntrepreneurs Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Michael J. Padilla-Pagan Payano, Managing Partner and CEO of Al Thuraya Investments and a United States military veteran, to discuss his unconventional journey from military service to entrepreneurship and investment across the Middle East and Africa.Michael shares his journey from growing up as a military brat and serving as an Air Force Combat Controller to transitioning into the Army and Special Forces, and ultimately leaving the military to build businesses and relationships across some of the world's most complex markets.The conversation explores Michael's transition out of the military, including the challenges of leaving behind rank, responsibility, and a clearly defined mission. He discusses how failure, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to keep moving forward became foundational skills as he built businesses from the ground up.Michael also shares lessons from operating across the Middle East and Africa, where relationships, reputation, cultural awareness, and simply showing up can be critical to getting things done. He explains why he believes “relationships are my net worth” and how his military background continues to influence the way he approaches entrepreneurship, leadership, investing, and building teams.Listeners will gain insight into: • Transitioning from the military into entrepreneurship and investment • Translating military leadership and problem-solving skills into business • Learning from failure and continuing to push forward • Building relationships and reputation in international markets • Understanding cultural differences when doing business overseas • The importance of being present and showing up • Hiring for critical thinking, character, and adaptability • Building businesses in complex and uncertain environments • Identifying opportunities through relationships and networks • Applying military lessons to entrepreneurship and investing🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #SpecialOperations #InternationalBusiness #MiddleEast #Africa Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Ethan Taranta, a former U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and Reconnaissance Officer and Managing Director of Portfolio Operations at Nexus Capital Management, to discuss his journey from the Naval Academy and multiple combat deployments in Iraq to senior roles in finance, operations, and private equity.Ethan shares the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps, including being “brilliant in the basics,” taking ownership, adapting quickly, and understanding the mission, and how those principles translated into the business world.The conversation explores his transition from military service, building finance and business skills (including an MBA from Columbia Business School), and how he drives value creation and operational improvements across portfolio companies.Listeners will gain insight into: • Transitioning from the military into business • Translating military leadership into the private sector • Building finance, sales, and business skills • Breaking into private equity • The power of networking and mentorship • Finding the right career fit • Taking ownership and betting on yourself🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PrivateEquity #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #Recon Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Logan Leslie, CEO of Main Street Auto and US Army Special Forces Veteran, to discuss his journey from Cavalry Scout and Green Beret to Harvard graduate and business owner.Logan shares how September 11th inspired him to serve, the leadership and entrepreneurial lessons he learned in Special Operations, and his transition from active duty to Harvard, where he earned both an MBA and JD.The conversation explores Logan’s entrepreneurial journey, including his early attempts to build a holding company and the lessons he learned from failure before finding his path in the automotive repair industry. He discusses why focus, execution, resilience, and operating experience matter, and why veterans need to be willing to bet on themselves.Listeners will gain insight into: • Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship • Leadership lessons from Special Operations • Pursuing elite higher education as a veteran • The entrepreneurial mindset veterans bring to business • Learning from failure and adapting along the way • Building and scaling an operating business • Finding the right business and career fit • Taking risks and betting on yourself🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #ArmyVeteran #SpecialForces #GreenBerets #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #PrivateEquity #BusinessOwnership #Harvard #CareerTransition Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Andrew Dimitruk, CEO and Co-Founder of Ironflow AI and US Marine Corps veteran, to discuss his journey from Marine Corps Cobra pilot to McKinsey consultant, defense technology executive at Shield AI, and AI entrepreneur.Andrew shares how September 11th inspired him to serve, the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps, and how his military experience shaped his approach to building teams, solving problems, and leading through uncertainty.The conversation explores Andrew's transition from the Marine Corps to business school and McKinsey, his decision to join Shield AI during the early days of defense tech, and his progression into the company's COO role. He also explains the operational challenges he encountered while scaling a defense technology company, particularly the limitations of traditional ERP systems and how those experiences led him to co-found Ironflow AI.Andrew discusses Ironflow's mission to build an AI-native ERP for discrete manufacturing, with an initial focus on strengthening the defense industrial base. He also shares advice for veterans considering startups, AI, and entrepreneurship, including why veterans should get comfortable with risk, embrace chaos, build great teams, and look for opportunities that create greater optionality.Listeners will gain insight into:• Andrew's journey from the Marine Corps to AI entrepreneurship • Leadership lessons from military service • His experience as a Marine Corps Cobra pilot • Transitioning from military service to McKinsey and the private sector • Building and scaling Shield AI • The evolution of AI and defense technology • Why traditional ERP systems are a major challenge for manufacturers • The founding and mission of Ironflow AI • AI's potential to transform manufacturing and the defense industrial base • Why veterans can thrive in startup environments • Taking calculated risks and betting on yourself • Building world-class teams and leading through uncertainty🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MarineCorps #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DefenseTech #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #Manufacturing #ERP #IronflowAI #ShieldAI #Startup #Founder #VeteranCareers #CareerTransition #Innovation #Technology Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brian Stann, President & CEO of Hunt Military Communities, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, UFC fighter, nonprofit leader, and private equity-backed executive, to discuss his unconventional journey from the Naval Academy and combat deployments to the UFC, Hire Heroes USA, private equity, and executive leadership.Brian shares how 9/11 shaped his decision to serve in the Marine Corps, the leadership lessons he learned through combat, and why the Marine Corps became the foundation of his approach to leadership, accountability, and decision-making.The conversation explores Brian's transition from the military into business, professional MMA, and nonprofit leadership. He discusses how mixed martial arts helped him process life after combat, his journey to the UFC, and how he helped build Hire Heroes USA into a leading organization helping veterans find employment.Brian also shares how a chance connection with Cerberus Capital Management opened the door to private equity and eventually led him to an executive role at FirstKey Homes and, ultimately, the CEO position at Hunt Military Communities.Listeners will gain insight into:• Brian's journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps and combat in Iraq • The leadership lessons he carried from the Marine Corps into business • His transition from military service to the UFC and nonprofit leadership • Building Hire Heroes USA around measurable outcomes and accountability • Why veterans need to communicate the value they can create for an organization • The importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses • How military delegation and ownership translate into corporate leadership • Brian's transition into private equity and executive leadership • Learning finance and business by tackling real-world problems • Why veterans should ask questions instead of being intimidated by unfamiliar business language • The importance of humility, curiosity, grit, and self-belief • Why betting on yourself can open doors to an unconventional second careerBrian's message to veterans is simple: know yourself, keep learning, surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses, and have the confidence to bet on yourself.Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or looking to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical lessons on resilience, leadership, career transition, and building your next chapter after service.🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service.#TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #USMC #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #Leadership #UFC #MMA #HireHeroesUSA #ExecutiveLeadership #VeteranCareers #Resilience #SelfBelief #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet