Warrior Q&A: Cynthia Kao, Operation Code, Executive Director

You can catch Warrior Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sixty episodes in, Warrior Money is taking stock of what actually carried veterans through 2025 and what will matter most in 2026. Hosts Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze look back on the guests and themes that kept repeating, including purpose, community, and the discipline to keep going while you are still figuring it out. They also break down how Dan tracks net worth quarter by quarter and why a simpler, portfolio-style approach can help you plan where you want to be next year. The conversation closes on the big forces shaping 2026, from AI and data centers to energy costs, jobs, and the habits that keep your financial plan moving. Hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, Yahoo Finance’s Warrior Money is a weekly podcast dedicated to uplifting military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Through insights from fellow veterans and high-ranking officials, Murphy and Kunze are helping set vets up for success through financial education and inspiration. This post was written by Langston Sessoms.

National Guard deployments are rising, and for many citizen-soldiers the biggest battle is at home: keeping a job, protecting benefits, and staying present for family. On this episode of Warrior Money, hosts Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze break down why Guard service can quietly derail civilian career progression, especially at small businesses and Fortune 500s. They explain the core protections veterans should know, including USERRA employment rights and key SCRA financial safeguards like the 6% interest-rate cap during deployment. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Former Marine Colonel Tyler Zagurski joins Warrior Money to break down why veterans are increasingly essential in defense tech—and how AI is reshaping recruiting, logistics, and readiness. Tyler explains R4 Technologies' “Humans at the Helm” approach to decision intelligence, why “ROI in defense is readiness,” and how the military’s recruiting pipeline is shrinking fast. He also shares practical guidance for transitioning service members, including how to utilize SkillBridge, how to upskill into tech without falling for predatory certifications, and why “fit” matters more than chasing the highest salary. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Breaking into tech after the military does not require a $25,000 bootcamp or being a math genius. On Warrior Money, Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze explain how veterans can translate military problem-solving, leadership, and even security clearances into real tech roles across cyber, cloud, data, and operations. Then Cynthia Kao, executive director of Operation Code, lays out a practical roadmap: follow your curiosity, start with the basics, and use mentorship and community support to find the right lane. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Breaking into tech can feel overwhelming after leaving the military, so Cynthia Kao lays out a clear first move: plug into Operation Code’s community and mentorship network. In this Warrior Money Q&A, the Operation Code executive director explains why the first two years post-service are the most vulnerable and why veterans need to show up for each other. She also shares the most future-proof “tech” skills to build first, including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding whether you’re people-driven or data-driven.

Are veterans gaming the system—or finally getting what they’re owed for the toll of service? On this episode of Warrior Money, Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze unpack the “broken veteran” narrative, respond to fraud claims around VA disability benefits, and explain why “if they broke you, they bought you” is a contract, not a scam. They dig into how misperceptions about wounded vets collide with the reality of long-term physical and mental wear, veterans’ $250 billion in economic firepower, and the rise of an “operator economy” built on military leadership skills. The hosts also share practical guidance on documenting injuries, protecting yourself from predatory claims services, and reframing veterans as civic assets—not victims. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Too many vets burn their GI Bill on degrees that never pay off. On this episode of Warrior Money, Army MP sergeant and GuideOn founder Ashley Gorbulja breaks down how she earned four degrees debt-free, stacked scholarships, and used the National Guard advantage to turn education into a strategic business move instead of a checklist. She explains how to align your core values with career goals, plan benefits across states and programs, and avoid leaving disability compensation and scholarship money on the table. Ashley also shares how AI, trades, and veteran entrepreneurship are reshaping what smart education choices look like after service for the Yahoo Finance audience of vets and investors planning their next chapter. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Getting out of the military without a plan can cost you benefits and momentum. In this Warrior Money Q&A, Army veteran and GuideOn CEO Ashley Gorbulja breaks down the one action every service member should take before discharge, how National Guard soldiers can maximize state education benefits, and why taking a full credit load matters. She also shares practical advice on finding mentors, setting 6 to 18 month transition milestones, and protecting your identity beyond the uniform. If you're prepping to ETS or supporting troops who are, this quick hit dives into BDD claims, Guard scholarships, and building a life after service with intention. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

This Thanksgiving, start by asking what you are genuinely grateful for and how that mindset can strengthen your transition. On this episode of Warrior Money, Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze explain why gratitude is not just a holiday idea for veterans but a practical tool that builds resilience, community, and financial stability. They discuss family, health, purpose, and the importance of leaning on your network when life becomes difficult. Then, Second Front Systems CEO Tyler Sweatt joins to share how mentors, early outreach, and veteran traits like preparation and discipline helped him find success in national security innovation. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, an array of guests—from everyday vets to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

Gratitude can be a powerful fuel for service, and Tyler Sweatt proves it. In this Warrior Money Q&A, Sweatt shares why he joined Second Front Systems, the post-9/11 veterans he believes are redefining leadership, and how humility and purpose anchor his career. He also reflects on the American experiment, the sacrifices his parents made, and why real impact comes from planting trees you may never sit under. Watch this rapid-fire conversation with Patrick Murphy and Dan Kunze on Yahoo Finance’s Warrior Money. Yahoo Finance's Warrior Money, hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, is dedicated to uplifting the financial well-being of military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Each week, a diverse array of guests—from everyday veterans to high-ranking government officials—offer insight on successfully making the leap from service to business. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected].