Episodes

  • Ep. 187 From Special Operations to Entrepreneurship: Michael Padilla-Pagan Payano’s Journey

    Ep. 187 From Special Operations to Entrepreneurship: Michael Padilla-Pagan Payano’s Journey
    Sep 30 2026

    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_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
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    36 mins
  • Ep. 186 From Marine Recon to Private Equity: Ethan Taranta’s Journey

    Ep. 186 From Marine Recon to Private Equity: Ethan Taranta’s Journey
    Sep 23 2026

    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_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
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    38 mins
  • Ep. 185 From Special Forces to Harvard to Entrepreneurship: Building a Business Brick by Brick with Logan Leslie

    Ep. 185 From Special Forces to Harvard to Entrepreneurship: Building a Business Brick by Brick with Logan Leslie
    Sep 16 2026

    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_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
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    42 mins
  • Ep. 184 From Marine Corps Cobra Pilot to AI Entrepreneur: Andrew Dimitruk's Journey

    Ep. 184 From Marine Corps Cobra Pilot to AI Entrepreneur: Andrew Dimitruk's Journey
    Sep 9 2026

    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_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
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    55 mins
  • Ep. 183 The Power of Self-Belief: Brian Stann on Leadership, Failure & Career Reinvention

    Ep. 183 The Power of Self-Belief: Brian Stann on Leadership, Failure & Career Reinvention
    Sep 2 2026

    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 career

    Brian'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_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
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    54 mins
  • Ep. 182 Making a Job, Not Just Getting One: Kevin Capozzoli's Entrepreneurial Journey

    Ep. 182 Making a Job, Not Just Getting One: Kevin Capozzoli's Entrepreneurial Journey
    Aug 26 2026

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kevin Capozzoli, Co-Founder & CEO of Critical Materials Group and US Army veteran, to discuss his 25-year military career, his transition into entrepreneurship, and how the leadership and decision-making skills he developed in the Army continue to shape the way he builds businesses.

    Kevin shares how his father's Vietnam service influenced his decision to serve and reflects on the lessons he learned from a career in the infantry, including leadership, responsibility, failure, decision-making, and learning from both great and difficult leaders.

    The conversation explores Kevin's transition from the Army to the business world, including his decision to pursue graduate education at the University of Texas and ultimately build a company rather than simply look for his next job. He explains how military planning principles, including red-teaming and stress-testing ideas, became valuable tools for evaluating business opportunities and navigating uncertainty.

    Listeners will gain insight into:

    • Kevin's journey from Florida State University to a 25-year Army career
    • The leadership lessons learned through military service
    • Why failure and responsibility accelerate professional growth
    • The difference between managing, leading, and commanding
    • Kevin's decision to leave the military and pursue entrepreneurship
    • Why veterans should consider whether they want to "get a job" or "make a job"
    • How military decision-making principles translate into business
    • Why entrepreneurs should never fall in love with their ideas
    • Using red-teaming to stress-test business opportunities
    • How Kevin identified critical vulnerabilities in the U.S. munitions industrial base
    • The founding and mission of Critical Materials Group
    • Building a company focused on critical energetic materials and national security
    • Navigating government acquisition and the defense industrial base
    • The importance of understanding who actually buys your product
    • How to handle investor rejection and constructive feedback
    • Why self-awareness and humility are critical to entrepreneurship
    • The importance of health, family, and financial preparation during transition
    • Why betting on yourself requires preparation as well as courage

    Kevin also shares practical advice for veterans preparing for their next chapter, emphasizing the importance of defining what you truly want to accomplish, building financial runway, taking care of your health and family, and being willing to embrace uncertainty.

    Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or interested in national security and the defense industrial base, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and betting on yourself.

    🎧 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 #USArmy #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #DefenseIndustry #DefenseIndustrialBase #NationalSecurity #CriticalMaterials #Founder #Resilience #CareerTransition #VeteranCareers #DecisionMaking #RiskManagement #PrivateEquity #VeteranSuccess

    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
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    45 mins
  • Ep. 181 Breaking the Stigma: Kristen Rheinlander on Veteran Mental Health and The Headstrong Project

    Ep. 181 Breaking the Stigma: Kristen Rheinlander on Veteran Mental Health and The Headstrong Project
    Aug 19 2026
    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Corporate Partnerships at The Headstrong Project, to discuss her journey as a military child, her career in professional sports, and how she ultimately found her calling supporting the military community through veteran-focused nonprofit organizations.Kristen shares how growing up as an Army brat shaped her resilience, adaptability, and perspective on military life. She reflects on her early career as a collegiate athlete and her path through sports marketing, corporate partnerships, and Major League Baseball before making a pivotal decision to pursue work with the USO and dedicate her career to serving the military community.The conversation explores the challenges of military transition, the importance of purpose and identity after leaving a career or profession, and why mental health support is such a critical component of the veteran and military family experience. Kristen also provides an inside look at The Headstrong Project and its unique approach to delivering confidential, trauma-focused mental health care to service members, veterans, military spouses, and military children.Listeners will gain insight into:• Growing up as an Army brat and the resilience that comes from military life• The unique challenges and opportunities experienced by military spouses and families• Kristen's journey from collegiate athletics into professional sports• Building a career in sports marketing and corporate partnerships• Her transition from Major League Baseball to serving the military community• Finding purpose through volunteering and giving back• The importance of identity and purpose during career and military transition• Why veterans and athletes can face similar challenges when their careers come to an end• The difficulty many veterans face when asking for help• Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community• How The Headstrong Project provides trauma-focused mental health care• The importance of military-cultural competency in mental health providers• Headstrong's network of more than 300 vetted clinicians• Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure therapy• Providing care through both in-person services and telehealth• How Headstrong helps military families navigate PCS moves without disrupting treatment• Headstrong's collaboration with the VA while maintaining direct access to care• The importance of connecting individuals with the right clinician from the beginning• Why trust, comfort, and rapport are critical to successful mental health treatment• How word-of-mouth referrals are helping veterans discover Headstrong• The role corporations and philanthropic partners play in expanding access to care• Kristen's vision for bringing Headstrong's services to more communities across the countryKristen also explains why access to mental health care needs to be immediate when someone is finally ready to raise their hand and ask for help. She shares how Headstrong's clinician-matching process is designed to meet individuals where they are and connect them with providers who understand their military experiences and unique circumstances.The conversation also highlights the broader role that purpose, community, and service play in successful transitions. Whether transitioning from military service, professional athletics, or another career, finding a new sense of identity and belonging can be just as important as finding the next job.Looking ahead, Kristen discusses her vision for The Headstrong Project, including expanding in-person services across the country, growing corporate partnerships, and ensuring that more members of the military community have access to high-quality, confidential mental health care when they need it most.Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, military family member, transitioning service member, employer, or simply interested in supporting the military community, this episode offers an important conversation about resilience, purpose, mental health, and the power of asking for help.🎧 Subscribe 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 #MilitaryVeterans #MilitarySpouses #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranMentalHealth #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity #HeadstrongProject #Leadership #Resilience #Purpose #VeteranCareers #VeteranLeadership #ServiceMembers #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship 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 ...
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    35 mins
  • Ep. 180 From the Army to Mission Roll Call: Jim Whaley on Leadership, Networking & Giving Back

    Ep. 180 From the Army to Mission Roll Call: Jim Whaley on Leadership, Networking & Giving Back
    Aug 12 2026
    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call to discuss his journey from Army Aviation to corporate America and ultimately back to serving the veteran community. Jim shares lessons from more than two decades in the military, his transition into the private sector, and why giving back and serving a mission larger than yourself have remained central throughout his career.Jim reflects on his unconventional path into the United States Army, beginning with ROTC in college and eventually becoming an Army aviator. He discusses the experiences that shaped him as a leader, including serving overseas, raising a family in the military, and his final assignment leading public affairs at West Point. He also explains how his work during West Point's bicentennial helped him build a civilian network that became instrumental in his transition to corporate America.The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the challenges veterans can face when entering corporate environments, and how military leadership principles can become powerful assets in the private sector. Jim shares practical advice on managing your career, building relationships, becoming indispensable to an organization, and adapting to a corporate culture without losing the values that made you successful in the military.Listeners will gain insight into:• Jim's journey from ROTC to Army Aviation and a 20-year military career• The importance of camaraderie, mission, and serving something bigger than yourself• Transitioning from the military into corporate America• Why networking, not job boards, can open doors after military service• How Jim leveraged his West Point network to launch his civilian career• The differences between military and corporate cultures• Why veterans sometimes struggle with managing their own careers after leaving the military• How to take ownership of your career in the civilian world• Why veterans should learn the culture and ethos of their new organization• How to make yourself indispensable to an organization• The importance of anticipating what your boss and organization need• Why being the easiest person to work with can accelerate your career• The value of listening more than you speak• How military leadership and taking care of people translate into corporate success• Why networking should be viewed as an opportunity to learn rather than simply find a job• The importance of following up and building meaningful professional relationships• Jim's transition from corporate leadership back into the nonprofit and veteran space• The founding mission and purpose of Mission Roll Call• How Mission Roll Call gives veterans a direct voice with policymakers• The importance of unfiltered veteran feedback in shaping legislation and policy• The role of veteran organizations in addressing homelessness, suicide, and other challenges• Why veterans should "sound off" and make their voices heardJim also discusses his experience leading corporate communications at Siemens and Sealed Air before joining the USO and eventually being recruited to help build Mission Roll Call. He explains why Mission Roll Call was created to amplify the voices of veterans and their families, provide veterans with access to resources and support organizations, and deliver polling and survey data directly to policymakers.The conversation highlights a central theme throughout Jim's career: the importance of listening. Whether leading soldiers, working with colleagues in corporate America, building professional networks, or advocating for veterans in Washington, Jim explains why understanding people and putting their needs ahead of your own can create stronger teams and better outcomes.Jim closes with an ambitious vision for the future of Mission Roll Call: ending veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, while ultimately building an organization that accomplishes its mission and is no longer needed.Whether you're preparing for military transition, navigating a career in corporate America, interested in veteran advocacy, or looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers practical lessons on networking, leadership, career ownership, listening, and continuing to serve long after leaving the military.🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business.#TheMilVet #MilVetPodcast #Veterans #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranJobs #VeteranAdvocacy #VeteranCommunity #CorporateLeadership #Leadership #Networking #MissionRollCall #MilitaryToCivilian #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/...
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    34 mins