TheMilVet Podcast

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 asksTranslating military leadership into commercial settings by obsessing over team quality, clarity of purpose, and execution disciplineSurviving “getting punched in the face” in business through resilience, problem solving, and resourcefulness forged in uniformUnderstanding how modern private equity and growth capital really work;  why deal flow, specialization, and operating value creation matter more than everStepping into a new leadership role with humility, curiosity, and a deliberate approach to listening before changing thingsShaping culture intentionally so strategy doesn’t just live on a slide, but shows up in daily behaviors and decisionsFor 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 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 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 himEntrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and why buying a business can be a powerful path for veteransThe sleepless nights, financial pressure, and hands-on leadership required to run a small businessWhy community matters, and how organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization help founders avoid going it aloneTranslating military leadership into building systems, processes, and high-performing teamsAligning your commercial pursuits with your personal passionsThe 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 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 Sean Patterson, Founder of CrossGen AI and Chief Operations Officer at StartGuides, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Sean reflects on how the foundation of service, rooted in discipline, accountability, and commitment to something greater than yourself, continues to influence how he leads, makes decisions, and approaches new challenges. Drawing from both high-pressure moments and everyday leadership responsibilities, he shares how clarity of values becomes a compass when circumstances are uncertain.Throughout the conversation, Sean offers an honest look at transition; what it feels like to step away from a structured military environment and into a world where you must define your own direction. He speaks candidly about identity shifts, professional reinvention, and the internal work required to grow beyond previous titles or roles.Listeners will gain insight into:Anchoring your decisions in core values during seasons of changeTranslating military leadership into business, entrepreneurship, and community impactNavigating the emotional and professional realities of transitionLetting go of ego while maintaining high performance standardsBuilding resilience through discomfort, responsibility, and ownershipRedefining success beyond rank, position, or external validationLeading with humility while embracing long-term visionSean also discusses the importance of mentorship, surrounding yourself with the right people, and continuously refining your mindset as responsibilities increase. His story highlights that growth doesn’t stop when service ends, it evolves.Whether you’re preparing to transition, currently navigating change, or striving to lead at a higher level, this episode delivers grounded wisdom and practical insight to help you move forward with clarity and conviction.🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.#Veterans #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #Mentorship #MilitaryToCivilian #TheMilVetPodcast 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 Lindsey Chrismon, co-founder and CEO of Oply, former U.S. Army aviation officer, AH-64 Apache pilot, and the first woman in U.S. Army history to fly the AH-6 Little Bird in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Harvard Business School, Lindsey shares her journey from an 11-year-old determined to attend West Point to becoming a venture-backed tech founder building in the AI space.Lindsey reflects on the mentors who shaped her leadership style, the intensity of serving in the 160th SOAR, and the pivotal decision to transition from a high-performing military career into entrepreneurship. She speaks candidly about betting on herself, walking away from traditional post-MBA paths like consulting, and committing fully to building something from the ground up.Throughout the conversation, Lindsey breaks down how she and her husband scaled their first company before launching Oply—an AI-powered home intelligence platform designed to help homeowners proactively manage, maintain, and protect their most valuable asset.Listeners will gain insight into:• What it takes to become a “first” in elite military organizations • The power of mentorship in accelerating performance and confidence • Making the stay-or-go decision at a critical military career inflection point • Why committing fully—without a backup plan—matters in entrepreneurship • The realities of raising venture capital and keeping a clean cap table • How failure as a founder can increase long-term earning potential • Building AI responsibly while navigating evolving policy and regulation • Translating special operations leadership into startup executionLindsey also discusses the importance of embracing risk, overcoming fear of failure, and staying mission-focused during uncertainty—whether in combat aviation or venture-backed startups. Her story is a testament to disciplined ambition, bold decision-making, and the belief that service is a foundation—not a ceiling.Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship, navigating transition, or leading in high-stakes environments, this episode delivers practical insight and inspiration for veterans ready to build what’s next.🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org 📲 Learn more about Oply → Download “Oply” on the App Store or Google Play 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.#Veterans #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #AI #WomenInDefense #SpecialOperations #StartupLife #Resilience #TheMilVetPodcast 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 retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General  Ryan Heritage—a career infantry officer who made a rare and impactful pivot into cyberspace, and information warfare.From watching The Sands of Iwo Jima as a fourth grader in Massachusetts to commanding at the regimental level and later leading Marine Corps Forces Cyber Command, Ryan’s journey reflects both deep-rooted commitment to service and an exceptional ability to evolve with the battlefield. Ryan shares what it was like to step into the cyber domain with no technical background—and how curiosity, humility, and disciplined leadership allowed him to thrive. He offers a candid look at modern warfare, the rapid evolution of AI and cyber capabilities, and why simplifying complex technology for warfighters is critical to maintaining decision advantage.The conversation also dives deep into Ryan’s recent transition from active duty to building a portfolio career in the private sector. He reflects honestly on missteps, sleepless nights, networking lessons, and the mindset shift required to move from military command to business development.Listeners will gain insight into:Leading in highly technical environments without being the technical expertTranslating infantry and combat leadership into cyberspace operationsThe importance of curiosity and continuous learning in emerging domainsWhy networking—not resumes—is the real engine of post-service opportunityManaging identity shifts after retirement from senior military leadershipApproaching transition with humility, research, and value-driven conversationsUnderstanding why military rank does not automatically equate to corporate rolesRyan also discusses lessons from Ukraine’s rapidly evolving battlefield, the urgency of AI adoption, and why strategy—not bureaucracy—must drive innovation at scale. He offers practical advice for veterans navigating transition, emphasizing preparation, intentional relationship-building, and disciplined follow-through.Whether you’re an infantry officer curious about cyber, a senior leader preparing to transition, or a veteran exploring opportunities in defense tech and venture capital, this episode delivers both strategic perspective and grounded, practical advice.🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.#Veterans #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #CyberWarfare #DefenseTech #AI #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #ServiceAfterService #TheMilVetPodcast 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 Michelle “MACE” Curran, U.S. Air Force veteran, former Thunderbird pilot, and author, to explore her extraordinary journey from fighter jets to inspiring audiences around the world. MACE shares how her time in the Air Force—culminating as one of the few female Thunderbird pilots—shaped her approach to leadership, overcoming fear, and finding purpose in high-pressure environments.Throughout the conversation, MACE dives into the lessons military veterans can bring to civilian life, including resilience, risk management, and mission-focused thinking, while offering practical advice for transitioning into entrepreneurship, speaking, and storytelling. She also discusses the power of mentorship, networking, and leveraging your unique experiences to make an impact beyond the military.Listeners will gain insight into:Translating military skills like discipline, focus, and courage into entrepreneurial and civilian successNavigating career transitions after service, including choosing purpose over the “easy path”Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear while pursuing bold, unconventional goalsBuilding a personal brand and using platforms like LinkedIn to tell your story and create opportunitiesInspiring the next generation through children’s books and adult storytellingThe value of mentorship, authentic networking, and giving back to create long-term impactLessons from near-miss experiences, high-stakes decision-making, and leadership under pressureMACE also shares insights from her books—Upside Down Dreams, What’s Your Call Sign, and The Flip Side: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower—and how she translates lessons from the cockpit into actionable strategies for anyone facing fear, self-doubt, or career pivots. Whether you’re a transitioning veteran, aspiring leader, or someone ready to chase big dreams, this episode provides inspiration, practical guidance, and a roadmap for turning challenges into opportunities.🔗 Connect with MACE → macecurran.com🔗 Follow on Instagram → @mace_curran🔗 Follow on LinkedIn → Michelle “MACE” Curran🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.#Veterans #AirForce #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #PublicSpeaking #Books #Motivation #Mentorship #Networking #MilitaryToCivilian #Resilience #TheMilVetPodcast 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 Josh Welle, U.S. Navy veteran, former officer, and Vice President, Global Head of Cybersecurity Portfolio for Capgemini. Josh shares his journey from serving in the Navy to navigating leadership roles at top companies like Capgemini and beyond, bridging the gap between military service and the corporate landscape.Throughout the conversation, Josh dives into the lessons military veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, including resilience, mission focus, and teamwork, while offering practical advice for transitioning into tech, cybersecurity, and corporate roles. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, building networks, and showing up with a positive attitude and willingness to contribute beyond your job description.Listeners will gain insight into:How military skills—discipline, resilience, and mission focus—translate directly into corporate and tech successPractical steps for veterans to break into cybersecurity, tech, and consulting, even without formal experienceThe power of networking as a “team of teams” approach rather than a one-way askHow veterans can stand out in corporate environments through initiative, collaboration, and commitmentJosh’s personal work with veterans, aspiring cadets, and underrepresented communities to help them succeed in corporate AmericaBalancing work, life, and service-driven passions while remaining grounded in purpose and familyJosh also shares insights into corporate culture, veteran-friendly companies, and how to leverage your military mindset to thrive in civilian careers. Whether you’re a transitioning veteran or someone supporting the veteran community, this episode provides actionable strategies, inspiration, and real-world guidance for taking the next step after service.🔗 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 #Navy #Leadership #CareerTransition #Cybersecurity #TechCareers #CorporateAmerica #Mentorship #Networking #MilitaryToTech #Resilience #TeamOfTeams #TheMilVetPodcast 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 Jacob “Jake” Wilmes, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former scout sniper, self-taught coder, AI and machine learning engineer, and founder of Hire Calling.Jake shares his journey from serving in elite combat roles to navigating the complexities of civilian life, learning to code from scratch, and breaking into the tech industry with no formal background. He candidly discusses the challenges of transitioning from the military, the frustrations veterans face when applying to civilian jobs, and how perseverance, mentorship, and creative problem-solving shaped his path from startup roles to launching his own company.Throughout the conversation, Jake walks through his non-linear career: learning coding and AI on his own, interning and working at tech startups, tackling diverse roles from software development to hardware troubleshooting, earning a master’s degree in data science to formalize his credentials, and ultimately founding Hire Calling — a platform designed to make the hiring process more transparent and engaging for both job seekers and employers.Listeners will gain insight into:How military problem-solving skills translate to entrepreneurship, tech, and startup environmentsThe realities of learning coding, AI, and machine learning from scratch while pivoting into civilian careersWhy veterans often face “application black holes” and what can be done to bridge the gapHow Hire Calling links job applications to nonprofit donations to increase transparency and trustThe challenges of raising capital, selling your vision to investors, and building a product pre-launchLessons learned about mentorship, persistence, and creative networking in both tech and entrepreneurshipJake also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, from leveraging your military skills, building networks, and navigating funding, to understanding startup life and market opportunities.If you’re a veteran exploring technology, AI, startups, or your next mission after service, this episode delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and real-world guidance from someone who’s navigated the transition, learned to code from the ground up, and is now building a platform to help other veterans succeed.🔗 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 #MarineCorps #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #TechStartups #AI #MachineLearning #VeteranFounders #MilitaryToTech #StartupLife #ServiceAfterService #Resilience #HireCalling #TheMilVetPodcast 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 John Price, US Army Special Forces veteran, former Senate staffer, private equity operator, and founder of HighGround.John shares his journey from a college student at the University of Colorado Boulder whose life changed on September 11th, to joining the Army through the 18X Special Forces program, serving alongside elite teammates, and later navigating a challenging transition out of the military. He offers a candid look at the realities of leaving service without a clear plan, the identity shift veterans face, and how lessons from Special Forces — discipline, grit, planning, and trust in your compass — translate powerfully into business, private equity, and entrepreneurship.Throughout the conversation, John walks through his non-linear civilian career: earning his MBA, working in Fortune 500 leadership roles, advising and fixing PE-backed portfolio companies, serving in the U.S. Senate on AI and acquisition reform, leading corporate development at Deloitte, and ultimately betting on himself to build a software company focused on making government markets easier to understand and navigate.Listeners will gain insight into:Why military leadership and resilience provide an edge in private equity, venture capital, and founder rolesThe hard truths of transitioning from the military — and why having a plan matters more than the plan itselfHow to overcome imposter syndrome and compete confidently in elite business and academic environmentsWhy understanding culture matters more than trying to “change” it in large organizationsHow private equity and government contracting really work — and the gaps veterans must close to succeedWhat it’s actually like to pitch investors, hear repeated “no’s,” and keep moving forward as a founderWhy education, mentorship, and “putting in the reps” are critical before taking on senior leadership rolesHow veterans should think about entrepreneurship as both a sprint and a marathonJohn also shares practical, hard-earned advice for veterans considering the founder path — from building the right team and doing deep market homework, to knowing which parts of military culture to bring forward and which to leave behind.If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, government-focused technology, or simply trying to chart your next mission after service, this episode delivers grounded perspective, real talk, and actionable guidance from someone who’s lived every phase of the journey.🔗 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 #SpecialForces #Leadership #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #GovTech #DefenseTech #StartupFounders #VeteranEntrepreneurs #ServiceAfterService #Resilience #MilVet #TheMilVetPodcast 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 Raj Shah, Air National Guard F-16 pilot and Managing Partner at Shield Capital.Raj shares his non-linear journey from growing up as the son of Indian immigrants in Georgia, to serving as a citizen-soldier in the Air National Guard, to working at McKinsey, founding multiple cybersecurity companies, and now investing in early-stage startups shaping the future of warfare and national security.Throughout the conversation, Raj offers a candid look at what it really takes to succeed as a founder and investor — grit, resilience, team-first leadership, and a deep understanding of customer pain points — and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in high-risk, high-impact environments.Listeners will gain insight into:Why military leadership, grit, and mission-focus translate powerfully into startups, venture capital, and techRaj’s path from McKinsey to founding venture-backed cybersecurity companies — and the lessons learned from early failures and pivotsHow Silicon Valley views risk, failure, and second chances — and why learning fast matters more than perfectionWhat venture capitalists actually look for when evaluating founders, teams, markets, and technologyWhy having the right co-founder and team matter more than the initial ideaHow veterans can break into tech, startups, and VC through networking, warm introductions, and mentorshipVeteran-focused organizations and programs that help bridge the military-to-tech transitionWhy defense tech is booming right now — and how private-sector innovation is reshaping modern warfareRaj also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, operating roles, or investing — including how to choose the right role, the right team, and the right mission-driven work that aligns with long-term purpose.If you’re a veteran exploring career transitions, entrepreneurship, defense technology, venture capital, or simply looking to understand how military experience can unlock opportunities in high-growth industries, this episode delivers actionable insights and hard-earned wisdom from someone who has successfully navigated all of them.🔗 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 #DefenseTech #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #CyberSecurity #StartupFounders #VetSuccess #Innovation #NationalSecurity #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #Networking #Resilience #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