In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Randy Mullen, Founder & CEO of Sightline Ventures and a former U.S. Air Force Officer, to explore his journey from military service to building a mission-driven company in the defense tech space.

Randy shares how his upbringing near Edwards Air Force Base first sparked his interest in the military, eventually leading him into Air Force contracting and acquisitions. With experience spanning global deployments, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Education with Industry program at Ball Aerospace, he developed a deep understanding of how the Department of Defense operates and how innovation reaches the warfighter.

Throughout the conversation, Randy offers a candid look at one of the hardest decisions of his life: stepping away from a promising military career and command opportunity to prioritize his family. He opens up about the emotional weight of that transition, the uncertainty that followed, and how a series of unexpected pivots ultimately led him to entrepreneurship.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Choosing family over career and navigating the tension that comes with it
• Embracing uncertainty and adapting when plans fall apart
• Translating military experience into entrepreneurship and business development
• Building a company with purpose while continuing to serve beyond the uniform
• Taking calculated risks and betting on yourself during transition
• Reinventing yourself to stay challenged, relevant, and growing
• Investing in mentorship, personal development, and long-term vision

Randy also shares how Sightline Ventures is helping early-stage defense tech companies bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, ensuring critical technologies get into the hands of those who need them most. His story is a powerful reminder that while transition may be messy and unpredictable, it can also open doors to impact, growth, and renewed purpose.

Whether you’re navigating your own transition, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking to lead with greater intention, this episode delivers practical insight and real-world perspective to help you move forward with confidence.

🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ServiceAfterService #Startups #TheMilVetPodcast

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Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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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 asks
• Translating military leadership into commercial settings by obsessing over team quality, clarity of purpose, and execution discipline
• Surviving “getting punched in the face” in business through resilience, problem solving, and resourcefulness forged in uniform
• Understanding how modern private equity and growth capital really work; why deal flow, specialization, and operating value creation matter more than ever
• Stepping into a new leadership role with humility, curiosity, and a deliberate approach to listening before changing things
• Shaping culture intentionally so strategy doesn’t just live on a slide, but shows up in daily behaviors and decisions

For 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_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

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 him
• Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and why buying a business can be a powerful path for veterans
• The sleepless nights, financial pressure, and hands-on leadership required to run a small business
• Why community matters, and how organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization help founders avoid going it alone
• Translating military leadership into building systems, processes, and high-performing teams
• Aligning your commercial pursuits with your personal passions
• The 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_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

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 change
• Translating military leadership into business, entrepreneurship, and community impact
• Navigating the emotional and professional realities of transition
• Letting go of ego while maintaining high performance standards
• Building resilience through discomfort, responsibility, and ownership
• Redefining success beyond rank, position, or external validation
• Leading with humility while embracing long-term vision

Sean 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_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

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 execution

Lindsey 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_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

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 expert
• Translating infantry and combat leadership into cyberspace operations
• The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in emerging domains
• Why networking—not resumes—is the real engine of post-service opportunity
• Managing identity shifts after retirement from senior military leadership
• Approaching transition with humility, research, and value-driven conversations
• Understanding why military rank does not automatically equate to corporate roles

Ryan 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_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

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 success
• Navigating career transitions after service, including choosing purpose over the “easy path”
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear while pursuing bold, unconventional goals
• Building a personal brand and using platforms like LinkedIn to tell your story and create opportunities
• Inspiring the next generation through children’s books and adult storytelling
• The value of mentorship, authentic networking, and giving back to create long-term impact
• Lessons from near-miss experiences, high-stakes decision-making, and leadership under pressure

MACE 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_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

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 success
• Practical steps for veterans to break into cybersecurity, tech, and consulting, even without formal experience
• The power of networking as a “team of teams” approach rather than a one-way ask
• How veterans can stand out in corporate environments through initiative, collaboration, and commitment
• Josh’s personal work with veterans, aspiring cadets, and underrepresented communities to help them succeed in corporate America
• Balancing work, life, and service-driven passions while remaining grounded in purpose and family
  
  

Josh 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_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