Veteran Led

In this episode of Veteran Led, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas, former U.S. Army Ranger and Border Patrol Agent, actor, producer, and author of "Borderline: Defending the Home Front" joins John to share his incredible story and inspire others to pursue their dreams. Tune in as Vargas discusses how his military experiences inspired him to continue serving his country by defending the U.S. from threats at t...

To achieve your goals, you must do what is necessary , not just reasonable. In the military, physical fitness alone won’t make you a top sprinter. In business, general training won’t generate exceptional results. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explains the importance of specific, targeted training, when it comes to achieving a desired outcome of success. John will also discuss the need...

Let experience be your mentor. The military teaches us that the most valuable lessons often come from those who have lived through challenges and overcome obstacles. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares the pieces of wisdom he gained from his military experience in the form of a top-ten list. John will explain how he has used those same valuable lessons to grow his business, and craft...

In this episode of Veteran Led, John sits down with Michael Sugrue, Air Force Veteran, former police sergeant, and international best-selling author of "Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma." Listen in as Michael shares his experiences starting out in the Air Force to becoming one of the elite Phoenix Ravens to his eventual transition to civilian law enforcement, where o...

From the battlefield to the boardroom, adrenaline may suit certain circumstances, but every challenge demands a strategic approach. On this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry defines and explores how to navigate the three types of problems you will face in business: catastrophic, serious, and routine. Discover how leaders navigate through the chaos by triaging problems, assigning the right teams,...

While rapid growth can feel exhilarating, it also comes with challenges. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry walks through the 10 C’s you can expect with rapid growth – critics, complexity, control, compliance, competence, communication, complacency, competition, and cooperation. He’ll explain how these 10 C’s can impact your team dynamics and provide strategies to overcome them. Subscribe...

In this episode of Veteran Led Podcast, John sits down with former Navy SEAL, Vietnam veteran, and author, Craig Marley. From training South Vietnamese Sea Commandos to a successful commercial diving career, Craig survived some of the most hostile parts of the ocean and escaped death more than a few times. Do not miss this inspiring conversation that highlights veteran resilience, determination, a...

As a leader, you have to accept that not all of your team members want what you want for them. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explores how aligning individual dreams with organizational goals leads to stronger, more dedicated teams. Drawing on his experiences, he reflects on military exits and civilian workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of knowing why people leave and why o...

The military teaches us two ways to make decisions: quick and reactionary or deliberate and meticulously planned. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares shares invaluable lessons on quick vs. deliberate decisions, exposing the blind spots in long-term planning, a gap often overlooked in military training. He emphasizes the critical importance of considering decisions through a 5-10 year...

In this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, John talks with US Air Force Veteran, Laurel Mitchell, at local VFW 2503 about how her experiences in the military gave her the drive and discipline to succeed as a civilian. Laurel shares stories from her journey as she went from Air Force electrician to Associate Professor at Bellevue University, earning her MBA, Masters in Contract Management, and Doc...

Your network is your net worth. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry discusses the importance of intentional relationship-building and shares methods of finding and building rapport with the military grade leaders you want in your network. John discusses how to create trust and camaraderie by being helpful and inviting, and warns against communication styles that turn off potential partners....

Caring for your team means pushing them, not pampering them. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explores what matters most to the high performing team members you want to hire and retain. Creature comforts and luxury items may seem like great perks to attract top talent, but John dispels this myth by drawing on his time as a young officer when excessive amenities provided by military leade...

In this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, John Stevens Berry Sr. shares the incredible story about his time serving as a JAG Officer in Vietnam. Hear how Berry Sr. never backed down from helping those in need; including the time when he subpoenaed then sitting President Richard Nixon during the Green Beret Affair.  Tune in now and learn how Berry Sr.’s fearless actions carried over into building...

Confidence, certainty, and clarity. These essential qualities distinguish a leader with command presence; a leader whose authority is unquestionable and from whom you take direction enthusiastically. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry delves into the practical strategies and insights that can help leaders possess and embody this type of presence. He’ll share anecdotes and real-life example...

When you start out in a new industry, you are looking for all the help and guidance you can get. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares stories of the successes and scams he encountered when seeking mentors in new industries and roles. He will provide tips on what behaviors and characteristics to look for to find a suitable and valuable guide. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://w...

Roles, rankings, and hierarchy; they’re beneficial to personal growth and leadership goals, but when used incorrectly, they can also create a sense of disparity between you and your comrades. In this episode of Veteran Led , John Berry discusses the value of self-awareness when it comes to leadership and rank. John will emphasize the importance of understanding the perspectives of different roles...

Quitting is an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. It can warn us of our limits, or showcase our resilience. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry tells personal stories from his time in training to illustrate the cost of quitting and the importance of pushing through adversity. John will share the ways that leaders are rewarded in the long-term for pushing through challenges rather t...

On this episode of Veteran Led podcast, John chats with Army Veteran and Entrepreneur Jerry Flanagan to hear the inspiring story of how he and his wife, Tracy, created an incredible business from a desperate situation. Respect, Integrity, and Trust; these are the foundations of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. Their mission has provided over 1,000 job opportunities for veterans while supporting th...

Leave it better than you found it. In this episode of Veteran Led , John will navigate the complexities of bidding farewell to a role or brand after years of dedicated effort. He’ll share how leaders and team members can build relationships that stand the test of time, leaving a lasting impression on both personal and professional fronts. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@...

When it rains, it pours. Leaders have the choice: either get stuck in the mud, or dig your way out. In this episode of Veteran Led , John Berry discusses the inevitability of ‘bad news’ and the importance of persevering through difficult situations. But bad news doesn't just come during monsoons, bad news comes even on your best days. John shares personal stories, including his father's experience...

On today's episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Robison joins us to discuss his incredible journey from serving 22 years in the army to founding Cadet Holdings Consulting Group and Protective Shields, LLC. He also tells us about Camp Cowboy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit he started that provides equine therapy to help veterans with PTSD and other physical and mental illness...

Celebrate your successes . In this episode of Veteran Led , John Berry reflects on the triumphs he has experienced along his entrepreneurial journey. Running a business is a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate our accomplishments, as well as learn from our mistakes, adds value and purpose to the path we have chosen. Subscribe to our YouTube channe...

There are no victories without setbacks. In this episode of Veteran Led , John Berry reflects on the standout mistakes he has made during the development of his professional career. He emphasizes the importance of discussing failures and shares valuable lessons learned from each mistake. From not investing enough in team development to being too present, John provides insights that can help listen...

On this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry continues his conversation with retired Colonel and Nebraska State Senator Tom Brewer about his journey and the valuable leadership lessons he learned while serving in Afghanistan. Brewer's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and the aspiration to make positive change. Tune in as he shares inspiring stories on how to make a diff...

To be an exemplary leader, there are times when making the right decision may not be the most popular choice. In this episode of Veteran Led , drawing from his own experiences, John Berry underscores the notion that true leadership goes beyond simply being liked or respected individually. John explains how leaders who prioritize building strong relationships with their team members create an envir...