The Leadership Void Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Raquel Riley Thomas (Publicist and owner of An Officer and Gentlewoman LLC). Raquel starts off by sharing her background and time in the US Army as an enlisted, and officer. She also speaks about her time as a pageant queen, publicist, and her company (AOAGWLLC) focusing on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Raquel speaks about the importance of mentorship and how hirin...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Anita Staton (CEO, Miles Enterprise Solutions) and Laura Declouet-Smith (COO, Miles Enterprise Solutions) about their time in service, their transition, and their eventual journey in Entrepreneurship. They speak about the background of the company, where they are, and headed in the near future. We speak about their leadership experiences and hear their take o...

In this episode, we speak with Mike Steadman (Founder and CEO of IRONBOUND Boxing, creator of IRONBOUND Media) about his time as a Marine Corps Officer, his transition to civilian life, his entrepreneurial journey and his becoming a founder. Mike gives details of a tough leadership moment in the war zone, and how he reacted to the adjustment. He shares his entrepreneurial journey and the future of...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Karen Hetz (Founder & Chief Happiness Officer, Kids' Cake Boxes) about her life as a military spouse, and being an entrepreneur and founder. Karen shares her adventures as a military spouse, how she got into entrepreneurship and how she came up with the idea for her business. She talks about her leadership development, her most memorable AHA moment, and w...

In this first episode of 2023 and Season 4, we speak with Rafael Caamaño (Director, of Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)) about his time in the Army, transition, and entrepreneurship. Rafael shares his journey from the Army to becoming a civilian, and how he found his way into a successful business and later founding a non-profit to help other Veteran business owners. He speaks about his...

In this final 2022 episode, we speak with Zack Viscomi (President of Celebrity Branding Agency) about his time in the Marine Corps and his transition into the branding world. Zack shares his experience in the Marine Corps and how he transitioned into the world of branding. He speaks about his specific activities to make sure he is the best leader he can be and also shares some AHA moments from his...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Dave McAleer (Co-Founder of Jobhaus) about his time in the Army and his entrepreneurial journey. Dave tells us about Jobhaus and his mission to help Veterans transition into the workforce. He explains the challenges of transition and hiring Veterans into their new careers and shares what the future holds for his hiring company and his focus for 2023. Dave spe...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Dr. J. Bruce Stewart (CEO, Small World Solutions Group) about his time in service and how he became an entrepreneur. Bruce shares his time in uniform as a commander and what it was like to lead at that level. He tells us his story of an aha moment that is sure to be in your head, as a leader, for a while. Bruce speaks about his most memorable leadership advic...

In this podcast, we speak with Jeffrey Harvey (CEO, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida/CLS) about his time in the Army and his transition to the legal arena. Jeffrey shares his backstory about his time in service and his transition back home. He speaks about his journey through law school and his becoming CEO of CLS. Jeff shares his leadership aha moments and some wisdom he attained in leader...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Shirley Baez (Army Veteran) about her time in service and her transition to the civilian workforce. Shirley shares her background and time in the Army SOF. She speaks about her leadership roles and how she overcame some challenges. Shirley gives us a look into what Spathe Systems is doing and some of its success. She gives us some leadership wisdom and advice...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Michael Waldrop (CEO, Blue Cord, LLC.) as we celebrate Veterans Day and discuss leadership. Michael shares his family background with the military and his time in service. He gives us his leadership pearls of wisdom and advice he received while in the Army. He speaks about his thoughts about the future of our armed forces and his hope for our nation. He finis...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Rep. David Smith (Florida House of Representatives and retired Marine Corps Officer) about the Marine Corps' illustrious 247 years of service to our nation.  He shares his background, service history, and his role in the Florida House of Representatives. David tells us about the pivotal leadership moments he learned the most from, and the people who were...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Jerry Ross (CEO, National Entrepreneur Center) about his journey as an entrepreneur, his efforts in the community, and how he rose to become the head of the NEC. We discuss the NEC and what it does for entrepreneurs, and where it is headed. Jerry speaks about the pandemic period and its effects on the NEC, and the lessons learned. He shares his approach to sh...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Fire Chief Mike Johansmeyer (City of Lake Mary Fire Department) about the City of Lake Mary Fire Department. He talks about how he rose to Fire Chief from a paramedic in his hometown. He also shares some of the things that influenced or made an impact on the fire department during the pandemic. Mike speaks about the future of the fire department and all that...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Stu Smith (CEO, Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, inc. (FAVOB). Stu discusses his time in service and how he got involved in entrepreneurship. He shares what FAVOB is and what they are doing now and in the future. He also tells us what he does to keep himself sharp as a leader, what strategies and tactics he uses to handle times of change and c...

In this podcast episode, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the Navy's 247th Birthday. We speak with Marco Ramirez (16th Pacific Fleet Master Chief) about leadership and the Navy's Birthday. He tells us about his journey from San Antonio to his rise to Fleet Master Chief in his 32-year Navy career. Marco shares those that were influential in his career and the pivotal moments he learned from...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Erin Mires (Founder and CEO of Evolve: The Leadership Evolution). Erin shares her background, Air Force service, and her educational journey. She discusses Evolve and what the future holds for the company. Erin shares her leadership advice for young leaders, strategies around change and challenges, and some Aha moments that made her successful.    T...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Cynthis Blackwell (Founder, The Magic of 3) about Hispanic Heritage, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the magical Power of 3. Cynthia shares her Hispanic Heritage background and how she got her grit. She also talks about her company and newly released book and speaks about where her company is headed. She gives us her process of staying sharp as a leader and...

In this podcast episode, we speak with CMSgt Jason Barnshaw (Senior Enlisted Leader at Spectrum Warfare Group) about his time in the Air Force and to help us celebrate the 75th Air Force Birthday. Jason shares with us his journey as a service member and the ups and downs of service. He talks about a pivotal moment in his career where it came down to one Senior Leader believing in him that got him...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Corey Christman (Veteran Entrepreneur and Owner of Bravery Wines) about his time in the Air Force and Special Agent. We discuss his journey to becoming one of the very few Veteran Wine Makers and why he chose wines as his passion. He gives us his thoughts about leadership advice and how he faces challenges and times of change. Corey also details how he launch...

In this podcast episode, we speak with David Rubin (Founder And President at Heroes Strong) about his love and passion for community and how he developed an appreciation for our nation's heroes. We dive into his background and the work he is doing locally. David shares his mission with Heroes Strong and what they are up to, as well as what's planned for the future. We discuss, what he does to keep...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Katie Kilby (Founder and Chief Visionary of Reveille Grounds) about her role as a Military Spouse, entrepreneurship, and the Non-Profit world. Katie shares with us her background and what got her to her current role as a non-profit leader. She speaks about her company and where they are going. She also shares her tips for young and upcoming leaders and her mo...

In this podcast episode, we speak to Jamal A. Sowell (President of Business Solutions, Indelible Business Solutions Inc.) about his time in the Marine Corps and now Navy Reserves, his role in state government, and his current position in the corporate arena. Jamal shares his background and how it molded him to be the person he is today. He speaks about his role in Indelible and what's on the horiz...

In this podcast episode, we speak with DJ Reyes (Founder, Cuspis Vir) about his background, his Army service, and his passion for helping Veterans through national and local programs. DJ shares his roots in Hawaii and his family service background. He takes us through what the Veterans Treatment Court and its Mentors do and also shares what the horizon looks like for all the work he is involved wi...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Heather Hathaway Miranda (Owner & Founder at Hathaway Miranda, LLC) about her journey from a Veteran child to educator and entrepreneur. She discusses her background and what led her to create her company. Heather also shares what made her thrive during the pandemic period and what's on the horizon for her company. She gives her advice about how to face c...