The Tactical Leader

On the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and host of the Danger Close podcast, shared his incredible journey from military service to becoming a top-tier author in the world of thrillers. Carr’s reflections highlight the value of building upon a foundation established by previous generations of authors while adapting to today’s constan...

In a recent episode of the Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight had an engaging conversation with Jodi Burns, discussing the impact local organizations and veterans’ families have in creating strong communities. One of the key points was how smaller, less known initiatives can drive powerful change, even if their contributions are often underappreciated. This episode highlighted the importance of...

What services does the U.S. government outsource, and how can your business - veteran-owned or not - capitalize on these often-overlooked opportunities? In this conversation, your host Zack Knight, invites William Brown, a former JAG officer turned business attorney, to share the often-overlooked world of government contracting. From heart-wrenching stories of international cooperation to practica...

How can military veterans successfully transition their leadership skills and experiences into thriving corporate careers? In this speaker series conversation, host Zack Knight talks with Gabe Soltero, a former Navy pilot turned program manager for military hiring at Home Depot. Gabe shares his journey from a 25-year military career to the corporate world, offering valuable insights on the challen...

How can a national organization like Tunnel to Towers effectively collaborate with local communities to combat veteran homelessness and provide sustainable support? Zack Knight sits down with Lynda Cox, the VP for Development and Government Affairs at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, they discuss the organization's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness and provide comprehensive support through...

How can faith and resilience help transform personal tragedies into opportunities for growth and service to others? In this Tactical Friday, host Zack Knight welcomes back Lindsey Graham, known as the Patriot Barbie, to discuss overcoming adversity and finding purpose through faith. Lindsey shares her journey of resilience, detailing how she navigated through dark times and rediscovered her identi...

What does it take to stand firm in your convictions when facing overwhelming opposition and personal loss? In episode 449, host Zack Knight sits down with Lindsey Graham, known as the Patriot Barbie, to discuss her remarkable journey from a successful salon owner to a prominent conservative voice. Lindsey shares her experience of defying COVID-19 lockdowns, facing intense backlash, and ultimately...

How can incorporating voluntary adversity into your life help you build resilience and overcome challenges when real adversity strikes? In this Tactical Friday, we continue sharing tactics with Kristofor Healy for self-mastery and leadership. Kristofor shares his insights on the importance of embracing adversity, maintaining consistency, and viewing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. H...

How does Shepherd Center support veteran care, break down barriers, and encourage veterans to seek treatment? In episode 448, host Zack Knight sits down with Jackie Breitenstein, the head of the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Jackie shares how Sheperd Center is working with veterans suffering from brain injuries and other hidden wounds of war. She shares the unique challe...

How can stoicism and learning from adversity help first responders and law enforcement officers build resilience in their personal and professional lives? In episode 446, host Zack Knight interviews Kristofor Healey, a former DHS special agent, speaker, author, and podcast host. Kristofor shares his journey from aspiring archaeologist to federal law enforcement officer in the wake of 9/11, and how...

What are the three key mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to their wealth, and how can they be avoided? In episode 445, host Zack Knight interviews Cannon Carr, a wealth management strategist, CEO, and business owner of Corner Cap Wealth Advisors. Carr shares his expertise on building resilient teams, fostering a positive company culture, and the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when mana...

How can the skills and leadership style developed in the military translate to success as an entrepreneur? In episode 444, we had a speaker series with Dave Young, a retired National Guard officer turned entrepreneur. Dave shares his journey from a 20-year military career to starting his own wealth management firm, Command Wealth Management. He shares the challenges of transitioning from a structu...

How can fiction help us avoid catastrophic futures and shape a better world for generations to come? In episode 443, Admiral James Stavridis shares insights from his latest novel, "2054," the second installment in a cautionary fiction trilogy. He shares the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society and the military, the need for sovereign states to control this powerful technology, an...

How can we navigate the complex geopolitical challenges of our time, and what role do key players like Ukraine, China, and India play in shaping the future of global security and democracy? In episode 442, Admiral James Stavridis shares his insights on the current state of global affairs and the critical challenges facing our world today. Drawing from his extensive military experience and strategi...

How can we use the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing its dangers in a time of swift technological progress? In episode 441, Admiral James Stavridis shares his books, "2034" and "2054," which explore the potential consequences of a war between the U.S. and China and the rise of artificial intelligence. Admiral Stavridis emphasizes the importance of examining these challenges whil...

How can prioritizing self-worth and mastering your mindset lead to success in both your personal and professional relationships? In episode 439, host Zack Knight introduces Tommy Breedlove, the founder of Legendary Life, a company for entrepreneurs and executives seeking personal and professional development. Tommy shares the importance of self-awareness, self-worth, and mastering one's mindset to...

How can you progress in your career from any role? In this Tactical Friday, Debbie Collard joins host Zack Knight to discuss tactics for leading from the middle ranks of an organization. She shares that no matter what position you hold, you can demonstrate leadership and intentionally progress in your career. Debbie outlines her 3-step process for taking control over your professional growth throu...

What leadership lessons from the military can be applied to corporate life? In episode 437, host Zack Knight sits down with Debbie Collard, a seasoned leader whose journey from the military to the boardroom offers insights into leadership, culture building, and self-development. Debbie shares her transformative leadership roles, the significance of self-mastery for effective leadership, and how he...

What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen? In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of cou...

Zack Knight interviews entrepreneur and author Steve Sims about his new book "Go For Stupid" on achieving ridiculous goals. They discuss Steve's mindset of seeing opportunity during COVID, not seeking approval from others, the power of connections, upleveling your standards and environment, demanding more from relationships, and overcoming adversity. [00:00 - 09:16] Seizing Connections and Chances...

Pat D'Amico joins us for Tactical Friday to dive into the tactics and strategies he uses for leadership development programs. He outlines his process of first diagnosing the organization's needs through surveys and interviews. Then Pat customizes a long-term plan focused on competencies like differentiating leadership vs. management. He facilitates sessions aimed at bringing value to attendees, no...

In this episode, Zack Knight reflects on his conversation with leadership consultant Pat D'Amico and previews their upcoming discussion on Friday. He shares a story about a former boss who, despite having anger issues, gave him valid feedback to smile more. Zack realized years later that self-development is a continual journey and you can learn from every leader. Pat helps teams "about face" throu...

Zack interviews Pat D'Amico, a former Army officer turned leadership consultant. They discuss how Pat has brought military leadership tactics into the corporate world through his company About-Face Development. Topics include the lack of leadership training in many organizations, the importance of continuous development programs, managing expectations through the Pygmalion effect, and overcoming a...

Zack Knight interviews author and entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz. They discuss Mike's latest book "All In". Mike shares how going "all in" means transitioning from a business doer to a business designer and creator of jobs. He provides tactical advice on how to delegate tasks, take a mandatory one month sabbatical each year to gain perspective, hire the right people through simulations and skills a...

In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews veteran Kevin Horgan about his journey from the Marine Corps to a long career at UPS to becoming an author of historical fiction, children's books and more. They discuss veteran transition, supporting charity organizations, important lessons from moving his family around the country for UPS, and the story behind Kevin's latest books. Things you will lea...