The Tactical Leader

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...

How did strategic missteps early in conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan haunt the United States in the long run? General David Petraeus joins Admiral Robert P. Wright to unpack failures in strategic leadership that plagued these wars from the outset. In a wide ranging discussion, he outlines the four key tasks he believes military and civilian leaders must tackle: getting the big ideas...

What dynamic forces shape modern warfare, and how can strategic leaders apply historical lessons to guide decisions today? General David Petraeus analyzes major conflicts from the last 75+ years, finding that while technology transforms tactics, strategic leadership remains the essential element for victory. Discussing watershed battles in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan from his own unique vantage...

In this episode, Catie Campbell returns to dive deeper into building self-awareness for leaders who struggle with lacking the interpersonal skills needed to advance. We discuss tactics like using survey feedback, 360 reviews, and consistent one-on-one meetings to uncover leadership blindspots. Catie shares examples of how middle managers often shield senior executives from knowing what's really ha...

In this episode, Zack reflects on Monday's episode with Katie Campbell about necessary skills for leadership and success. He ties it to his experience organizing high-profile events featuring General Petraeus and collaborating across teams and organizations. Key themes shared in this episode are bringing self-awareness to conversations, and applying 'soft skills' as an entrepreneur. [00:00 - 00:56...

"Work the magic on really pulling the goodness out of you so that you're inspired...you know exactly what you need to do. Off you go and you hit success.." - Catie Campbell In this episode, host Zack Knight chats with executive coach and culture expert Catie Campbell about developing necessary skills like emotional intelligence to become a more effective leader. They explore practical tactics to i...

In this episode, Zach Knight interviews Valerie Lavin, founder of Luminary Global, about supporting veteran entrepreneurship in Tampa, FL. They discuss Valerie's background serving over 20 years in the Army, her transition into entrepreneurship and non-profit work after retiring, and the mission behind Action Zone to provide resources, education, and a community for veterans exploring business own...

This episode focuses on tactics to enhance intimacy and connection in relationships by integrating your partner into your morning routine. Zach and Taylor discuss the importance of including intimacy and affection in busy morning routines. They share examples of how they make time for each other first thing in the morning, even when getting ready for busy days. The key is being willing to interjec...

"Alphas respect alphas. Somebody that is the CEO or C suite is gonna respect a hard charger because they see themselves in that person as a hard charger." - Zack Knight Get ready to level up your resilience and self-belief as hosts Zack Knight and Taylor Merritt have a no-holds barred conversation on dealing with criticism. They reflect on feedback they've received from a recent viral video that r...