In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Shawn Robertson — Founder and Leadership Coach at Eternal Lessons and a transitioning US Army SOF Veteran. Shawn shares his remarkable journey from West Point to leading high-performing teams in the Army, to discovering his true passion for coaching and leadership development. He discusses how military experience shaped his ability to identify potential in others, develop elite performers, and translate those lessons into meaningful impact in the civilian world.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How elite military leadership experience translates into coaching, organizational development, and executive impact
• The process of recognizing and cultivating talent, even in high-performing teams
• Lessons from graduate school, West Point, and special operations that shaped his coaching philosophy
• The challenges and mindset shifts involved in transitioning from military to civilian life
• How to harness untapped potential in individuals and organizations through his “Dormant 40” framework
• The story behind Eternal Lessons and its mission to turn experience into actionable, lifelong lessons
• Insights into writing his upcoming book, “Activate” A Counterintuitive Guide to Unlocking Team Potential designed to guide leaders to unlock human potential (Summer 2026)

Whether you’re a veteran navigating a career transition, a leader looking to elevate your team, or someone interested in human capital and organizational psychology, this conversation offers actionable wisdom, inspiration, and a unique perspective on leadership and potential.

Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #ArmyOfficers #CareerTransition #Coaching #HighPerformanceTeams #OrganizationalPsychology #HumanPotential #VeteranFounders #EternalLessons #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #ExecutiveCoaching #Activate

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 Tyler Temple — U.S. Navy veteran, former damage controlman, and Founder/CEO of Pollentia Inc.

Tyler shares his journey from growing up fascinated by boats and spending time on ferries, to joining the Navy and gaining hands-on experience in damage control and ship operations, to identifying a gap in the boating industry and founding a company focused on safety, accessibility, and cutting-edge technology. He discusses how his Navy experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and inspired the development of his AI-driven co-captain system — a centralized intelligence tool designed to make boating safer and simpler for everyone.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How early experiences and military service can ignite a lifelong passion and career path
• The importance of embracing failure, learning fast, and using setbacks to innovate
• How to identify gaps in a market and create a differentiated product that is difficult to replicate
• Practical strategies for entrepreneurship, including planning, building the right team, and understanding your ecosystem
• The value of humility, curiosity, and listening to your customers in driving success
• Lessons on transitioning from the military to a tech-focused business environment

Tyler also shares his vision for the future of marine technology and the goal of becoming the primary source for marine intelligence, while keeping boating accessible, safe, and user-friendly.

If you’re a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, technology, or looking to transition into business after service, this conversation offers actionable advice, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at building a startup from the ground up.

Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
Follow us on LinkedIn → @TheMilVet

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #Navy #Entrepreneurship #TechStartup #CareerTransition #MilitaryToBusiness #MarineTechnology #VeteranFounders #Innovation #TheMilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #EntrepreneurialMindset #AI #BoatingSafety

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 Steve Tazza — U.S. Navy veteran, Naval Academy graduate, longtime investment management professional, former COO of a software operating company, and a Middle Market Investor/Operator at a private family office.

Steve shares an honest, reflective look at his path from growing up the youngest of four in a military-influenced household, to discovering a calling for service shaped by his World War II Marine father, to navigating the Naval Academy experience in the pre-internet era. He discusses how injuries redirected his commissioning plans, how his time as a supply officer aboard the aircraft carrier Constellation opened his eyes to the business world, and how a curiosity for financial markets sparked a post-Navy career that eventually led to Wall Street, investment management, and later, operating leadership inside a PE-backed software company.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How early influences, role models, and service culture shaped Steve’s decision to attend the Naval Academy
• Why exposure to diverse people and backgrounds in the military becomes an unmatched foundation for leadership
• How setbacks—like injuries and unexpected career pivots—can create new opportunities
• The origins of Steve’s interest in financial markets and how handwritten letters, persistence, and “just showing up” opened doors in the pre-digital networking world
• What it’s like entering the private equity ecosystem later in a career and leading through a full PE transaction as COO
• Why veterans should understand vocabulary, context, and industry language when breaking into finance or private markets
• Timeless transition advice: grit, adaptability, learning from good and bad leaders, and maximizing the power of mentorship
  
  

Steve also reflects on the value of humility, the privilege of serving alongside people from all walks of life, and the importance of lifelong curiosity—whether in uniform, on Wall Street, or in private equity–backed operations.

If you’re a veteran exploring business, finance, or private equity—or simply someone interested in an authentic, grounded perspective on service and career transition—this conversation offers wisdom, candor, and lessons that stand the test of time.

Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org
Follow us on LinkedIn → @The Military Veteran

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations that empower and connect the veteran community.

#Veterans #Leadership #Navy #PrivateEquity #Finance #InvestmentManagement #CareerTransition #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranLeadership #MilVetPodcast #ServiceAfterService #VeteransInFinance #COO #Networking #TransitionAdvice

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