What happens when the uniform comes off, but the skills, discipline, and drive to serve stay with you? At Advancing The Line, Elizabeth Stephens shares her journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to corporate leadership, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and international business.The conversation goes beyond career transition.Elizabeth talks about what it means to be a woman in the military, stepping into spaces where you may be the first or only one, and learning how to carry military experience into a civilian world that operates very differently.She also shares how she moved from corporate life into entrepreneurship, why she built DVS Cyber, and how her work expanded into cybersecurity, AI, global supply chains, risk, and projects across Africa.Segment Discussed:00:00 Opening and Advancing The Line Introduction05:06 Meet Elizabeth Stephens and Her Journey07:51 Women in Service and Women’s History Month11:26 Being the First and Breaking New Ground13:06 Reframing Challenges and Operating in Chaos15:28 Understanding the Female Veteran Transition18:01 Identity, Confidence and Life After the Uniform23:08 Entering the Corporate World as a Woman25:34 The Need for Better Support for Female Veterans26:34 From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship26:50 Why Elizabeth Built DVS Cyber30:23 Bringing Cybersecurity and Technology to More People31:40 Expanding Business and Technology Into Africa33:44 Adapting to Change and Finding New Opportunities35:06 Global Supply Chains, Mining and Responsible Business37:04 Government Contracting and Creating Global Impact38:18 Finding Opportunity in Changing Markets39:32 Culture, Community and Commerce40:20 Building Stronger Supply Chains and Managing Risk41:49 What It Really Means to Invest in Security43:16 Workforce Development and Community Opportunity44:02 Showing Up as Yourself Without Trying to Fit the Room47:23 Collaboration, Community and Closing Remarks Watch the full conversation with Elizabeth Stephens and hear how her experience moved from military service into technology, entrepreneurship, global business, and continued service to others.Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and people building their next chapter beyond the uniform

What happens when the mission changes, but the mindset stays the same?For Elizabeth Stephens, the lessons that carried her through military aviation also followed her into Microsoft, cybersecurity, AI, entrepreneurship, and her next chapter of public service. In this conversation from Advancing The Line, Zachary Broughton sits down with Marine veteran Elizabeth Stephens to talk about what military experience can really bring into life after service.Elizabeth shares her journey from the Naval Academy and Marine Corps aviation to working in cybersecurity and eventually managing major technology operations at Microsoft.But one idea keeps coming back throughout the conversation: veterans may not need to completely reinvent themselves when they leave the military.The ability to stay calm in chaos, manage risk, make decisions under pressure, adapt when plans change, and keep the mission moving can carry into business, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship.Segments Discussed:03:24 Meet Elizabeth Stephens13:44 Why She Chose the Marine Corps15:34 How the Marine Corps Shaped Her Leadership19:02 Service, Mission, and Taking Care of Your People21:46 How Modern Warfare Is Changing22:45 Cybersecurity, Drones, and AI28:02 Life After the Military29:16 Finding a New Mission After Service30:25 Breaking Into Cybersecurity32:26 The Road to Microsoft34:39 Learning to Lead in Big Tech36:55 What Veterans Bring to the Civilian World37:47 Risk Management and Decision Making40:23 From Military Aviation to Microsoft41:39 The Veteran “Translation Gap”42:25 A Mission in Iraq That Tested Everything45:17 How Military Decision Making Translates to Corporate Leadership46:25 Why Veterans Still Need Community48:35 Finding the Next Mission49:28 Cybersecurity and the New Front Line51:40 Why ATL Vets Represents a New Mission52:26 Elizabeth’s Decision to Enter Public Service53:24 Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, and Global Work59:48 Closing Conversation and Veteran CommunityIf you are a veteran building your next chapter, or a leader who wants to better understand what veterans bring to business and technology, watch the full conversation.Subscribe for more conversations from Advancing The Line and share this episode with someone looking for their next mission.

What does it take to build a business that is financially prepared for growth, opportunity, and eventually an exit?At the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, Ray Busler and Thomas Lind of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) joined the conversation to break down the financial decisions business owners often overlook.From building strong accounting practices and choosing the right business structure to tax planning, QSBS opportunities, advisor alignment, due diligence, and exit preparation, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders and privately held business owners.Chapter Segment:00:00 – Welcome and Thomas Lind’s Veteran Story02:15 – Meet Ray Busler of CLA03:44 – Why CLA Focuses on Privately Held Businesses05:40 – Supporting Business Owners Through Growth11:07 – What Small Businesses Actually Need From a CPA16:58 – Accounting Discipline and Planning Ahead18:25 – Choosing the Right Business Entity19:12 – Qualified Small Business Stock and Exit Planning21:03 – S Corporation vs. C Corporation22:55 – Why Your Professional Advisors Need to Be Aligned26:04 – Tax Credits and Business Incentives27:45 – Get Your Advisors in the Same Room30:16 – What Size Businesses Does CLA Work With?32:04 – Preparing for the Business Exit34:45 – Due Diligence and Protecting Business Value36:40 – Estate and Succession Planning37:22 – Audience Q&A39:06 – Why Financial Discipline Matters Long Term40:39 – Tax Strategy vs. Financing Readiness42:08 – Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth42:40 – Turning Financial Data Into Better Decisions43:37 – Remote Employees and Multi State Tax Exposure45:52 – Closing Remarks The biggest lesson? The decisions you make early can have a major impact on the value you create later.Watch the full conversation and hear how experienced advisors think about building a stronger financial foundation for your business.

In this episode, ATLVets welcomes Ed You, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent with more than 20 years of experience in counterterrorism, biodefense, and emerging technologies. With a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer research, and national security, Ed has advised the FBI, HHS, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the White House, and the U.S. delegation to the Biological Weapons Convention.Drawing from decades of experience, Ed explains why biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data are reshaping national security, economic competitiveness, and the future of innovation.Chapter Segment:00:00 – Welcome & Speaker Introduction02:20 – From Biochemist to FBI Special Agent04:20 – Biological Threats & National Security09:00 – Operation Warp Speed10:45 – The Global Biotech Race12:30 – Modern Biological Threats15:00 – AI, Data & Biotechnology18:45 – America's Innovation Challenge20:15 – The Value of Data22:30 – China & Strategic Competition26:30 – The Bioeconomy29:40 – Opportunities for Entrepreneurs33:00 – AI Beyond the Hype37:00 – Audience Q&A38:25 – Biomanufacturing & Supply Chains42:15 – Biotechnology & Global Influence44:30 – Preparing the Next Generation47:10 – CRISPR & Gene Editing49:55 – The Future of Biosecurity51:30 – Closing RemarksIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone interested in leadership, national security, biotechnology, or emerging technologies.Have a question or perspective on the future of AI, biotech, or the bioeconomy? Leave it in the comments—we'd love to continue the discussion.

Guest: Kelly Bonn — Navy veteran, retained executive recruiter, executive coachLocation: The Centre Club, TampaEpisode in a sentenceFrom small boats in the Med to C-suite searches in boardrooms, Kelly unpacks modern hiring, executive presence, and why your LinkedIn should teach—not trumpet.What we coverKelly’s Navy path (Italy, small boats unit, coxswain/engineer) and the through-line to recruitingRetained search vs. contingency—and why “human” beats “process”Branding that works: educational posts, clear profile, and consistent presencePosting cadence/windows that reach senior decision makersBuilding a talent flywheel with employee advocates (and how to bonus them)Interviewing that actually reveals judgment and fit (ditch lazy behavioral scripts)Diversifying revenue streams so a weird year doesn’t sink youWhy the job market feels strange—and the signals it’s warmingPlaybook & TacticsIntro line: “I’m an executive coach and a headhunter. I help companies hire and leaders land.”Three questions to ask in interviews:“What would your current manager say about you?”“What did you like most/least about your last role?”“What’s the biggest challenge in the first 90 days here?”LinkedIn content rule: educate > advertise. Case-style posts win.Best posting windows (for exec audiences): Sun late AM/early PM; Mon late PM; Tue late AM.Book pick: Captivate — Vanessa Van Edwards.Offers & ResourcesKelly’s giveaway: Executive Bio + 1 hr coaching (leadership/job search) or hiring-manager interview training.Services: retained search (Sr. Director → C-suite), executive coaching, resumes/executive bios, LinkedIn optimization.Keep up with usTampa: monthly third-Tuesday meetups at The Centre ClubClearwater: monthly wellness workoutsMessage “TAMPA” to get reminders and invites.

Host: Zack KnightGuest: Gary King — Navy veteran, speaker/author, creator of the St. Pete HAPPINESS signs, subject of The Happiness Experiment filmEpisode vibeA candid, hopeful conversation about trauma, perspective, and building everyday interrupts that keep people here. Practical tools. No fluff.Timestamps00:00 – 06:00 Cold open + Centre Club welcome, Monday-night football slander, Marine banter.06:00 – 12:40 ATLVets updates: Elite Rewards monthly travel voucher, Clearwater wellness workouts, Atlanta Center of Excellence coming online.12:41 – 14:10 Gary takes the mic: why this room matters to him.14:10 – 18:50 Background in fast-forward: Navy, VIP security (incl. Gen. Schwarzkopf), speaking/author work across the globe.18:50 – 23:40 The weight: 36 traumas, the loss of his son Jason at the Skyway, and the near-death experience that reset his lens.23:40 – 27:00 Perception vs. perspective: the “circle and the ant.”27:00 – 33:30 PTSD reframed as post-traumatic trigger disorder; the “hard drive (subconscious) + RAM (conscious)” analogy; the wallet story.33:30 – 38:30 Autosuggestion 101 and the twine-and-20-knots practice.38:30 – 44:30 Birth of the HAPPINESS signs (Nov 2019), first takedown, then liftoff; why simple words in public space matter.44:30 – 48:10 The Happiness Experiment film; the woman who turned around at the sign.48:10 – 55:30 The Happiness Formula book: F² H² = H (forgiveness of self/others; honesty with self/truth with others; self-worth).55:30 – 1:01:30 Quick exercise: your Top 5 partner traits, and why “emotionally available” rarely makes the list (but should).1:01:30 – 1:06:30 Self-acceptance vs. chasing approval; how we’re taught to outsource worth.1:06:30 – 1:10:55 Q&A: faith, discipline, and why Gary still climbs the ladder.1:10:55 – end Wrap, selfies with the signs, Gary’s open offer: “If I can help a vet, I’m in.”Key ideas & takeawaysTriggers work like algorithms. If you can spot the pattern in real time, you can choose a different next move.Perspective is a practice. Get above the moment; don’t let the moment run you.Short beats clever. The brain remembers simple, repeated lines—use them on purpose.Public words change private minds. A six-inch sign can be the inch someone needs.Notes & careGary shares personal methods and beliefs. They’re not medical advice. If you’re struggling, talk to a qualified professional, reach out to a peer, or call/text 988 (in the U.S.) for support.

Host: Zack KnightGuest: Lindsey Streeter, Military Affairs Executive, Bank of America; retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major; Owner, Savannah Hurricanes; Founder, Streeter Esports & EntertainmentRecorded at: The Buckhead Club, AtlantaEpisode SummaryLindsey Streeter unpacks the difference between veteran-friendly and veteran-ready, shares the “divine timing” behind his transition to Bank of America, and details practical systems that improve retention, mobility, and belonging for veteran talent. He also talks entrepreneurship—the Savannah Hurricanes, community impact that earned national recognition, and why legacy is the point of the work.Timestamps00:00–01:06 – Welcome, road-warrior points for Lindsey & Lena; ATLVets 12-city expansion01:06–02:01 – ATLVets update: 30,000-sq-ft Roswell Veterans Center of Excellence (co-working, accelerator, human performance)02:01–05:35 – Who Lindsey is beyond the bio: purpose, the “dash,” widowhood, second chances, community focus05:35–06:21 – Entrepreneurship thread: Savannah Hurricanes, community programs, national recognition; thoroughbred ownership as legacy06:21–11:20 – Why the Army, early years, mentors who shaped a 31-year career, sitting the E-9 board and realizing the path fit11:20–13:11 – Favorite assignment: Savannah (1989), Desert Shield/Storm13:52–17:26 – Transition fear, the phone call that changed everything, veteran rotational program at Bank of America18:08–22:18 – Veteran-ready vs. veteran-friendly: right-fit recruiting, five-year lookback, precision nets22:18–25:07 – Veteran Onboarding Initiative (90-day buddy), ERG scale, safe-space learning25:07–26:40 – Veteran Development Program: 5-month cohorts, senior-leader exposure, capstone, retention & mobility outcomes27:25–29:14 – What keeps vets: visible path to progress & purpose; paid service time (TRWB, Team Rubicon)29:14–30:27 – The big vision: careers for veterans and military spouses; portability matters31:06–33:48 – Entrepreneurship as purpose; measurable community impact and recognition33:48–34:47 – Reality check: ~20% of transitioning vets start businesses; the capital/network gap36:42–38:11 – How BofA helps vet founders: CDFIs, Bunker Labs/IVMF, dedicated small-business bankers39:11–44:10 – Hiring advice: dedicated veteran recruiters, translate MOS, hire for coachability, avoid credential inflation theater47:22–49:09 – Becoming veteran-ready without alienating non-vets; why some vets don’t self-ID48:28–49:09 – Life Event Services: one number when life hits53:26–55:16 – Financial literacy gaps; Better Money Habits origin story for military families59:56–1:04:23 – Purpose and the personal mission statement (Covey influence), living consistently across roles1:05:21–1:10:26 – Why ATLVets exists: solving the “Now what?” after TAP; VetOPS, accelerator, and sustainable impact model1:10:26–1:11:04 – Wrap, networking, and selfies (season tickets, anyone?)Key IdeasVeteran-ready = systems: precision hiring, 90-day buddies, ERG-powered belonging, visible mobility, Guard/Reserve support, Life Event Services.Purpose retains: service opportunities on company time satisfy the mission drive.Entrepreneurship needs scaffolding: CDFIs for capital readiness; incubators/accelerators for reps; pitch platforms for proof.Translate, don’t transpose: MOS ≠ job title; hire for potential and humility.Financial literacy is aftercare: VA loan realities, tax exemptions, and post-purchase education matter.Pull Quotes“I’m dealing with the dash right now.”“Friendly is the welcome mat; ready is the furnished living room and a closed back door.”“A designated veteran recruiter must see what’s not on the résumé—and have trust with hiring managers.”“Give vets a path and a purpose; many will stay even if they don’t move—because they could.”

In this special ATLVets Speaker Series episode, retired Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces officer Chris Brewer shares his remarkable journey from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974 to a career in Special Forces, global security contracting, and authorship.Chris reflects on:Crossing the Line: Why he made the controversial move from the NCO corps to becoming an officer, and how it opened the path to Special Forces.Lessons from Ranger School: Why the course is less about tactics and more about leadership under extreme stress—and how those lessons translate to civilian life.Transition Struggles: His honest admission of “how not to retire” from the military, including the pitfalls many veterans face.Post-Service Impact: How his expertise shaped counterterrorism strategies, red-team operations, and security across the globe—including assessments eerily prescient before 9/11.Storytelling & Legacy: Why he chose to capture the untold stories of Rangers and Green Berets in his books Old School Ranger and In the Shadows Between Wars.Chris also offers powerful insights into leadership, team building, and the importance of cross-cultural communication in both military and civilian contexts.📚 Books by Chris Brewer:Old School Ranger – A collection of stories and lessons from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion.In the Shadows Between Wars – Firsthand accounts of Special Forces missions and the realities of unconventional warfare.(Both available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.)🔑 Key Takeaway: Whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, success comes from listening, understanding what motivates people, and pulling teams together toward a common goal.👉 Stay Connected:Join the ATLVets mission to advance the line for veterans by supporting events, sharing these stories, and helping us build the nation’s premier community for veteran leadership and growth.

In this episode of the ATLVets Speaker Series, we sit down with Zack Miller, CEO of Patriot Growth Capital (PGC), to explore the intersection of veteran empowerment, private equity, and long-term legacy.Zack shares his journey from the advertising and startup world to launching a private equity firm dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through entrepreneurship by acquisition. Together with ATLVets, PGC is reshaping how veterans transition into ownership, leadership, and wealth creation.This episode dives into:The Barriers to Entrepreneurship – Fear, capital, mentorship, and “analysis paralysis” that hold veterans back—and how to overcome them.The Dream Work Exercise – Why defining vision, values, and family goals is the starting point for every veteran entrepreneur.Veteran Families as Operators – Expanding opportunities for spouses, siblings, and children to step into meaningful roles and ownership.Defense Tech Accelerator – The vision for a Veteran Center of Excellence in Atlanta, combining human performance, technology, and dual-use innovation.The Bigger Picture – PGC’s commitment to impacting 1 million veteran families over the next decade.🔑 Key Takeaway: Veterans bring grit, leadership, and integrity to the table. With the right resources and ecosystem, they can move from “employee” to “owner” and create lasting generational impact.👉 Learn more about Patriot Growth Capital and ATLVets at: [Insert Link]

Emilee Tucker: Beyond the Corporate GrindEmilee Tucker is more than her corporate credentials—she’s an advocate for authentic leadership who transitioned from an 18-year corporate career to become an executive coach. Driven by her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Emilee pursued a master's in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership, combining formal education with practical certifications like NLP and Reiki. Her journey underscores the value of leaning into life's uncertainties to discover genuine joy and success.The ROI Formula: Reward, Omit, InviteEmilee introduced her unique ROI framework, breaking down how to find meaningful success through three simple yet profound principles:Reward Yourself: Emilee emphasizes celebrating small daily victories, suggesting practical actions like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking a peaceful walk. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive habits, boosting confidence and momentum by rewiring your brain for success.Omit Negativity: Emilee highlighted how negativity consumes valuable energy and time. She shared that humans have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, many repetitive and subconscious. By consciously reframing negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, individuals can reclaim significant mental and emotional resources, creating space for positivity and productivity.Invite Your Dreams: Perhaps the most poignant segment for veterans, Emilee encouraged attendees to rediscover and articulate their dreams beyond past identities. She underscored the importance of visualization, emotional connection, and the power of clearly defining what they want to achieve, inviting veterans to create new, meaningful goals after their military service.Follow Emilee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileetuckerhttps://www.instagram.com/iamemileetucker/