Get a taste of what inspires us and be part of the CFF Community. Listen to the beats that drive us and the innovators who inspire us.
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Veterans know how to lead. The lessons we learned in the military form the foundation for bigger successes in business, entrepreneurship and community. Host John S Berry, CEO of Berry Law, served as an active-duty Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, finishing his military career with two deployments and retiring as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard. Today, his veteran led team at Berry Law, helps their clients fight some of the most important battles of their lives. Leading successf ...
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Combat Flip Flops: A Path to Purpose with Matthew Griffin
44:18
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Turning conflict and chaos into opportunities for growth and prosperity is no easy feat. Joining us in this episode is former Army Ranger, co-founder, and CEO of Combat Flip-Flops, Matthew “Griff” Griffin. Discover how Griff's experiences in conflict zones shaped a business model that promotes peace through trade, bringing prosperity to areas of co…
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American Made: Veteran Dean Wegner’s Mission to Rebuild US Manufacturing
35:32
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What does it take to create a truly “Made in America” brand? In this episode, we sit down with Dean Wegner, the founder and CEO of Authentically American, an American-made apparel brand. In a world where outsourcing and cheap labor are prevalent, Dean explains the challenges and rewards of building a sole American supply chain that supports our eco…
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Excellence in Execution: Leadership Lessons with Eric Isham
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Joining us is Eric Isham, Army Veteran turned fintech trailblazer, who shares powerful leadership lessons forged in the military and honed in the boardroom. From his days as a combat medic to becoming the CEO of OMNICOMMANDER, Eric reveals how military discipline transforms into business acumen. Through candid reflection, Eric discusses the challen…
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Steel Will Leadership: Shilo Harris
1:02:47
1:02:47
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Joining us is SSG Shilo Harris, who reveals the raw and inspiring story of navigating life after combat. From earning his spurs in the Cavalry to surviving a coma and facing the challenges of leadership, Shilo opens up about the realities of returning home from war to heal. Through personal reflection, he discusses the impact of PTSD on Veterans an…
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Irreverent Warrior: Danny Maher, Founder of VET Tv
1:01:27
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Danny Maher, founder of Irreverent Warriors, VET Tv, and author of “Embarrassing Confessions of a Marine Lieutenant: Operation Branding Iron 2.1A,” joins us in this episode to discuss his journey and the importance of connecting with and supporting fellow veterans. He shares how he started the Silkies Hike events to prevent veteran suicide and crea…
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Ultimate Fighter: Colton Smith’s Journey From Army to UFC
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How did an active duty soldier become the Ultimate Fighter? Joining us is Colton Smith, the United States Army’s first and only UFC fighter. Colton shares his remarkable journey of serving in the military, earning accolades such as Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, CIB, EIB, Airborne, and Air Assault badges, while pursuing his UFC career. Smith reveals how t…
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Transforming Service to Vets with Dr. Paul R. Lawrence
45:49
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In this insightful episode of the Veteran Led podcast, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, former Under Secretary for Benefits of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, shares his transformational leadership journey at the Veterans Benefits Administration. As a former Airborne Finance Officer turned business leader, Lawrence brought a fresh perspective to over…
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Leading with Purpose: Jamie Peer’s Approach to Life Coaching
1:15:13
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As Veterans, we all have the capability of leading with a purpose. However, there are additional coaching tools that will navigate you through life's challenges. Joining us in this episode is Jamie Peer, a retired Lieutenant Colonel turned life mastery coach. Jamie expertly applies her military HR experiences to civilian life coaching, highlighting…
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Mission First, People Always: Lessons from Bunker Labs Founder, Todd Connor
47:54
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Where is your greatest opportunity? Many veterans venture into the private sector and find that there are bigger opportunities in the entrepreneurial world. In this episode, we welcome Navy veteran Todd Connor, founder of Bunker Labs and Veterans for All Voters. Todd is a prominent voice in veteran entrepreneurship and in this episode, he shares ho…
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Veteran 2.0: Building Your A-Team with Freddie Kim
1:07:39
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Discover the power of leadership skills and Veteran 2.0 concepts in this episode with Freddie Kim, a U.S. Army Veteran, Airborne Ranger, and Special Forces Commander who is now the CEO of a successful military Veteran recruiting company, MilSpec Talent. Hear about Freddie's combat experience, ownership mindset, and team success strategies, like sup…
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From Marine Machine Gunner to Corporate Executive with Tony Goins
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Tony Goins, a former Marine Sergeant, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and public servant, shares his journey from being a security guard at American Express to becoming a successful leader in the corporate world. He emphasizes the importance of opportunities, preparation, and leading by example. Tony also discusses the significance of relationsh…
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True Grit: BoodleBox.ai CEO & Founder France Hoang
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France Hoang’s journey to entrepreneurial success is one of true grit. Prior to his current role as Co-Founder and CEO of boodleAI, a tech company that built the collaborative GenAI platform BoodleBox, France went from army officer to White House Counsel then back to the army as the XO of a U.S. Army Special Forces Company in Afghanistan. A Vietnam…
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From Apache Pilot in Command to Commander in Cheese: The Story of Andrew Arbogast
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Andrew Arbogast, a combat veteran Apache pilot turned CEO of Arbo’s Cheese Dip, reflects on his entrepreneurial journey in this episode of Veteran Led. Listen in as Andrew openly shares the challenges he faces, such as the fear of failure and the pressure of being the sole employee of his company, and how he overcomes these obstacles by recognizing…
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Spirit of America: Building a Bourbon Brand with Scott Neil
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The resilience and strategic mindset honed on the battlefield can be your secret weapon in the business world. Scott Neil, retired Master Sergeant Army Green Beret turned entrepreneur, applies the lessons of leadership, discipline, and tactical patience learned during his time in service and shares his story on this episode of Veteran Led. Scott…
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Choosing Your Battles: Balancing Family & Service with Irene Glaeser
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In this episode of Veteran Led, Col. (Retired) and CEO of Spahr Solutions Group Irene Vaishvila Glaeser shares her journey from the military to leading an IT services company providing communication solutions for Federal and DoD agencies. Having started her career during the Cold War era, Irene brings a unique blend of humor, authenticity, and earn…
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Never Surrender: Service Above Self with John Wayne Troxell
1:10:23
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In this episode, John is joined by Army Command Sergeant Major (Retired) John Wayne Troxell, former third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) and author of "Surrender or Die." From his initiation as a dedicated enlisted soldier to attaining one of the highest ranks in the DoD, Troxell shares his 38-year commi…
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HEROSTOCK: Uniting Veterans Through Music with Jason Steiner
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In this episode Veteran Led, joining John in the studio is Jason Steiner, a Marine Corps Veteran turned innovative community organizer and founder of HeroStock. HeroStock brings together Veteran performers and nonprofits, creating a space where stories of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience are shared and celebrated. Hear firsthand accounts of the i…
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Unbreakable Leadership: Insights from Navy SEAL Thom Shea
52:26
52:26
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Thom Shea, retired Navy SEAL and author of "Unbreakable: A Navy SEAL's Way of Life" and "Three Simple Things," joins John on this episode of the Veteran Led podcast. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the essence of resilience, partnership, and growth. Through personal anecdotes and valuable insights, they highlight the importance of equ…
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From Military Service to Media Mastery with Mike'l Severe
1:06:28
1:06:28
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Join us for an insightful episode of Veteran Led, as John sits down with Army veteran and media master, Mike’l Severe. From his successful career in journalism to his impactful work with the Jet Award Foundation, Mike’l shares valuable insights on how leaders can improve their media skills. Tune in as we discuss stories of resilience, skill adaptat…
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Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship with Victoria Collier
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Joining John on this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast is Victoria Collier, an Air Force carpenter who went on to build her own law firm and consulting business. Driven by her passion for seniors and helping people have a better quality of life during their later years, Victoria's keen ability to plan for the future and anticipate potential obstac…
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Credibility and Core Values: the Journey from Marine to Millionaire with Rudy Cazares
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In this episode of Veteran Led, John talks with former Marine infantry officer turned thriving civilian logistician, Rudy Cazares. Rudy shares how staying connected to his fellow Marines opened doors on his journey to building multi-million dollar businesses, stressing the value of the strong military bonds and core values that equip Veterans to th…
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Defining Personal Success through Authenticity with Ed Parcaut
1:09:48
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In this episode of Veteran Led, former Navy corpsman Ed Parcaut shares how he became a successful entrepreneur in the mortgage lending industry and stresses that Veterans are uniquely suited for building and running organizations due to their resilience, commitment to high standards, and leadership abilities. Ed gives insight on what Veterans shoul…
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Preparedness & Resilience: Lessons from a Veteran's Journey into Entrepreneurship with David Stott
1:08:32
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In this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, John Berry is joined in the studio with David Stott, a former Marine and police officer turned entrepreneur in the home inspection industry. David discusses the challenges of transitioning that many veterans face and the importance of preparedness and resilience when entering the civilian business world. …
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Scaling a Business through Discerning Leadership with Chris Pomerleau
57:51
57:51
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In this episode of Veteran Led, host John Berry welcomes Chris Pomerleau to discuss his journey from ROTC law student to successful real estate investment entrepreneur. Chris shares invaluable insights on strategic debt usage, planning for the future, and how to build wealth with your VA Loan. Listen in as John and Chris compare notes on building t…
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Valentine’s Day Special: Building a Strong Relationship with Your Significant Other
42:20
42:20
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Welcome to the special Valentine's Day edition of Veteran Led. We all know the buddy system is integral to the success of every military mission. But it’s just as important on the homefront with your significant other. In this episode, the tables are slightly turned as Omaha Bar Association Executive Director, Dave Sommers interviews John and his w…
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Building a 9 Figure Business through Authentic Leadership with Daniel Alarik
51:16
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In this episode of Veteran Led, John talks with Daniel Alarik, former Army drill sergeant and the founder of Grunt Style, the famous military lifestyle brand. Listen in as Daniel shares lessons learned on his journey from selling t-shirts out of his car to becoming the leader of a thriving company with a large staff. Alarik offers invaluable insigh…
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The 'Buy Back Your Time' Fallacy: Building Teams to Fuel your Growth
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Think over-investing in time management is actually holding you back? You might be right! Building a strong, skilled team capable of tackling ambitious goals could be the key to unlocking significant growth, far beyond what simple delegation can achieve. This episode challenges the common time management trap and explores an alternative path to suc…
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Veteran Trash Talk: Building Excellence through Brutally Honest Feedback
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7:15
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Host John Berry sheds light on the unique communication style within the military, highlighting its effectiveness in building strong teams and promoting excellence. While not directly applicable to all workplaces, it offers valuable insights on the importance of honest feedback, trust, and respect in driving individual and team growth. His insights…
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Achieving Financial Success: Lessons from Army Veteran Turned Millionaire, David Neagle
54:18
54:18
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In this episode of Veteran Led, join John as he sits down with special guest David Neagle, an Army Cold War veteran who has since become a highly sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and host of The Successful Mind podcast. David has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve 7-8 figure businesses through his coaching and personal growth company,…
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Don't Change. Improve: Side-step difficult barriers with simple communication
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Leaders often face the dilemma of sticking to a failing plan or admitting they were wrong and pivoting. This episode tackles the challenge of changing course after setting goals and objectives. John will guide leaders on how they can overcome barriers to change, avoid failure and improve communication to help teams thrive. Subscribe to our YouTube …
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It’s not all fun and games – even recreation at an organization has its purpose. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explores the importance of balancing fun activities with productivity and discusses how excessive or mandatory fun can impact employee morale and overall effectiveness. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com…
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Pursuing Your Purpose: The Journey to Self-Discovery and Success with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas
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In this episode of Veteran Led, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas, former U.S. Army Ranger and Border Patrol Agent, actor, producer, and author of "Borderline: Defending the Home Front" joins John to share his incredible story and inspire others to pursue their dreams. Tune in as Vargas discusses how his military experiences inspired him to continue serving h…
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Event-Specific Training and Outcome-Specific Training
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To achieve your goals, you must do what is necessary, not just reasonable. In the military, physical fitness alone won’t make you a top sprinter. In business, general training won’t generate exceptional results. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explains the importance of specific, targeted training, when it comes to achieving a desired ou…
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Top 10 Military Lessons for Scaling and Organization
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Let experience be your mentor. The military teaches us that the most valuable lessons often come from those who have lived through challenges and overcome obstacles. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares the pieces of wisdom he gained from his military experience in the form of a top-ten list. John will explain how he has used those sam…
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Battling Frontline Trauma with Michael Sugrue: The Road to Recovery from PTSD & PTSI
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In this episode of Veteran Led, John sits down with Michael Sugrue, Air Force Veteran, former police sergeant, and international best-selling author of "Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma." Listen in as Michael shares his experiences starting out in the Air Force to becoming one of the elite Phoenix Ravens to his eventu…
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From Field Problems to Real Problems: Navigating Business Challenges with Military Precision
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From the battlefield to the boardroom, adrenaline may suit certain circumstances, but every challenge demands a strategic approach. On this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry defines and explores how to navigate the three types of problems you will face in business: catastrophic, serious, and routine. Discover how leaders navigate through the chaos…
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The Downside to Rapid Growth: The 10 C's of Scaling an Organization
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7:13
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While rapid growth can feel exhilarating, it also comes with challenges. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry walks through the 10 C’s you can expect with rapid growth – critics, complexity, control, compliance, competence, communication, complacency, competition, and cooperation. He’ll explain how these 10 C’s can impact your team dynamics a…
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The Depths of Determination and Resilience: A Navy SEAL's Journey with Craig Marley
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59:49
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In this episode of Veteran Led Podcast, John sits down with former Navy SEAL, Vietnam veteran, and author, Craig Marley. From training South Vietnamese Sea Commandos to a successful commercial diving career, Craig survived some of the most hostile parts of the ocean and escaped death more than a few times. Do not miss this inspiring conversation th…
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As a leader, you have to accept that not all of your team members want what you want for them. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explores how aligning individual dreams with organizational goals leads to stronger, more dedicated teams. Drawing on his experiences, he reflects on military exits and civilian workplace dynamics, emphasizing th…
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What the Military Didn't Teach Me About Decision-Making
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The military teaches us two ways to make decisions: quick and reactionary or deliberate and meticulously planned. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares shares invaluable lessons on quick vs. deliberate decisions, exposing the blind spots in long-term planning, a gap often overlooked in military training. He emphasizes the critical impor…
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Finding Community at the VFW with Laurel Mitchell
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In this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, John talks with US Air Force Veteran, Laurel Mitchell, at local VFW 2503 about how her experiences in the military gave her the drive and discipline to succeed as a civilian. Laurel shares stories from her journey as she went from Air Force electrician to Associate Professor at Bellevue University, earnin…
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It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This: The Best Lesson the Military Teaches
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Your network is your net worth. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry discusses the importance of intentional relationship-building and shares methods of finding and building rapport with the military grade leaders you want in your network. John discusses how to create trust and camaraderie by being helpful and inviting, and warns against comm…
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Challenge, Don't Coddle: How to Attract and Retain Top Talent
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Caring for your team means pushing them, not pampering them. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry explores what matters most to the high performing team members you want to hire and retain. Creature comforts and luxury items may seem like great perks to attract top talent, but John dispels this myth by drawing on his time as a young officer w…
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Fearlessly Defending the Constitution as a Soldier and a Citizen: John Stevens Berry, Sr.
38:28
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In this episode of the Veteran Led Podcast, John Stevens Berry Sr. shares the incredible story about his time serving as a JAG Officer in Vietnam. Hear how Berry Sr. never backed down from helping those in need; including the time when he subpoenaed then sitting President Richard Nixon during the Green Beret Affair. Tune in now and learn how Berry …
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Presence and Command Presence: Leadership Confidence in Action
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Confidence, certainty, and clarity. These essential qualities distinguish a leader with command presence; a leader whose authority is unquestionable and from whom you take direction enthusiastically. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry delves into the practical strategies and insights that can help leaders possess and embody this type of pre…
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Consultants, Coaches and Charlatans: Mentorship Triumphs and Traps
22:26
22:26
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When you start out in a new industry, you are looking for all the help and guidance you can get. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry shares stories of the successes and scams he encountered when seeking mentors in new industries and roles. He will provide tips on what behaviors and characteristics to look for to find a suitable and valuable …
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Sir, You are the Brass: Enhancing Leadership Dynamics with Self-Awareness
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Roles, rankings, and hierarchy; they’re beneficial to personal growth and leadership goals, but when used incorrectly, they can also create a sense of disparity between you and your comrades. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry discusses the value of self-awareness when it comes to leadership and rank. John will emphasize the importance of u…
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Quitting is an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. It can warn us of our limits, or showcase our resilience. In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry tells personal stories from his time in training to illustrate the cost of quitting and the importance of pushing through adversity. John will share the ways that leaders are rewarded in the…
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Respect, Integrity, and Trust: The Foundations of JDog’s Massive Success with Founder Jerry Flanagan
1:00:41
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On this episode of Veteran Led podcast, John chats with Army Veteran and Entrepreneur Jerry Flanagan to hear the inspiring story of how he and his wife, Tracy, created an incredible business from a desperate situation. Respect, Integrity, and Trust; these are the foundations of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. Their mission has provided over 1,000 job …
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Terminal Leave: Crafting Legacy Through Connection
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Leave it better than you found it. In this episode of Veteran Led, John will navigate the complexities of bidding farewell to a role or brand after years of dedicated effort. He’ll share how leaders and team members can build relationships that stand the test of time, leaving a lasting impression on both personal and professional fronts. Subscribe …
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