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Veteran Business Community Podcast
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© Peter Liston 2022
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There are many lessons business can learn from the military and your host Pete Liston is going to share exactly what he learnt in the Australian Army that has allowed him to create and build multiple 7 figure businesses. Pete will be joined by guests who have also transitioned from military to entrepreneurship and are keen to share their stories.
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🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E45 | Rob Hall - how chewing home made jerky out bush turned into the Beef Chief phenomenon with over 70k customers.In this episode of the VBC Podcast, we chat with Rob Hall, founder of The Original Beef Chief — one of Australia’s leading premium jerky brands. A former Australian Army soldier with 2RAR, Rob turned his grit, humour, and love for quality Aussie beef into a multi-award-winning business now serving over 70,000 customers nationwide.What started as frustration over a bad bag of jerky during a field exercise in Townsville became a mission to make jerky the right way — tough, chewy, full of flavour, and unapologetically Australian. Rob shares how his military mindset helped him build a thriving brand from scratch and why he believes veterans have an unfair advantage in business: discipline, resilience, and the courage to back themselves. 👉 Website – veteranbc.com/veteran-media 🌐 Learn more: originalbeefchief.com 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #AustralianArmy #2RAR #BeefChief #AussieMade #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Resilience
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E44 | Morgan Hunter - 34MJ. Creating biodiesel from fish and chip oil and it's contribution to Australia's sovereign capabilityIn this episode of the VBC Podcast, we sit down with Morgan Hunter, founder of 34MJ, an engineer, soldier, and innovator who’s spent over 25 years building practical solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future. With a career spanning defence research, advanced manufacturing, and renewable fuels, Morgan has proven that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.From growing up tinkering with diesel engines in Adelaide to developing circular economy fuel systems that turn waste into opportunity, Morgan’s journey is all about persistence, curiosity, and smart problem-solving. He also shares the lessons learned from a side hustle that went up in smoke — literally — and how failure shaped his approach to building meaningful, scalable impact.👉 Website – veteranbc.com/veteran-media🌐 Learn more: 34mj.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #RenewableEnergy #Engineering #Innovation #VeteranEntrepreneur
🎙 New Episode Drop!S02E43 | Matt Newlands - Frontline Mental Health - Living on purpose and the crossover between first responders and the military experienceIn this episode of the VBC Podcast, we speak with Matt Newlands, Co-Founder of Frontline Mental Health and a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of First Responders, Military, and frontline communities.After more than a decade serving with the South Australia Police and time connected to the Defence community, Matt faced his own service-related mental health challenges — experiences that now drive his purpose to create lasting cultural change. Today, he leads efforts to improve resilience, recovery, and mental health awareness across high-stress professions through lived experience, leadership, and evidence-based education.🌐 Learn more: frontlinemh.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FrontlineMentalHealth #Resilience #FirstResponders #MentalHealthAwareness #PostTraumaticGrowth
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E42 | Ben and Amy Barber from Beaufort Professionals - Here there and back again - From rural QLD, to a career in the AirForce and back to the land.In this episode of VBC Podcast, we chat with Ben and Amy Barber, the husband-and-wife team behind Beaufort Professionals, a Queensland-based consulting firm delivering strategic, marketing, and community solutions across defence, logistics, emergency management, and agriculture.Drawing on Ben’s military background and their shared commitment to service and purpose, Ben and Amy discuss how they’ve grown Beaufort Professionals into a values-led business that thrives on relationships, adaptability, and impact. They share what it’s really like to build and run a business together — the lessons, the challenges, and the mission that keeps them going.🌐 Learn more: beaufortprofessionals.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #BeaufortProfessionals #VeteranEntrepreneur #AustralianArmy #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #VeteranCouple #PurposeDrivenBusiness
New Episode Drop!S02E41 | Jason Neumann - Candid Property. The combat cook. A story of supporting the warfighter in heavy combat zones through to establishing a thriving real estate business.After 16 years in the Australian Army and two tours of Afghanistan, Jason Neumann traded the battlefield for the property market — founding Candid Property, a boutique buyer’s agency based in Ipswich, Queensland.Jason’s transition from soldier to strategist highlights how the skills developed in service — discipline, leadership, and precision — translate directly into business and investing success. Through Candid Property, he now helps ADF personnel, healthcare workers, and busy professionals across Australia make confident, well-informed property decisions that build long-term security.In this episode, Jason shares how service doesn’t end when you leave the Defence Force — it just changes form. His story is a powerful reminder that the mindset of structure and service can be the foundation for success in any field.🌐 Learn more: candidproperty.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #CandidProperty #PropertyInvestment #ADFCommunity #AustralianArmy
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E40 | Joseph Kovelia - Blacklight security - Growing up in Afghanistan to offensive pen testing in the cyberspace.From infantry operations to cybersecurity innovation — meet Joseph Kovelia, Founder of Blacklight Security, a Sydney-based offensive cybersecurity firm protecting enterprise and government clients across Australia and New Zealand.After serving in the New Zealand Army Infantry and leading disaster welfare teams with the NZ Red Cross, Joseph applied his operational mindset to the digital frontlines. In just its first year, Blacklight Security delivered over 30 high-impact engagements, securing $2B in client assets through penetration testing, red teaming, and digital forensics.In this episode, Joseph shares his journey from military service to building one of Australia’s most exciting cybersecurity ventures — and what it takes to lead with precision, purpose, and resilience.👉 Website – https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media🌐 Learn more: blacklight.security 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #BlacklightSecurity #Cybersecurity #VeteransInTech #OffensiveSecurity #RedTeam #DigitalForensics #Leadership #NZArmy #VeteranEntrepreneur
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E39 | Episode 2. Australian vs US veteran enterprise support. How Australia is so far behind the curve when it comes to empower our veterans in business.Dr. Roy G. Taylor — U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, and founder of Taylor Law Enforcement Consulting — returns for Part 2!In this episode, Roy and the team dive into how veteran enterprise support systems in the U.S. and Australia differ — and what opportunities exist to help Australian veterans thrive in business. It’s an inspiring look at collaboration, growth, and how communities can empower those who’ve served.🎧 Missed Episode 1? “A Life of Service and Entrepreneurship” — Listen here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7386898061232541696🌐 Learn more: taylorconsultinggroup.org 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #RoyTaylorPhD #Leadership #VeteranSupport #Entrepreneurship #VeteransInBusiness #USArmy #BronzeStar
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E38 | Episode 1 - Dr Roy Taylor - Bronze star with valour - a life of service and entrepreneurship.Dr. Roy G. Taylor is a U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, and Chief of Police who has built a life defined by leadership, integrity, and service. With decades of experience across the military and law enforcement, Roy founded Taylor Law Enforcement Consulting to reform how police handle mental health crises—driving change through expert training and testimony.Beyond the badge, Roy is a Porsche racing enthusiast and high-performance driving instructor, serving as President of the Porsche Club of America’s Hurricane Region with over 1,800 members. Whether on the track or in the community, Roy’s mission is clear: lead with courage, accountability, and purpose.🌐 Learn more: taylorconsultinggroup.org 📘 Read his book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPBD4SKL ▶️ YouTube – Dr. Roy Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.RoyTaylor 🔗 Connect with Roy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roytaylor821/ 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #RoyTaylorPhD #Leadership #LawEnforcementReform #VeteranLeader #USArmy #BronzeStar #MentalHealthAwareness #PorscheClub
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E37 | Mick Bainbridge and Paul James - there's always 3 sides to every story - let hear from these lads on their resignation from the RSL NSW Board This episode features Paul James and Mick Bainbridge, co-founders of Operational Legal Australia, a law firm dedicated to supporting veterans, defence personnel, and first responders.Mick Bainbridge served 15 years in the Australian Army Special Forces (4RAR CDO & 2 CDO Regt) with deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, before transitioning into law.Paul James has over 20 years in the Army Reserve across the Armoured Corps, Infantry, and Military Police, plus service as a Sergeant in the NSW Police Force.Together, they bring frontline experience and legal expertise to help those who serve navigate life beyond the uniform.🤝 Interested in getting involved? Visit rslnsw.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member and look for Combined Services RSL Sub-Branch.🌐 Learn more: olegalaustralia.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #OperationalLegalAustralia #VeteranLawyers #DefenceCommunity #VeteranBusiness #AustralianArmy #SpecialForces #NSWPolice
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E36 | Steve Golding - Meeting Hub, Veterancowork.com and how to build a SAAS business. In this episode of VBC Pod, we chat with Steve Golding, a former Leading Seaman Radio Operator in the Royal Australian Navy (1989–1999). During his 10 years of service, Steve was deployed on HMA Ships Tobruk, Success, and Newcastle, and held key shore postings at HMAs Cerberus, Albatross, Nowra, and Maritime Headquarters. He was awarded the Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection Duties, the Australian Defence Medal, and the Operational Service Badge.After leaving the Navy, Steve has built a diverse career spanning legal, banking & finance, logistics, flexible workspace, technology, and SaaS. In 2014, he bootstrapped Meeting Hub, an online booking system for flexible workspace providers, local governments, NFPs, and corporates, providing a full white-label solution for searching, booking, paying, and integrating with company websites.Beyond business, Steve has some unique skills and stories—he can still send and receive Morse code, type 95wpm at 99.5% accuracy, and has had adventures evading US border security in Tijuana and “nude taxi surfing” in Thailand. He’s also passionate about home brewing and his BMW, “Barry the Beamer,” which quite literally saved his life.Steve’s philosophy on work and happiness? Obey the rules. Curious? He’s happy to tell you what they are.🌐 Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegolding/🌐 Learn more: https://www.meetinghub.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #SaaS #Entrepreneurship #FlexibleWorkspace #PurposeDrivenBusiness #NavyVeteran
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E35 | Thomas Brown - Founder of Origin K9 and The Origin Initiative - A frank conversation about Army, suicide, life, and business.In this episode of VBC Pod, we sit down with Thomas Brown, a former Australian Army soldier who served from 2007–2019, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of 3rd Battalion and 2nd Commando Regiment. Thomas also served as a Special Forces K9 handler, an experience that deeply shaped both his career and personal mission.After surviving a personal crisis in 2018, Thomas channelled his purpose into businesses and initiatives aimed at saving lives. He founded:The Stoic Dog (2019–2023) – dog training with a mission-driven approachOrigin K9 (2020–present) – tactical K9 equipmentThe Origin Initiative (2025–present) – suicide and crisis prevention presentationsThomas is unapologetically purpose-driven, using business as a vehicle to prevent crisis and suicide in others and himself. In this conversation, he shares the lessons from his military service, surviving personal hardship, and translating those experiences into impact-driven ventures.👉 Website – https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media👉 Learn more about Thomas:🌐 Connect with Thomas: LinkedIn🌐 Checkout his website: origink9.com🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #SuicidePrevention #SpecialForces #PurposeDrivenBusiness #K9Training
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E34 | From infantry to accounting: what you need from a relationship with your financial advisor What happens when an Infantry soldier trades the battlefield for the balance sheet?In this episode, Jesse Gray shares his journey from serving with 8/9 RAR in Timor and Afghanistan to building his own accounting firm. After being medically discharged, Jesse turned to study and eventually launched his own practice, where he’s built a reputation for detail, trust, and going beyond the “copy-and-paste” approach too common in accounting.We dive into:Jesse’s path from Army life to entrepreneurshipHow veterans’ tax and pension issues have evolved over the last decadeWhy thoroughness can save clients thousands (and why shortcuts cost them)What makes a financial advisor truly worth having in your cornerWhether you’re a veteran, a business owner, or just someone who wants a better relationship with your financial advisor, Jesse’s story will shift the way you think about money and trust.👉 Learn more about Jesse: https://www.bbstax.com.au/ 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #FromInfantryToAccounting #FinancialAdvice #VeteranBusiness #TaxMatters #AccountingDoneRight #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranStories
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E33 | Alok 'Doc' Patel - From Harvard Business School to Funding Asymmetrical military capabilities (with a stint in the Army and Navy along the way).From serving in both the Army and Navy to graduating Harvard Business School, Alok ‘Doc’ Patel has built a career at the intersection of national service, technology, and strategy.As founder of Azcende and now Azymmetric, Alok is advancing deep-tech adoption to boost defense readiness and resilience. He’s also the founder of the National Security Association of Australia, highlighting veterans’ impact and the importance of national security.In this episode, Pete and Alok explore:Why asymmetrical capabilities are critical for Australia’s defenseHow AI, autonomy, and deep tech are reshaping readinessThe lessons Alok brought from military service into leadership and innovation🔗 Connect with Alok Patel: 🌐 https://www.azymmetric.com/ 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #VeteranEntrepreneur #DeepTech #AIForDefense #LeadershipInAction
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E32 | Harry Moffit - Gunslinger, philosopher, author, punk rocker. One man's contribution to the human revolutionHow does someone go from nearly 30 years in the SAS—11 deployments, almost 1,000 days in combat—to becoming a psychologist, author, musician, and one of Australia’s leading voices on human performance?In this episode, Pete is joined by Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffit: veteran, psychologist, strategist, author of Eleven Bats and The Fourth Pillar, and founder of Stotan Group. Harry shares what it means to live with purpose beyond the uniform, why transition is less about loss and more about returning to the village, and how the lessons of service can become assets for life, not burdens.Together, they unpack:Harry’s journey from SAS Team Commander to psychologist and business leaderWhy he rejects the narrative of veterans “losing” identity, tribe, or purpose after leaving serviceThe power of education and the Wanderers Program in helping soldiers prepare for transitionThe duel between deficit thinking and asset thinking when it comes to life after DefenceWhy veterans are often more prepared than they realise to navigate changeHow music, writing, and philosophy fit into Harry’s mission of human revolutionHarry’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and creativity. It’s about carrying forward the best of service into the next chapter—and reminding us that reintegration isn’t an end, but a return with wisdom.👉 Website – https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media👉 Learn more about Harry: https://stotangroup.com.au/ 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E31 | Infantry to advocacy - how Zach Plath is supporting our communityWhat does it take to transform a career of service in the infantry into a mission of service for life? For Zach Plath, the answer lay in building a business that ensures veterans get the support they deserve—without the confusion, delays, and frustrations many experience when navigating DVA claims.As a former infantry soldier at 8/9RAR, Zach carried forward the discipline, systems thinking, and efficiency he learned in the ADF into his next chapter. With VetComp, he’s reimagining DVA advocacy—creating accessible, stress-free pathways for veterans, and proving that speed and quality can go hand in hand.In this episode, Zach joins Pete to talk about:Why he chose a fee-for-service model over traditional ESO advocatesThe principles from ADF life that continue to guide him in businessThe power of word of mouth within the veteran communityWhy VetComp runs fully in-office, and the culture that decision createsThe nuances of hiring veterans vs civilians—and the unique strengths both bringThis is more than a conversation about business. It’s about service, trust, and building systems that genuinely improve lives. If you’re curious about how military values translate into impactful entrepreneurship, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Learn more about Zach: vetcomp.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranSupport #InfantryToAdvocacy #VeteranEntrepreneur #DVAAdvocacy #BusinessWithPurpose #MilitaryToBusiness #FromServiceToSuccess #SupportingVeterans #VeteransCommunity #LeadershipInAction
🎙 S02E30 | From Infantry to Security – Sound Familiar? Mark Costello’s Journey to Building a Major Security Training BusinessIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we chat with Mark Costello, a veteran who transitioned from infantry life to becoming the founder of one of Australia’s leading security training organisations, Asset College.Mark shares how his military foundation shaped his career in security, risk management, and vocational training—and how those same values of discipline, integrity, and adaptability became the cornerstones of his business success. With years of experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and navigating fast-moving environments, Mark has built a training company trusted nationwide.If you’re curious about how military skills can translate into the business world—or how to turn discipline and resilience into a thriving enterprise—this episode is one you won’t want to miss.👉 Learn more about Mark’s work: www.asset.edu.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranAdvocate #AdvocatesOnline #VeteranSupport
🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E29 | A Relationship with Uncertainty? How Understanding Your Emotional Fitness and Behaviour Profile Can Be Game Changing in Business – with Miranda PackerIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Miranda Packer—emotional fitness coach, behavioural profiler, and champion of better team communication.Miranda’s mission is simple but powerful: help leaders and teams stop playing the blame game and start building curiosity, compassion, and clarity. Through her work with EDISC profiling, she shows how understanding why people behave the way they do isn’t fluffy—it’s a strategic advantage.From Defence to business, resilience and readiness are critical. But without relational awareness, communication breaks down, friction rises, and retention suffers. Miranda explains how compassion, backed by behavioural insight, can transform workplaces into thriving, high-performing teams.This episode is a game-changer for leaders ready to unlock better communication, stronger retention, and healthier culture—starting with themselves.👉 Learn more about Miranda: mirandapacker.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #EmotionalFitness #Leadership #TeamCulture #EDISC #BehaviouralProfiling
🎙 S02E28 | Real estate insider - how to use a buyers agent to build your property portfolio - Kane DruryThis week on Military Mindset for Business, we're getting a masterclass in real estate from expert Kane Dury. As a professional buyers agent, Kane is a property and digital asset investor who helps people build robust, long-term portfolios.Kane shares his data-driven research methodologies for identifying high-growth properties and why working with a buyers agent is a strategic move, not an expense. We also touch on his personal experience as an investor and his insights into the global macro overlay that influences property and digital asset markets.Tune in to learn how to make smarter, more informed decisions and start building a property portfolio that truly works for you.👉 Connect with Kane:🌐Learn more: discoverbuyersagency.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community
🎙 S02E27 | Still serving - Kelliegh Jackson and her journey from veteran to veteran advocate. This week on Military Mindset for Business, we're joined by Kelliegh Jackson, the force behind Advocates Online. She's on a mission to transform how veterans and their families get the support they need.Kelliegh explains how Advocates Online provides a clear, digital platform that connects veterans with professional advocates. It's not about adding more services—it's about making existing support systems make sense and work together. Tune in to learn how this initiative is helping veterans not just survive, but truly thrive.👉 Connect with Kelliegh:🌐 advocatesonline.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranAdvocate #AdvocatesOnline #VeteranSupport
🎙 S02E26 | Sex and Money? Need More? Let’s Unpack Both with Your Money Mistress – Larissa ZimmermanThis week on Military Mindset for Business, we dive into the two topics everyone wants more of—sex and money. Our guest, Larissa Zimmerman, also known as Your Money Mistress, brings a bold and refreshing approach to financial health and personal empowerment.With a career spanning large Federal Government organisations and the private sector, Larissa now delivers executive coaching and staff training that integrates mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Through her accredited Health & Wealth Program, she’s helped organisations and individuals achieve above-average results since 2009.From tackling taboos to breaking down money mindsets, Larissa shares why combining discipline, self-awareness, and financial fitness leads to a more productive, balanced, and fulfilling life.👉 Connect with Larissa: 🌐 financialfitness.com.au 🌐 yourmoneymistress.com🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FinancialFitness #MoneyMistress #HealthAndWealth
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