đ 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 heâs built a reputation for detail, trust, and going beyond the âcopy-and-pasteâ approach too common in accounting.We dive into:Jesseâs path from Army life to entrepreneurshipHow veteransâ 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 youâre a veteran, a business owner, or just someone who wants a better relationship with your financial advisor, Jesseâs story will shift the way you think about money and trust.đ Learn more about Jesse: https://www.bbstax.com.au/ đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #FromInfantryToAccounting #FinancialAdvice #VeteranBusiness #TaxMatters #AccountingDoneRight #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranStories
đ New Episode Drop! S02E33 |Â 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 âDocâ 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. Heâs also the founder of the National Security Association of Australia, highlighting veteransâ impact and the importance of national security.In this episode, Pete and Alok explore:Why asymmetrical capabilities are critical for Australiaâs defenseHow AI, autonomy, and deep tech are reshaping readinessThe lessons Alok brought from military service into leadership and innovationđ Connect with Alok Patel:Â đ https://www.azymmetric.com/ đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #VeteranEntrepreneur #DeepTech #AIForDefense #LeadershipInAction
đ 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 SASâ11 deployments, almost 1,000 days in combatâto becoming a psychologist, author, musician, and one of Australiaâs leading voices on human performance?In this episode, Pete is joined by Anthony âHarryâ 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:Harryâs journey from SAS Team Commander to psychologist and business leaderWhy he rejects the narrative of veterans âlosingâ 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 Harryâs mission of human revolutionHarryâs story is one of grit, curiosity, and creativity. Itâs about carrying forward the best of service into the next chapterâand reminding us that reintegration isnât an end, but a return with wisdom.đ Website â https://veteranbc.com/veteran-mediađ Learn more about Harry: https://stotangroup.com.au/Â đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community
đ 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 deserveâwithout 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, heâs reimagining DVA advocacyâcreating 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 civiliansâand the unique strengths both bringThis is more than a conversation about business. Itâs about service, trust, and building systems that genuinely improve lives. If youâre curious about how military values translate into impactful entrepreneurship, this is an episode you donât want to miss.đ Learn more about Zach: vetcomp.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranSupport #InfantryToAdvocacy #VeteranEntrepreneur #DVAAdvocacy #BusinessWithPurpose #MilitaryToBusiness #FromServiceToSuccess #SupportingVeterans #VeteransCommunity #LeadershipInAction
đ S02E30 | From Infantry to Security â Sound Familiar? Mark Costelloâs 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 Australiaâs leading security training organisations, Asset College.Mark shares how his military foundation shaped his career in security, risk management, and vocational trainingâand 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 youâre curious about how military skills can translate into the business worldâor how to turn discipline and resilience into a thriving enterpriseâthis episode is one you wonât want to miss.đ Learn more about Markâs work: www.asset.edu.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranAdvocate #AdvocatesOnline #VeteranSupport
đ New Episode Drop! S02E29 | A Relationship with Uncertainty? How Understanding Your Emotional Fitness and Behaviour Profile Can Be Game Changing in Business â with Miranda PackerIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Miranda Packerâemotional fitness coach, behavioural profiler, and champion of better team communication.Mirandaâs 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 isnât fluffyâitâs 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 cultureâstarting with themselves.đ Learn more about Miranda: mirandapacker.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #EmotionalFitness #Leadership #TeamCulture #EDISC #BehaviouralProfiling
đ 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.đ Connect with Kane:đLearn more: discoverbuyersagency.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-communityÂ
đ 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 servicesâit'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.đ Connect with Kelliegh:đ advocatesonline.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranAdvocate #AdvocatesOnline #VeteranSupport
đ S02E26 | Sex and Money? Need More? Letâs Unpack Both with Your Money Mistress â Larissa ZimmermanThis week on Military Mindset for Business, we dive into the two topics everyone wants more ofâsex 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, sheâs 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.đ Connect with Larissa: đ financialfitness.com.au đ yourmoneymistress.comđ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FinancialFitness #MoneyMistress #HealthAndWealth
In this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Chris Seminatore, a US Navy veteran and founder of GetGeofencing.com.Chris takes us inside the world of geofencing and location-based advertisingâshowing how intelligence-style techniques can be applied to marketing. With over seven years of experience running high-impact campaigns for industries like real estate, restaurants, political campaigns, and healthcare, Chris reveals how businesses can outsmart competitors and reach customers with precision targeting.From his military background to building a cutting-edge agency, Chris shares his unique journey and insights on what it takes to combine strategy, creativity, and execution in business.đ Tune in to learn how to leverage geofencing technology to dominate your market.đ Connect with Chris đ Learn more: https://www.getgeofencing.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Geofencing #DigitalMarketing #LocationBasedMarketing #VeteranEntrepreneur
đ S02E24 | Andrew Schaverien â From Education Corps to Buyerâs Agent: A Career Helping the HelperIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Andrew SchaverienâArmy veteran, buyerâs agent, and founder of Ralph & Ralph.Andrewâs career has always been about supportâwhether through service in the Education Corps, community leadership (including running for local government at just 21), or now as a buyerâs agent helping families find their homes.While his Army journey was unconventionalânever deploying and having his most northerly posting in Sydneyâit gave him deep lessons in identity, purpose, and what it really means to serve. The All Corps Majors Course proved pivotal, helping Andrew distil who he truly is.We cover: đš The meaning of service when your career path looks different from others đš Navigating identity and achievement in the shadow of an overachieving family đš The story behind Ralph & Ralph, and the legacy of his WWII veteran grandfather đš Publishing his first childrenâs book âMy Family Is Buying a Houseâ đš Why helping others find stability through home ownership is his next missionđĄ A must-listen for anyone redefining success, navigating life after Defence, or chasing a purpose-driven career.đ Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schaverien/ đ Learn more: ralphandralph.com.auđ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #RalphAndRalph #VeteranEntrepreneur #LifeAfterService #BuyersAgentÂ
đ New Episode Drop! S02E23 | Own Place, Own Pace: Side Hustles and the real cost of patrolling Australiaâs Northern waters with Navy Boatswain, Stephen KepperIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Stephen KepperâNavy veteran, former correctional officer, and founder of Dukes Medal Mounting.Stephenâs journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after service. From his first posting on HMAS Stuart to operational deployments in the Gulf and Op Resolute, Stephen faced both the highs of service and the deep challenges of injury and PTSD.After discharging from the Navy, he transitioned into civilian rolesâfrom correctional officer to council complianceâbefore taking a leap of faith and building his own business honouring the service of others through precision medal mounting.We talk about:Life in the Navy and lessons from leadership and operationsThe personal impact of service-related injuries and PTSDNavigating career transitions after DefenceTurning a side hustle into a thriving businessThe importance of preserving and respecting military heritageđĄ An inspiring listen for anyone navigating life after service or chasing their own business dreams.đ Connect with Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091298400488 đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindsetforBusiness #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #NavyVeteran #DukesMedalMounting #LifeAfterService #VeteranStories #Resilience #Entrepreneurship
đ New Pod Drop! S02E22 | Defence Kidz matters - Passion & Purpose the Hayley Boswell StoryIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Hayley Boswellâfounder and CEO of Defence Kidz, a national charity supporting more than 100,000 children of current and former ADF members.A veteran spouse and former human rights lawyer, Hayley has become a driving force for military family advocacyâspearheading initiatives like Veteran Families Day and pushing for the recognition of military children on school enrolment forms across Australia.Through Defence Kidz, sheâs delivered thousands of resourcesâfrom deployment packs to childrenâs booksâhelping kids stay connected during times of separation. Her work reaches millions online, but her mission is deeply personal: to make sure no military child feels invisible.We talk about:Building a movement from passion and purposeThe challenges and rewards of advocating for military familiesHow collaboration can amplify impactWhy recognising military kids is vital for the whole veteran communityđĄ A must-listen for anyone passionate about family, service, and creating lasting change.đ Connect with Hayley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleyannboswell/đ Learn more: https://defencekidz.com.au/ đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DefenceKidz #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranAdvocacy #ServiceLife
SE2E21 New Pod Drop! | Veterans at the Helm: Delivering Capability to Defence Supply ChainsIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we chat with Daniel Stevens, founder of Seitec and creator of UXOTrackSâa groundbreaking system for detecting and locating unexploded ordnance.A 20-year RAAF veteran, Daniel went from working on F-111s and Super Hornets to engineering solutions for Air Weapons Ranges. When he spotted a critical capability gap, he didnât wait for industry to fix itâhe built the answer himself. That idea became UXOTrackS, a project that won Defence backing, a $4.2M contract, and is now in operational use.We cover:How to turn barriers into opportunitiesLessons from taking an idea from concept to capabilityThe power of mindset in Defence innovationA few laughsâincluding a âfoot-in-mouthâ moment with DEP SEC CASGđĄ If youâre into Defence, tech, or start-ups, this oneâs gold.đ Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-stevens-910844138/ đ Learn more: seitec.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindsetforBusiness #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #DefenceInnovation #UXOTrackS #Seitec #VeteranEntrepreneur
đ New Pod Drop! S02E20 | The Defence Estate Insider - Darian Macey. What you need to know about a $6+ Billion per year industryIn this episode of Military Mindset for Business, we sit down with Darian Macey, a veteran and former Army Engineering Officer turned founder of DECnet, Australiaâs only industry intelligence and networking platform dedicated to the Defence Estate.With over 25 years of experience in the Defence sectorâincluding 12 years in uniform with the Royal Australian EngineersâDarian shares his journey from leading military construction projects across Australia and the Pacific to building a platform thatâs transforming how professionals connect within the Defence infrastructure space.đŻ Darian dives into:His transition from Army Captain to Defence sector entrepreneurThe importance of purpose-driven leadershipWhy networking and industry intelligence are key to future-proofing Defence infrastructureWhat sparked the idea behind DECnetLessons learned from teaching engineering, risk, and project managementđď¸ Upcoming DECnet Events: Keen to network and stay ahead in the Defence Estate space? Check out Darianâs upcoming events here: đ https://decnet.com.au/events/đ Connect with Darian: LinkedInđ Learn more: decnet.com.au đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community# VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #VBC #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DefenceIndustry #VeteranLeadership #DefenceEstate #InfrastructureLeadership #FromMilitaryToBusiness #AustraliaDefence #DECnet
đ New Episode Drop! S02E19 | Military and first responder empowerment: how VESPIIA is making a change In this episode, we chat with Shannon Hennessy, founder of the Veterans, Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA)âthe countryâs first professional body supporting those who serve and those who support them.Shannon opens up about launching VESPIIA with no safety net, her personal connection to service life, and how sheâs building a stronger, more coordinated support system for veterans and first responders across Australia.Whatâs more: Shannon also delves into the VESPIIA Awards for Excellence, Australiaâs first awards program specifically acknowledging the outstanding individuals and organisations in the veteran and first responder support sector. These Awards spotlight exemplary volunteers, staff members, academics, students, chaplains, supplier and allied teams, and strategic partnershipsâshining a light on the often under-recognised but high-impact work that shapes our future. Nominations for the 2025 cycle open until 18 August 2025, offering a powerful platform not only for recognition and peer celebration, but also for inspiration toward sector-wide excellence.. Nominate now! đĄ If youâve ever wanted to create impact in the face of fear, this oneâs for you.đ Connect with Shannon: LinkedInđ Learn more: vespiia.org.auđ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindsetforBusiness #MM4B #VeteranBusinessCommunity #FirstResponders #Leadership #VESPIIAÂ
In this episode, weâre joined by Claire Harris and Ron Kovalcik, the powerhouse duo behind Human Quotient Groupâa veteran-led, certified social enterprise thatâs redefining what it means to do business with purpose.Claire and Ron share how theyâve built a business that not only delivers high-impact outcomes in defence, logistics, and project managementâbut also champions wellbeing, education, and employment for veterans and women facing systemic workforce barriers. With a 100% veteran and spouse workforce, their mission is proof that values and enterprise canâand shouldâgo hand in hand.đĄ We talk purpose-led leadership, building inclusive teams, and why empathy and lived experience are business advantages.đ Connect with Claire & Ron: LinkedIn , LinkedIn đ Explore Human Quotient đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B  #SocialEnterprise #VeteranBusiness #HumanQuotient #EmpathyInLeadership #WomenInDefence #InclusiveWorkplaces #VeteranSupport #PurposeDrivenBusiness
In this episode, we chat with Steve BaxterâArmy veteran, serial tech entrepreneur, and investor behind Beaten Zone Venture Partners, a fund focused on backing early-stage Australian sovereign Defence tech.Steve unpacks the upcoming Beaten Zone TAK-HACK happening in Brisbane this August, what itâs all about, who itâs for, and why itâs more than just a Defence tech pitch fest. We talk veteran innovation, defence capability, and the collision of military discipline and entrepreneurial energy.đĄ Whether you're a veteran, founder, or technologistâthis is your call to lean in, show up, and help shape the future of Australia's sovereign defence ecosystem.đ Connect with Steve: LinkedIn đ Explore Beaten Zone: beatenzone.vcđ Beaten Zone TAK-HACK: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/beaten-zone-tak-hack/posts/?feedView=all đ Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #MilitaryMindset4Business #MM4B #BeatenZone #TAKHACKHackathon2025 #DefenceTech #VeteranEntrepreneur #StartupLife #SovereignCapability #SteveBaxter #VeteranBusinessCommunity
đ S02E16 | From Infantry to ISO: A Riflemanâs Story with David NewIn this episode, Pete Liston sits down with David New, a former infantry Warrant Officer and now a highly sought-after Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consultant, to explore the journey from military leadership to corporate compliance.David shares raw and real stories from his 21-year career in the Australian Army â including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands â and how those experiences shaped his mindset and leadership approach. From jumping out of planes before ever landing in one, to now helping businesses navigate ISO standards and compliance, Davidâs story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose.Today, as the founder of Dyadic Consultancy, David helps micro, SME, and veteran-owned businesses strengthen their governance, operational resilience, and regulatory standing â boosting Australiaâs Sovereign Capability in the process.Whether you're a veteran transitioning into business, a founder navigating compliance, or a leader wanting to optimise systems, this episode delivers insights worth their weight in gold.đ Connect with David Newđ Website: https://www.dyadic.com.au/đź LinkedIn: David New#MilitaryMindsetForBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DavidNew #VeteranToBusiness #GovernanceRiskCompliance #ISOStandards #MilitaryTransition #AustralianVeterans #SovereignCapability #VeteranLeadership #ComplianceConsulting #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneurship #GRC
đď¸ S02E15 | CRM: Why Every Business Must Have Oneđ§ Episode Summary: In this episode of Military Mindset for Business, Pete Liston sits down with long-time business partner and fellow co-founder of the Veteran Business Community (VBC), Matt Moseley. From day one, Matt and Pete have built businesses side by side, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with military precision.Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked yet mission-critical tools in any business arsenal: the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, this conversation will show you exactly why a CRM isnât optionalâitâs essential.If youâve ever thought âIâll just keep track of clients in a spreadsheet,â this episode is your wake-up call.đď¸ Guest: Matt Moseley Co-founder, Veteran Business Community Serial entrepreneur & systems strategistđ Connect with Matt: LinkedInÂ