Military leadership does not disappear after service, but it does require translation.

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Christopher McKinney, an Army Veteran, founder of OpSynergy, and program manager at Stratevia, to discuss how Veterans can successfully bridge the gap between military experience and civilian careers. Chris shares how earning professional certifications, particularly the Project Management Professional (PMP), helped him transition, advance quickly, and ultimately build a Veteran-focused business.

The conversation explores resume translation, professional credibility, leadership in corporate environments, and why Veterans should build base-level civilian skills before launching a business. Chris also explains how OpSynergy was created to ensure transitioning service members can earn certifications without financial barriers, and why doing “just a little more” than peers often sets Veterans apart. This episode offers practical, grounded advice for Veterans navigating transition, career growth, and entrepreneurship.

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Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is not about losing capability. It is about learning how to translate it.

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Josh Atkinson, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of PM ProLearn, to explore how Veterans can build professional credibility while still in uniform. Josh explains why the challenge Veterans face is not a capability gap, but a credibility gap — and how certifications and industry frameworks help bridge that divide.

The conversation covers project management, professional certifications, leadership development, and why understanding civilian language, culture, and expectations is critical to long-term success. Josh also shares lessons on identity, trust-based leadership, and why Veterans should invest in themselves early instead of waiting until transition. This episode offers practical insight for active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and Veterans preparing for their next chapter.

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What does leadership look like after military service, and how do Veterans continue serving at the national level?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Don Bacon, a retired Air Force Brigadier General and U.S. Representative, to discuss leadership, accountability, and public service after the uniform comes off. Congressman Bacon shares how military values shape his approach to decision-making, governance, and representing others.

The conversation explores the transition from military command to public office, the responsibility of leadership in high-stakes environments, and why service does not end at retirement. Congressman Bacon reflects on integrity, trust, and the importance of principled leadership in today’s complex political landscape. This episode offers perspective for Veterans considering continued service, leadership roles in their communities, or public office — and for anyone seeking a grounded discussion on duty, responsibility, and country.

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What does it mean to serve after the uniform comes off, and how do Veterans build purpose, identity, and leadership in civilian life?

In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Blake Stilwell, Editor-in-Chief of We Are the Mighty, to talk about storytelling, media, and the responsibility of representing the Veteran community with accuracy and respect. Blake shares his journey from military service as a visual storyteller to leading one of the most recognizable Veteran-focused media platforms.

The conversation explores how Veterans can translate their skills into meaningful careers, why so many education and job programs are available at no cost, and how leadership is often quiet, steady, and values-driven. Blake also discusses good and bad leadership, accountability, and why service is more than a job, it is a way of life. This episode is a reminder that Veterans bring credibility, discipline, and perspective to every space they enter.

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Project management is one of the most in-demand career fields in the world — and Veterans are uniquely prepared to succeed in it.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Matt Quick, Head of Military Affairs at the Project Management Institute (PMI), to break down why project management is a natural transition for Veterans and how certifications like the PMP can open doors across nearly every industry.

After 25 years of military service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, Matt now advocates full-time for helping Veterans translate their leadership, planning, and execution skills into civilian careers. He explains why PMI’s framework works, how Veterans can get trained and certified early, and why transparency, communication, and trust are the foundations of effective leadership.

This conversation is a practical guide for Veterans planning their next chapter — and for leaders who want to build teams that operate with clarity and accountability.

🎧 Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattquick

PMI Military Resources: https://www.pmi.org/military

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Zack Knight has spent his entire adult life serving — first as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, then as a police officer, bodyguard, entrepreneur, and community leader. Today, he leads organizations dedicated to Veteran transition, storytelling, and personal development, including ATL Vets, Be a Tactical Leader, and Knightly Productions.

In this Veteran Led conversation, Zack shares how discipline, service, and self-awareness shaped his evolution from the military into entrepreneurship. He and John S. Berry discuss the importance of mentorship, the dangers of isolation in Veteran communities, and why purpose must be built deliberately — not discovered by accident.

Zack also explains how strategic storytelling helps leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and create meaningful change.

ATL Vets: https://atlvets.org/
Zack Knight Website: https://zackaknight.com/
Be a Tactical Leader: https://beatacticalleader.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zackaknight

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Chris Carlson has built a rare career spanning acting, law, public speaking, and Veteran entrepreneurship — and at the center of all of it is one skill: storytelling.

A lawyer, public speaker, and actor with more than 40 film credits, Chris now serves as a program coordinator for Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF), where he helps Veteran business owners scale, communicate more clearly, and influence with purpose.

In this episode, he and John S. Berry explore how stories shape human decision-making, why authenticity wins over complexity, and how leaders can “read the room” to connect more deeply with their teams. Chris also shares lessons from the courtroom, the movie set, and the CEO Circle — along with practical techniques professionals can use to become more compelling communicators.

Narrative Pros: https://narrativepros.com
IVMF: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu

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Chris Gonzalez never planned on becoming the president of a fast-growing consulting firm — but authenticity, discipline, and a relentless focus on impact took him there.

A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and President & Co-Founder of A-G Associates, Chris helps federal agencies and community organizations solve complex challenges through strategy, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement. In this conversation with John S. Berry, he shares what he’s learned about leadership, growth, and building a company that stays true to its values.

From avoiding the “we do everything” trap, to hiring for authenticity, to navigating rapid expansion, Chris explains how Veterans can bring structure, strategic thinking, and integrity into any industry. He also discusses the power of clean data, how to measure real effectiveness, and why leaders must empower their teams instead of hovering over them.

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