The Asset Mindset

Ryan Garay on Defense Tech, Leadership, and Winning the Military Transition | The Asset Mindset Podcast Ep. 58

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500877/fan_mail/new] What separates veterans who thrive after military service from those who struggle with transition? In Episode 58 of The Asset Mindset Podcast, Daniel Fielding sits down with former Green Beret and defense technology leader Ryan Garay to discuss the realities of military transition, the future of defense innovation, and the leadership principles that drive success in both military and corporate environments. Ryan shares lessons learned from Special Forces, insights into emerging technologies shaping modern warfare, and practical advice for veterans seeking careers in defense, technology, and business. From drone warfare and cybersecurity to leadership, trust, and relationship-building, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating uncertainty and creating meaningful impact after service. Whether you're preparing to leave the military, building a business, or looking to become a more effective leader, Ryan's experience offers actionable insights that apply far beyond the defense industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Garay and His Journey 02:59 Challenges Faced by Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life 06:03 Maintaining Accountability in Corporate Environments 09:00 Decision Making Under Pressure: Lessons from Combat 11:44 The Reality of Defense Technology: Buzzwords vs. Actual Needs 14:53 Leadership in Defense Tech: Scaling from Small Teams to Enterprises 18:02 Navigating White Space in Defense Contracts 20:37 The Future of Defense Technology and Innovation 23:40 Energy and Quantum Technology: The Next Frontier 26:48 The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare 29:32 Exciting Innovations in Defense Tech 30:40 The Future of Defense Technology 31:29 Building Trust and Credibility in Defense 33:26 Transitioning from Military to Corporate 34:29 Resilience in Contested Environments 36:34 Leadership Lessons for High Performers 39:03 Finding the Right Career Path 42:11 Team Dynamics and Non-Negotiables 44:56 Communication Strategies for Success 46:03 Closing the Gap in Defense Tech 49:47 The Shift in Procurement Dynamics 53:39 Drone Dominance and Future Warfare 55:38 Advice for Transitioning Veterans LinkedIn: Daniel Fielding [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset/] Instagram: the_asset_mindset Facebook: The Asset Mindset [https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset] X: @asset_mindset [https://x.com/asset_mindset]   Learn more at: theassetmindset.com [https://theassetmindset.com/] Produced by Security Halt Media

Marc Fitzwater on Leadership, Sobriety, and Building Resilience After Adversity | The Asset Mindset Ep. 57

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500877/fan_mail/new] What separates people who break under pressure from those who rebuild stronger than ever? In Episode 57 of The Asset Mindset Podcast, Daniel Fielding sits down with retired Green Beret Marc Fitzwater to discuss leadership, overcoming adversity, sobriety, entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts required to build a meaningful life after hardship. Marc shares lessons learned from Special Forces, business leadership, personal struggles, and recovery — including how faith, accountability, discipline, and community became critical pillars in his personal and professional transformation. This conversation is packed with practical insight for veterans, entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating transition, personal growth, or rebuilding after adversity.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Adversity and Consulting 01:44 Mark Fitzwater's Background and Consulting Journey 06:24 Training and Community Engagement 13:11 Facing Adversity and Transitioning 18:17 The Importance of Faith and Perseverance 24:58 Building Accountability and Systems in Business 30:06 Sobriety Journey and Personal Growth 45:13 Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement 46:30 Motivation vs. Discipline in Fitness 48:49 Defining Your New Mission 52:00 Enjoying the Present Moment 53:58 Finding Your Why 01:00:01 Building Relationships and Opportunities LinkedIn: Daniel Fielding [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset/] Instagram: the_asset_mindset Facebook: The Asset Mindset [https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset] X: @asset_mindset [https://x.com/asset_mindset]   Learn more at: theassetmindset.com [https://theassetmindset.com/] Produced by Security Halt Media

Ryan “Koup” Kuperus on Outdoor Healing, Eco-Therapy, and Veteran Recovery | The Asset Mindset Ep. 56

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500877/fan_mail/new] What happens when purpose, community, and the outdoors come together to help veterans heal? In Episode 56 of The Asset Mindset, Daniel Fielding sits down with Ryan “Koup” Kuperus to discuss his journey from Marine to veteran advocate and founder focused on helping veterans and first responders reconnect with life through outdoor experiences. After experiencing severe injuries and navigating his own recovery, Ryan discovered the healing power of hunting, fishing, mentorship, and community. Through organizations like The Reason Outdoors, he now helps others struggling with trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges find purpose and connection again. This episode explores eco-therapy, adaptive sports, resilience, and the importance of strong support networks for veterans transitioning through difficult seasons of life.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Kouparis and His Mission 04:54 The Journey to Healing: Ryan's Accident and Recovery 09:52 Finding Peace in Nature: The Role of the Outdoors 19:49 Eco-Therapy: A New Approach to Mental Health 24:43 Expanding Horizons: The Scope of Ryan's Work 27:49 The Evolution of Air Rifles in Hunting 30:52 Community and Camaraderie in Hunting 31:39 Eco-Therapy and Outdoor Healing 32:44 Building Networks and Support Systems 38:34 Overcoming Pride and Seeking Help 43:59 The Importance of Grace and Forgiveness 50:53 Success Stories and Community Impact   LinkedIn: Daniel Fielding [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset/] Instagram: the_asset_mindset Facebook: The Asset Mindset [https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset] X: @asset_mindset [https://x.com/asset_mindset]   Learn more at: theassetmindset.com [https://theassetmindset.com/] Produced by Security Halt Media

Dagan Van Oosten on Building Discipline, Resilience, and Purpose After Transition | The Asset Mindset Podcast

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500877/fan_mail/new] Leaving the military often means rebuilding your identity, redefining your purpose, and learning how to apply discipline in a completely different environment. In this episode of The Asset Mindset Podcast, Daniel Fielding sits down with Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur Dagan Van Oosten to discuss how resilience, leadership, and intentional growth create long-term success after service. Dagan shares hard-earned lessons on navigating military transition, overcoming fear, embracing discomfort, and developing the mindset needed to succeed in business and life. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, personal development, mentorship, and why discipline remains one of the most valuable assets a person can build. Whether you’re a veteran transitioning into civilian life, an entrepreneur chasing growth, or someone looking to strengthen your mindset and leadership skills, this episode delivers actionable insight on building purpose, resilience, and momentum in your next chapter. Chapters: 00:00 Why Most People Get Stuck After Success  02:38 Military Background and Leadership Foundations  05:02 Expectations vs Reality in the Military  09:24 Why Mentorship Accelerates Growth  11:35 Taking Ownership and Building Self-Awareness  15:06 Humility, Discipline, and Self-Improvement  18:31 Creating Structure and Balance in Life  20:00 Finding Purpose and Direction After Transition  26:38 Why Discomfort Is Required for Growth  29:31 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action  31:18 The Power of Shared Struggle and Brotherhood  34:09 Building Strong Relationships Through Hardship  38:55 Transitioning Identity After Military Service  45:02 How to Find Your Next Mission in Life  50:08 Building Resilience and Long-Term Discipline   LinkedIn: Daniel Fielding [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset/] Instagram: the_asset_mindset Facebook: The Asset Mindset [https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset] X: @asset_mindset [https://x.com/asset_mindset]   Learn more at: theassetmindset.com [https://theassetmindset.com/] Produced by Security Halt Media

How to Find Purpose After Military Service and Build Mental Resilience | Tyr Symank | The Asset Mindset Podcast Ep. 54

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500877/fan_mail/new] Struggling to find purpose after military service or feeling mentally stuck? Tyr Symank breaks down how defining your “why,” building mental resilience, and practicing self-forgiveness can help you take back control. This episode is for veterans and high-performers looking to rebuild identity, improve mental health, and move forward with clarity.   In This Episode, We Cover: * Why many veterans feel lost after service  * How to define your “why” and create direction  * Building mental resilience under pressure  * The role of vulnerability in personal growth  * Self-forgiveness and letting go of the past  * When and how to ask for help    Why This Matters: Many high-performers struggle with identity, purpose, and mental health after major life transitions. Without a clear “why,” it’s easy to lose direction. This episode gives you a practical framework to rebuild your mindset, regain control, and move forward with purpose.   Resources & Links: * Boot Campaign: https://bootcampaign.org/ [https://bootcampaign.org/]   * Montana Veterans Program: https://montanaveterans.org/ [https://montanaveterans.org/]   * All Secure Foundation: https://allsecurefoundation.org/ [https://allsecurefoundation.org/]   * Special Forces Trust: https://specialforcetrust.org/ [https://specialforcetrust.org/]   * Special Operations Care Fund (SOCF): https://socf.org/ [https://socf.org/]   * Tyr Symank LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyr-symank-6628617/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyr-symank-6628617/]   Chapters: 00:00 How to Start Personal Growth and Transformation  02:40 Life in Special Forces and Mental Conditioning  05:45 Why Your “Why” Determines Your Success  08:21 Building Mental Strength and Resilience  11:12 Balancing Career, Family, and Identity  14:02 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life  17:00 Leadership Skills for High-Stress Environments  19:42 Lessons in Leadership and Personal Growth  22:44 Why Self-Care Is Critical for Mental Health  25:40 Facing Challenges and Asking for Help  31:24 The Mental Struggle After Service Explained  32:15 Shifting Your Mindset for Growth  36:44 The Hard Truth About Healing  39:08 Breakthrough Moments in Therapy  46:47 Self-Forgiveness and Personal Development  51:33 Why Seeking Help Is a Strength   LinkedIn: Daniel Fielding [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset/] Instagram: the_asset_mindset Facebook: The Asset Mindset [https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset] X: @asset_mindset [https://x.com/asset_mindset]   Learn more at: theassetmindset.com [https://theassetmindset.com/] Produced by Security Halt Media