Stop Wearing Every Hat: Build a Business That Scales — Antwon Person

Leadership Isn't a Title—It's How You Serve | John Verrico

The biggest obstacle to entrepreneurship isn't money—it's believing you're capable of taking the leap. EPISODE PREMISE What happens when a lifetime of military leadership meets the uncertainty of entrepreneurship? Retired Navy Master Chief John Verrico shares how he navigated the fear of leaving a secure government career, why servant leadership translates directly into business success, and how helping others shine has become the foundation of his company, Share Your Fire LLC. If you're a veteran preparing for transition, an entrepreneur struggling to grow, or a leader looking to build stronger teams, this conversation delivers practical lessons you can put to work immediately. In this episode, you'll discover: • Learn why believing in yourself is the first—and most important—step toward becoming an entrepreneur. • Understand why military leaders often outperform civilian managers, and the leadership training many organizations are missing. • Discover how recognizing the people doing the work creates stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and better business results. • Hear the memorable story of a young Naval Academy officer asking a second-class petty officer to teach him leadership—a moment that shaped John's entire career. • See why relationship-building and serving others have been more valuable than traditional sales tactics in growing a successful business. About John Verrico John Verrico is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief, internationally recognized leadership communication expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Share Your Fire LLC. Following more than four decades of combined military and government service, he now helps organizations improve leadership, communication, employee engagement, and workplace culture through coaching, training, and speaking. He is also the former President of the National Association of Government Communicators and co-author of nine international bestselling books focused on leadership, connection, and personal growth. 🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes a few seconds, and your review helps another veteran, service member, or military spouse discover the resources and encouragement they need to begin their next mission. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:55 – Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian Life 04:06 – Leaving Government for Entrepreneurship 05:00 – The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything 07:23 – Why Serving Others Is the Greatest Reward 11:04 – The Hardest Part of Running a Business 13:11 – Veteran Networking and Building Business Connections 15:04 – Helping Leaders Build Better Workplace Cultures 20:23 – Believe in Yourself and Take the Leap 21:40 – Closing Thoughts 🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong 🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com [https://vetsospodcast.com] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast [https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast] Spotify: https://linktr.ee/vet_s.o.s._podcast [https://linktr.ee/vet_s.o.s._podcast] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast] Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast [https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast] Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast [https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast] TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast [https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast] Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/vetsos #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #ServantLeadership #SmallBusiness #Veterans #MilitaryLife #Podcast

Stop Wearing Every Hat: Build a Business That Scales — Antwon Person

Most entrepreneurs don't fail because of bad ideas—they fail because they build busy work instead of business systems. EPISODE PREMISE Success after military service isn't about working harder—it's about building smarter. Retired U.S. Army officer Antwon Person shares how extending his retirement, maximizing SkillBridge, and embracing entrepreneurship taught him that scalable businesses are built on structure, delegation, and execution—not endless hustle. Whether you're preparing to leave the military or trying to grow an existing business, this episode delivers practical lessons on avoiding the mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck. In this episode, you'll discover: • Learn why giving yourself enough transition time can completely change your post-military success. • Understand why being busy inside your business is often the biggest obstacle to actually growing it. • Identify when it's time to stop wearing every hat and begin hiring experts who accelerate your growth. • Discover how to evaluate networking groups and mentorship programs before investing your time and money. • Build a business framework that allows you to scale instead of constantly reacting to daily tasks. About Antwon Person Antwon Person is a retired U.S. Army officer with more than 20 years of leadership experience managing complex organizations across the Department of Defense. Today, he is the founder of Skillful Brands, where he helps entrepreneurs simplify business operations, create scalable systems, and build sustainable companies through coaching, consulting, and technology solutions. His mission is helping business owners replace chaos with clarity and long-term growth. 🎙️If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Open the Podcasts app, search Operation Startup, scroll to the bottom, and tap Write a Review. It only takes about 30 seconds and helps another veteran discover the resources they need for their next mission. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Extending Retirement to Maximize SkillBridge 04:01 – Why Entrepreneurship Won Over Government Contracting 06:29 – Why Busy Doesn't Mean Productive 07:40 – Stop Wearing Every Hat 10:21 – The Fast-Changing World of Business 11:48 – Finding the Right Mentors and Networking Groups 13:41 – How Skillful Brands Helps Entrepreneurs Scale 15:56 – Advice Every Veteran Entrepreneur Needs to Hear 18:05 – Closing & Resources 🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong 🔗 Connect with Antwon Person Website: https://antwonperson.com [https://antwonperson.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwonperson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwonperson] Website: https://vetsospodcast.com [https://vetsospodcast.com] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s-veteran-entrepreneurial-spotlight/id1775197458 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast] 🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast [https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast] Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast [https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast] Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast [https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast] X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast [https://x.com/vetsospodcast] TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast [https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast] #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Veterans #MilitaryLife #Podcast

How She Built a Business Anyway – Dr. Andrena Phillips

Most entrepreneurs wait for the right moment. Dr. Andrena Phillips started her business when she was unemployed, facing eviction, and watching everything fall apart. Episode Premise What do you do when the lights are off, your vehicle has been repossessed, and an eviction notice is staring you in the face? For Dr. Andrena Phillips, the answer wasn't giving up—it was betting on herself. In this episode of Operation Startup, Maurice Murphy sits down with Dr. Andrena Phillips, Founder and CEO of KeepMovinWithAndrena LLC and Transform U Coaching Institute. Dr. Phillips shares how one of the darkest seasons of her life became the foundation for a thriving business, why entrepreneurs must invest in themselves before anyone else will, and how purpose can carry you through challenges that would cause most people to quit. This conversation is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn't about perfect timing. It's about showing up, staying committed, and continuing to build even when circumstances tell you not to. In This Episode, You'll Discover * How to turn adversity into entrepreneurial opportunity * Why betting on yourself is often the first investment every entrepreneur must make * The business-building lessons available through IVMF, SBA, and local networking communities * How to handle people who dismiss your vision as a "little business" * Why understanding your "why" may be the difference between quitting and succeeding About Dr. Andrena Phillips Dr. Andrena Phillips is the Founder and CEO of KeepMovinWithAndrena LLC and Transform U Coaching Institute. A veteran spouse, transformational speaker, certified Master Life Strategist, award-winning podcaster, published author, coach educator, retired licensed practical nurse, and Doctor of Organizational Leadership, she empowers individuals and organizations through leadership development, transformational coaching, and personal growth. Her journey from financial hardship and personal loss to successful entrepreneur offers valuable lessons for veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses, and anyone pursuing a purpose-driven business. If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - open the app, search Operation Startup, scroll down, and tap "Write a Review." It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now. More Shows From The VET S.O.S. Network Website: https://vetsospodcast.com [https://vetsospodcast.com/] Operation Startup Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ] VET S.O.S. Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM [https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM] Learning Lifeline: https://open.spotify.com/show/65zCMDoUhGdlA6EDgFDY1l [https://open.spotify.com/show/65zCMDoUhGdlA6EDgFDY1l] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast] Substack: https://substack.com/@vetsos [https://substack.com/@vetsos] Connect With VET S.O.S. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vet_s.o.s._podcast [https://linktr.ee/vet_s.o.s._podcast] Support The Mission VET S.O.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans and military families through education, connection, and innovative tools so that no one transitions alone. Don't drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline. #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryEntrepreneur #VeteranSmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCoaching #WomenEntrepreneurs #VeteranSpouse #StartupSuccess #BetOnYourself #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

From Navy Nuclear Operator to Entrepreneurial Impact

Most veterans don't fail because they're unqualified—they fail because they wait too long to start. EPISODE PREMISE Mr. Whiskey didn't set out to become an entrepreneur. A Navy career, a difficult civilian work environment, and a growing desire to make a greater impact eventually pushed him toward building something of his own. In this conversation, he explains why purpose matters more than timing and why veterans often have everything they need to start long before they think they're ready. In this episode, you'll discover: • Identify the transition mistakes that cause many veterans to bounce between jobs after leaving the military • Avoid the costly entrepreneurship errors that come from rushing in without proper research • Understand why your military service should be part of your identity—not your entire identity • Learn why impact, service, and authentic connection matter more than chasing money first About Mr. Whiskey Mr. Whiskey is a United States Navy veteran and former Nuclear Operator who founded Couple O' Nukes, a self-improvement platform focused on mental health, addiction recovery, military life, and personal growth. Through podcasting, speaking, coaching, and writing, he helps individuals create meaningful change while building communities centered on service and impact. Featured Quote "The best time to plant an oak tree was fifty years ago. The second best time is today." If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — open the app, search Operation Startup, scroll down, and tap "Write a Review." It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:32 - Why Veterans Struggle After Transition 03:02 - Identity Beyond Military Service 06:35 - Building a Mission-Driven Business 16:28 - The Hardest Part of Entrepreneurship 28:31 - Advice for Future Veteran Entrepreneurs 31:45 - Closing & Resources Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network: ▶ VET S.O.S. ▶ Operation Startup ▶ Learning Lifeline ▶ The Scoop ▶ Testimony Strong Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: vetsospodcast.com X: @vetsospodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #VeteranPodcast #OperationStartup #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

Military Transition Done Right: Natalie Schibell on Career Strategy & Veteran Entrepreneurship

Description: Natalie Schibell joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military transition strategy and veteran career development. A former Navy Lieutenant Commander turned founder, she shares how pivoting multiple times shaped her path into entrepreneurship and national veteran advocacy. In this episode, we explore: • Why transition planning must start early• How the Reserve Component can provide financial and career security• The reality of pivoting in corporate America• Why veterans should gain experience before launching a business• How to build a sustainable career roadmap Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or exploring your next career move, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today. About the Guest: Natalie Schibell is a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and founder of Mission to Commission and Commission to Transition. She specializes in military career strategy, resume development, leadership growth, and helping veterans successfully navigate career pivots and entrepreneurship. Grab the Lifeline: The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive. Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes: VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop Connect with VET S.O.S.: Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #OperationStartup #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCareer #VeteranEntrepreneur #NavyOfficer #CareerPivot #VeteranResources #TransitionStrategy #GrabTheLifeline