The Tactical Leader

Hosted by Zack A. Knight

Business Education Health FitnessExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

200

Latest episode

Oct 2025

Language

About the show

Zack started his leadership journey working in the metro-Atlanta area as a police officer and SWAT Operator. After seven years serving his local community, he transitioned to the role of an Infantry Leader in the U.S. Army and continued to serve during a combat deployment to Afghanistan and locally with the Georgia National Guard. In between time away with the military, Zack has been able to build six businesses ranging from a security consulting firm, a domestic violence awareness non-profit, to an international dance competition he and his business partner grew to 140 countries in the first seven months of operation. At the center of his journey, Zack is focused on two things, service and leadership. His podcast, Tactical Leadership, furthers this journey and his service, helping him and his audience learn and grow from leaders across the world.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 202552 min

Kelly Bonn on Branding, Hiring, and the Human Factor

Guest: Kelly Bonn — Navy veteran, retained executive recruiter, executive coachLocation: The Centre Club, TampaEpisode in a sentenceFrom small boats in the Med to C-suite searches in boardrooms, Kelly unpacks modern hiring, executive presence, and why your LinkedIn should teach—not trumpet.What we coverKelly’s Navy path (Italy, small boats unit, coxswain/engineer) and the through-line to recruitingRetained search vs. contingency—and why “human” beats “process”Branding that works: educational posts, clear profile, and consistent presencePosting cadence/windows that reach senior decision makersBuilding a talent flywheel with employee advocates (and how to bonus them)Interviewing that actually reveals judgment and fit (ditch lazy behavioral scripts)Diversifying revenue streams so a weird year doesn’t sink youWhy the job market feels strange—and the signals it’s warmingPlaybook & TacticsIntro line: “I’m an executive coach and a headhunter. I help companies hire and leaders land.”Three questions to ask in interviews:“What would your current manager say about you?”“What did you like most/least about your last role?”“What’s the biggest challenge in the first 90 days here?”LinkedIn content rule: educate > advertise. Case-style posts win.Best posting windows (for exec audiences): Sun late AM/early PM; Mon late PM; Tue late AM.Book pick: Captivate — Vanessa Van Edwards.Offers & ResourcesKelly’s giveaway: Executive Bio + 1 hr coaching (leadership/job search) or hiring-manager interview training.Services: retained search (Sr. Director → C-suite), executive coaching, resumes/executive bios, LinkedIn optimization.Keep up with usTampa: monthly third-Tuesday meetups at The Centre ClubClearwater: monthly wellness workoutsMessage “TAMPA” to get reminders and invites.

October 17, 202559 min

Gary King: The Happiness Experiment

Host: Zack KnightGuest: Gary King — Navy veteran, speaker/author, creator of the St. Pete HAPPINESS signs, subject of The Happiness Experiment filmEpisode vibeA candid, hopeful conversation about trauma, perspective, and building everyday interrupts that keep people here. Practical tools. No fluff.Timestamps00:00 – 06:00 Cold open + Centre Club welcome, Monday-night football slander, Marine banter.06:00 – 12:40 ATLVets updates: Elite Rewards monthly travel voucher, Clearwater wellness workouts, Atlanta Center of Excellence coming online.12:41 – 14:10 Gary takes the mic: why this room matters to him.14:10 – 18:50 Background in fast-forward: Navy, VIP security (incl. Gen. Schwarzkopf), speaking/author work across the globe.18:50 – 23:40 The weight: 36 traumas, the loss of his son Jason at the Skyway, and the near-death experience that reset his lens.23:40 – 27:00 Perception vs. perspective: the “circle and the ant.”27:00 – 33:30 PTSD reframed as post-traumatic trigger disorder; the “hard drive (subconscious) + RAM (conscious)” analogy; the wallet story.33:30 – 38:30 Autosuggestion 101 and the twine-and-20-knots practice.38:30 – 44:30 Birth of the HAPPINESS signs (Nov 2019), first takedown, then liftoff; why simple words in public space matter.44:30 – 48:10 The Happiness Experiment film; the woman who turned around at the sign.48:10 – 55:30 The Happiness Formula book: F² H² = H (forgiveness of self/others; honesty with self/truth with others; self-worth).55:30 – 1:01:30 Quick exercise: your Top 5 partner traits, and why “emotionally available” rarely makes the list (but should).1:01:30 – 1:06:30 Self-acceptance vs. chasing approval; how we’re taught to outsource worth.1:06:30 – 1:10:55 Q&A: faith, discipline, and why Gary still climbs the ladder.1:10:55 – end Wrap, selfies with the signs, Gary’s open offer: “If I can help a vet, I’m in.”Key ideas & takeawaysTriggers work like algorithms. If you can spot the pattern in real time, you can choose a different next move.Perspective is a practice. Get above the moment; don’t let the moment run you.Short beats clever. The brain remembers simple, repeated lines—use them on purpose.Public words change private minds. A six-inch sign can be the inch someone needs.Notes & careGary shares personal methods and beliefs. They’re not medical advice. If you’re struggling, talk to a qualified professional, reach out to a peer, or call/text 988 (in the U.S.) for support.

October 13, 20251 hr 11 min

Lindsey Streeter on Building Veteran-Ready Workplaces and Community Legacy

Host: Zack KnightGuest: Lindsey Streeter, Military Affairs Executive, Bank of America; retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major; Owner, Savannah Hurricanes; Founder, Streeter Esports & EntertainmentRecorded at: The Buckhead Club, AtlantaEpisode SummaryLindsey Streeter unpacks the difference between veteran-friendly and veteran-ready, shares the “divine timing” behind his transition to Bank of America, and details practical systems that improve retention, mobility, and belonging for veteran talent. He also talks entrepreneurship—the Savannah Hurricanes, community impact that earned national recognition, and why legacy is the point of the work.Timestamps00:00–01:06 – Welcome, road-warrior points for Lindsey & Lena; ATLVets 12-city expansion01:06–02:01 – ATLVets update: 30,000-sq-ft Roswell Veterans Center of Excellence (co-working, accelerator, human performance)02:01–05:35 – Who Lindsey is beyond the bio: purpose, the “dash,” widowhood, second chances, community focus05:35–06:21 – Entrepreneurship thread: Savannah Hurricanes, community programs, national recognition; thoroughbred ownership as legacy06:21–11:20 – Why the Army, early years, mentors who shaped a 31-year career, sitting the E-9 board and realizing the path fit11:20–13:11 – Favorite assignment: Savannah (1989), Desert Shield/Storm13:52–17:26 – Transition fear, the phone call that changed everything, veteran rotational program at Bank of America18:08–22:18 – Veteran-ready vs. veteran-friendly: right-fit recruiting, five-year lookback, precision nets22:18–25:07 – Veteran Onboarding Initiative (90-day buddy), ERG scale, safe-space learning25:07–26:40 – Veteran Development Program: 5-month cohorts, senior-leader exposure, capstone, retention & mobility outcomes27:25–29:14 – What keeps vets: visible path to progress & purpose; paid service time (TRWB, Team Rubicon)29:14–30:27 – The big vision: careers for veterans and military spouses; portability matters31:06–33:48 – Entrepreneurship as purpose; measurable community impact and recognition33:48–34:47 – Reality check: ~20% of transitioning vets start businesses; the capital/network gap36:42–38:11 – How BofA helps vet founders: CDFIs, Bunker Labs/IVMF, dedicated small-business bankers39:11–44:10 – Hiring advice: dedicated veteran recruiters, translate MOS, hire for coachability, avoid credential inflation theater47:22–49:09 – Becoming veteran-ready without alienating non-vets; why some vets don’t self-ID48:28–49:09 – Life Event Services: one number when life hits53:26–55:16 – Financial literacy gaps; Better Money Habits origin story for military families59:56–1:04:23 – Purpose and the personal mission statement (Covey influence), living consistently across roles1:05:21–1:10:26 – Why ATLVets exists: solving the “Now what?” after TAP; VetOPS, accelerator, and sustainable impact model1:10:26–1:11:04 – Wrap, networking, and selfies (season tickets, anyone?)Key IdeasVeteran-ready = systems: precision hiring, 90-day buddies, ERG-powered belonging, visible mobility, Guard/Reserve support, Life Event Services.Purpose retains: service opportunities on company time satisfy the mission drive.Entrepreneurship needs scaffolding: CDFIs for capital readiness; incubators/accelerators for reps; pitch platforms for proof.Translate, don’t transpose: MOS ≠ job title; hire for potential and humility.Financial literacy is aftercare: VA loan realities, tax exemptions, and...

August 25, 202536 min

Chris Brewer on Leadership, Transition, and Life in the Shadows

In this special ATLVets Speaker Series episode, retired Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces officer Chris Brewer shares his remarkable journey from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974 to a career in Special Forces, global security contracting, and authorship.Chris reflects on:Crossing the Line: Why he made the controversial move from the NCO corps to becoming an officer, and how it opened the path to Special Forces.Lessons from Ranger School: Why the course is less about tactics and more about leadership under extreme stress—and how those lessons translate to civilian life.Transition Struggles: His honest admission of “how not to retire” from the military, including the pitfalls many veterans face.Post-Service Impact: How his expertise shaped counterterrorism strategies, red-team operations, and security across the globe—including assessments eerily prescient before 9/11.Storytelling & Legacy: Why he chose to capture the untold stories of Rangers and Green Berets in his books Old School Ranger and In the Shadows Between Wars.Chris also offers powerful insights into leadership, team building, and the importance of cross-cultural communication in both military and civilian contexts.📚 Books by Chris Brewer:Old School Ranger – A collection of stories and lessons from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion.In the Shadows Between Wars – Firsthand accounts of Special Forces missions and the realities of unconventional warfare.(Both available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.)🔑 Key Takeaway: Whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, success comes from listening, understanding what motivates people, and pulling teams together toward a common goal.👉 Stay Connected:Join the ATLVets mission to advance the line for veterans by supporting events, sharing these stories, and helping us build the nation’s premier community for veteran leadership and growth.

August 23, 20251 hr 8 min

Zack Miller on Veteran Entrepreneurship, Private Equity, and Legacy Building

In this episode of the ATLVets Speaker Series, we sit down with Zack Miller, CEO of Patriot Growth Capital (PGC), to explore the intersection of veteran empowerment, private equity, and long-term legacy.Zack shares his journey from the advertising and startup world to launching a private equity firm dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through entrepreneurship by acquisition. Together with ATLVets, PGC is reshaping how veterans transition into ownership, leadership, and wealth creation.This episode dives into:The Barriers to Entrepreneurship – Fear, capital, mentorship, and “analysis paralysis” that hold veterans back—and how to overcome them.The Dream Work Exercise – Why defining vision, values, and family goals is the starting point for every veteran entrepreneur.Veteran Families as Operators – Expanding opportunities for spouses, siblings, and children to step into meaningful roles and ownership.Defense Tech Accelerator – The vision for a Veteran Center of Excellence in Atlanta, combining human performance, technology, and dual-use innovation.The Bigger Picture – PGC’s commitment to impacting 1 million veteran families over the next decade.🔑 Key Takeaway: Veterans bring grit, leadership, and integrity to the table. With the right resources and ecosystem, they can move from “employee” to “owner” and create lasting generational impact.👉 Learn more about Patriot Growth Capital and ATLVets at: [Insert Link]

August 4, 202546 min

Unlocking Your ROI: How Emilee Tucker Empowers Authentic Leadership

Emilee Tucker: Beyond the Corporate GrindEmilee Tucker is more than her corporate credentials—she’s an advocate for authentic leadership who transitioned from an 18-year corporate career to become an executive coach. Driven by her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Emilee pursued a master's in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership, combining formal education with practical certifications like NLP and Reiki. Her journey underscores the value of leaning into life's uncertainties to discover genuine joy and success.The ROI Formula: Reward, Omit, InviteEmilee introduced her unique ROI framework, breaking down how to find meaningful success through three simple yet profound principles:Reward Yourself: Emilee emphasizes celebrating small daily victories, suggesting practical actions like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking a peaceful walk. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive habits, boosting confidence and momentum by rewiring your brain for success.Omit Negativity: Emilee highlighted how negativity consumes valuable energy and time. She shared that humans have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, many repetitive and subconscious. By consciously reframing negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, individuals can reclaim significant mental and emotional resources, creating space for positivity and productivity.Invite Your Dreams: Perhaps the most poignant segment for veterans, Emilee encouraged attendees to rediscover and articulate their dreams beyond past identities. She underscored the importance of visualization, emotional connection, and the power of clearly defining what they want to achieve, inviting veterans to create new, meaningful goals after their military service.Follow Emilee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileetuckerhttps://www.instagram.com/iamemileetucker/

April 30, 202542 min

Healing Starts Here: Inside the Mission of The Headstrong Project

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships at The Headstrong Project. Broadcasting from the Centre Club in Tampa, this live session captures a candid and compelling discussion around trauma-focused mental health care for veterans, the stigmas that prevent service members from seeking treatment, and how organizations like Headstrong are eliminating those barriers.Kristen shares her journey as an Army brat turned nonprofit leader, her career path from USO and HireMilitary to leading corporate partnerships at Headstrong, and the incredible impact her team is making through trauma-informed therapy.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of:How Headstrong partners with major organizations like Wounded Warrior Project to deliver over 250,000 clinical sessions since 2012.Why military cultural competency is critical in mental health care.The importance of confidentiality and patient-directed engagement in building trust.A 98% retention rate after the first therapy session—and why that matters.How corporate partnerships, funding, and community collaboration are vital to expanding Headstrong's impact nationwide.Whether you're a veteran, corporate leader, mental health professional, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our military community, this episode is a must-listen.Key Topics:Mental health stigma in the veteran communityThe problem with PTSD as a limiting diagnosisHeadstrong's care model: trauma-focused, confidential, stigma-freeAccess to care in under 13 days vs. 30+ days at the VAImportance of wraparound services and referralsCorporate partnerships with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and moreSupporting veterans through transition with peer referrals and community connectionFeatured Guest: Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships, The Headstrong ProjectHost: Zack Knight, Founder & CEO of ATLVetsCall to Action: To learn more about Headstrong or connect someone with services, visit theheadstrongproject.org. To get involved with ATLVets, attend future speaker series events, or become a corporate partner, visit atlvets.org.Special Thanks: To the Centre Club Tampa for hosting and to all the incredible veterans, corporate leaders, and nonprofit partners who joined us for this powerful conversation.Subscribe and Share: Be sure to follow the ATLVets Podcast for more inspiring conversations from leaders on the front lines of transition, mental health, and community impact. #ATLVets #HeadstrongProject #VeteranMentalHealth #TampaVeterans #MilitaryCulturalCompetency #MentalHealthAwareness

April 9, 202552 min

The Marine Corps and the Entrepreneurial Mindset with T. Shane Johnson

In the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur T. Shane Johnson to discuss his extraordinary journey from military service to business success. T. Shane's story is one of resilience, survival, and a relentless commitment to helping others, particularly in the veteran community. From surviving an MS-13 gang attack to launching Big Guns Coffee, his path is both inspiring and deeply impactful.The Marine Corps and the Entrepreneurial MindsetT. Shane shared his motivations for joining the Marine Corps, emphasizing the discipline, determination, and brotherhood that shaped his character. The mindset of a Marine—adapt and overcome—proved invaluable in his transition to entrepreneurship. Zack and T. Shane discussed how veterans possess a unique drive and resilience that make them natural leaders in the business world.A Harrowing Near-Death ExperienceOne of the most gripping moments in the episode was T. Shane’s recounting of a brutal attack by MS-13. While riding his motorcycle, he was deliberately hit by a car, leaving him with severe injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and punctured lungs. Despite flatlining multiple times, he fought his way back, determined to use his second chance at life to make a difference.A New Mission: Helping Others Find PurposeAfter recovering, T. Shane faced another challenge—transitioning to civilian life. He initially found success in the mortgage industry, but when the 2008 financial crisis hit, he lost everything and found himself homeless. Rather than giving up, he rebuilt from the ground up, using his story to inspire others through books, public speaking, and initiatives like Hike Across America, where he ran 12,000 miles to raise awareness for homeless veterans and suicide prevention.Redefining Homelessness: The Power of IdentityT. Shane spoke passionately about the need to rebrand homelessness and help those affected regain their sense of self-worth. He proposed an initiative where homeless individuals could write and publish books, sharing their stories as a way to reclaim their identity and generate income. Zack resonated with this idea, emphasizing how purpose and identity are critical for personal and professional growth.Big Guns Coffee: A Business Born from Family and PurposeT. Shane’s journey took another turn when his 10-year-old daughter, Charlie, inspired him to start a business. Together, they launched Big Guns Coffee, a venture that not only supports veterans but also revolutionizes the coffee industry by being the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S..Big Guns Coffee isn’t just a business; it’s a movement—one focused on empowering people through high-quality coffee and a mission-driven brand. T. Shane and Charlie have worked tirelessly to scale their business, and now, they’re preparing for a major national launch.Exciting News: Big Guns Coffee Goes National!🚀 May 2025 – Big Guns Coffee will be available in 427 Sprouts Farmers Market stores 🚀 July 2025 – Expanding to 300 Walmart stores in North & South CarolinaThis incredible milestone is a testament to hard work, resilience, and family-driven entrepreneurship.Final Thoughts: Leadership, Purpose, and ServiceThroughout the episode, T. Shane and Zack emphasized the importance of leadership, storytelling, and service. Whether in the military, in...

March 31, 202547 min

From Delta Force to Business Force with CSM Andy Wilson

Episode Description: In this special episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, recorded live at the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Command Sergeant Major Andy Wilson—former Delta Force operator and the powerhouse founder of Quiet Professionals.Andy shares his incredible journey from dropping out of high school in Maine, to climbing the ranks of the most elite military units in the world, to building a multi-million-dollar defense contracting company from the ground up.This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to transition successfully from the military to business. Andy gets real about the early struggles of starting multiple businesses, why reinvesting in systems and people has been the key to his success, and how he's navigated the world of government contracts, private equity, and rapid growth—all with a relentless focus on discipline and serving others.🔥 Key Takeaways:How Andy’s military career shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetLessons learned from founding and exiting multiple businessesThe power of reinvesting in people, systems, and scalabilityWhy the term “self-made” doesn’t tell the full storyHow to manage risk, failure, and keep moving forwardTransitioning from Special Operations to Special Operations in businessThe realities of private equity partnerships and scaling toward a billion-dollar valuationFeatured Guest: Andy WilsonRetired Command Sergeant Major (Delta Force)Founder & CEO, Quiet ProfessionalsSerial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropistHost: Zack Knight Founder of ATLVets & The Tactical Leader PodcastJoin ATLVets Events Nationwide: Don’t miss out on our monthly events spotlighting veteran leaders across the country. Learn more: atlvets.org/eventsConnect with Us: Follow @TheTacticalLeaderPodcast + @ATLVets for more leadership insights and upcoming speaker events.#TheTacticalLeader #ATLVets #AndyWilson #QuietProfessionals #VeteranLeadership #DeltaForce #Entrepreneurship #GovCon #Leadership #PrivateEquity #TampaBusiness #MilitaryTransition #PurposeDrivenBusiness

March 20, 202538 min

Embracing the Fight with Tommy Richardson

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight sits down with Tommy Richardson, a Marine veteran and Navy SEAL, to dive into his incredible 26-year military career, his transition to civilian life, and how he’s now helping veterans find purpose and leadership beyond the uniform. From his journey through Marine Corps infantry to the elite Navy SEAL teams, to launching Divine Savagery, Tommy shares insights on faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of physical fitness as a tool for reintegration.This episode is brought to you by ATL Vets, the premier organization for veteran workforce development and entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways from This Episode1️⃣ Military Service & Transition to Navy SEALs26 years in uniform: Tommy served in both the Marine Corps and Navy SEAL teams, experiencing combat at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.From Marine to SEAL: Initially aiming for Force Recon, Tommy instead found his calling in the SEAL teams, making the switch in 2007 with the help of fellow operators.Passion for the field: His decision to stay in the fight, rather than being stuck behind a desk, led him to special operations, where he thrived in a high-intensity environment.2️⃣ The Mental & Spiritual Battle After ServiceFaith kept him going: Tommy credits his faith in God as his ultimate source of strength, guiding him through both war and transition.Understanding the daily battle: He breaks down the constant war between spirit and flesh, helping veterans realize they’re still in the fight, but in a different way.Helping veterans find purpose: Tommy believes veterans are wired for leadership and that transitioning means finding a new mission, not losing identity.3️⃣ Finding a New Tribe: Westside Barbell & Physical FitnessHealing through movement: After suffering injuries and surgeries, Tommy turned to powerlifting as a way to rebuild physically and mentally.Westside Barbell connection: Through an invite-only process, Tommy joined the legendary Westside Barbell gym, finding a new brotherhood of strength that mirrored the team environment of the military.Physical health as mental therapy: He emphasizes that fitness, discipline, and competition give veterans a way to regain structure and camaraderie.4️⃣ Building Divine Savagery: Veteran Leadership & WellnessTommy's company, Divine Savagery, is built around three pillars: ✅ Speaking & Leadership Training – Helping organizations and veterans develop elite-level leadership skills. ✅ Business Optimization & Consulting – Applying military discipline and structure to corporate success. ✅ Wellness & Tactical Training – Offering physical training, nutrition coaching, and tactical skill development for veterans and civilians.🔹 Westside Barbell training programs 🔹 Fitness, nutrition, and recovery coaching 🔹 Special operations & tactical training for military and law enforcement🔥 Notable Quotes from Tommy Richardson💬 “The flesh is...