The Tactical Leader

Hosted by Zack A. Knight

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200

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Oct 2026

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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.

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60 recent

October 26, 20261 hr 10 min

How Veterans Can Use AI to Advance Their Careers and Businesses | Steve Cadley

AI Is Changing the Workforce. Are Veterans Ready to Take Advantage? In this ATLVets Speaker Series, AI strategist and veteran coach Steve Cadley explores how veterans can use artificial intelligence to strengthen their careers, grow businesses, and turn their military experience into a competitive advantage. Steve also introduces the concept of AI fluency, explaining why learning to use AI effectively matters more than simply knowing which tools are available. Through practical examples and a live AI demonstration, the session explores how veterans can apply these tools to civilian resumes, business development, research, and everyday problem solving while maintaining human judgment and oversight. The conversation also introduces ATLVets' vision for an AI Empowered Veteran pilot program designed to help veterans build practical AI skills and explore new opportunities. Segments Discussed: 00:00 Introduction to AI and Opportunities for Veterans 01:38 Meet Steve Cadley and Understanding How People Use AI 04:26 What Is Artificial Intelligence and How Do Large Language Models Work? 10:13 Understanding ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Other AI Tools 11:43 Why AI Is More Than Just a Search Engine 13:38 Lessons From History: The Printing Press, Industrialization, and the Internet 16:45 Why Critical Thinking and Human Judgment Still Matter 19:05 How AI Is Changing Employment and Entry Level Jobs 23:35 Why Experience and Judgment Are Becoming More Valuable 25:23 How Military Experience Gives Veterans an Advantage 27:50 AI Fluency as a Tool for Veteran Career and Business Growth 29:14 How ATLVets Plans to Support Veterans Through AI 31:44 How AI Can Improve Productivity and Business Operations 35:39 Why People Must Remain in Control of AI 38:15 Introducing the AI Empowered Veteran Pilot Program 39:44 How to Write Better AI Prompts Using the Military Mission Brief Framework 41:00 Using AI to Translate Military Experience Into Civilian Resume Skills 43:18 Practical AI Exercise and Live Demonstration 46:08 Using AI to Find Government Contracting Opportunities 50:37 Why AI Works Better as a Thought Partner 52:01 Setting Rules, Checking Information, and Improving AI Responses 54:17 How to Refine Prompts for Better Results 57:24 Why Human Expertise and AI Must Work Together 59:27 Audience Q&A: AI Accuracy, Critical Thinking, and Responsible Use 1:03:18 AI Privacy, Data Protection, and Information Security 1:08:49 Closing Remarks and the Future of the AI Empowered Veteran Program Get Involved With ATLVets Military service builds skills that remain valuable long after leaving the uniform. As technology continues to change the workforce, ATLVets is exploring ways to help veterans combine those strengths with practical AI knowledge. Learn more about ATLVets, explore upcoming programs, and discover opportunities to get involved. Visit: https://atlvets.org/ Subscribe for more conversations on veteran empowerment, career development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and emerging technologies. #ATLVets #Veterans #ArtificialIntelligence #AIForVeterans #VeteranCareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork #VeteranEntrepreneurs #AIFluency

October 19, 202639 min

Life After the Military: Leadership, Purpose, and Career Transition with Matt Smith

What happens when years of military leadership and experience meet a completely different world? At Advancing The Line, Matt shares his journey from military service to his current role at Emory University, where he helps senior military leaders prepare for careers beyond the uniform. The conversation explores what makes a great leader, why humility matters, and how mentorship can shape someone's future. Matt also discusses the challenges veterans face when entering the civilian workforce, including recognizing their own value and learning how their military experience applies to business. Beyond career development, this discussion highlights something just as important: the relationships, shared experiences, and sense of purpose that continue long after military service ends. Segments Discussed: 00:00 Introduction and Matt's Military Background 02:23 Humility and the Qualities of Great Leadership 05:04 Leadership Experiences That Shaped His Career 08:11 Translating Military Skills Into Civilian Careers 10:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Veteran 12:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Building Relationships 16:10 Finding Purpose in Helping Others Succeed 17:37 Matt's Journey to Emory University 19:50 How Emory's Business Program Supports Veterans 22:48 Choosing the Right Education and Career Path 26:29 Lessons Learned From Working in Higher Education 30:19 Why Military Experience Matters in Business 31:16 Supporting Veterans Beyond Their Military Careers 33:17 The Lasting Impact of Military Service and Brotherhood 36:25 Building a Legacy Through Education and Community 39:01 The Future of Veteran Business Education Your skills, leadership, and sense of service can continue to create opportunities for yourself and others. Watch the full conversation and discover how military experience can become a foundation for continued growth, leadership, and purpose. Subscribe to Advancing The Line for more conversations about leadership, veteran experiences, career development, and life beyond service. #AdvancingTheLine #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCareers #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranCommunity

October 12, 202648 min

What Happens After Military Service? Major General Matt Smith on Life Beyond the Uniform

What happens when decades of military leadership come to an end, and a completely different chapter of life begins? From commanding thousands of soldiers to navigating everyday civilian life, the transition out of military service brings challenges that even the most experienced leaders are not always prepared for. In this episode Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith, a retired U.S. Army two star general and leader of Emory University's Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program shares his perspective on how warfare has changed, why military leadership must continue to evolve, and what it really takes to adjust to life after service. Beyond military service, this discussion is about leadership, adaptability, continued growth, and finding meaningful ways to serve in the next chapter of life. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Welcome to Advancing the Line at the Buckhead Club 02:20 Introduction to ATL Vets and its leadership programs 04:16 Meet Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith 06:13 A lifelong commitment to service 07:31 Why Matt Smith chose the U.S. Army 10:35 Military career, Iraq deployment, and becoming a two star general 12:48 How modern warfare has changed over the decades 13:50 Drone technology and emerging security threats 17:35 Preparing the next generation of military leaders 18:57 The reality of transitioning from military to civilian life 21:08 How trust and relationships differ outside the military 22:03 Life after commanding thousands of soldiers 23:41 Identity, family, and adjusting to a new routine 26:23 Understanding Emory University's Master of Business for Veterans program 29:17 The value of professional networks and business connections 30:05 Learning the language of business after military service 33:36 Connecting military experience with civilian career opportunities 37:11 Real moments of growth and learning among veterans 39:37 The future of Emory's veteran education programs 43:41 Lessons from leadership at the Pentagon 45:54 The reality behind major national decisions 47:10 Final reflections on leadership, service, and responsibility Leaving the military does not mean leaving behind the leadership, discipline, and experience built through years of service. Those strengths can continue to create opportunities in business, education, and the communities we serve. If you're a veteran preparing for civilian life, a business leader working with veterans, or someone interested in leadership and personal growth, this conversation offers valuable perspectives worth hearing. What do you think is the biggest challenge veterans face when transitioning to civilian life? Share your thoughts in the comments. #AdvancingTheLine #ATLVets #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLeadership #MattSmith #VeteranEducation #LifeAfterMilitary #VeteranSuccess

September 29, 20261 hr 4 min

Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Mindset, Leadership & Life After the Military with Dr. Drew Gold

Your experience shaped you. Your next chapter requires you to understand how to use it. What happens when the structure, mission, and identity you relied on suddenly change? In this conversation, we go beyond emotional intelligence and explore emotional dexterity, the ability to better understand your emotions, recognize what drives them, and choose how you respond. The discussion also goes deeper into one of the biggest challenges veterans can face after leaving the military: figuring out who they are outside the uniform. The skills are still there. Leadership, problem solving, decision making, discipline, communication, change management, and the ability to operate under pressure do not disappear. The challenge is learning how to recognize those skills, translate them, and apply them to a new mission. From mindset and emotional control to career transition, AI, leadership, communication, TEDx, and personal growth, this conversation is ultimately about learning how to adapt without losing the strengths that got you here. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Opening Conversation & Introduction 06:20 Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Dexterity 09:36 Changing Habits & Emotional Responses 10:37 Understanding Your Emotional Drivers 13:07 Can You Change How You Respond? 18:46 Military Transition, Identity & Purpose 20:15 Recognizing the Skills You Already Have 30:15 Using AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement 39:34 Marketing Yourself & Telling Your Story 46:07 Why Veterans Have Stories Worth Sharing 47:25 Collaboration & Creating New Opportunities 49:30 Why You Need to Ask and Open Doors 51:50 Learning to Communicate Emotions After Service 52:54 Disconnecting Your Past From Your Present 56:50 Bridging Military and Civilian Communication 57:26 Rebuilding Your Personal Leadership Framework 1:00:33 Three Things to Rebuild Purpose After the Military 1:01:59 Continuous Learning & Self Discovery 1:03:27 Building Structure in Your Next Chapter 1:04:18 Rediscovering Who You Are Beyond the Uniform Your next chapter does not require you to erase the person you became through service. It requires you to understand what you built,

September 22, 202651 min

Speaker Series Tampa: Leadership, Risk & Life After Service | Elizabeth Stephens

What happens when the uniform comes off, but the skills, discipline, and drive to serve stay with you? At Advancing The Line, Elizabeth Stephens shares her journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to corporate leadership, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and international business. The conversation goes beyond career transition. Elizabeth talks about what it means to be a woman in the military, stepping into spaces where you may be the first or only one, and learning how to carry military experience into a civilian world that operates very differently. She also shares how she moved from corporate life into entrepreneurship, why she built DVS Cyber, and how her work expanded into cybersecurity, AI, global supply chains, risk, and projects across Africa. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Opening and Advancing The Line Introduction 05:06 Meet Elizabeth Stephens and Her Journey 07:51 Women in Service and Women’s History Month 11:26 Being the First and Breaking New Ground 13:06 Reframing Challenges and Operating in Chaos 15:28 Understanding the Female Veteran Transition 18:01 Identity, Confidence and Life After the Uniform 23:08 Entering the Corporate World as a Woman 25:34 The Need for Better Support for Female Veterans 26:34 From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship 26:50 Why Elizabeth Built DVS Cyber 30:23 Bringing Cybersecurity and Technology to More People 31:40 Expanding Business and Technology Into Africa 33:44 Adapting to Change and Finding New Opportunities 35:06 Global Supply Chains, Mining and Responsible Business 37:04 Government Contracting and Creating Global Impact 38:18 Finding Opportunity in Changing Markets 39:32 Culture, Community and Commerce 40:20 Building Stronger Supply Chains and Managing Risk 41:49 What It Really Means to Invest in Security 43:16 Workforce Development and Community Opportunity 44:02 Showing Up as Yourself Without Trying to Fit the Room 47:23 Collaboration, Community and Closing Remarks Watch the full conversation with Elizabeth Stephens and hear how her experience moved from military service into technology, entrepreneurship, global business, and continued service to others. Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and people building their next chapter beyond the uniform

September 16, 20261 hr 0 min

From the Cockpit to the Cloud: Why Veterans are Built to Lead in Chaos with Maj. Elizabeth Stephens

What happens when the mission changes, but the mindset stays the same? For Elizabeth Stephens, the lessons that carried her through military aviation also followed her into Microsoft, cybersecurity, AI, entrepreneurship, and her next chapter of public service. In this conversation from Advancing The Line, Zachary Broughton sits down with Marine veteran Elizabeth Stephens to talk about what military experience can really bring into life after service. Elizabeth shares her journey from the Naval Academy and Marine Corps aviation to working in cybersecurity and eventually managing major technology operations at Microsoft. But one idea keeps coming back throughout the conversation: veterans may not need to completely reinvent themselves when they leave the military. The ability to stay calm in chaos, manage risk, make decisions under pressure, adapt when plans change, and keep the mission moving can carry into business, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Segments Discussed: 03:24 Meet Elizabeth Stephens 13:44 Why She Chose the Marine Corps 15:34 How the Marine Corps Shaped Her Leadership 19:02 Service, Mission, and Taking Care of Your People 21:46 How Modern Warfare Is Changing 22:45 Cybersecurity, Drones, and AI 28:02 Life After the Military 29:16 Finding a New Mission After Service 30:25 Breaking Into Cybersecurity 32:26 The Road to Microsoft 34:39 Learning to Lead in Big Tech 36:55 What Veterans Bring to the Civilian World 37:47 Risk Management and Decision Making 40:23 From Military Aviation to Microsoft 41:39 The Veteran “Translation Gap” 42:25 A Mission in Iraq That Tested Everything 45:17 How Military Decision Making Translates to Corporate Leadership 46:25 Why Veterans Still Need Community 48:35 Finding the Next Mission 49:28 Cybersecurity and the New Front Line 51:40 Why ATL Vets Represents a New Mission 52:26 Elizabeth’s Decision to Enter Public Service 53:24 Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, and Global Work 59:48 Closing Conversation and Veteran Community If you are a veteran building your next chapter, or a leader who wants to better understand what veterans bring to business and technology, watch the full conversation. Subscribe for more conversations from Advancing The Line and share this episode with someone looking for their next mission.

August 17, 202646 min

Building a Business That’s Ready to Grow and Exit | ATLVets Tampa x CLA

What does it take to build a business that is financially prepared for growth, opportunity, and eventually an exit? At the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, Ray Busler and Thomas Lind of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) joined the conversation to break down the financial decisions business owners often overlook. From building strong accounting practices and choosing the right business structure to tax planning, QSBS opportunities, advisor alignment, due diligence, and exit preparation, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders and privately held business owners. Chapter Segment: 00:00 – Welcome and Thomas Lind’s Veteran Story 02:15 – Meet Ray Busler of CLA 03:44 – Why CLA Focuses on Privately Held Businesses 05:40 – Supporting Business Owners Through Growth 11:07 – What Small Businesses Actually Need From a CPA 16:58 – Accounting Discipline and Planning Ahead 18:25 – Choosing the Right Business Entity 19:12 – Qualified Small Business Stock and Exit Planning 21:03 – S Corporation vs. C Corporation 22:55 – Why Your Professional Advisors Need to Be Aligned 26:04 – Tax Credits and Business Incentives 27:45 – Get Your Advisors in the Same Room 30:16 – What Size Businesses Does CLA Work With? 32:04 – Preparing for the Business Exit 34:45 – Due Diligence and Protecting Business Value 36:40 – Estate and Succession Planning 37:22 – Audience Q&A 39:06 – Why Financial Discipline Matters Long Term 40:39 – Tax Strategy vs. Financing Readiness 42:08 – Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth 42:40 – Turning Financial Data Into Better Decisions 43:37 – Remote Employees and Multi State Tax Exposure 45:52 – Closing Remarks The biggest lesson? The decisions you make early can have a major impact on the value you create later. Watch the full conversation and hear how experienced advisors think about building a stronger financial foundation for your business.

August 6, 20261 hr 4 min

Advancing The Line – Atlanta: Safeguarding the Bioeconomy with Edward You

In this episode, ATLVets welcomes Ed You, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent with more than 20 years of experience in counterterrorism, biodefense, and emerging technologies. With a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer research, and national security, Ed has advised the FBI, HHS, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the White House, and the U.S. delegation to the Biological Weapons Convention. Drawing from decades of experience, Ed explains why biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data are reshaping national security, economic competitiveness, and the future of innovation. Chapter Segment: 00:00 – Welcome & Speaker Introduction 02:20 – From Biochemist to FBI Special Agent 04:20 – Biological Threats & National Security 09:00 – Operation Warp Speed 10:45 – The Global Biotech Race 12:30 – Modern Biological Threats 15:00 – AI, Data & Biotechnology 18:45 – America's Innovation Challenge 20:15 – The Value of Data 22:30 – China & Strategic Competition 26:30 – The Bioeconomy 29:40 – Opportunities for Entrepreneurs 33:00 – AI Beyond the Hype 37:00 – Audience Q&A 38:25 – Biomanufacturing & Supply Chains 42:15 – Biotechnology & Global Influence 44:30 – Preparing the Next Generation 47:10 – CRISPR & Gene Editing 49:55 – The Future of Biosecurity 51:30 – Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone interested in leadership, national security, biotechnology, or emerging technologies. Have a question or perspective on the future of AI, biotech, or the bioeconomy? Leave it in the comments—we'd love to continue the discussion.

October 20, 202552 min

Kelly Bonn on Branding, Hiring, and the Human Factor

Guest: Kelly Bonn — Navy veteran, retained executive recruiter, executive coach Location: The Centre Club, Tampa Episode in a sentence From 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 cover Kelly’s Navy path (Italy, small boats unit, coxswain/engineer) and the through-line to recruiting Retained search vs. contingency—and why “human” beats “process” Branding that works: educational posts, clear profile, and consistent presence Posting cadence/windows that reach senior decision makers Building 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 you Why the job market feels strange—and the signals it’s warming Playbook & Tactics Intro 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 & Resources Kelly’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 us Tampa: monthly third-Tuesday meetups at The Centre Club Clearwater: monthly wellness workouts Message “TAMPA” to get reminders and invites.

October 17, 202559 min

Gary King: The Happiness Experiment

Host: Zack Knight Guest: Gary King — Navy veteran, speaker/author, creator of the St. Pete HAPPINESS signs, subject of The Happiness Experiment film Episode vibe A candid, hopeful conversation about trauma, perspective, and building everyday interrupts that keep people here. Practical tools. No fluff. Timestamps 00:00 – 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 & takeaways Triggers 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 & care Gary 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.

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