Adapt and Overcome Podcast

What happens when a 20-year military career comes to an end and the uniform comes off? In this episode of Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Army veteran Jon Milner to talk about life after service, transitioning into the civilian world, and continuing to serve with purpose.
Jon shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, mindset, and approach to overcoming challenges. From serving in the Army to becoming a Senior Director for Business Development in the defense industry, Jon explains how discipline, adaptability, and community helped guide his path forward.
Throughout the conversation, Jon opens up about the emotional side of leaving the military, the importance of finding a new mission after service, and why veterans bring tremendous value to the workforce. He also shares advice for young professionals on building financial stability early and finding purpose beyond a paycheck.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How military service prepares people for life challenges
Why many veterans struggle during civilian transition
The importance of finding a new community after service
Leadership lessons learned through adversity
Advice for veterans entering the civilian workforce
Why purpose matters more than just earning a paycheck
The value veterans bring to organizations and teams
 
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What does it take to go from Marine Corps avionics technician to helping lead the future of electric aviation? In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with David Stepanek, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at Bristow Group, to discuss leadership, resilience, aerospace innovation, and adapting through every stage of life and business.
David shares how joining the Marine Corps in 1983 created the foundation for his leadership journey and shaped the mindset that helped him rise through the aviation industry. He explains how military principles like planning, communication, and teamwork still guide him today while leading transformation initiatives in one of the world’s largest helicopter operations.
The conversation dives into David’s transition from military service into civilian aerospace work with Sikorsky Aircraft and later leadership roles in global aviation operations. He also talks about the challenge of shifting from leading thousands of employees to building a new innovation division focused on electric and hybrid aircraft technology.
One of the highlights of the episode is David sharing his experience flying in a 100% battery electric aircraft in Norway and helping pioneer the future of sustainable aviation. Tommy and David also discuss investing, personal growth, networking, workforce development, AI in aviation, and the importance of resilience for veterans and professionals alike.
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it look like to reinvent yourself at 67 years old? In this episode of the Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with retired Navy Captain Peter Lawless to talk about perseverance, leadership, military service, financial discipline, and why he’s heading to law school later in life.
Peter shares his incredible journey from growing up in a household with 11 brothers and sisters, to working construction jobs to pay for college, to leading major logistics operations for the Navy and Marines overseas. He opens up about overcoming difficult leadership situations, learning how to adapt to challenging personalities in the workplace, and why empathy became one of his greatest leadership tools.
The conversation also dives into financial literacy, investing, retirement planning, and why Peter believes discipline—not luck—is the foundation for long-term success. He explains how small investments made consistently over time can completely change a person’s future.
Now, at 67 years old, Peter is preparing for his next chapter after being accepted into law school at the University of Florida. His goal is to help people navigate financial planning, estate planning, and even divorce-related financial challenges as a certified divorce financial analyst.
This episode is packed with wisdom for veterans, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a better future while overcoming life’s obstacles.
 
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What happens when a life-threatening pregnancy experience becomes the catalyst for a life mission? In this powerful episode, Dr. Danielle Plummer shares her journey from military spouse to Doctor of Pharmacy—and how nine months on IVs during multiple pregnancies led her to help other women facing similar challenges.
Dr. Plummer opens up about her struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe and often misunderstood pregnancy condition. Despite having access to military healthcare, she found herself dismissed and without proper support. That experience pushed her to pursue advanced education and ultimately specialize in personalized medication management for pregnant women.
Today, she uses pharmacogenetics to help women find safer, more effective treatment options tailored to their DNA—offering hope where traditional systems fall short.
Beyond her medical work, Danielle reflects on the resilience required as a military spouse—navigating constant relocations, career changes, and raising a family across multiple countries. She also shares practical insights on building financial stability, creating income streams, and planning for the future despite uncertainty.
 
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What happens when a Marine officer responsible for 150 lives transitions into civilian life—and suddenly has to figure out how to lead himself?
In this episode, Tommy sits down with Bert Bender, a cybersecurity and data privacy attorney, to unpack his journey from the Marine Corps to the legal world. Bert shares how his military leadership experience shaped his professional mindset, but also reveals the unexpected challenges he faced when that structure disappeared.
Bert dives into his work helping organizations respond to data breaches, manage legal risks, and proactively prevent cyber incidents. He explains why specializing deeply in one field gives him an edge and how leadership skills from the military translate into guiding clients through high-stakes situations.
The conversation also explores the reality of transitioning out of the military. Bert reflects on how what seemed like a smooth transition at the time was actually more complicated in hindsight. He opens up about feeling lost early in his legal career and the surprising difficulty of shifting from leading others to being fully accountable for himself.
Tommy and Bert also discuss financial discipline, side income ideas, and the importance of setting clear priorities. Bert shares lessons learned from his own experiences, including avoiding “lifestyle inflation” and understanding when a side hustle is no longer worth the time and energy.
Toward the end, Bert talks about balancing career growth with family life and his desire to stay present as a father while continuing to grow professionally.
 
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What happens when you haven’t touched math in over a decade… and then decide to pursue engineering anyway? In this episode, Cameron “Cam” Colucci shares how he went from zero recent academic experience to earning a math minor and physics degree—proving that discipline, patience, and humility can take you further than natural talent.
Cam is a mechanical engineer at Clarity Design Incorporated, a full-service engineering firm specializing in design, prototyping, and manufacturing. With a background in steel fabrication and service as a Marine Corps aircrewman on the V-22 Osprey, Cam brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and technical expertise.
In this conversation, Cam breaks down how his military background shaped his mindset, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and what it really takes to succeed when starting over academically.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Why being “comfortable being uncomfortable” is a major advantage
How Cam went from struggling with basic math to enjoying it enough to minor in it
The reality of transitioning from military to civilian life
Why patience and humility are critical for long-term success
Smart advice on building wealth and avoiding debt traps
The importance of asking questions and seeking mentorship
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode, Ben takes us through a truly unique path—one that blends military leadership, financial strategy, and real-world resilience. From being selected as the first Marine placed inside a hedge fund to commanding in combat, his story is packed with lessons on adaptability and forward-thinking.
Ben breaks down how his military background shaped his ability to analyze information, forecast outcomes, and make high-pressure decisions—skills that translated directly into success on Wall Street and in venture investing.
He also shares how he now works with investors and startups, stepping into struggling companies to stabilize operations, extend financial runway, and position them for growth and successful exits.
💡 Key Takeaways
Why taking action (“just do it”) is the first step to building wealth
How failure plays a critical role in long-term success
The mindset shift from military thinking to future-focused investing
Why many veterans struggle in corporate environments—and how to navigate it
Insights into investing in real estate, equities, and emerging tech like AI
The importance of surrounding yourself with high-performing teams
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

In this episode of the Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Andrew McCulloch, a Marine Corps veteran turned COO of a large orthopedic practice in New York. Andrew shares his journey from military service to banking, and ultimately into healthcare leadership—where he helped grow his brother’s practice from just 12 employees to over 100.
Andrew explains how principles learned in the Marine Corps—like decentralized leadership, accountability, and leading by example—directly shaped the way he manages teams today. By promoting from within and empowering frontline employees, he built a culture that allows the business to grow efficiently while maintaining high-quality patient care.
The conversation also dives into the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the frustrations Andrew experienced in corporate banking, and how those lessons shaped his leadership style.
In addition, Andrew shares practical advice for healthcare professionals and veterans on building wealth outside of their primary careers. He highlights real estate as a powerful tool for creating passive income and long-term financial security, especially when leveraging VA loan benefits.
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What would you do if you relocated your entire family for a job… only to be fired three months later? In this episode, Marcelo Medrano shares how that exact moment became the turning point that led him into entrepreneurship—and ultimately building a fast-growing painting company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Marcelo, a Marine Corps veteran, opens up about his journey from 13 years of service to working in aerospace with companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. After an unexpected job loss, he found himself at a crossroads. Instead of playing it safe, he leaned into opportunity, connected with a veteran-focused franchise, and launched a business alongside his brother.
Throughout the conversation, Marcelo breaks down the realities of entrepreneurship—the long hours, the pressure, and the responsibility that comes with building something from the ground up. He also shares the core values that set his company apart: service, integrity, pride, and community.
This episode goes deeper than business. Marcelo talks candidly about the challenges veterans face transitioning into civilian careers, including the misconception that military leadership automatically translates into corporate roles. He explains how persistence, networking, and taking unconventional paths helped him break into the aerospace industry—and eventually pivot into business ownership.
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it take to go from being the first in your family to graduate high school to pursuing a doctorate—after a full career in the Marine Corps? In this episode, Tarek Aissaoui shares his journey of service, leadership, and purpose, and why “clocking out” isn’t always easy for those wired to serve.
Tarek Aissaoui is a retired Marine, high school principal, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping others grow—both in and out of the classroom. From coaching on Native American reservations to leading in education, Tarek has built a life centered on impact, discipline, and giving back.
In this conversation, Tarek opens up about his transition from the military into education and the unexpected challenges that came with it. While his professionalism and leadership translated seamlessly, the internal shift—learning how to “turn off” the Marine mindset—proved to be one of his toughest battles.
He shares how the Marine Corps shaped his identity, teaching him discipline, integrity, and how to carry himself with purpose. Today, he brings those same lessons into his role as a principal, where he mentors students not just academically, but in life—emphasizing character, accountability, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.
Tarek also talks about building wealth outside of a traditional career, why betting on yourself matters, and how his side construction work allows him to give back to others in meaningful ways. His perspective on financial literacy and legacy is grounded in real-life experience and lessons learned along the way.
Now, as he prepares to pursue his doctorate, Tarek is focused on setting an example for his children and continuing to grow—even in the later stages of his career.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership and discipline from the Marine Corps apply far beyond the military
Transitioning to civilian life isn’t always visible—but can be deeply personal
True integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching
Educators play a critical role in shaping the next generation
Building multiple income streams is essential in today’s world
It’s never too late to keep learning and leveling up
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...