Mentors For Military Podcast

KOTA Longboards founder, Mike Maloney, and Mentors for Military founder, Robert Gowin, have similar experiences of serving their country and also of climbing the corporate ladder to become executives. In this episode, Mike and Robert talk about the current economic situation and possible trend, becoming an entrepreneur, and the approach to building a successful company. Mike Maloney served in the U.S. Navy as a F-14 Tomcat and Top Gun fighter pilot. Following tours in Iraq and Somalia, in 2012 he created KOTA Longboards, a handcrafted skateboard designed after the surf boards in Hawaii. KOTA deck styles draw their names from historic military aircraft flown by the intrepid Knights of the Air. That’s where their name KOTA originates as well. You can learn more about KOTA Longboards at www.kotalongboards.com or on social media as "kotalongboards". Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter

Nick is a UH-60M U.S. Army aviator who joined the Army for the purpose of following his passion; to serve his country, live in the sky, and aid others. He shares his outlook on practices of stoicism in the workplace, approaching problems in new ways, and the journey of following ones passion. He joined Robert Gowin and Kat Kaelin on this episode. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Taylor Drescher is a 1LT in the U.S. Marines and is currently serving as the battalions Logistics Officer, Uniformed Victim Advocate Officer, Safety Officer, and Logistics Company Executive Officer for the 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion. While attending college at Univ. of Louisville, she was a competitive crossfit athlete and a UL cheerleader. Upon graduation from UL she attended the Marines TBS. She also volunteered to serve as one of the first 19 female Marine Officers to participate in Infantry Officer Course as part of the USMC’s female integration training. She serves as a coach and mentor to other women through Valkyrie Performance and is a great public speaker who offers seminars and workshops specifically targeted at women athletes. We talk about her passion of mentoring others, leadership, and how she developed her drive and commitment. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.t

Change is all around us and will continue to occur. How we adapt to the change is so important. We discuss steps to help you adapt to the changing environment - both on a macro level and micro level. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Scott Kinder served in differing roles on an Operational Detachment – Alpha (A-team) in the US Army Special Forces before transitioning to civil service and helping stand up the newly operationalized Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC).  This service spanned more than a decade at differing command levels of Special Operations Forces. He entered the U.S. Army in the 18X (Special Forces Candidate) program. Following his active service, he became an entrepreneur and an author. We talk about not only his career, but also about how success takes hard work. You can learn more about Scott at www.scottckinder.com. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

William Oatis is a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier (Green Beret) that in the Spring of 2012 began the VETERAN FIRE COOKING PROJECT, a one person mission to travel the world figuring out the best way to reintroduce Mankind to the dying Craft of cooking with fire. In all, he has traveled to six continents and roughly 70 countries researching how we’ve cooked for more than 200,000 years. The intent behind his 5-year journey was to provide us with the most comprehensive series of live-fire books written….ever. He has also designed high quality, purpose built tools so that we can safely entertain our family and friends in these primal ways. He talks to Robert Gowin and Mike Pritts about his journey from a SF soldier in Afghanistan to finding his passion of cooking over fire. You can learn more about The Asador books, tools, and company at www.asador.co Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.tw

Robert discusses some of the differences between a manager role and a leader role in both the military and in the private sector. From an enlisted member of the U.S. Army to an executive within a $60 Billion company, Robert shares his experience of the differences between these two roles. There are many overlapping characteristics and traits, but a leader begins to see things beyond that of the manager role. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Robert Gowin, Mike Pritts, and Kat Kaelin share personal experiences that became teachable moments in their lives. These teachable moments are meant to help us not fear failing and to understand that we should only focus on the things that we have control over and let go of those things that we don't have control over. Even though we plan, not everything will happen according to plan, and that's okay. Learn from your mistakes so that they aren't repeated. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

U.S. Army Captain Derick Carver was on a patrol in the Afghan desert when he hit an IED. The blast destroyed his left leg almost to the pelvis, and about 50 percent of his right thigh. Derick suffered a serious shrapnel wound to his left elbow, the index finger on his right hand had to be partially amputated, and the pinkie and index finger on his left hand were fused together. The Ranger-trained Carver was leading his outfit on a dismounted patrol to, ironically, clear IEDs from an area where U.S. troops were soon to open a school for 2,000 children. He hasn't let his disabilities slow him down. He has competed at the highest levels as a crossfit athlete. He talks to Robert Gowin and Mike Pritts about his sudden military transition, the effects of combat stress, PTSD in troops, and how medical marijuana should be discussed as an alternative to assist those suffering from loss of sleep and combat stress. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil I

Many organizations are not developing leaders at the rate at which they are needed. Developing leaders is paramount to organizational and mission success. Demographic trends are indicating that we will have a shortfall of leaders in the future and the demand for good leaders will continue to escalate. The team shares their stories about becoming leaders, developing other leaders, and how frequently each of them failed before understanding what it meant to be a leader. On this podcast is Robert Gowin, Rudy Lindsey, Kat Kaelin, and guest host, Scott Kinder. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

This is a revised version of a podcast from about a year ago. In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive marketplace, it is crucial for organizations to be flexible enough to change. This is true for the military and for the private sector. The military is in a constant state of change and their members learn to adapt easily. For the private sector, it's imperative to learn to adjust to change in order to remain profitable and up-to-speed. Scott Kinder and Mark McCowan join Robert Gowin and Mike Pritts to discuss the topic of adaptability and change within the military and the private sector. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Stuart Pearson went on a routine patrol to observe and possibly attack a Taliban checkpoint near Kajaki Dam in Helmand province. As his patrol carefully picked their way down a ravine, his friend, Cpl Stuart Hale, hopped across a river bed and then flew backwards after stepping on a mine. Stuart Pearson was the next victim after he stood on a mine as he went to his friend's aid. He looked down and all that was left of his lower leg was a shoe lace still attached. Another soldier, Andy Barlow, who subsequently won the George Medal for attending to the wounded, stood on a mine after reaching to grab a bottle of water that had been thrown to him. The NCO in charge, Cpl Wright, was severely wounded twice by shrapnel but he still continued looking after the men. Once rescued, Cpl Mark Wright died in the helicopter. A movie was made about the event - "Kilo Two Bravo" that is currently on Netflix. Stu Pearson joins Robert Gowin to talk about the events of that day, what he's been doing since separation from the mili

Bram Connolly left his Adelaide home at sixteen to work on a sheep station. He joined the Australian Army as a seventeen year old and rose through the ranks to retire from Special Forces as a Major in 2011. In a distinguished twenty-year career (over fifteen years in Special Forces) Bram was deployed to Somalia, East Timor (twice) and Afghanistan (twice). In 1997 Bram was selected on Australia’s first course for service as a commando. In 2002 he was selected on the first course run for domestic counter terrorism outside of the Special Air Service Regiment. He spent five years as an operator in the Tactical Assault Group and was the Officer in Charge of Selection for Special Forces before departing from service life. Bram was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for leadership in battle in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He is now a writer and stay-at-home dad to his two sons. He lives in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where his wife works as a human resources executive for a global company. Bram join

Damian is currently serving on active duty with the U.S. Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer (E7). He's served on multiple rotations to Afghanistan with most of his time in the Kandahar and Panjwai regions. At times, he has been attached in support of Army Special Forces ODA's and Navy SEAL platoons. He joins Robert Gowin and Mike Glover to talk about his training and time in service as well as the challenges of traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Bryce Mahoney joins Robert Gowin and Mike Glover on this podcast. We discuss the increase of special operations forces op tempo and the role they will play countering terrorism during the next administration. We discuss the transition of the SOF community (specifically Rangers and SF) and the difficulty some have assimilating into the private sector. There may be an opportunity to create a mentoring program outside of the SOF command to help counsel them before separation. Bryce is the new Director of The Darby Project and we discuss their programs. Mike shares information on the new non-profit he has created to support first responders. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Mylee Cardenas served in the U.S. Army as a civil affairs non-commissioned officer before volunteering to join the cultural support team (CST)initiative where she was assigned to the Special Forces in Afghanistan. While deployed, she noticed a lump on her breast, but ignored it so she could finish the eight-month tour. Mylee returned to the United States to find out that she had stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. She began chemotherapy and 35 rounds of radiation, before undergoing a bilateral mastectomy. She finished a marathon while on chemo. We discuss the many obstacles that she has overcame as well as why the CST program had difficulties with SOF soldiers. Mylee is now working on a documentary about the reasons so many are joining the fight in Afghanistan and what compels them. Follow Mentors for Military: SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Kinessa Johnson is a U.S. Army veteran. After separation from the military, she trained in weapons. She has always been passionate about saving the "big 5" animals from extinction in Africa. She talks about her previous trip to Tanzania and how that went terribly bad. She is currently preparing to revisit Africa with a different organization soon. We talk about her past, her military transition, how fitness has helped her in many ways, and her plans for the near future. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Aaron Williamson, works with actors, top athletes and other film personnel to help them achieve their fitness goals for films, competitive seasons or special events. Aaron is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran fueled by fitness & motivated by inspiring others! In 2000, Aaron was screened and selected for the Marine Corps World Famous Body Bearers where he spent nearly 4 years conducting funerals out of Arlington National Cemetery. In 2003, Aaron was screened and selected to become personal security for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), General Peter Pace. After his military service, he was offered a contractor position in Iraq assisting in the biometric operations mission; Aaron stayed in Iraq as a contractor contributing to the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) for 4 years. He talks about the importance of having a never quit attitude. Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.co

"Do No Harm" is a short-film about a combat medic attempting to hold onto humanity in an inhumane situation. This is a noble and beautiful thing. But war is not always that. Do No Harm is a story about decisiveness vs. compassion. We talk to Bethany Levy and Marielle Woods who are directing the film and hoping to bring greater awareness of this challenging military role. They are working with a non-profit so that all donations supporting this initiative are tax-deductible. You can support them at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/do-no-harm-film#/ Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com

Jason Carl Fox aka "Foxy" joined us. Foxy joined the Royal Marines at the age of 16 and after spending ten years with them, he joined the British Special Boat Service (Special Forces) and spent the next ten years on missions that took him across the globe. He separated from the military due to post traumatic stress (PTSD) in Apr 2012 and after working for a time in several positions, he and a friend found their passion to create a company at the same time Foxy received a call to join the crew at the new BBC television show "SAS: Who Dares Wins." We talk about all of this and his support of military with PTSD through a charity he cofounded (Rock 2 Recovery) as well as how was talked into crossing the Atlantic in a row boat! Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com