Zack Knight has spent his entire adult life serving — first as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer, then as a police officer, bodyguard, entrepreneur, and community leader. Today, he leads organizations dedicated to Veteran transition, storytelling, and personal development, including ATL Vets, Be a Tactical Leader, and Knightly Productions.

In this Veteran Led conversation, Zack shares how discipline, service, and self-awareness shaped his evolution from the military into entrepreneurship. He and John S. Berry discuss the importance of mentorship, the dangers of isolation in Veteran communities, and why purpose must be built deliberately — not discovered by accident.

Zack also explains how strategic storytelling helps leaders communicate clearly, build trust, and create meaningful change.

ATL Vets: https://atlvets.org/
Zack Knight Website: https://zackaknight.com/
Be a Tactical Leader: https://beatacticalleader.com/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zackaknight

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Chris Carlson has built a rare career spanning acting, law, public speaking, and Veteran entrepreneurship — and at the center of all of it is one skill: storytelling.

A lawyer, public speaker, and actor with more than 40 film credits, Chris now serves as a program coordinator for Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF), where he helps Veteran business owners scale, communicate more clearly, and influence with purpose.

In this episode, he and John S. Berry explore how stories shape human decision-making, why authenticity wins over complexity, and how leaders can “read the room” to connect more deeply with their teams. Chris also shares lessons from the courtroom, the movie set, and the CEO Circle — along with practical techniques professionals can use to become more compelling communicators.

Narrative Pros: https://narrativepros.com
IVMF: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu

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Chris Gonzalez never planned on becoming the president of a fast-growing consulting firm — but authenticity, discipline, and a relentless focus on impact took him there.

A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and President & Co-Founder of A-G Associates, Chris helps federal agencies and community organizations solve complex challenges through strategy, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement. In this conversation with John S. Berry, he shares what he’s learned about leadership, growth, and building a company that stays true to its values.

From avoiding the “we do everything” trap, to hiring for authenticity, to navigating rapid expansion, Chris explains how Veterans can bring structure, strategic thinking, and integrity into any industry. He also discusses the power of clean data, how to measure real effectiveness, and why leaders must empower their teams instead of hovering over them.

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