Project management is one of the most in-demand career fields in the world — and Veterans are uniquely prepared to succeed in it.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Matt Quick, Head of Military Affairs at the Project Management Institute (PMI), to break down why project management is a natural transition for Veterans and how certifications like the PMP can open doors across nearly every industry.

After 25 years of military service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, Matt now advocates full-time for helping Veterans translate their leadership, planning, and execution skills into civilian careers. He explains why PMI’s framework works, how Veterans can get trained and certified early, and why transparency, communication, and trust are the foundations of effective leadership.

This conversation is a practical guide for Veterans planning their next chapter — and for leaders who want to build teams that operate with clarity and accountability.

🎧 Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattquick

PMI Military Resources: https://www.pmi.org/military

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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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Alexa Bigwarfe turned personal tragedy and military discipline into a mission to help others share their stories.

An Air Force Veteran, author of more than 15 books, and founder of Write | Publish | Sell, Alexa helps Veterans, entrepreneurs, and women find healing and impact through writing. In this episode, she joins John S. Berry to discuss why storytelling matters, how writing can be a tool for purpose and recovery, and what every aspiring author should know before publishing.

From her time as an intel officer to building a thriving publishing business, Alexa shares candid lessons on leadership, resilience, and turning pain into progress. She also explains how writing connects Veterans to their voice — and why the world needs more of their stories.

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What does it mean to lead with both drive and compassion?

John S. Berry sits down with Cal Riley — U.S. Army Veteran, EOS Implementer, entrepreneur, and author of Entrepreneurial Compassion — to explore how empathy and accountability transform business culture. Cal shares lessons from combat and entrepreneurship, explaining why pairing vision with compassion builds stronger, more connected teams.

They discuss:
• How EOS helps leaders align people and purpose
• Why compassion is a force multiplier for performance
• How vulnerability builds trust and loyalty
• The importance of finding “right people, right seats”
• Why you don’t have to be sick to want to get better

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

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Guest Links:
• Website: calrileycultureteam.com
• EOS Profile: eosworldwide.com/cal-riley
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cal-riley-6482b376
• Instagram: @cultureteam_llc | @entrepreneurialoperatingsystem

Malaysia Harrell has lived both sides of healing — as a mental health provider and as a Veteran who nearly lost everything.

A U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service Veteran, Malaysia shares her journey from near-death experience to rediscovering purpose through Mind-Body Medicine, entrepreneurship, and faith. She opens up about medical adversity, invisible disabilities, and the importance of redefining identity beyond rank or title.

Now the CEO of Blissful Life Consulting and author of God Has My Six, Malaysia helps others connect the mind, body, and spirit to heal fully and lead authentically.

In this Veteran Led conversation, she and John S. Berry explore how Veterans can embrace new beginnings, find meaning beyond their career, and use their voice to guide others through the darkness.

Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

What separates good leaders from great ones?

Recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta, John S. Berry talks with Tim Huff, President & CEO of Turknett Leadership Group, about how humility, character, and integrity define true leadership. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Army officer and his career guiding executives, Tim shares what it means to lead with purpose—on and off the battlefield.

They explore how humility builds stronger teams, why vulnerability inspires trust, and how self-awareness helps leaders grow through challenge. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or your family, this conversation will remind you that the best leaders start with character.

If you or a Veteran you know need help filing a claim or appealing a VA disability decision, contact ptsdlawyers.com