In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Marine Corps veteran James Gonzalez to explore how robotics and AI are transforming surgery—and how military discipline helped shape his path into the medical device industry.

James shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Marines after 9/11 to discovering a passion for healthcare. What started as an interest in nursing evolved into a career in surgical technology and eventually into the fast-paced world of medical device innovation. Today, James works with Carl Storz, a global medical device company specializing in minimally invasive surgical instrumentation, digital integration, AI platforms, and robotic solutions for soft tissue surgery.

Listeners will get an inside look at how medical technology is changing operating rooms across the country. James explains how new tools are reducing procedure times, minimizing incision sizes, and improving patient outcomes. He also shares what sets his company apart in a competitive industry, including the advantages of being a private, family-owned organization with a long-term innovation vision.

Beyond technology, this episode dives into leadership, resilience, and career growth. James opens up about losing a job at a startup and how leaning on community, mentorship, and veteran networks helped him adapt and move forward. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and pouring into others as keys to long-term success.

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What happens when you take military discipline, leadership under pressure, and combine it with concierge-level healthcare? In this episode, Robert Kunkel shares how his Army background shaped the way he leads and builds hospitals that truly care for people.

Robert Kunkel, Director of Operations for Exceptional Healthcare, joins Tommy from Farmington, New Mexico, where he is preparing to open his company’s eighth micro-hospital. With a career that began in the infantry and transitioned into the Army Medical Service Corps, Robert has spent decades solving complex problems in high-pressure environments.

After retiring from the Army in 2013, Robert continued serving in healthcare leadership roles, including work with Indiana University Health and government healthcare services. Today, he helps lead the development and launch of 22,000-square-foot micro-hospitals that combine emergency services, inpatient care, radiology, lab, and pharmacy services under one roof.

One of the key differentiators for Exceptional Healthcare is its concierge care approach. Inspired by leadership training at Disney University, the company emphasizes treating patients like valued guests. From doing a patient’s laundry to feeding family members, Robert explains how small, thoughtful actions create a powerful experience in an industry where word-of-mouth matters.

Robert also shares his personal journey as the first in his family to earn an advanced degree and how overcoming self-doubt helped shape his leadership style. He discusses breaking the stigma around military leadership in the civilian workforce and how he now mentors others to pursue education and growth.

If you are in healthcare, leadership, or transitioning from the military to civilian life, this episode offers practical insights on discipline, adaptability, and serving people well.

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What does it take to turn military service into a 23-year leadership career in the pharmaceutical industry? In this episode, Marine Corps veteran Nicole Bennett shares how her time as a recruiter gave her the sales training, discipline, and leadership foundation that launched her into big pharma and beyond.

Nicole, who works for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, explains how her company stands apart as a niche biotech founded by two doctors who still lead the organization today. She shares insight into manufacturing and distributing a product that treats eight different medical conditions, and how being part of a smaller biotech company creates unique opportunities.

The conversation dives deep into the powerful transition from military life to corporate America. Nicole discusses how Marine Corps sales training helped her land a competitive pharmaceutical role over 250 other applicants. She also opens up about one of her biggest challenges—learning to adapt her direct Marine communication style to corporate leadership environments.

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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...