In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Thomas Higginbotham, Founder and CEO of Kestrel and United States Air Force Veteran. Thomas shares how growing up in a multi-generational Air Force family, serving as a fighter pilot, and later working through a grueling flight training experience shaped his resilience and mission-driven mindset.

The conversation follows his journey from active duty to Stanford, then into roles at Google X and C3 AI, where he developed deep expertise in AI, enterprise systems, and defense technology. Thomas explains how he identified a scalable opportunity in defense software and ultimately founded Kestrel, while reflecting on the realities of becoming a founder, learning to sell, building conviction, navigating investor skepticism, and committing fully to a vision before the market fully existed.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military experience can translate into startup leadership and technical innovation
• The importance of grit and resilience built through real-world adversity
• Why sensor orchestration is becoming a critical capability in modern defense systems
• How Stanford, Google X, and C3 AI shaped a founder’s mindset
• Lessons in enterprise sales, product-market fit, and government procurement
• Why conviction is essential when building a company before the market fully exists
• The role of culture fit in career transitions from military to civilian life
• How to think about “selling” as a core professional and leadership skill
• What it takes to leave a stable career and commit fully to a startup

Thomas also shares candid advice for aspiring founders, especially veterans, emphasizing the importance of conviction, preparation, and understanding the increasing competitiveness of the defense tech landscape.

Whether you're a veteran exploring entrepreneurship, a technologist interested in defense innovation, or someone navigating a major career transition, this episode delivers grounded insights on building, betting on yourself, and staying committed when the path forward is uncertain.

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