In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with longtime friend and financial services veteran Brian Stengel to discuss his extraordinary journey from growing up in a Marine Corps family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investment banker, and private equity investor in the technology sector.

Brian shares how being raised by a Marine Corps aviator shaped his perspective on leadership, adaptability, and embracing change. After graduating from the University of Virginia and earning his MBA in finance at the Wharton School, Brian built a 30-plus-year career on Wall Street, working with some of the world's leading investment banks before taking the leap into entrepreneurship and launching his own firms.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, navigating career setbacks, surviving market crashes, and leading through uncertainty. Brian also offers valuable insights into the world of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing, while sharing practical advice for veterans and professionals looking to transition into new industries or bet on themselves as entrepreneurs.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Growing up in a Marine Corps family and the lessons learned from military life
• How early influences shaped Brian's approach to leadership and business
• His journey from the University of Virginia to Wall Street and investment banking
• The decision to leave a successful career path and start his own company
• Lessons learned from entrepreneurship, failure, and resilience
• Navigating the dot-com boom, the 9/11 economic shock, and the financial crisis
• Building and advising high-growth technology companies and entrepreneurs
• The evolution of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing
• Why curiosity and continuous learning are critical in rapidly changing industries
• How networking creates opportunities and accelerates career transitions
• The importance of developing relationships and leveraging LinkedIn effectively
• Why veterans often possess the exact skills needed to succeed in finance and business
• The value of grit, perseverance, and embracing rejection as part of growth
• Practical advice for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a major career pivot
• Why your network truly becomes your net worth
• The importance of giving back, mentoring others, and building a legacy of service
• Finding purpose and fulfillment through lifelong learning and helping the next generation succeed

Brian also shares powerful lessons on navigating uncertainty, making difficult career decisions with incomplete information, and maintaining conviction in yourself during challenging times. Drawing from decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he offers candid advice on what it takes to build a meaningful career and why success is rarely a straight line.

Whether you're an active-duty service member preparing for transition, a veteran interested in private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship, or a professional seeking inspiration on leadership and resilience, this episode delivers actionable insights and timeless lessons on adaptability, networking, and betting on yourself.

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