In this episode of Leadership Loading, Jason McClaren sits down with Michael Johnson, a former Marine turned business owner, to uncover his extraordinary journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Learn how a 9/11 calling led Michael to the Marines, why he walked away from a corporate career, and how he acquired a thriving printing business through strategic search.👥 Guest: Michael Johnson🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeptrading/

🚀 Topics Covered:Why Michael joined the Marines after 9/11The gritty realities of transitioning to civilian lifeHow waiting tables helped refine his leadershipDiscovering business acquisition as a growth pathThe truth about veteran hiring biases and skills fitBuilding and scaling a wide-format printing company👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more stories from veteran leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Army cavalry officer, Assistant Secretary of State, business executive, and author of The Strategy Dialogues. From serving on the Iron Curtain during the Cold War to helping CEOs unlock strategic thinking, Dr. Hillen shares his journey through military leadership, national policy, and corporate boardrooms.🔥 Key Takeaways:Lessons from serving with H.R. McMaster during Desert StormWhy only 4% of leaders naturally think strategicallyHow to communicate military experience in civilian interviewsThe essential leadership mindset shift from “doer” to “strategist”How emotional intelligence and ethics shape powerful leadership📘 Grab Dr. John Hillen’s book The Strategy Dialogues at https://amzn.to/44hpIr3👉 https://www.johnhillen.com🎙️ Connect with Dr. Hillen and explore more leadership tools:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhillen

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Ashton Young, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran turned wealth advisor and podcast host. Ashton shares his incredible journey from juggling fast food jobs to becoming a financial advisor helping families, entrepreneurs, and individuals achieve financial freedom.💡 Topics covered:Why Ashton almost joined the MarinesLife aboard a Coast Guard buoy tenderCompleting college at sea with American Public UniversityTransitioning from military to the corporate finance worldStarting the Pura Vida Wealth PodcastTips for new leaders and the power of listening📌 Connect with Ashton Young and explore his work:🎧 Pura Vida Wealth Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pura-vida-wealth/id1730255853📘 Learn about American Public University: https://www.apu.apus.edu/💼 Support GoHeroes: https://www.goheroes.org👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories and leadership insights!🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications!