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.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #InvestmentBanking #WallStreet #Technology #TechLeadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #Networking #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #Finance #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #BusinessLeadership #StartupLeadership #PrivateCapital #VeteranCommunity

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brooke Coburn, Co-Founder and Partner of Capitol Meridian Partners, to discuss his remarkable journey from growing up in rural upstate New York to spending 25 years at The Carlyle Group and ultimately launching his own private equity firm focused on the national security ecosystem.

Brooke shares how a single corporate finance class at Princeton sparked his interest in investing, why culture and mentorship shaped every major decision in his career, and what he learned helping build one of the world's most successful private equity firms during the industry's formative years.

The conversation explores the realities of building a career in private equity, the importance of finding the right people and culture, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive as operators in private equity-backed businesses.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Brooke's unconventional path from rural New York to Princeton and Wall Street
• How he discovered private equity before it became the industry it is today
• What made The Carlyle Group's culture different and why it mattered
• The importance of mentorship and finding leaders who invest in your growth
• Why culture is one of the most important career decisions you'll ever make
• How private equity firms think about talent, leadership, and building companies
• The difference between investment roles and operating roles in private equity
• Why veterans often excel as operators inside PE-backed companies
• The realities of breaking into private equity and alternative pathways into the industry
• How great companies scale and why leadership requirements change as organizations grow
• The lessons learned from helping build Carlyle into a global investment platform
• Why Brooke decided to leave a highly successful career to launch Capitol Meridian Partners
• The importance of betting on yourself and avoiding future regrets
• Why grit, resilience, and continuous learning matter more than having all the answers
• The role of people, culture, and leadership in creating investment success

Brooke also shares practical advice for young professionals and transitioning veterans, emphasizing that careers are rarely linear, mentorship is invaluable, and the right culture can accelerate both personal and professional growth.

Whether you're interested in private equity, considering entrepreneurship, exploring career transitions, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on investing, leadership, and building a meaningful career.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond.

#TheMilVetPodcast #TheMilVet #PrivateEquity #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Culture #Mentorship #PrivateEquityCareers #NationalSecurity #VeteranCareers #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerDevelopment #InvestmentManagement #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with leaders from the Alaska Adventure Project, a nonprofit based in Ketchikan, Alaska, that helps veterans reconnect through outdoor adventure, community, and shared experience. The conversation centers on how the organization supports healing and purpose for veterans through time in nature and small-group engagement.

Billy Boulton, the founder and president of Alaska Adventure Project, discusses his Marine Corps service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his transition out of the military after injury and PTSD-related struggles. He also describes how returning to Alaska and spending time commercial fishing and in the outdoors helped him rebuild a sense of purpose and inspired the creation of the nonprofit.

Darrin Isham, a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Petty Officer, talks about his role in helping build and lead the organization, drawing on decades of military and veteran-nonprofit experience. He emphasizes the value of veteran connection, structured peer support, and environments where veterans can open up safely.

Will Picquelle, who helps with outreach and fundraising for the organization, offers the civilian perspective on supporting veterans and building community around the mission. His involvement reflects the broader team effort behind Alaska Adventure Project and its focus on service, healing, and long-term connection.

The episode explores the realities of running a nonprofit organization, including fundraising, operational planning, community support, and balancing mission impact with sustainable growth. Beau and the team dive into the unique challenges veterans face after leaving military service, including isolation, loss of identity, and finding renewed purpose in civilian life.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The challenges of transitioning out of military service
• How nature and outdoor adventure can support healing and mental wellness
• The impact of PTSD, TBI, and veteran isolation after service
• Why community and camaraderie remain critical after the military
• How Alaska Adventure Project was founded and evolved over time
• The importance of veteran-focused nonprofit organizations
• Lessons learned building and operating a mission-driven nonprofit
• How military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship and nonprofit work
• Why small-group connection and alumni engagement matter for long-term support
• The role civilians can play in supporting the veteran community
• How shared experiences and storytelling help veterans reconnect and heal
• Why purpose, service, and belonging remain essential after the uniform comes off

Billy, Darren, and Will also share candid reflections on veteran suicide, the importance of maintaining lifelong connections, and the powerful transformation that can happen when veterans feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who understand their experiences.

Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, someone passionate about supporting the military community, or simply interested in stories of resilience, leadership, and healing, this episode offers an authentic and inspiring conversation about finding purpose after service and building community through shared experience.

🔗 Learn more about Alaska Adventure Project → Alaska Adventure Project
🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PTSD #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #Leadership #Nonprofit #OutdoorTherapy #AdventureTherapy #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #Healing #Community #Purpose #TheMilVetPodcast

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet