In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Tom Lynch, a Managing Partner at Iron Point Partners and former U.S. Navy JAG officer, about his path from military service into finance and private equity. Tom reflects on how his background shaped his leadership style, transition into investing, and career in real estate private equity.

Tom reflects on the influence of military service and Jesuit education in shaping his leadership philosophy, work ethic, and commitment to service. He discusses his unconventional path into finance - attending Dartmouth College and UVA Law, serving as a Navy criminal defense attorney, and later leveraging the GI Bill to earn a business degree while still on active duty. Tom offers candid insight into what it was like entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidate in his late twenties with a military background and young family.

Throughout the episode, Tom emphasizes the value veterans bring to the private sector, including leadership, adaptability, teamwork, discipline, and judgment under pressure. He encourages transitioning service members to embrace their unique backgrounds rather than viewing themselves as “behind” their civilian peers, reminding listeners that careers are long and that military experience can become a lifelong differentiator.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Transitioning from military service into investment banking and private equity
• How veterans can leverage networking and mentorship to enter finance
• Why military leadership experience is a major competitive advantage
• The realities of entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidate
• What family offices are and how they operate
• Lessons learned building and fundraising for private equity funds
• The evolution of real estate investing and digital infrastructure
• Why culture and teamwork matter in long-term career success
• How veterans can position themselves for leadership roles in business
• The importance of resilience, continuous learning, and long-term thinking

Tom also shares how service remains central to his life today through his involvement with organizations including Gonzaga College High School, the Washington Jesuit Academy, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which supports injured service members and their families navigating recovery and long-term care.

Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, exploring opportunities in private equity or finance, interested in entrepreneurship and investing, or simply looking for lessons on leadership and long-term career growth, this episode delivers practical advice and real-world perspective from someone who successfully navigated the path from military service to private equity leadership.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #PrivateEquity #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Finance #RealEstate #InvestmentBanking #Entrepreneurship #VeteranCareers #Networking #FamilyOffice #DigitalInfrastructure #DataCenters #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

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Giles Walger, Founder of OODAx, and United States Marine Corps veteran. Giles shares how his transition from the Marine Corps to Amazon’s Pathways program - and later to AWS Mission Engineering - equipped him with the tools, mindset, and network needed to thrive in the private sector and ultimately launch his own company.

Giles dives into how his experience solving complex warfighter problems at AWS shaped his entrepreneurial path, giving him a “real-world MBA” in product-market fit, customer discovery, and navigating the complexities of government acquisition. He explains how OODAx helps emerging defense tech companies bridge the gap between innovation and the Department of Defense by accelerating access, aligning with mission needs, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.

The conversation also unpacks the realities of transitioning out of the military, the importance of starting over with humility, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in high-impact industries like defense tech and venture-backed startups.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How military experience translates into success in corporate and startup environments
• The “three C’s” (care, conviction, competence) and why they matter in any career
• What makes Amazon and AWS valuable stepping stones for veterans entering tech
• How to navigate the defense tech ecosystem and avoid common pitfalls
• The concept of “product-mission-system fit” and why it’s critical for government sales
• Key questions to evaluate startups before joining them
• How to break into defense tech, venture capital, or private equity-backed companies
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and paying it forward

Giles also shares practical resources - including podcasts, books, and strategies - for veterans looking to break into defense tech, along with candid advice on choosing the right company and building a meaningful post-service career.

Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, considering entrepreneurship, or looking to enter the defense innovation space, this episode offers actionable insights and a clear roadmap for success.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#Veterans #DefenseTech #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #Leadership #Startups #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Networking #ServiceAfterService #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

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Patrick J. Murphy, Executive Director of Hilco Global, former Congressman, and United States Army Veteran. Patrick shares his remarkable journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Philadelphia to the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Iraq, and later serving in Congress where he helped shape landmark legislation like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He reflects on how his experiences in combat and public service fueled his desire to continue serving in new ways - eventually leading him into the private sector, venture capital, and his current role at Hilco Global.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of transition - from the uncertainty of leaving the military to the grind of running for office, and later, reinventing himself in business. Patrick shares candid insights on resilience, rejection, and the importance of staying mission-focused through every phase of life.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why “your network is your net worth” is more than just a phrase - it’s a career strategy
• How to embrace adversity (“embrace the suck”) and turn setbacks into momentum
• The skills veterans bring to leadership roles in government and business
• Lessons from serving in Congress and leading at the highest levels of the military
• How to successfully transition into private equity, venture capital, and the commercial sector
• The importance of communication and simplifying complex ideas
• Why continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for long-term success

Patrick also shares practical advice for veterans looking to break into new industries - emphasizing the power of mentorship, relationship-building, and taking initiative. His story is a testament to the idea that careers are rarely linear, and that purpose-driven leadership can evolve across multiple domains.

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, exploring public service, or looking to break into business and investing, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom, actionable advice, and inspiration from someone who has led on the battlefield, in Congress, and in the boardroom.

🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → themilvet.org

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

#TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #Leadership #CareerTransition #Networking #PublicService #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #ServiceAfterService

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