Veteran Business Community Podcast

Peter Liston, Co-Founder - VBC
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

There are many lessons business can learn from the military and your host Pete Liston is going to share exactly what he learnt in the Australian Army that has allowed him to create and build multiple 7 figure businesses. Pete will be joined by guests who have also transitioned from military to entrepreneurship and are keen to share their stories.

  1. S03E15 | VBC Advisory - The launch is here. VBC takes community support to the next level with our business coaching and advisory service. Listen to the chat with Ed Plant and Pete Liston

    1H AGO

    S03E15 | VBC Advisory - The launch is here. VBC takes community support to the next level with our business coaching and advisory service. Listen to the chat with Ed Plant and Pete Liston

    Fresh Drop! S03E15 | VBC Advisory - The launch is here. VBC takes community support to the next level with our business coaching and advisory service. Listen to the chat with Ed Plant and Pete Liston In this episode, Peter Liston sits down with business coach and Army veteran Ed Plant to introduce VBC Advisory — a new initiative designed to help veteran business owners grow stronger, more sustainable businesses. As co-founder of The Business League, Ed has spent more than 15 years helping service-based businesses focus on what actually drives growth. From fixing unclear strategy and inconsistent delivery to building systems that support teams and profit, Ed shares practical insights on scaling a business without burning out. Together, Peter and Ed unpack why accountability, clear strategy, and strong systems are essential for veteran entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level. 🌐 Learn more about The Business League: thebusinessleague.com.au 🌐 Sign up for the VBC Advisory now! 📅 Join a VBC Info Session: https://calendly.com/peter-veteranbc/veteran-business-information-session 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community  #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Systems #ScalingBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneurs

    37 min
  2. S03E14 | From Denmark to the Marine Corps to Principal of Merg Architect Agency: A Global Journey

    4D AGO

    S03E14 | From Denmark to the Marine Corps to Principal of Merg Architect Agency: A Global Journey

    Fresh Drop! S03E14 | From Denmark to the Marine Corps to Principal of Merg Architect Agency: A Global Journey  Christian Thuesen’s journey spans continents, careers, and industries. From growing up in Europe and the U.S., to serving as a U.S. Marine Corps engineer, Christian pivoted into architecture in Germany and Australia, leading major infrastructure projects like Sydney Light Rail and Sydney Metro. In 2025, he co-founded MERG, a design and construction company built on collaboration, respect for trades, and practical problem-solving. In this episode, Christian shares lessons from his military service and architectural career, including how humility, curiosity, and honest communication with teams create the best outcomes. He also dives into what it takes to transition skills across industries, the importance of building businesses with strong partnerships, and how lived experience shapes leadership and design. If you want to learn more about MERG and their work, check out Christian’s capability statement below. 🌐 Learn more: merg.au  📄 MERG Capability Statement: https://hubs.ly/Q045P-h20  🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community  #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #Leadership #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #Architecture #Infrastructure #MERG #HighPerformanceTeams

    1 hr
  3. S03E13 | Nick Swifte from Swifty Media - Does your business have a place advertising in mass media? How the digital revolution is creating more access for businesses advertising in media

    MAR 1

    S03E13 | Nick Swifte from Swifty Media - Does your business have a place advertising in mass media? How the digital revolution is creating more access for businesses advertising in media

    S03E13 | Nick Swifte from Swifty Media - Does your business have a place advertising in mass media? How the digital revolution is creating more access for businesses advertising in media Nick Swifte is an advertising, marketing and media professional with more than 25 years’ experience, including senior leadership roles overseeing State and Federal Government behaviour change campaigns. From negotiating national media agreements and managing teams of 60+ people, to securing “Outstanding” Federal Government rate outcomes, Nick has operated at the highest levels of media strategy, investment and procurement. Today, as Founder of Swifty Media, he helps organisations — including RSL Victoria, Crime Stoppers and Starbucks Australia — navigate the modern media landscape with smarter, more accessible advertising solutions. In this episode, Nick breaks down whether mass media still has a place for growing businesses — and how the digital revolution has actually lowered the barrier to entry. He unpacks the myths around TV, radio and large-scale campaigns, explains how strategic media planning drives behaviour change, and shares practical insights for business owners considering stepping beyond social media into broader, high-impact channels. 🌐 Learn more: swiftymedia.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #MediaStrategy #MassMedia #DigitalAdvertising #VeteranNetwork #BusinessGrowth #MarketingLeadership

    1h 8m
  4. S03E12 | Miriam Kent - Gallipoli Medical research - What is it, what do they do and why is it important.

    FEB 18

    S03E12 | Miriam Kent - Gallipoli Medical research - What is it, what do they do and why is it important.

    Fresh drop! S03E12 | Miriam Kent - Gallipoli Medical research - What is it, what do they do and why is it important. Miriam Kent is the CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research, a not-for-profit advancing veteran health and wellbeing through world-class research. With a career spanning senior leadership roles in both Australia and the UK — including Brisbane City Council, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency — Miriam brings deep experience in strategy, operations, and delivering meaningful impact at scale. In this episode, Miriam shares insights from a 2025 Boss X International visit to the Australian Army’s Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia. She reflects on the physical and mental demands Reservists face daily, and how these skills translate into civilian workplaces. From experiencing the weight of military gear firsthand to understanding the resilience built in service, she explores how recognising everyday military commitment can shape support for veterans in business and beyond. 🌐 Learn more: https://gallipoliresearch.org.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community  #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #VeteranHealth #MedicalResearch #VeteranWellbeing #Leadership #ADF #Reservists #MilitaryToCivilian

    42 min
  5. S03E11 | The most important pod to date - Michelle Creevey - why veteran procurement matters to Australia

    FEB 14

    S03E11 | The most important pod to date - Michelle Creevey - why veteran procurement matters to Australia

    New Episode Drop! S03E11 | The most important pod to date - Michelle Creevey - why veteran procurement matters to Australia Michelle Creevey is a supply chain and procurement leader with nearly two decades of experience delivering high-value outcomes across complex and highly regulated industries. As Founder of Purpose Procurement, she helps organisations in defence, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technology design human-centric procurement strategies that strengthen supply chains, boost sovereign capability, and create measurable social and economic impact. In this episode, Michelle shares insights from her career at Boeing Defence Australia — including architecting the award-winning social procurement strategy that grew Indigenous business spend from $3,945 to over $98 million. She explores how human-centred procurement, inclusive sourcing, and strong supplier relationships can turn intent into action, while also reflecting on her family’s proud military heritage and the values that underpin her leadership. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.purposeprocurement.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #SocialProcurement #SupplyChain #DefenceIndustry #InclusiveSourcing #SovereignCapability #Leadership #Impact

    58 min
  6. S03E10 | Aaron Drew - Imperium engineering - How to harness Absolute Power. From firing Harpoon missiles on Australian frigates to leading a world class electrical engineering company fusing design, construction and software.

    FEB 11

    S03E10 | Aaron Drew - Imperium engineering - How to harness Absolute Power. From firing Harpoon missiles on Australian frigates to leading a world class electrical engineering company fusing design, construction and software.

    New Episode drop! S03E10 | Aaron Drew - Imperium engineering  - How to harness Absolute Power.  From firing Harpoon missiles on Australian frigates to leading a world class electrical engineering company fusing design, construction and software.  Aaron Drew joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1991 as a 17-year-old apprentice, serving 16 years across WA-based ships as a Missile and Gun Fire Control operator and maintainer. Spending more than 11 years at sea, including deployments to Iraq, Aaron built his career in high-risk, high-reliability environments where precision and accountability mattered. After transitioning out of the Navy, Aaron studied Electrical Engineering before moving into the mining, oil & gas, and power sectors. He has since founded and operated multiple engineering businesses, culminating in Imperium Engineering and the development of Total-Ex, a world-leading software platform improving safety, compliance, and operational performance in hazardous industries. Proud father of two, husband, and dog-dad to two American Staffies, Aaron brings a veteran’s discipline into modern engineering and technology leadership. 🌐 Learn more: https://imperiumeng.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #VeteranFounder #EngineeringLeadership #DefenceToIndustry #Mining #OilAndGas #SafetySystems

    1h 9m
  7. S03E09 | Marcus Nyholm from Live Financial planning - Your finances are an ecosystem. Why your financial advisor needs to be one of your inner circle.

    FEB 8

    S03E09 | Marcus Nyholm from Live Financial planning - Your finances are an ecosystem. Why your financial advisor needs to be one of your inner circle.

    Fresh Pod Drop! S03E09 | Marcus Nyholm from Live Financial planning - Your finances are an ecosystem. Why your financial advisor needs to be one of your inner circle. Marcus Nyholm is a financial adviser and founder of Live Financial Planning, a practice built around clear, practical advice without unnecessary complexity. He began his career in financial services in his early 20s, completing his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification before joining Victoria Police in 2006. Alongside his policing career, Marcus served in the Australian Army Reserve and later spent 14 years with the 1st Commando Regiment, including operational deployments to Timor-Leste and Afghanistan. In this episode, Marcus shares why his philosophy is that “freedom is the new rich” and how smart financial planning creates options, not restrictions. He unpacks the unique financial complexity veterans and emergency services members face — from DVA and military super to business ownership — and explains how simplifying decisions, aligning assets, and planning with intent can create long-term security and genuine freedom. 🌐 Learn more: https://livefinancialplanning.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #FinancialFreedom #VeteranFinance #EmergencyServices #BusinessOwners #FreedomIsTheNewRich

    54 min
  8. S03E08 | Clint Rahe - peak performances doesn't just apply to elite athletes and teams - it's there for all of us. Tune in to get some basic hacks from an expert on how to deliver at your best

    FEB 4

    S03E08 | Clint Rahe - peak performances doesn't just apply to elite athletes and teams - it's there for all of us. Tune in to get some basic hacks from an expert on how to deliver at your best

    🎙 New Episode Drop! S03E08 | Clint Rahe - peak performances doesn't just apply to elite athletes and teams - it's there for all of us. Tune in to get some basic hacks from an expert on how to deliver at your best Clint Rahe is a former Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructor with 12 years’ service, working with fast-jet pilots, frontline squadrons, and special operations teams. After military service, he supported elite professional sports teams, including Premier League football clubs, Super League rugby teams, and national-level athletes. Today, as founder of The Performance Edge and author of The Cognitive Athlete, Clint translates military and elite performance, resilience, and recovery principles into practical tools for sustainable success without burnout. Clint highlights a key insight for veterans: many underestimate how transferable their skills really are. Decision-making under pressure, leadership without authority, adaptability, resilience, and recovery are learned through experience, not classrooms. Sharing our stories and translating these skills into civilian language doesn’t just help others—it builds businesses, creates impact, and shortens learning curves for the next generation. 🌐 Learn more: theperformanceedge.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness  #Resilience #Leadership #Performance #EliteAthlete #TransitionSkills #TheCognitiveAthlete #VeteranEntrepreneur

    1h 2m
See All (89)

About

There are many lessons business can learn from the military and your host Pete Liston is going to share exactly what he learnt in the Australian Army that has allowed him to create and build multiple 7 figure businesses. Pete will be joined by guests who have also transitioned from military to entrepreneurship and are keen to share their stories.

Information