Veteran Business Community Podcast

Peter Liston, Co-Founder - VBC
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  • 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. 1d ago

    E121 | Dan Exeter – ERA Group: Driving Commercial Success into Defence Industry. How a Lifetime of Corporate and Military Experience Gives Dan the Insights into Defence Industry Success.

    📊 Commercial strength is a capability too. E121 | Dan Exeter – ERA Group: Driving Commercial Success into Defence Industry. How a Lifetime of Corporate and Military Experience Gives Dan the Insights into Defence Industry Success. Dan Exeter is a British Army Afghanistan veteran and Fellow Chartered Accountant who deployed on Operation Herrick 7 with the Household Cavalry Regiment. After moving to Australia, he held senior finance roles across organisations including realestate.com.au, Jetstar Airways, Cleanaway, G4S, Healthscope and the Department of Defence before joining ERA Group. In this episode, Dan explores why technical capability alone is not enough to succeed in Defence industry. Businesses must also navigate long procurement cycles, compliance requirements and mounting overheads while remaining profitable, resilient and ready to invest in future capability. Drawing on his experience as both a reconnaissance soldier and finance leader, Dan explains why businesses must carefully examine where value is being created—and where it may be leaking away. A practical conversation about improving profit and cash flow, reducing management burden and building a commercially stronger Defence business. 🌐 Learn more:👉 eragroup.com  🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #DefenceIndustry #CommercialReadiness #BusinessProfitability #CashFlow #ERAGROUP #VeteranEntrepreneurship #StillServing

    E121 | Dan Exeter – ERA Group: Driving Commercial Success into Defence Industry. How a Lifetime of Corporate and Military Experience Gives Dan the Insights into Defence Industry Success.

  2. 3d ago

    E120 | Dr Sandra Gallagher – Eureka Learning Network: How VR and gamification are changing the way we learn

    🥽 Step inside the future of learning! E120 | Dr Sandra Gallagher – Eureka Learning Network: How VR and gamification are changing the way we learn Dr Sandra Gallagher is an Army Reserve veteran, educator and Founder of Eureka Learning Network and ELN Game Studio. After leaving school in Year 10, Sandra went on to build a career across TAFE, university, correctional education and learning design, eventually completing her doctorate. She is also the winner of the 2026 VBC Technology, Software and Innovation Award. In this episode, Sandra explains how virtual reality and gamification can make education more practical, interactive and engaging. Through TradyCraft, her virtual engineering workshop, students can practise workplace safety, use simulated tools and complete hands-on tasks in a safe environment where mistakes become part of the learning process. Sandra also discusses why learning should focus on practical application rather than simply reading textbooks or earning qualifications. A fascinating conversation about immersive training, building confidence through simulation and how technology is creating new ways for people to develop real-world skills. 🌐 Learn more:👉elngamestudio.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #EurekaLearningNetwork #VirtualReality #Gamification #ImmersiveLearning #EducationTechnology #Innovation #ArmyReserve #StillServing

    E120 | Dr Sandra Gallagher – Eureka Learning Network: How VR and gamification are changing the way we learn

  3. Aug 13

    E119 | Peter Liston – My Tribute to the Reserves: Why Your Service Matters and Your Business Is Important to VBC

    🫡 A tribute to Australia’s reservists S03E45 | Peter Liston – My Tribute to the Reserves: Why Your Service Matters and Your Business Is Important to VBC In Part 3 of Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem, VBC Co-Founder Peter Liston recognises the people who have served across the Army, Navy or Air Force in a reserve capacity. Whether you served briefly, never deployed or don’t identify strongly with the word “veteran”, your service still matters—and you are an important part of the Veteran Business Community. Pete explores the valuable combination of military service and civilian experience that reservists bring to business. From engineering and construction to finance, logistics, technology and professional services, reservists contribute skills and capabilities developed across both their military and civilian careers. Pete also speaks to current ADF members considering transition, sharing how Reserve service can help them maintain their connection, contribute to the nation and provide stability while establishing a business. Above all, this episode carries a clear message: if you served, you belong—and VBC is here to support your business journey. 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #ADFReserves #ArmyReserve #NavyReserve #AirForceReserve #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneurship #StillServing

    E119 | Peter Liston – My Tribute to the Reserves: Why Your Service Matters and Your Business Is Important to VBC

  4. Aug 9

    E118 | Lorne Thurgar – Loot Pay: Tired of paying high fees for electronic payments or need a new way to do POS on the run? Former Navy and Australian Federal copper Lorne explains how.

    💳 From the high seas to helping businesses get paid! S03E43 | Lorne Thurgar – Loot Pay: Tired of paying high fees for electronic payments or need a new way to do POS on the run? Former Navy and Australian Federal copper Lorne explains how. Lorne Thurgar joined the Royal Australian Navy at 16, serving as a meteorologist and navigator’s yeoman aboard HMAS Canberra and HMAS Success. He later spent almost 20 years with the Australian Federal Police, with roles and deployments spanning fraud, intelligence, undercover operations, Cyprus, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In this episode, Lorne shares how he moved into business and built Loot Pay, helping businesses manage electronic payments, EFTPOS, ATMs and point-of-sale solutions. He explains how mobile operators and tradies can turn a compatible phone into a payment terminal, send secure payment links and take deposits while meeting customers on the road. Lorne also discusses the fees hidden within electronic transactions, the importance of reliable support and how a simple payment health check can identify potential savings. A practical conversation for any business accepting electronic payments and looking to improve costs, cash flow and the way customers pay. 🌐 Learn more:👉 https://lootpay.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #LootPay #PaymentSolutions #EFTPOS #MobilePayments #CashFlow #RoyalAustralianNavy #StillServing

    E118 | Lorne Thurgar – Loot Pay: Tired of paying high fees for electronic payments or need a new way to do POS on the run? Former Navy and Australian Federal copper Lorne explains how.

  5. Aug 5

    E117 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 2: The Big Picture. Why Veteran Enterprise Matters – Peter Liston

    🇦🇺 Why veteran enterprise matters to Australia S03E43 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 2: The Big Picture. Why Veteran Enterprise Matters – Peter Liston In Part 2 of the series, VBC Co-Founder Peter Liston looks at the long history of veteran entrepreneurship in Australia and how skills developed through service have helped veterans build businesses, create jobs and contribute to the national economy. Pete explains why veteran enterprise is about more than Defence industry. Veteran-owned businesses operate across almost every sector, and their success can create further employment and opportunities for other veterans. He also discusses the need for veteran businesses to be recognised for their capability, quality and commercial value—not as recipients of a handout. The episode explores VBC’s work to increase demand through government and corporate procurement, verification and the Buy Veteran movement. Pete also shares VBC’s goal of creating $1 billion in recurring revenue opportunities for Australia’s veteran business community by 2029—and challenges veteran business owners to support the movement by buying from one another. 🌐 Find and support veteran-owned businesses:👉 https://business.veteranbc.com 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #VeteranEnterprise #BuyVeteran #VeteranOwned #Procurement #AustralianBusiness #StillServing

    E117 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 2: The Big Picture. Why Veteran Enterprise Matters – Peter Liston

  6. Aug 3

    E116 | Steve Baxter – TAK HACK 26 and Reveille 26: Two key events for investors and innovators run by Beaten Zone Venture Capital

    🚀 Where defence innovation meets investment! S03E42 | Steve Baxter – TAK HACK 26 and Reveille 26: Two key events for investors and innovators run by Beaten Zone Venture Capital Steve Baxter is an Australian Army veteran, entrepreneur, investor and the Founder of Beaten Zone Venture Capital—an early-stage investment firm supporting Australian companies building sovereign defence capability and helping them enter the US market. In this episode, Steve introduces two upcoming events designed to strengthen Australia’s defence innovation and investment ecosystem. 💡 TAK HACK 26 is a three-day hackathon bringing together technical specialists, operators and people interested in defence technology. Participants form teams, develop ideas and build practical solutions using the Tactical Awareness Kit platform. It’s an opportunity to collaborate, test ideas and meet potential future teammates. 📅 14–16 August 2026📍 The Precinct, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane 💰 Reveille 26 is a one-day conference created to help investors and capital allocators better understand the opportunities within Australia’s defence sector. It brings together Australian and international investors, successful defence businesses and industry leaders to explore how capital can support innovation, sovereign capability and commercial growth. 📅 9 September 2026📍 Sofitel Gold Coast Steve also shares insights into entering the US defence market, why Australian defence businesses remain underrepresented among investors, and the importance of combining commercial success with a genuine commitment to Australia’s national capability. A timely conversation for innovators, founders and investors looking to better understand Australia’s growing defence technology sector. 🌐 Learn more:👉 https://beatenzone.vc👉 https://reveille2026.com 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #BeatenZoneVC #TACHack26 #Reveille26 #DefenceInnovation #DefenceIndustry #VentureCapital #SovereignCapability #AustralianInnovation

    E116 | Steve Baxter – TAK HACK 26 and Reveille 26: Two key events for investors and innovators run by Beaten Zone Venture Capital

  7. Aug 2

    E115 | Luke Irwin – Aegis Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity and maximising your media profile—how to get it right.

    🔐 From the engine room to the boardroom! S03E41 | Luke Irwin – Aegis Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity and maximising your media profile—how to get it right. Luke Irwin is a Royal Australian Navy veteran and the Founder and Principal Consultant of Aegis Cybersecurity, bringing more than 25 years of experience across technology, cybersecurity, governance and operational resilience. Luke spent seven years in the Navy, initially serving as a Marine Technician aboard HMAS Sydney. His service included deployments to Timor in 1999 and the Persian Gulf in 2001, before moving into an IT-focused role supporting the Navy’s warship maintenance database platform. In this episode, Luke shares how his military experience shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving and staying calm during a crisis. He also explores how businesses can make cybersecurity a practical commercial priority, while discussing the value of building a strong and credible media profile. Luke also reflects honestly on his transition into civilian workplaces—from learning a completely different style of communication to applying military discipline without expecting everyone else to think like a sailor. A practical conversation about cybersecurity, leadership, communication and turning service experience into a successful business beyond Defence. 🌐 Learn more:👉 https://www.aegiscyber.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #Cybersecurity #AegisCybersecurity #BusinessResilience #RiskManagement #Leadership #RoyalAustralianNavy #StillServing

    E115 | Luke Irwin – Aegis Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity and maximising your media profile—how to get it right.

  8. Jul 29

    E114 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 1: Pete Liston’s Why

    🎙️ This time, Pete’s on the other side of the mic. S03E40 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 1: Pete Liston’s Why After more than 115 episodes featuring guest speakers, VBC Co-Founder Pete Liston takes the microphone solo for the first episode in a new series exploring VBC’s strategy—and why building a strong veteran business ecosystem matters. Pete shares his honest journey from growing up in Katoomba and joining the Australian Army at 30, through to transitioning from service and finding his way into business. He reflects on the ventures that succeeded, the ones that didn’t, and the lessons that ultimately shaped the Veteran Business Community. At the heart of Pete’s story is a clear belief: veterans deserve the opportunity to take control of their future, build successful businesses and create lasting wealth. With the skills and experience gained through service, veterans are well placed to become exceptional business owners—but Australia needs the right ecosystem to help them succeed. That ecosystem didn’t exist, so Pete and the VBC team are setting out to build it. This is Part 1 of the journey, with Pete sharing the experiences behind his commitment to veteran enterprise and what drives VBC’s work today. 🌐 Join the VBC Community:👉 https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneurship #BusinessEcosystem #MilitaryTransition #AustralianVeterans #StillServing

    E114 | Building Australia’s Veteran Business Ecosystem – Part 1: Pete Liston’s Why
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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.

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