From Battle to Business

Dean Van Dyke
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Dean Van Dyke, veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Pillars Group, as he takes you on an inspiring journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, struggles, and successes of veterans and entrepreneurs who’ve transformed their military precision into business innovation. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply seeking operational efficiency and personal growth, this podcast equips you with actionable insights, real-world stories, and the mindset needed to succeed in business and beyond. Subscribe and start turning challenges into stepping stones toward success today!

  1. JUN 24

    🎧 When the Uniform Comes Off but the Mission Continues

    Amanda Zeine, DO, FAAP, is no stranger to service, sacrifice, or starting over. After 15 years as a pediatrician and flight surgeon in the U.S. Army—and a traumatic brain injury that changed everything—Amanda’s mission took a creative turn. Now retired and thriving in a new chapter, she’s using storytelling to support the most overlooked heroes: military children. In this heartfelt and humorous episode of From Battle to Business, Amanda shares her journey from the clinic to the creative desk, her passion behind the Cul-de-Sac Kids series, and what military life has taught her about resilience, family, and identity beyond the uniform. Key Takeaways:What it’s like transitioning from Army pediatrician to full-time writerHow Amanda’s brain injury led to unexpected healing through storytellingWhy military children need more visibility and representationThe inspiration behind Cul-de-Sac KidsNavigating identity as both a military spouse and veteranThe challenges and opportunities in starting a second career after traumaCreative ways to give voice to underserved communitiesLetting humor and honesty guide your healing Quotes:“I decided to stop being angry about what I couldn’t do and focus on what I could.”“Military kids serve too—they don’t get to choose this life.”“My mission didn’t end with the Army. It just changed uniforms.”“Writing has been healing—it’s helped me rediscover who I am beyond my title.”Step-by-Step Transformation:Career Pivot Triggered by Injury – Amanda’s TBI ended her medical career but opened the door to authorship.Turning Pain Into Purpose – She wrote Hot Mess to Wellness to process her healing and connect with others.Championing Military Kids – Her new book series follows Chloe, a military child navigating the ups and downs of base life.Living the Dual Identity – As both a military spouse and former officer, she speaks to the complexity of post-service life.Purpose in the Pages – Amanda’s stories are tools for comfort, empowerment, and understanding for young readers. Resources Mentioned:Cul-de-Sac Kids – A chapter book series focused on military children, providing relatable and encouraging stories.Hot Mess to Wellness – Amanda’s debut book, chronicling her personal transformation after injury and retirement. Advice From Experience: When you lose your title, you find your truth. Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that service doesn’t end when the orders stop—it just finds new orders. Don’t wait for perfection to start. Whether it’s writing, business, or healing—start messy, start real. Connect with Dr. Amanda Zeine at https://www.alzeinebooks.com/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows, so please let me know

    41 min

  2. JUN 17

    🎙️ From Storytelling to Legacy: How Chance McClain Turned Personal Loss Into Purpose

    How do you capture the heart of a family legacy before it’s too late? In this powerful episode, Dean Van Dyke sits down with filmmaker, radio host, and Broadway writer Chance McClain—founder of Heritage Films. What started as a favor to a friend became a calling: to preserve the rich, untold stories of everyday heroes before time silences them. From documenting his stepfather’s battle with pancreatic cancer to filming WWII veterans, Chance reveals how storytelling isn’t just a career—it’s a responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered about your own family’s story or struggled with how to preserve it, this conversation is your sign to start. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The emotional moment that led to Heritage Films’ foundingWhy your “ordinary” story matters more than you thinkHow family interviews build generational connectionThe power of slowing down and listening with intentionHow legacy storytelling helps with grief and healingThe difference between preserving a moment and honoring a lifeStorytelling as a leadership toolThe behind-the-scenes of building a business rooted in meaning 🛠️ Step-by-Step (How Heritage Films Are Made): Conduct the first interview—capture life’s unscripted memories.Gather family photos, videos, and documents.Edit and craft a professional, cinematic story.Deliver a legacy film that the family treasures forever. 💬 Memorable Quotes: “There was no sign. We were drinking beer by the fire, and then—boom—stage 4 pancreatic cancer.”“It’s not about celebrity stories. It’s about PawPaw and how he built his life.”“These aren’t projects. These are family legacies.”🔗 Resources Mentioned: Heritage Films – Boutique documentary service creating custom legacy films for families. https://yourheritagefilm.com Connect with Chance McClain at https://yourheritagefilm.com/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows—so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

    41 min

  3. JUN 10

    🎙️ Elegance with a Mission: Jared Lilje’s Fight Against Human Trafficking through J.Christoph

    From 7,000+ hours in the cockpit to launching a mission-driven luxury brand, Jared Lilje isn’t just redefining fashion—he’s redefining impact. In this episode, we uncover how the former U.S. Air Force Special Ops pilot turned firsthand exposure to human trafficking into a bold business move. Now the founder of J.Christoph, Jared fuses handcrafted American-made handbags with a cause—directly funding rescue and rehabilitation efforts for survivors. This episode dives into veteran leadership, building a purpose-fueled brand, and why elegant products can—and should—carry deeper meaning. In this powerful episode of From Battle to Business, Dean sits down with Jared Lilje, a former U.S. Air Force Special Ops pilot turned purpose-driven entrepreneur. Jared shares how witnessing the horrors of human trafficking during global deployments compelled him to build something that would spark real change. That “something” became J.Christoph, a luxury handbag brand that’s more than just high-end design—it’s a conversation starter and funding engine for trafficking rescue efforts. This is not a story about fashion. It’s about precision, empathy, and transforming trauma into mission-aligned leadership. If you’ve ever wondered how to infuse purpose into your business or brand, this episode will show you what it looks like when every stitch has a story. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Your past experiences can forge your future mission.High-quality design can coexist with deep social impact.Purpose isn’t a feature—it’s a foundation.The best brands create conversations, not just products.Leadership forged in combat translates powerfully to business.Consumer choice is a weapon for good when aligned with mission.“Made in the USA” isn’t just a label—it’s a commitment to integrity.Trauma, when processed with intention, can become a launchpad. 💬 Favorite Quotes: “I didn’t want to create another product. I wanted to create purpose.”“Luxury is about more than leather—it’s about legacy.”“If we can build jets with precision, we can build handbags with purpose.”“These bags aren’t just accessories. They’re statements of solidarity.”🧰 Resources Mentioned: J.Christoph – https://jchristoph.com: A mission-driven luxury brand producing handcrafted handbags in the USA to fund anti-trafficking initiatives.Vetted Anti-Trafficking Orgs – Jared partners with trusted nonprofits to ensure each purchase directly contributes to rescue and recovery. 💡 Final Advice: When purpose is embedded in every detail—your products, your story, your partnerships—you don’t just build a brand. You build a legacy. Don’t wait for permission to do meaningful work. Start with what breaks your heart and build something that helps heal it. Connect with Jared Lilje at https://jchristoph.com Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews

    48 min

  4. JUN 3

    🎙️ “Yes, And…” isn’t just for improv. Chris Duprey reveals how it builds trust in business.

    In this powerful episode of From Battle to Business, Dean Van Dyke sits down with Chris Duprey—former infantry officer, sales strategist, and communication expert—to unpack what it truly takes to lead high-performing teams through better conversations. Chris shares the four pillars of Breakthrough Conversations, the traps leaders fall into with communication, and how AI is reshaping the future of leadership without replacing the human element. If you’re a business owner, team leader, or sales pro looking to drive growth through clarity and trust, this episode delivers real tactics you can apply today. Communication breakdown is one of the biggest silent killers in business, and Chris Duprey is here to fix that. A veteran of the 82nd Airborne, Chris has transformed battlefield leadership into boardroom breakthroughs with his Breakthrough Conversations framework. In this episode, he and Dean get honest about why most conversations fall flat, how to ask better questions, and how to lead your team without micromanaging them into submission. They also dive into how AI tools can enhance your conversations—but only if you know how to keep the humanity intact. You’ll walk away with leadership mindset shifts and a framework to get your people unstuck. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The four pillars of Breakthrough Conversations: Yes, And…, Vanguarding, Question First, and Law of ThreeWhy “telling” breaks trust, but asking builds itHow “law of three” helps prevent information overloadA quick tactic to shift from micromanaging to empoweringHow AI can amplify your message, but not replace human connectionCommunication mistakes sales leaders make without realizingChris’s personal transition from combat to coaching—and what he learned the hard wayWhy most leaders avoid silence, and why they shouldn’tTactical use of frameworks to have better 1-on-1sWhat it means to “trust the conversation to do the work" 🛠️ Step-by-Step Process: (Breakthrough Conversations Framework) Yes, And… – Build momentum by validating others before pivoting.Vanguarding – Name the tension or risk upfront to build trust.Question First – Stop defaulting to advice. Ask, don’t tell.Law of Three – Group ideas in threes to enhance clarity and retention. 💬 Notable Quotes: “When people feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to move.”“If you’re always filling the silence, you’re not letting the real conversation happen.” “We coach conversations. Because that’s what drives everything forward.” “AI should enhance human connection, not replace it.” “Your job as a leader isn’t to have the answers—it’s to unlock the thinking in your team.” 📚 Resources Mentioned: The Question First Group – Chris’s firm that trains leaders and teams on mastering Breakthrough Conversations.AI Tools – Discussed in the context of enhancing communication workflows, not replacing them. Connect with Chris Duprey at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cduprey/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com a href="https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    54 min

  5. MAY 27

    🎙️ Faith, Failure, and Forward Momentum: Ryan Reichert’s Journey from Combat to Calling

    In this episode of From Battle to Business, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Reichert shares his powerful transformation from military leadership to servant leadership guided by faith. With over two decades in the Army and four combat deployments, Ryan opens up about facing addiction, discovering purpose through pain, and answering God’s call to serve others. Now a business owner, motivational speaker, and author, Ryan reveals how rock bottom was the start of something greater. If you’re battling inner demons, searching for direction, or striving to lead with purpose, this episode will meet you where you are—and move you forward. What happens when a soldier’s battlefield becomes internal? Ryan Reichert’s story is not just about discipline, deployments, or rank—it’s about redemption. After 23 years in the U.S. Army and facing combat’s external pressures, Ryan returned home to face a deeper war: addiction, identity, and faith. This episode is a raw, honest conversation about recovery, reinvention, and what it means to truly lead—with humility, integrity, and obedience to God’s call. Dean and Ryan dive into the tension between structure and surrender, and how Ryan’s business and ministry work now stand on the same foundation: service. Whether you’re a veteran navigating life after the uniform or a leader seeking more clarity, Ryan’s journey is proof that your lowest point might just be your launchpad. Key Takeaways: Leadership without purpose eventually leads to burnout.Faith can become your greatest operational strategy.Recovery is not weakness—it’s real strength.God doesn’t waste pain—He uses it as preparation.Your identity isn’t your title; it’s your testimony. 3 Quotes from the Episode: “When I hit bottom, God didn’t just find me—He showed me what I was meant to become.”“You can’t lead others until you’ve learned to follow something greater than yourself.”“We think discipline is a military thing—but real discipline is waking up and choosing truth every single day.”Resources Mentioned: Our Protector Development: Ryan’s platform for coaching, speaking, and spiritual mentorship. My Advice: Don’t wait until your structure collapses to question your foundation. Ask now: Is the life I’m building rooted in truth, or in ego? Ryan’s story reminds us—when you surrender control, that’s when true transformation begins. Connect with Ryan Reichert at https://ourprotectordevelopment.com/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

    41 min

  6. MAY 20

    🎙 From Battle to Business: Clarity in Chaos with Schuyler Williamson

    How do you lead when everything around you is uncertain? In this episode, I sit down with Schuyler Williamson, a West Point grad, Bronze Star recipient, real estate mogul, and author of The Steady Leader. From combat deployments to building million-dollar real estate portfolios, Schuyler brings battle-tested leadership principles that cut through the noise and get results. He breaks down his frameworks for decision-making in chaos, building clarity into your team, and how “steady” beats “busy” every time. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or feeling the heat of uncertainty, this episode is a masterclass in staying mission-focused when everything feels like a firefight. 🔑 Key TakeawaysClarity is more powerful than control.“Busy” isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a lack of priorities.Real estate success is a byproduct of operational systems, not hustle.Systems create predictability and room to scale.You don’t need to do more—you need to lead better.Time management is energy management.The transition from military to entrepreneurship is about repurposing your discipline.Communication builds trust—and trust reduces friction. 📌 Quotes“People don’t lack motivation—they lack clarity.”“I was addicted to being busy, and it almost broke me.”“Combat is chaos. Business is just messy. The same leadership works in both.”“Real estate was never about homes—it was about building freedom.”“You can’t scale chaos. You scale through systems.”🧭 Leadership Process (The Steady Leader Framework)Clarity First – Define what matters most.Systems Before Speed – Don’t scale dysfunction.Energy Allocation – Put your best energy into your biggest levers.Team Buy-In – Everyone should know the “why.”Measurement with Margin – Track results, but leave room for grace. Connect with Schuyler at: https://www.schuylerwilliamson.com/the-steady-leader Connect with Dean Van Dyke at: https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows, so please let me know what you think and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

    44 min

  7. MAY 13

    🎙️ From Battlefield to Breakthrough: Marla Ballard on Leading With Grit & Grace

    What happens when life blindsides you, and the roadmap disappears? For Marla Ballard, that moment became a catalyst—not a collapse. She joined host Dean Van Dyke to unpack the raw truth about navigating trauma, building business through service, and rising stronger after life-altering events. From the frontlines of caregiving to boardroom leadership, Marla’s story is a masterclass in grit, gratitude, and radical reinvention. She shares how she embraced internal transformation, became a top global wellness producer, and now empowers others through the Unconquerable Me initiative. Whether you’re leading a company, a family, or just trying to lead yourself through the storm, this conversation will hit home. Key Takeaways: Trauma isn’t the end—it can be the beginning of reinvention.Leadership starts with owning your own growth, not just managing others.Building a brand from the inside out creates deep, authentic impact.The Unconquerable Me initiative is transforming how veterans and first responders reclaim purpose.True leadership is about lighting the path for others, not just walking it yourself. Notable Quotes: “I really see… a huge shift in the level of responsibility I’m willing to accept for my growth.”“When Chris was injured, I didn’t just hold the line—I built something new.”“We’re helping everyone become who they came here to be.”Step-by-Step Insights: Acceptance of Responsibility – Marla’s journey began by owning her personal and professional growth.Service Before Strategy – Prioritizing others’ healing became the foundation of her business model.Branding from Within – Internal alignment powered her external business success.Turning Pain Into Purpose – She used her family’s trauma as a springboard for societal change.Scaling Impact – Marla now leads a movement helping others do the same. Resources Mentioned: Yu 2 Shine – A global coaching company focused on heart-led leadership and holistic growth.Unconquerable Me – An initiative under You to Shine that empowers veterans and first responders to rebuild from the inside out. Marla’s Advice: If you’re stuck in survival mode, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start by owning just one part of your growth today. Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a daily choice to show up and serve with purpose. Connect with Marla Ballard at Yu 2 Shine  https://empower-me-academy.yu2shine.com/marla-ballard https://mygiftoffer.com/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/ https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/ If you enjoyed listening, please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows, so please let me know what you think and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

    56 min

  8. MAY 6

    🎙️ Think marketing is chaos? A former Marine shows how mission-focused strategy brings order—and results.

    From the Barracks to the Brand: How Marine Corps Tactics Drive Marketing Wins What happens when you blend battlefield leadership with branding? You get Jim Fuhs—President of Fuhsion Marketing and former Marine Corps Officer—breaking down how mission-driven strategies can transform small business marketing. In this episode of From Battle to Business, we unpack how military discipline and frameworks like SMEAC (Situation, Mission, Execution, Admin/Logistics, Command/Signal) can be applied to the chaos of digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Jim and I explore what it means to lead in a fast-paced, algorithm-driven world—and how veterans are uniquely equipped to thrive in it. From tactical live-streaming tips to the power of clarity in messaging, this episode is full of battle-tested insights for business owners who want to stop winging it and start winning it. Key TakeawaysThe Marine Corps SMEAC model is a secret weapon for clear marketing execution.Livestreaming is a powerful underused tool for business visibility.Simplicity in messaging beats cleverness every time.Military leadership transitions seamlessly into team accountability in business.Consistency > Perfection in online content creation. Top Quotes“Marketing is a mission—and your audience is your terrain.” – Jim Fuhs“You can’t just post and hope. You need a plan and a purpose.” – Dean Van Dyke“Livestreaming is your chance to be the face, the voice, and the brand—live.” – Jim FuhsStep-by-Step SMEAC Marketing BreakdownSituation – What’s the current state of your business online?Mission – What’s the desired outcome of your marketing?Execution – How are you going to reach that goal?Admin/Logistics – What tools, content, and support do you need?Command/Signal – Who’s responsible, and how is progress tracked? Resources MentionedThe Tim and Jim Show: A weekly live video show for marketing insights.#TwitterSmarter: A top Twitter chat for staying sharp on social strategy.Fuhsion Marketing: Jim’s business offering consulting, livestream production, and workshops. My advice? Treat your business operations like a mission. Assign roles, set timelines, clarify objectives. You don’t need to be fancy—you need to be clear and consistent. And if you’ve got a military background? You’re already five steps ahead. Just apply the same intensity and order to your business growth.Connect with Jim Fuhs at: https://fuhsionmarketing.com/ Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint https://www.deanvandyke.com Instagram Facebook If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

    35 min
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About

Join Dean Van Dyke, veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Pillars Group, as he takes you on an inspiring journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, struggles, and successes of veterans and entrepreneurs who’ve transformed their military precision into business innovation. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply seeking operational efficiency and personal growth, this podcast equips you with actionable insights, real-world stories, and the mindset needed to succeed in business and beyond. Subscribe and start turning challenges into stepping stones toward success today!

Information

  • Creator
    Dean Van Dyke
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Dean Van Dyke
  • Show Website
    From Battle to Business