200 episodes

Zack started his leadership journey working in the metro-Atlanta area as a police officer and SWAT Operator. After seven years serving his local community, he transitioned to the role of an Infantry Leader in the U.S. Army and continued to serve during a combat deployment to Afghanistan and locally with the Georgia National Guard.

In between time away with the military, Zack has been able to build six businesses ranging from a security consulting firm, a domestic violence awareness non-profit, to an international dance competition he and his business partner grew to 140 countries in the first seven months of operation.

At the center of his journey, Zack is focused on two things, service and leadership. His podcast, Tactical Leadership, furthers this journey and his service, helping him and his audience learn and grow from leaders across the world.

The Tactical Leader Zack A. Knight

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 89 Ratings

Zack started his leadership journey working in the metro-Atlanta area as a police officer and SWAT Operator. After seven years serving his local community, he transitioned to the role of an Infantry Leader in the U.S. Army and continued to serve during a combat deployment to Afghanistan and locally with the Georgia National Guard.

In between time away with the military, Zack has been able to build six businesses ranging from a security consulting firm, a domestic violence awareness non-profit, to an international dance competition he and his business partner grew to 140 countries in the first seven months of operation.

At the center of his journey, Zack is focused on two things, service and leadership. His podcast, Tactical Leadership, furthers this journey and his service, helping him and his audience learn and grow from leaders across the world.

    Tactical Friday | How to Progress Your Career from Any Role

    Tactical Friday | How to Progress Your Career from Any Role

    How can you progress in your career from any role?
    In this Tactical Friday, Debbie Collard joins host Zack Knight to discuss tactics for leading from the middle ranks of an organization. She shares that no matter what position you hold, you can demonstrate leadership and intentionally progress in your career. Debbie outlines her 3-step process for taking control over your professional growth through earning your role, owning your work, and pursuing knowledge and skills to grow.

    [00:00-06:11] Leading from a middle rank
    Understanding that everybody is a leader to somebody.Earn, own, and grow in your current role.

    [06:12-08:47] Changing the entitlement mindset
    Treat your role as if you own that part of the business end-to-end.Recognizing that learning is a never-ending process. 

    [08:48-13:10] Invest in your professional development 
    Why is it necessary to invest in growing?The role of coaches in the development journey. 

    Key Quotes:

    "Everybody is a leader to somebody. You may not even know it, but if people are watching what you're doing and trying to follow in your footsteps, You're a leader." - Debbie Collard

    "Only you can earn the position, own the position, and you can control your growth in it." - Debbie Collard

    "Coaches exist in different niches to help you get better at something than you are today." - Debbie Collard

    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

    LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    • 13 min
    Mastering Leadership: From Military Operations to Corporate Strategies w/ Debbie Collard

    Mastering Leadership: From Military Operations to Corporate Strategies w/ Debbie Collard

    What leadership lessons from the military can be applied to corporate life?
    In episode 437, host Zack Knight sits down with Debbie Collard, a seasoned leader whose journey from the military to the boardroom offers insights into leadership, culture building, and self-development. Debbie shares her transformative leadership roles, the significance of self-mastery for effective leadership, and how her military experiences have shaped her approach in the corporate environment. Listen in as we explore Debbie's philosophy on leadership, her strategies for personal and professional growth, and her mission to elevate leadership standards globally.

    [00:00:00 - 00:08:14] Enlisting for Opportunity 
    How Debbie joined the Air Force. Adapting your role. Transitioning out of the military.

    [00:08:15 - 00:15:43] Advancing at Boeing
    Experience at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.Operational excellence and quality improvement.Learning how to take the best of each experience. 

    [00:15:44 - 00:21:40] Founding Seasons Leadership
    Creating a leadership program. Understanding holistic leadership.Sharing leadership lessons. 
    [00:21:41 - 00:27:06] Generational Gaps
    Being open to feedback. Adaptability as a tool for leadership.Learning how to ask for help. 

    [00:27:07 - 00:31:36] Striving for Excellence
    Legacy is to make leadership excellence a worldwide standardThe importance of taking initiative. 

    Key Quotes:
    "Being leader is about being open to feedback.." - Debbie Collard
    "Anything that we learn or experience in our lives goes with us from there on. And no one can take that away from us." - Debbie Collard

    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?
    LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

    • 31 min
    From Fallujah to the Big Screen: Sgt. Peralta's Legacy w/ Michael Barder

    From Fallujah to the Big Screen: Sgt. Peralta's Legacy w/ Michael Barder

    What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen?
    In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of courage and sacrifice, the controversy around his Medal of Honor nomination, and Michael’s mission to accurately capture his story on film.
    This episode is a deeper look at bravery, the complexities of military recognition, and the impact of Peralta's actions on his fellow Marines and the nation.
    [00:00:00 - 00:09:07] The Making of a Hero
    Michael Barder's journey into filmmakingIntroduction to Sgt. Rafael Peralta's storyThe significance of the Battle of Fallujah

    [00:09:08 - 00:13:24] Behind the Scenes 
    Challenges in bringing Peralta's story to the screenWorking with the military and Peralta's familyThe role of authenticity in military biopics

    [00:13:25 - 00:16:41] The Battle for Recognition 
    The controversy surrounding Peralta's Medal of Honor nominationPolitics in military awardsNaming a ship after Peralta

    [00:16:42 - 00:19:32] Legacy and Impact 
    The broader implications of Peralta's story on military and civilian perceptionsThe power of a story to inspire and provoke changeWhen the project is airing?How can you support this film?

    [00:19:33 - 00:33:54] Q&A Section  
    The process of film production and challenges facedCommunity and veteran support for the projectThe possible impact of the biopic on audiences

    Key quotes:

    “There was something about the story that grabbed me as I kind dug into it, and found more about it. Rafael Peralta is really a quintessential American story.” - Michael Barder

    “As a filmmaker, I love true stories.”- Michael Barder


    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

    LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

    • 33 min
    Go For Stupid w/ Steve Sims

    Go For Stupid w/ Steve Sims

    Zack Knight interviews entrepreneur and author Steve Sims about his new book "Go For Stupid" on achieving ridiculous goals. They discuss Steve's mindset of seeing opportunity during COVID, not seeking approval from others, the power of connections, upleveling your standards and environment, demanding more from relationships, and overcoming adversity.
    [00:00 - 09:16] Seizing Connections and Chances in the Pandemic
    Used downtime to deeply connect with more peopleAddressed core need for relationships and communityHundreds of new pandemic millionaires spotted opportunities

    [09:17 - 21:28] Elevating Standards and Environments
    Don't lower standards based on groups' expectationsSeek out challenging environments for growthChange peer groups by raising personal standard

    [21:29 - 34:15] Positioning Yourself and Demanding the Best
    Create desire and momentum to receive chancesPrepare to accept the opportunities that ariseTreat loved ones with your same high standardsWork through discomfort to improve relationships

    [34:16 - 47:25] Pursuing Huge Goals
    Dream stupidly big goals that make people laughIdolized figures failed toward grand ambitionsFailure leaves you vastly ahead in long run


    Key Quote:
    "We're paralyzed when people have the potential to laugh at us." - Steve Sims

    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join BATL or ATLVets and become part of the community.

    • 47 min
    Tactical Friday | Diagnosing Gaps & Prescribing Solutions

    Tactical Friday | Diagnosing Gaps & Prescribing Solutions

    Pat D'Amico joins us for Tactical Friday to dive into the tactics and strategies he uses for leadership development programs. He outlines his process of first diagnosing the organization's needs through surveys and interviews. Then Pat customizes a long-term plan focused on competencies like differentiating leadership vs. management. He facilitates sessions aimed at bringing value to attendees, no matter who shows up.
    [01:38 - 04:46] - Diagnosing Needs and Gaining Buy-In
    Starts with 1:1 interviews to diagnose leadership gapsMust get executive commitment to long-term developmentCreates a sense of ownership in the process

    [04:47 - 09:47] - Customizing Development Plans
    Builds programs based on prioritized competency gapsDifferentiates leadership vs. management trainingPlans sustained touchpoints like virtual sessions

    [09:48 - 13:31] - Importance of Masterful Facilitation
    Aims to bring value through camaraderie and engagementCan make poor content seem incredible through facilitationFocuses on those who show up to grow

    [13:32 - 17:51] - Overcoming Sabotaging Cultures
    Scarcity mindset prevents sharing employee successesOften tied to zero-tolerance vs. failure-positive culturesMust fix root leadership issues causing turnover

    Key Quote:
    "You could take exceptional content put in the hands of a mediocre facilitator and their opinion of the overall program is going to be mediocre." - Pat D’Amico

    Pat's Website: https://aboutfacedevelopment.com/

    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join BATL or ATLVets and become part of the community.

    • 17 min
    What's Up Wednesday | Toxic Leadership Cultures

    What's Up Wednesday | Toxic Leadership Cultures

    In this episode, Zack Knight reflects on his conversation with leadership consultant Pat D'Amico and previews their upcoming discussion on Friday. He shares a story about a former boss who, despite having anger issues, gave him valid feedback to smile more. Zack realized years later that self-development is a continual journey and you can learn from every leader. Pat helps teams "about face" through internal leadership development strategies.
    [00:00 - 03:29] - Recap of interview with Pat
    Pat D'Amico brings corporate leadership tactics from Army and 25 years in industryFocuses on organizational development and culture changeAbout Face Development helps teams shift direction

    [03:30 - 06:06] - Learning from Every Leader
    Story of boss with anger issues who gave valid feedback to smile moreRealized years later it aligned with Dale Carnegie's teachingsWe can learn something from even ineffective leaders

    [06:07 - 08:16] - Importance of Continual Development
    Poor leadership can unfortunately perpetuate toxic cultureNeed both personal and professional developmentAlways opportunities to enhance capabilities

    [08:17 - 09:51] - Helping Teams "About Face"
    Pat uses internal leadership strategies tailored to each clientFocuses on development from individual to organizational levelBuilds sustainable change through many tactics



    Key Quote:
    "I think we have to have a personal journey, a personal connection to really highlight where we need to develop personally and professionally.” - Zack Knight


    Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

    The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

    If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join BATL or ATLVets and become part of the community.

    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
89 Ratings

89 Ratings

Boerne1 ,

Leading with Heart and Inspiration

Zack inspires so many with his post-military success, but it’s his heart and humanity that make this podcast top notch. I’m proud to be a listener and supporter of Zach as he shares others’ stories of leadership and how they’re building the world for better in their industry. 10 out of 10 would recommend!

Kevin E Snow ,

Not Just Theory

Love listening to Zack because he dives into a topic and comes out with actionable items a business owner can do to help scale their business. Its not just a bunch of cool theory that will take you months to implement becasue you need to figure stuff out; you can actually take what you learned and start applying it immediately.

Jehudemus ,

The lighthouse we need

Thank you Zack for being the kind of lighthouse entrepreneurs need! Keep the bright light shining.

Top Podcasts In Business

The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
NerdWallet Personal Finance
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
Planet Money
NPR
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman