The Tactical Leader Zack A. Knight

In this episode, Zach Knight interviews Valerie Lavin, founder of Luminary Global, about supporting veteran entrepreneurship in Tampa, FL. They discuss Valerie's background serving over 20 years in the Army, her transition into entrepreneurship and non-profit work after retiring, and the mission behind Action Zone to provide resources, education, and a community for veterans exploring business ownership. Valerie highlights the power of entrepreneurs and small businesses to drive economic growth and social progress. She shares advice for transitioning veterans on finding their niche and remaining agile as entrepreneurs.
[00:00 - 13:20] - Valerie's Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship
Retired Army First Sergeant after 20+ years of serviceTransitioned to Tampa and fell in love with the cityDidn't connect much with local veteran community while active duty
[13:20 - 26:00] - Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Business
Veterans founding companies can have positive economic impactsEntrepreneurs and small business critical for America's successVeterans have inherent skills for business ownership
[26:00 - 39:20] - The Mission and Legacy of Action Zone
Goal is to guide veterans interested in exploring entrepreneurshipEntrepreneurs need a supportive community to learn and thriveLaunching online platform connecting mentors and subject matter experts
[39:20 - 47:34] - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Asks room for introductions, connections, and spreading the wordEncourages networking with Valerie and exchanging informationChallenges audience to take action in supporting veteran entrepreneurs

Key Quote:
"It is the entrepreneur that will continue to make this country great." - Valerie Ellis Lavin

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Tactical Leadership is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting  https://knightprotectionllc.com/

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

This episode focuses on tactics to enhance intimacy and connection in relationships by integrating your partner into your morning routine. Zach and Taylor discuss the importance of including intimacy and affection in busy morning routines. They share examples of how they make time for each other first thing in the morning, even when getting ready for busy days. The key is being willing to interject yourself into your partner's routine playfully and accept attention when your partner does the same.

[00:00 – 8:23] - Maintaining Intimacy in a Busy Routine
Waking up together sets the tone for intimacyPhysical touch like a kiss or hug shows affectionVerbal affirmations reinforce your bondScheduling couple time prevents neglect
[08:23 – 13:38] - Injecting Playfulness into the Routine
Be willing to lovingly disrupt your partner’s routineAccept your partner’s bid for attentionSurprise affection can make mundane tasks more funTeasing and banter lightens the mood
[13:38 – 20:20] - Balancing Your Needs
Learn to initiate and receive spontaneous intimacyDon’t give up if your partner seems distractedPersist playfully if you meet initial rejectionYour partner will likely reciprocate affection
[20:20 – 23:36] - Closing Thoughts
Make time for physical and emotional intimacyIntegrate your partner into your morning ritualBe open, playful and persistent with showing love

Key Quote:

"Be playful with your partner." - Taylor Merritt

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.

Tactical Leadership is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting  https://knightprotectionllc.com/

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

"Alphas respect alphas. Somebody that is the CEO or C suite is gonna respect a hard charger because they see themselves in that person as a hard charger." - Zack Knight
Get ready to level up your resilience and self-belief as hosts Zack Knight and Taylor Merritt have a no-holds barred conversation on dealing with criticism. They reflect on feedback they've received from a recent viral video that rubbed some viewers the wrong way. They explore overcoming the fear of rejection, accepting worst-case scenarios, and summoning the courage to put yourself out there time and again.
Drawing from their own experiences, Zack and Taylor share hard-won wisdom on building confidence, reaching out to mentors, and maintaining laser focus on your goals. With plenty of lighthearted banter mixed in, they inspire us to believe in our own voice and abilities even when others try to dim our shine. 
[00:00 - 06:28] - Reflecting on Feedback
Zack and Taylor discuss feedback received on their "moving the car seat" videoThey compare it to the double standard of leaving the toilet seat upZack argues fear of rejection inhibits people more than fear of regret
[06:29 - 20:43] - Dealing with Negative Feedback
Unexpected negative feedback can feel like a public assaultBuilding inner resilience takes timeSeeking mentorship can provide perspective
[20:44 - 28:12] - Overcoming Rejection
Accepting worst-case scenarios can empower action despite fearDon't take rejection personally, keep working towards goals
[28:13 - 46:14] - Having the Courage to Act
Introducing yourself to influential people shows initiativePicturing and accepting worst-case scenarios allows action despite fear
[46:15 - 50:49] - Asking for Guidance
Don't be afraid to ask mentors for guidanceOvercome rejection with team support

Key Quote:
“Who cares? Go freaking do your job, get it done. Feel good about yourself. Move on. You know, your value, you know your worth.” - Taylor Merritt

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.

Tactical Leadership is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting  https://knightprotectionllc.com/

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

"Batman's beauty is that he is a regular person without superpowers, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done." - S.A Grant
In this episode, host K.C. Sullivan discusses the power of assessments for personal and professional growth with guest S.A. Grant, a brand and growth strategist. From using the “superhero question” to identify someone’s abilities to optimization on websites, S.A. provides savvy insights on implementing assessments for personal growth and business success.
You’ll be captivated hearing S.A.’s incredible story of surviving a stroke in 2018 that led him to start his podcast “Boss Uncaged.” 


[00:00 - 03:19] - Explaining The Need For Assessments
S.A. explains assessments allow you to see where you fit in the "game" and then modify, change and adapt.He discusses using the "superhero question" to quickly identify someone's characteristics and abilities.S.A. shares how to build a balanced team using complimentary personality types

[03:20 - 08:05] - Using Assessments to Identify Abilities 
K.C. asks how S.A. uses assessments to identify team members' abilities when building an organization.K.C. discusses using assessments to pinpoint areas for confidence improvement with clients.S.A. emphasizes assessments are used in all aspects of life, from buying a house to getting into college.

[08:06 - 19:31] - Relationships Using Assessments
S.A. shares how opposites attract and complement each other in relationships and business partnerships.K.C. gives examples of using assessments to help clients improve specific areas of confidence related to their goals.S.A. suggests involving a professional third party to give assessments for things like parent-teen relationships.

[19:32 - 27:57] - S.A.'s Podcast Journey Inspired by Surviving a Stroke
S.A. tells the powerful story of how he survived a stroke in 2018 that inspired his podcast journey.He explains the meaning behind the Boss Uncaged logo and brand name.S.A. shares about his podcast, The Boss Uncaged, and his unique in-depth interview style.

[27:58 - 42:31] - Key Takeaways on Using Assessments Strategically
S.A. emphasizes that every company website should use data collection and lead generation.K.C. concludes with key takeaways about utilizing assessments strategically.Assessments provide critical data to set strategic goals when used properly.

Key Quote:
"If I go to your website, and  I can't give you my email address, or I can't make a purchase in two clicks or less, you f****d up." - S.A. Grant

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.

Tactical Leadership is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting  https://knightprotectionllc.com/

If you want to learn how to build a better business, check out my website at Beatacticalleader.com. You can connect with us ona...

"Fashion is the only venue that we have that is sort of resilient to … these other types of agendas that orbit around us in society ... you can do anything and you can do everything and you can be exactly who you want." - Frederick Taylor 
In this episode of the Tactical Leader Podcast, host KC Sullivan has an engaging conversation with Emmy award winning filmmaker Frederick Taylor about how fashion, film and pop culture shape our self-image and culture. They discuss the power of authentic self-expression through style and using clothes to intentionally project confidence. Frederick shares how fashion allows people to belong and feel represented. 
If you want to learn more about how fashion and film have shaped our culture, and how we can use this to improve our self-confidence, this is the episode for you!
[00:00 - 04:08] Frederick's Background
Grew up protecting others, believing in equityRealized the industry he was in didn't align with his desire to create impactful work
[04:09 - 17:58] Being Yourself and Using Fashion to Build Identity
Don't get caught chasing superficial goalsFocus on believing in your abilities and serving othersFashion builds identity and pathways to become your best selfIt helps you belong and feel empowered
[17:59 - 38:21] Intentional Style and Diverse Representation
Style is how you utilize fashionBe intentional about the message your style projectsBenetton's diverse ads were groundbreakingRepresentation matters
[38:22 - 53:07] Enjoying Self-Expression and Teaching Next Generations
Enjoy and document your fashion journeyTrends fade, but self-belief lastsTeach youth when self-expression needs to align with appropriatenessGuide them to stay grounded in themselves

Key Quotes:
"When you … fall on your face, you make mistakes … you have your scrapes, that's okay. You're not in this game to try to be perfect. You're in this game to try to be you." - Frederick Taylor 

Connect with Frederick Taylor:
Instagram: @fr3der1ck

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.

“It's a lot of work. It takes a team. And so, I actually incorporated drone work into my work. And I just decided to do aerial photos and videos because it was just less equipment to bring around. But the main challenge, I guess is networking in the business arena because I'm used to being a police officer and those environments, not the business environments.” – Justin Arndt
How do you overcome self-doubt? In today’s episode, Zack and Taylor are joined by Justin Arndt. Justin discusses his journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship and his experience with starting his own business, Our Local Heroes. They talk about how Justin overcame self-doubt by taking risks and connecting with veterans at Post-29 of the American Legion.
Justin explores balancing giving and taking when running a business, the importance of making personal connections, and how to get veterans in front of cameras.
Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Justin shares how he was able to transition out of law enforcement into entrepreneurship!

[00:00 - 02:05] Appreciating Frontline Leaders
If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!Zack welcomes, Justin Arndt!Justin struggled with transitioning from police officer to business networking
[02:06 - 17:35] Overcoming Isolation And Finding Community
When he decided to incorporate drone work into his workFound a community of entrepreneurs at American Legion Post-29Started volunteering and providing photography services for veteransStarted a passion project which quickly turned into an LLC
[17:36 - 29:05] Capturing The Legacy Of Others And Finding Balance
Justin shares a story about a missed opportunity to capture a legacyThe challenges of turning a passion into a businessSeparating personal and professional lifeMaking personal connections with veterans can be a challenge
[25:06 – 42:49] Closing Segment
Closing words and remindersJustin shares how to successfully turn your passion into a business!

Key Quote:
“I guess the one thing that I struggled in when I was trying to figure out what to do at my pace. So, I made a decision. I was like, “How can I work at my own pace”, and go by my own rules and try to figure out this next chapter and work for myself because I got limitations now. So, I slowly did my thing. And I first started out, trying to do video and photo work and video equipment is heavy and there's a lot of it.” – Justin Arndt

Connect with Justin Arndt:
LinkedIn: Justin Arndt

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,