Podcast Summary: The Mello Millionaire with Tommy Mello
Episode: Black Ops, Big Money: Insights From Covert US Intelligence Operator Daniel Stinson
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Tommy Mello
Guest: Daniel Stinson, Former U.S. Marine and Intelligence Operative
Introduction
In this riveting episode of The Mello Millionaire, host Tommy Mello welcomes Daniel Stinson, a distinguished former U.S. Marine and intelligence operative. With a career spanning decades and continents—from the Bosnian War to covert operations in Afghanistan—Daniel shares his profound insights into building elite teams, executing high-stakes missions, and transitioning military prowess into successful business ventures.
Early Career and Operations
Daniel Stinson's journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1982 to 1999. His expertise eventually led him to work as a contractor for the U.S. Government, including the Department of Defense and the CIA. Daniel’s early missions during the Bosnian War positioned him at the forefront of global security efforts, collaborating with elite groups such as the Navy SEALs and Delta Force.
Notable Quote:
"That's why I was made. That's why I'm here. I'm supposed to be a protector, supposed to be a defender, and that's what I do."
— Daniel Stinson [00:33]
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Daniel was pivotal in supporting covert operations in Afghanistan, playing a critical role in evacuating 17,000 civilians from the Taliban-controlled Kabul airport.
Building Elite Teams
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Daniel’s approach to team building. He emphasizes the paramount importance of trust, honor, and the ability to perform under life-or-death circumstances.
Notable Quote:
"When I was doing my thing, it was, I got to look at a guy again. Does he have a certain honor and a certain code about them that I can appreciate? Can I trust him with my life? Because this may come down to a life or death situation where I have to be able to know that that person is going to be there for me no matter what."
— Daniel Stinson [13:42]
Daniel explains that great teams are built on mutual respect and the capability to operate independently, ensuring that each member can handle extreme pressure without compromising the mission or the team.
Hero Habits and Situational Awareness
Daniel attributes his effectiveness to meticulous habits and an ingrained "what if" mentality that fosters constant situational awareness. This mindset allows him to anticipate and prepare for potential threats proactively.
Notable Quote:
"I have this what if then mentality in everything I do and love. So what if this happens? Then what am I going to do?"
— Daniel Stinson [04:40]
This relentless vigilance has not only kept him safe during missions but also translates into his daily life, enabling him to navigate challenges with precision and calm.
Transition to Military Contracting
Daniel transitioned from active duty to becoming a government contractor, a move that leveraged his military experience into business success. He discusses the intricacies of bidding on government contracts, emphasizing the necessity of security clearances and the competitive nature of the industry.
Notable Quote:
"If it's a classified contract, you need to have a clearance and your company needs to have a clearance. And then you have to have the top people who can respond to that."
— Daniel Stinson [09:18]
He outlines the process of responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and the importance of demonstrating superior value, technical expertise, and managerial capability to secure lucrative contracts.
Leadership Principles
Daniel shares his leadership philosophy, underscoring the significance of respecting both individuals and their positions. True leadership, he asserts, is about earning respect through actions rather than titles.
Notable Quote:
"You gotta respect the people that work for you. But respect is earned and it's earned both ways."
— Daniel Stinson [11:38]
He further elaborates on leading from the front, ensuring that leaders are approachable and are willing to share in the hardships faced by their teams.
Anecdotes from the Field
The episode is rich with gripping stories from Daniel’s missions:
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Afghanistan Evacuation: Daniel recounts the intense operation to evacuate civilians from Kabul Airport, highlighting the strategic acquisition of planes and coordination with various factions to ensure a successful extraction.
Notable Quote:
"At the Kabul airport, Daniel helped to acquire planes in a joint effort to evacuate 17,000 civilians but the hands of the Taliban."
— Narrator [01:14] -
Bosnia/Croatia Negotiation: Daniel narrates a high-stakes negotiation with a former U.S. Army captain turned mafia head in Croatia. Demonstrating his linguistic skills and tactical acumen, he diffused a potentially lethal confrontation by deftly communicating in Russian.
Notable Quote:
"I spoke Russian fluently at the time, so I understood everything they were saying. I was scared... but I knew I could handle it."
— Daniel Stinson [25:02]
These stories not only showcase his bravery but also his strategic thinking and ability to remain composed under pressure.
Rapid Fire: Movies and Realism
In a lighter segment, Tommy engages Daniel in a rapid-fire game assessing the realism of combat movies.
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Guy Ritchie's The Covenant:
"It's entertaining. Some of the things he did actually would happen."
— Daniel Stinson [26:39] -
Black Hawk Down:
"One of the best combat movies they have. That's about as real as you can get the representation of what it's like when people are shooting at you and you have to shoot at them."
— Daniel Stinson [27:02]
One God Foundation and Post-Military Ventures
Daniel discusses his entrepreneurial ventures, notably founding the One God Foundation, aimed at supporting veterans, combating human trafficking, and aiding oppressed communities worldwide.
Notable Quote:
"The One God Foundation... helps the oppressed around the world, the evacuation, Afghanistan... guarding orphanages against gangs... supporting veterans in everything they do in anti-human trafficking support."
— Daniel Stinson [27:07]
He underscores the importance of translating military discipline and strategic thinking into philanthropic efforts, driving positive change on a global scale.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode draws to a close, Daniel imparts his final wisdom to listeners, emphasizing resilience, trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Notable Quote:
"Trusting yourself, trusting your partner. Go out, get the job done, and have confidence. We can get through anything."
— Daniel Stinson [21:00]
He also humorously reflects on his own persona, comparing himself to the fictional Jason Bourne, yet affirming his genuine commitment to service and protecting his nation.
Notable Quote:
"People say, well, you're like Jason Bourne. I'm like more like Jason Boring. I just do stuff."
— Daniel Stinson [28:05]
Key Takeaways
- Team Building: Prioritize trust, honor, and the ability to handle extreme situations.
- Situational Awareness: Maintain a proactive "what if" mindset to anticipate and address threats.
- Leadership: Earn respect through actions, lead from the front, and value every team member.
- Business Acumen: Leverage military experience to excel in government contracting and entrepreneurship.
- Philanthropy: Utilize skills and resources to support veterans and combat global injustices through initiatives like the One God Foundation.
Daniel Stinson’s compelling narratives and profound insights offer listeners a rare glimpse into the world of covert operations and the strategic mindset required to excel both in the field and in business. His emphasis on trust, resilience, and honor serves as a guiding beacon for entrepreneurs and leaders striving for excellence.
Connect with Daniel Stinson:
- Business Inquiries: rgi@ravengroupinternational.com
- One God Foundation: OneGodFoundation.org