Podcast
The Tactical Leader
Hosted by Zack A. Knight · EN
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.
17episodes
Episodes
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Embracing the Fight with Tommy Richardson
Mar 20, 202500:38:31Tap to summarizeEpisode OverviewIn this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight sits down with Tommy Richardson, a Marine veteran and Navy SEAL, to dive into his incredible 26-year military career, his transition to civilian life, and how he’s now helping veterans find purpose and leadership beyond the uniform. From his journey through Marine Corps infantry to the elite Navy SEAL teams, to launching Divine Savagery, Tommy shares insights on faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of physical fitness as a tool for reintegration.This episode is brought to you by ATL Vets, the premier organization for veteran workforce development and entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways from This Episode1️⃣ Military Service & Transition to Navy SEALs26 years in uniform: Tommy served in both the Marine Corps and Navy SEAL teams, experiencing combat at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.From Marine to SEAL: Initially aiming for Force Recon, Tommy instead found his calling in the SEAL teams, making the switch in 2007 with the help of fellow operators.Passion for the field: His decision to stay in the fight, rather than being stuck behind a desk, led him to special operations, where he thrived in a high-intensity environment.2️⃣ The Mental & Spiritual Battle After ServiceFaith kept him going: Tommy credits his faith in God as his ultimate source of strength, guiding him through both war and transition.Understanding the daily battle: He breaks down the constant war between spirit and flesh, helping veterans realize they’re still in the fight, but in a different way.Helping veterans find purpose: Tommy believes veterans are wired for leadership and that transitioning means finding a new mission, not losing identity.3️⃣ Finding a New Tribe: Westside Barbell & Physical FitnessHealing through movement: After suffering injuries and surgeries, Tommy turned to powerlifting as a way to rebuild physically and mentally.Westside Barbell connection: Through an invite-only process, Tommy joined the legendary Westside Barbell gym, finding a new brotherhood of strength that mirrored the team environment of the military.Physical health as mental therapy: He emphasizes that fitness, discipline, and competition give veterans a way to regain structure and camaraderie.4️⃣ Building Divine Savagery: Veteran Leadership & WellnessTommy's company, Divine Savagery, is built around three pillars: ✅ Speaking & Leadership Training – Helping organizations and veterans develop elite-level leadership skills. ✅ Business Optimization & Consulting – Applying military discipline and structure to corporate success. ✅ Wellness & Tactical Training – Offering physical training, nutrition coaching, and tactical skill development for veterans and civilians.🔹 Westside Barbell training programs 🔹 Fitness, nutrition, and recovery coaching 🔹 Special operations & tactical training for military and law enforcement🔥 Notable Quotes from Tommy Richardson💬 “The flesh is always going to war with the spirit. The choice is yours—are you going to fight, or let it consume you?”💬 “I don’t want to be remembered when I’m gone—I want to make an impact now.”💬 “Veterans are wired for leadership. We just need to find what still scratches the itch.”💬 “If you’re struggling, send up the bat signal. Your brothers will come.”📢 Connect with Tommy Richardson🌐 Website: www.divinesavagery.com 📧 Email: Tommy@divinesavagery.com 📲 Instagram: @raise.your.horn 🔗 LinkedIn: Tommy Richardson🚀 Ready to Level Up? Join the ATLVets Community!This episode is proudly supported by ATL Vets, a leader in veteran workforce development, professional networking, and entrepreneurship.🔗 Learn More: www.atlvets.com👥 Join the Conversation: What part of Tommy’s journey resonated with you? Drop a comment or share your thoughts on social media using #TacticalLeaderPodcast!
Transcribe →A Powerful Conversation with Scott Mann
Feb 13, 202500:50:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Tactical Leader podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author Scott Mann for an impactful conversation about leadership, the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, and the transformative power of storytelling.Key Topics Covered:Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Scott talks about meeting a Green Beret at the age of 14 and how that moment inspired his future in the military.The Challenges of Transitioning Out of Uniform: Scott opens up about the personal and professional struggles he faced when leaving the military and how he overcame these challenges.The Search for Purpose Beyond Service: Scott emphasizes the importance of finding meaning after service and the steps he took to rediscover his purpose in civilian life.Rooftop Leadership: Learn about Scott’s initiative, Rooftop Leadership, and his approach to leadership, which centers around managing energy—both your own and that of others.Veterans in Entrepreneurship: Scott shares why veterans are uniquely equipped for entrepreneurship and how he designed his life after military service.The Power of Storytelling: Scott dives into why storytelling is such an important tool for veterans and anyone looking to share their journey, heal from past struggles, and connect with others.Mental Health and Self-Care: Scott discusses the importance of self-care and maintaining mental well-being as a critical part of leadership and personal recovery.Memorable Quotes:“Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”“You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”“Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”Resources Mentioned:Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop LeadershipScott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)Want to learn more from Scott Mann?Check out his book Nobody’s Coming to Save You and visit Rooftop Leadership for more on his leadership programs, speaking engagements, and resources for veterans.About The Tactical Leader Podcast:The Tactical Leader is dedicated to helping leaders, especially veterans, develop the skills needed for success in their personal and professional lives. Hosted by Zack Knight, the podcast features conversations with experts in leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity.
Transcribe →Beneath The Service with Heather McCarty
Jan 20, 202500:54:39Tap to summarizeEpisode Recap: ATL Vets Atlanta Speaker Series Featuring Heather McCartyKey PointsHeather McCarty, guest speaker from St. Louis, Missouri, is a veteran ally with a decade of experience in the veterans' space.McCarty previously worked at The Mission Continues, where she developed and oversaw programs, and taught at a military school in St. Louis.Her connection to the military comes from family members, including her husband, who is a Marine Corps veteran.Through her experiences, McCarty feels a sense of belonging in the veteran community and is passionate about bringing learning and programs to those who need them.Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLp)Origin and Evolution:Research at The Mission Continues revealed a disproportionate number of women veterans were drawn to the organization due to feeling welcomed and belonging.This led to the creation of a three-day summit in 2016, followed by yearly summits and the development of a 5-6 month cohort-based program.The program launched in March 2020 and transitioned to a virtual format due to the pandemic.In 2023, The Mission Continues narrowed its focus, leading to the transition of WVLp to Beneath the Service, an organization focused on identity-based leadership.Objectives:Empowerment: The program empowers women veterans by embracing their identity, boosting confidence, and changing their sense of purpose.Connection: It provides a network for women veterans to connect and support each other, expanding beyond the cohort.Skill Building: The program focuses on communication skills, recognizing the nuances that come with being a woman and a woman veteran.Action Planning: Participants develop a plan to apply their skills and confidence in their communities or workplaces.Target Audience:Women veterans ready to invest in themselves and lead from a place that feels authentic.The program is not for those seeking job placement or still figuring out basic needs.Eligibility is open to women veterans living in the United States.Future Success and Partnerships:Future success includes offering a Virginia Tech certificate to program graduates and expanding alumni opportunities.Partnerships with organizations like ATL Vets provide additional support and resources for women veterans.Q&AFunding and Resources:The program relies on sponsorships, grants, and creative ways to capitalize on the value of the cohort.The goal is to keep the program free for women veterans.Alumni Program:Alumni ambassadors play a vital role in shaping the program and providing support to future cohorts.They contribute to content, lead conversations, and serve as mentors.Ideal Number of Participants:While the ideal scenario is to reach all women veterans, the program focuses on quality and impact.The current cohort is limited to ensure a successful transition under Beneath the Service.Additional InformationThe application for Cohort 8 is open until January 31st.The program kicks off in May in D.C., transitions to virtual, and culminates in D.C. in September.Beneath the Service offers other leadership development programs and resources.Contact information and website details are provided for further engagement.
Transcribe →Leadership, Transition, and the Power of Storytelling with Scott Mann
Jan 13, 202500:33:03Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a former Green Beret turned entrepreneur, storyteller, and author of Nobody’s Coming to Save You. Scott shares his journey from a bullied small-town kid to a decorated Special Forces officer and, ultimately, a successful civilian leader. Together, Zack and Scott delve into topics like the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of finding purpose, and how veterans can channel their skills into entrepreneurship.Scott also discusses the creation of Rooftop Leadership and Task Force Pineapple, highlighting their missions to empower individuals and advocate for others. With candor and wisdom, Scott underscores the power of storytelling as a leadership tool and the significance of managing energy—for yourself and those you lead.Key Topics Covered:Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Meeting a Green Beret at 14 and how that encounter shaped his future.Transitioning Out of Uniform: The personal challenges Scott faced and how he navigated the dark periods.Finding Purpose: The human need for meaning and how Scott discovered new relevance post-service.Rooftop Leadership: Its foundation, mission, and why leadership is about managing energy—yours and others'.Entrepreneurship for Veterans: Why veterans are well-suited for entrepreneurial paths and how Scott created a life by design.Nobody’s Coming to Save You: Scott’s latest book and why storytelling is central to his work.Self-Care and Recovery: Insights on the importance of unplugging, recharging, and maintaining mental health.Memorable Quotes:“Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”“You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”“Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”Resources Mentioned:Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop LeadershipScott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)The Hero’s Journey: Advocacy and storytelling for veterans.Connect with Scott Mann:LinkedIn: Rooftop LeadershipFacebook: @ScottMannInstagram: @scottmannauthorTwitter: @RooftopLeaderYouTube: Rooftop Leadershiphttps://youtu.be/_szAosvdWdMhttps://scottmann.comhttps://rooftopleadership.comhttp://theheroesjourney.orghttps://lastoutplay.comhttps://operationpineappleexpress.comhttps://linktr.ee/rooftoppodcastEnjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow veteran or leader who could benefit from these insights!
Transcribe →Marketing Yourself and Finding Purpose with David Lee Jensen
Dec 30, 202400:49:37Tap to summarizeKey Discussion Points:Self-Marketing and Storytelling:Why it Matters: Self-marketing is crucial for career advancement and entrepreneurship, but many veterans struggle with it due to a focus on teamwork and humility during their service.Overcoming the Challenges: Public speaking and self-promotion can be learned and improved with practice.The Power of Storytelling: Effectively communicating your story and accomplishments is key to standing out in the civilian world.Finding Purpose and Passion After the Military:The Transition Challenge: Many veterans struggle to find their purpose and passion after leaving the structured military environment.Discovering Your Strengths: Self-reflection and identifying your skills and interests are crucial for finding fulfilling work.Creating Your Own Future: Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams; entrepreneurship can be a viable path for veterans.The Naked Truth About Hiring:Diligence Over Desperation: Take the time to find the right candidate who not only has the skills but also fits the company culture.The Importance of Reference Checks: Don't skip this crucial step in the hiring process; it can reveal valuable information about a candidate's work ethic and personality.Cultural Fit: A candidate's ability to mesh with the company culture is just as important as their skills and experience.Collaboration and Community:The Power of Networking: Building relationships and collaborating with others can open doors to new opportunities and support.Collaboration as Currency: Helping others and building a strong community can lead to mutual success.Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilians:Common Ground: Veterans and civilians share many of the same struggles and aspirations.Breaking Down Stereotypes: It's important to challenge misconceptions about veterans and recognize their diverse skills and experiences.Mutual Support: Both veterans and civilians can benefit from supporting and learning from each other.Resources for Veterans:CreateYourFuture Website: Offers free resources, including a book download on interviewing and a course on hiring.Additional Support: Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media for ongoing guidance and support.Key Takeaways:Effective self-marketing and storytelling are essential for career success.Finding your purpose and passion after the military requires self-reflection and exploration.Collaboration and community are crucial for personal and professional growth.Veterans and civilians can benefit from mutual support and understanding.There are valuable resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life and achieve their goals.Call to Action:Visit createveterans.com for free resources and support.Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media.Share this episode with veterans and entrepreneurs who could benefit from the discussion.Support ATL Vets and their mission to empower veterans.Links and Social Mediahttps://www.davidleejensen.com/https://www.instagram.com/davidleejensen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleejensen/https://www.hiringacademy.com/
Transcribe →Rediscovering Joy After the Uniform with Garret Biss
Dec 9, 202400:39:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, addiction recovery coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they delve into the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life and the strategies to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment beyond the uniform.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeGarret’s Journey from Marine to Motivational LeaderHow his service as a C-130 Hercules pilot shaped his worldview.The personal challenges he faced transitioning out of the military.His life-changing perspective after surviving a near-fatal accident as a child.The Challenge of TransitionWhy many veterans experience anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacementGarrett’s personal struggles and how he turned to service and charity to heal.The Three Fundamental Needs for Emotional Well-BeingConnection: Building relationships with oneself and othersAuthenticity: Living true to your values without fear of judgment.Meaning: Finding purpose in work and personal pursuits.The Power of Storytelling and VulnerabilityHow sharing experiences can help veterans reclaim their narratives.Zack and Garret’s personal reflections on the cathartic power of storytelling.Actionable Insights for Veterans and CiviliansLean into passions that bring joy and fulfillment.Build strong, supportive communities.Seek out meaning and purpose in all areas of life.Memorable Quotes“Service doesn’t end when we leave the military. In many ways, it’s just beginning.” – Garret Biss“It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay silent.” – Garret Biss“Garret’s story shows us how to turn our experiences—good and bad—into opportunities to lead and inspire.” – Zack KnightAbout The Tactical Leader PodcastThe Tactical Leader Podcast, hosted by Zack Knight, shares transformational stories and actionable insights from leaders who tackle life’s toughest challenges. From veterans to entrepreneurs, each episode is designed to inspire you to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.Subscribe now to The Tactical Leader Podcast and never miss an episode where leadership meets life’s defining moments!
Transcribe →Overcoming Sales Objections
May 30, 2022Tap to summarize“We help you find your own voice so that you are authentic in your approach. And then you're just having a conversation with your client.” - Joe MarcouxIn today’s episode, Joe Marcoux is an entrepreneur who wants to help people who crumble when they hear an objection. Joe introduces to us his product, SOS Dojo for Sales, SOS stands for “Sales Objection System”. He discusses how he built his charisma through his bodybuilding competitions and how this helped him in sales. Now, he’s on a mission to help other entrepreneus to increase their profits through his SOS Dojo. He also talks about, identifying your “Who Do You Know Who”, and creating authentic content in order to build more oganic engagements and conversions.Listen in and learn how Joe Marcoux’s SOS Dojo can help people handle the toughest objections! [00:01 - 06:11] Who is Joe Marcoux?● If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!● Joe Marcoux shares us a fun fact about having a very serious fitness background○ He was able to compete for Worlds in Sofia, Bulgaria where he lost and was humbled● He discovered that that there was no money in bodybuilding and he could create a better impact by putting his passion on sales● He worked on his charisma to build and work his your relationship with people [06:12 - 13:34] Repetition Until It Becomes An Unconscious Competence· Translating his experience onstage to sales· Setting goals and changing your mindset· Improve the length of engagement with your cliento Treat yourprospect as a guest· Putting the “reps” and it becomes automatic [24:08 - 34:02 ] Identifying Your “Who Do You Know Who?”· Organic engagements lead to better conversions· Documenting your life and letting people get to know youo Your energyis going to attract people· Social media as an on-going process· Scaling by helping other people· How he started SOS Dojo [34:43 - 34:55] Getting High Engagements and Making A Difference● Social Media as an on-going process● Help someone and make a difference● How he started SOS Dojo because of COVID○ Transition to other platforms as a necessity [29:19 - 34:55] Closing Segment● The legacy Joe wants to create - eaching people how to handle objections and helping entrepreneurs on their health and wellness● Connect with Joe (links below)● Join us for Tactical Friday!● Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice,claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've alwayswanted! Key Quotes:“If you can help someone, whether you have a following is because what it's doing is the satisfaction that I have is that I've got high engagement from people and it's making a difference. - Joe Marcoux“As you go, you ask people to get results, I have five words for you: “Who do you know who?” who do you know.” - Joe Marcoux“You have to document your life. People want to get to know you before they buy from you.” - Joe Marcoux Connect with JoeLearn more about Joe through his website and visit Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, SOS Dojo Resources Mentioned:Tony RobbinsBrian TracyGrant CardoneDan LockeBrad LeeAlex HormoziGary Vaynerchuck 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. 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.
Transcribe →