Veteran Business Community Podcast

New Episode Drop!S03E22 | Victor Kortlang – Veteran Capital: Wealth Creation and Protection, Do You Have the Right Experts in Your Corner?In this episode, we sit down with Victor Kortlang, founder of Veteran Capital, a boutique financial advisory firm dedicated to helping veterans and their families build, protect, and take control of their financial future.A former Maritime Warfare Officer in the Navy with 15 years of service, Victor deployed on multiple operations including humanitarian and domestic support missions, finishing his career as Executive Officer of HMAS Benalla. Through his own transition, he identified a major gap — a lack of financial advisers who truly understand the complex entitlements, superannuation structures, and financial challenges unique to the veteran community.In this episode, Victor breaks down:Why so many veterans struggle with financial confidence and planningThe gaps in the financial advice industry when it comes to veteran-specific knowledgeThe shift from defined benefit schemes like MSBS to modern superannuation, and what it means for long-term securityHow veterans can build wealth, protect their future, and choose the right experts to support them🌐 Learn more: veterancapital.com.au 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FinancialPlanning #WealthCreation #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #ADF #Superannuation #FinancialSecurity #VeteranCapital

Fresh Drop!S03E21 | David Hammon – Scenic World, BridgeClimb and Sydney Zoo: Creating a Family Legacy in BusinessOn this episode, we speak with David Hammon, Group CEO and Director of Hammons Holdings, the parent company behind some of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences, including Scenic World and BridgeClimb Sydney. David brings a rare blend of family legacy, strategic leadership, and business growth expertise to the table.David shares his journey from co-managing Scenic World alongside his sister to leading Hammons Holdings through major expansions and innovative projects, including a $30 million redevelopment of the Scenic Railway and winning the NSW Government tender to operate tourism activities on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He also oversees the company’s diversification strategy, including investments in Sydney Zoo and URBNSURF Melbourne, and sits on the Board of Sydney Zoo.In this episode, David dives into:The challenges and rewards of building a family legacy businessLeading high-profile tourism projects with innovation and sustainable growthHow to diversify and scale businesses while maintaining brand integrityLessons from navigating government tenders, partnerships, and major redevelopment projects🌐 Learn more about Hammons Holdings: hammonsholdings.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranBusiness #Leadership #Tourism #BusinessGrowth #FamilyBusiness #Innovation #ScenicWorld #BridgeClimb #SydneyZoo #LegacyBusiness

New Episode Alert!S03E20 | James Giess – Your Import Partner: Is Importing Right for You and How to Do It with ConfidenceOn this episode, we talk with James Giess, a former Australian Army officer turned startup leader. James’ career spans operational, command, and staff roles—including deployments on Operation SLIPPER and Operation PALADIN—where he commanded the 3rd Field Supply Company. His time in Defence gave him a strong foundation in leadership, logistics, decision-making, and performing in uncertain environments.After leaving the Army, James tested himself in the private sector, gaining experience in device refurbishment, warehouse automation at Amazon Australia, and distribution and transport leadership at Jaycar Electronics Group. Drawing on this expertise, he now leads Your Import Partner, a startup helping businesses confidently navigate product sourcing and logistics for the construction industry.In this episode, James shares:How his military experience shaped his approach to business and supply chain leadershipThe lessons learned from leading teams in high-pressure environmentsHow to approach importing with confidence, avoiding common pitfallsWhy adaptability, low-ego problem-solving, and learning fast are some of the strongest assets veterans bring to business🌐 Learn more about James and Your Import Partner: yourimportpartner.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Leadership #Logistics #SupplyChain #Importing #MilitaryToCivilian #StartupLeadership #ADFA #OperationalExcellence #VeteranSkills

Fresh Drop!S03E19 | Part 2 - leading Australian Aviation Corps first combat air assault in Afghanistan and why he started Cor Infinitus - building monuments to recognise those who served the country and have taken their own lives.In this second part of our conversation with Kevin Humphreys DSC, we dive deeper into his extraordinary journey as a helicopter pilot and Army officer, leading the Australian Aviation Corps’ first combat air assault in Afghanistan. Kevin shares the challenges, the decisions under pressure, and the leadership lessons that shaped him during one of the most pivotal moments in modern Australian military history.This episode also explores Kevin’s mission beyond the cockpit: founding COR INFINITUS, an initiative dedicated to honouring and supporting veterans and their families impacted by suicide. Kevin explains why creating monuments and meaningful recognition is vital to remembering those who have served and the sacrifices they’ve made, and how this work fuels his ongoing commitment to breaking the stigma around mental illness.In this episode, you’ll hear:Kevin’s leadership of Australia’s first combat air assault in AfghanistanThe high-pressure decisions and teamwork required in aviation combat operationsThe story behind COR INFINITUS and its mission to commemorate fallen veteransInsights into mental health advocacy, resilience, and supporting veteran familiesHow personal and professional experiences combined to drive purpose and action🌐 Learn more about Kevin Humphreys and COR INFINITUS: kevinhumphreys.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Leadership #MentalHealth #PTSD #Resilience #MilitaryToCivilian #HelicopterPilot #DistinguishedServiceCross #IntentionalLeadership #VeteranSupport #CorInfinitus #CombatAirAssault

New Episode Drop!S03E18 | Kevin Humphreys DSC - Part 1 - the quest to fly and developing the Chinook as a combat ready weapon in Afghanistan.In this episode of the Veteran Business Community Podcast, we talk with Kevin Humphreys DSC, ex-Army officer, helicopter pilot, and mental health ambassador. Kevin’s career spans over 20 years of service, including operational deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he helped develop the Chinook helicopter into a combat-ready offensive weapon. His leadership under fire earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.Beyond his military achievements, Kevin shares how depression and self-doubt affect us all - including those with significant rank on their shoulder. How he confronted rock bottom and fighting for personal recovery. Today, he channels these experiences into mental health advocacy through Cor Infinitus (www.corinfinitus.org), an organisation dedicated to building memorials for those who served the nation yet took their own lives. You can also find Kevin on the professional speaking tour as a keynote. In this episode, you’ll hear:Kevin’s journey from Army officer to helicopter pilot and operational leaderThe challenges of developing the Chinook for combat deployment in AfghanistanHis personal battle with mental health and how he transformed adversity into purposeLessons in leadership, resilience, and leading with empathy in high-pressure environments🌐 Learn more about Kevin Humphreys: kevinhumphreys.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Leadership #MentalHealth #PTSD #Resilience #MilitaryToCivilian #HelicopterPilot #DistinguishedServiceCross #IntentionalLeadership #VeteranSupport

New pod is out!S03E17 | Don Shields - Surprising truths about business insurance. The things you need to now but probably never thought of. In this episode of the Veteran Business Community Podcast, we sit down with Don Shields, Army veteran, former Major, and founder of Geelong Insurance Brokers. Don shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Australian Army in 1982, rising through the ranks, and facing life-changing adversity, to building a successful business in the insurance industry.From his military experiences — firing salutes that broke windows, commanding troops, and leading during challenging deployments — Don learned lessons that have stayed with him long after leaving the uniform. He talks about resilience, the power of determination, and how the skills and discipline gained in the military helped him navigate cancer, leadership challenges, and running a business.Don also shares practical insights for veteran entrepreneurs, including:How to deal with adversity and turn challenges into opportunitiesWhy determination, attitude, and the skills you bring from civilian life can outweigh experience gapsLessons in leadership, planning, and accountability that apply in business and life🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #Leadership #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryToCivilian #InsuranceIndustry #Adversity #HighPerformanceTeams

Our latest episode is out!Tony Simmonds is a former Australian Army Sapper Officer who served for more than 22 years before transitioning into the world of project management, risk management, and education. With over four decades of experience across defence, government, and international consulting, Tony has worked in complex environments around the world including the Middle East, Europe, and Indonesia. Today he leads Interlink Technology and its Registered Training Organisation, helping professionals and organisations develop the practical skills required to manage projects, risk, and leadership in high-stakes environments. In this episode, Tony shares lessons from a lifetime of leadership, from military engineering and United Nations operations to global project consulting. He speaks about the importance of education, continuous learning, and helping veterans translate their military experience into qualifications and capabilities valued by industry. For Tony, supporting veterans through education and professional development is essential to ensuring their knowledge, skills, and leadership continue to create impact long after service.🌐 Learn more: itpl.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #Leadership #ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #VeteranTransition #Education

Fresh Drop!S03E15 | VBC Advisory - The launch is here. VBC takes community support to the next level with our business coaching and advisory service. Listen to the chat with Ed Plant and Pete ListonIn this episode, Peter Liston sits down with business coach and Army veteran Ed Plant to introduce VBC Advisory — a new initiative designed to help veteran business owners grow stronger, more sustainable businesses.As co-founder of The Business League, Ed has spent more than 15 years helping service-based businesses focus on what actually drives growth. From fixing unclear strategy and inconsistent delivery to building systems that support teams and profit, Ed shares practical insights on scaling a business without burning out. Together, Peter and Ed unpack why accountability, clear strategy, and strong systems are essential for veteran entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level.🌐 Learn more about The Business League: thebusinessleague.com.au 🌐 Sign up for the VBC Advisory now! 📅 Join a VBC Info Session: https://calendly.com/peter-veteranbc/veteran-business-information-session 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Systems #ScalingBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneurs

Fresh Drop!S03E14 | From Denmark to the Marine Corps to Principal of Merg Architect Agency: A Global Journey Christian Thuesen’s journey spans continents, careers, and industries. From growing up in Europe and the U.S., to serving as a U.S. Marine Corps engineer, Christian pivoted into architecture in Germany and Australia, leading major infrastructure projects like Sydney Light Rail and Sydney Metro. In 2025, he co-founded MERG, a design and construction company built on collaboration, respect for trades, and practical problem-solving.In this episode, Christian shares lessons from his military service and architectural career, including how humility, curiosity, and honest communication with teams create the best outcomes. He also dives into what it takes to transition skills across industries, the importance of building businesses with strong partnerships, and how lived experience shapes leadership and design. If you want to learn more about MERG and their work, check out Christian’s capability statement below.🌐 Learn more: merg.au 📄 MERG Capability Statement: https://hubs.ly/Q045P-h20 🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #Leadership #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #Architecture #Infrastructure #MERG #HighPerformanceTeams

S03E13 | Nick Swifte from Swifty Media - Does your business have a place advertising in mass media? How the digital revolution is creating more access for businesses advertising in mediaNick Swifte is an advertising, marketing and media professional with more than 25 years’ experience, including senior leadership roles overseeing State and Federal Government behaviour change campaigns. From negotiating national media agreements and managing teams of 60+ people, to securing “Outstanding” Federal Government rate outcomes, Nick has operated at the highest levels of media strategy, investment and procurement. Today, as Founder of Swifty Media, he helps organisations — including RSL Victoria, Crime Stoppers and Starbucks Australia — navigate the modern media landscape with smarter, more accessible advertising solutions.In this episode, Nick breaks down whether mass media still has a place for growing businesses — and how the digital revolution has actually lowered the barrier to entry. He unpacks the myths around TV, radio and large-scale campaigns, explains how strategic media planning drives behaviour change, and shares practical insights for business owners considering stepping beyond social media into broader, high-impact channels.🌐 Learn more: swiftymedia.com.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #MediaStrategy #MassMedia #DigitalAdvertising #VeteranNetwork #BusinessGrowth #MarketingLeadership

Fresh drop!S03E12 | Miriam Kent - Gallipoli Medical research - What is it, what do they do and why is it important.Miriam Kent is the CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research, a not-for-profit advancing veteran health and wellbeing through world-class research. With a career spanning senior leadership roles in both Australia and the UK — including Brisbane City Council, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency — Miriam brings deep experience in strategy, operations, and delivering meaningful impact at scale.In this episode, Miriam shares insights from a 2025 Boss X International visit to the Australian Army’s Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia. She reflects on the physical and mental demands Reservists face daily, and how these skills translate into civilian workplaces. From experiencing the weight of military gear firsthand to understanding the resilience built in service, she explores how recognising everyday military commitment can shape support for veterans in business and beyond.🌐 Learn more: https://gallipoliresearch.org.au🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community #VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranBusiness #VeteranHealth #MedicalResearch #VeteranWellbeing #Leadership #ADF #Reservists #MilitaryToCivilian