Early Army Days: Finding Purpose and Discipline

As a young recruit, I quickly learned that talent alone wouldn’t carry me far. I started in the artillery branch as a Forward Observer, a role that demanded real-time coordination, accuracy under pressure, and the ability to integrate multiple sources of intelligence. These were no small tasks, but the Army gave me what I’d been craving: discipline, teamwork, and a sense of accountability. I soon rose through the ranks, reaching Staff Sergeant (Promotable) and effectively fulfilling the responsibilities of a Sergeant First Class, leading entire platoons. This formative experience taught me the power of setting high standards for myself and those I am responsible for.

The Warrant Officer Transition: Deepening Strategy

Despite excelling as a non-commissioned officer, I felt drawn to the strategic and analytical side of operations. This led me to become a Warrant Officer, specializing in the Targeting Process. In this position, I learned to dissect complex problems, identify critical objectives, and execute precise actions—skills that directly correlate to the high-stakes decisions startup founders face every day. Targeting wasn’t merely about neutralizing threats; it was about understanding the interconnected web of decisions, risks, and opportunities—a mindset that applies seamlessly to entrepreneurial environments.

Education and Personal Growth

Throughout my military career, I pursued my Bachelor’s in Business Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Psychology, often studying after long days in the field. I later advanced my education with a Master’s in Management and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, complemented by certifications in Life and Performance Coaching. This blend of academic knowledge, military discipline, and real-world leadership experience formed the bedrock of my coaching philosophy. I learned that while research-backed strategies are essential, they must be adapted to the individual’s mindset, habits, and objectives for true effectiveness.

From Lacrosse Field to Battlefield

My love for leadership and teamwork was first nurtured on the Division 1 lacrosse field, where I discovered the rush of pushing beyond my limits. The Army took this a step further by teaching me resilience in the face of adversity. Where lacrosse honed my competitive edge, the military cemented my resolve, forging a mindset that thrives under pressure and focuses on execution. This fusion of athletic grit and military precision now informs how I guide founders toward reaching their own next level.

Win the War Consulting: A Tailored Approach

As the founder of Win the War Consulting, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients collectively raise over $72 million in venture funding and achieve multiple successful exits. My role as an advisor to numerous startups has given me a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial rollercoaster: the sacrifices, the late nights, the tough choices that define a founder’s journey. Unlike many so-called “special operations” coaching programs that try to impose one-size-fits-all boot-camp methods, I believe this approach is often misaligned with the nuanced reality of startups. Startups need a customized strategy—one that respects their unique culture, market, and leadership dynamics.

Coaching Philosophy: Build the Tinder, Kindling, and Matches

At Win the War Consulting, I don’t just hand you a can of gasoline and say, “ignite.” First, I help you build the tinder, kindling, and matches to spark a fire that will sustain itself. By working on essential habits, mental models, and skill sets, we set the foundation for everything else. In practice, that means:

• Tailored Strategies: Every startup battlefield is unique, and I use my military and entrepreneurial experience to craft a roadmap that fits your distinct challenges.

• Accountability and Discipline: Borrowing from Army structures, I implement check-ins and measurable objectives, ensuring you remain aligned with your vision.

• Data-Driven Insights: As a Targeting Officer, I learned the power of good intel. We’ll gather the right data to guide decisions that lead to real, measurable impact.

• Empathy and Authenticity: While I believe in tough-love coaching, I’m also grounded in integrity and empathy, recognizing that true leadership springs from trust.

The Power of a Military Mindset—Properly Applied

Critics often overlook the nuance that a well-applied military mindset is not about aggression or blind obedience. It’s about structured problem-solving, adaptability, and principled leadership—exactly what founders need to navigate the fast-paced arena of entrepreneurship. My clients have not only raised funds but built stronger companies, improved their team cultures, and become more resilient leaders in the process.

A Call to Action

If you’re ready to transcend cookie-cutter coaching methods and embrace a more holistic, disciplined approach, Win the War Consulting stands ready to guide you. Let’s work together to design a battlefield strategy that is uniquely yours—one that respects your company’s culture, your team’s capabilities, and your personal leadership style.

It’s time to harness the proven tactics of military leadership—adapted for the modern startup battlefield—and come out on top. Join me, and let’s ignite the spark that drives your venture to lasting success.