Julie Austin on Veteran Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Forces Brands USA
I spoke with retired U.S. Army officer Julie Austin about leadership, military transition, and the next mission many veterans choose after taking off the uniform: entrepreneurship.
Julie served our nation for 20 years while carrying on a proud military family legacy. Her journey began as a reluctant ROTC cadet and eventually took her into positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as a battalion commander.
Throughout our conversation, Julie shares the leadership lessons she learned during two decades in the Army and how those experiences continue to shape her life today. We also discuss her transition from military to civilian life and why prioritizing her family became an important part of deciding what came next.
Helping Veterans Become Entrepreneurs
Military service develops skills that translate naturally into business ownership. Leadership, discipline, adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to operate under pressure are all qualities veterans can bring to entrepreneurship.
Julie is putting those skills to work as co-host of the Dog Tags to Ownership podcast, where she helps veterans explore the opportunities and challenges that come with starting and growing a business.
We discuss why entrepreneurship can provide veterans with something beyond a career, and how 0it can offer a new mission and another opportunity to lead.
Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses with Forces Brands USA
One of the most exciting parts of our conversation is Julie’s announcement of Forces Brands USA, an online marketplace designed to connect consumers with veteran-owned businesses across the country.
The concept creates an opportunity to strengthen the veteran business community while making it easier for consumers to intentionally support entrepreneurs who have served our nation.
Forces Brands USA represents something I strongly believe in: Veterans supporting Veterans while building stronger communities.
Whether you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship, a business owner looking for inspiration, or a consumer who wants to support veteran-owned companies, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, transition, and finding your next mission.
Visit https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ to learn more about Forces Brands USA and how you can get involved.
Julie, thank you for your 20 years of military service, your continued commitment to empowering veterans, and for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio.
We are Mission in Flight!
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