From living in his car after a home invasion and crippling PTSD… to building a multi-million-dollar janitorial company and helping thousands of people strengthen mental resilience — Aaron “Sergeant Q” Quinonez journey is nothing short of extraordinary.In this episode of Leadership Loading, host Jason McClaren dives deep with Aaron about:His elite Marine Corps role with 1st ANGLICO calling in airstrikes and working with Special ForcesThe home invasion that changed his life and worsened his PTSDWhy he built a janitorial business focused on mental healthHow investing in people’s mental resilience reduced turnover from 300% to 67%Winning back-to-back seasons on the reality show The BloxPractical leadership advice that any new leader can use TODAYAaron’s Links:Q Actual (civilian mental health app): https://qactual.comOperation Pop Smoke (veteran mental health app): https://operationspopsmoke.comAaron’s speaking and training: https://sergeantq.com📢 If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, leadership, or building a team that actually wants to work with you, this is your must-watch episode.

Gary Polk, founder of the Polk Institute Foundation, joins the Leadership Loading podcast to share how social entrepreneurship and leadership values can change your business, and your life. From being a banker in Beverly Hills to building a tuition-free nonprofit helping underserved entrepreneurs, Gary breaks down what it really takes to succeed in today’s business world.🔗 Learn More:Polk Institute: https://polkinstitute.org📌 Key Topics:Why "Character" is the #1 leadership trait in businessThe triple bottom line: People, Planet, ProfitHow veterans & underrepresented groups are empowered through the Polk InstituteWhat is the "Fundable CEO"?How entrepreneurship is a team sportBuilding grit, resilience, and mental fitness in foundersThe Silver Tsunami: Helping baby boomers with exit strategies📢 Free programs available for veterans, women, and early-stage entrepreneurs!

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren speaks with Bob O'Connor, author of Jeep Show: A Trooper at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob shares the little-known history of enlisted WWII entertainers—troops who risked their lives to perform just behind the front lines to boost morale. Discover the leadership lessons these stories offer and how they apply to today's military and corporate teams.

💡 Key Topics:

Morale-building through presence and leadership

Forgotten WWII history: The Jeep Shows

Lessons from POW and Medal of Honor recipient James Stockdale

How leadership impacts frontline effectiveness

Applying military morale techniques to modern workplaces

📚 Get the book:Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HXcoQ8

🎧 Visit Bob's site: https://jeepshowbook.com

🛡️ Support Shields & Stripes https://shieldsandstripes.org/: Bob donates $1 per copy sold