In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Ray Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and​ Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. Through IVMF's innovative programs, including Onward to Opportunity and their entrepreneurship initiatives, the institute serves over 20,000 service members, Veterans, and military families annually.​

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Ray offers insights into authentic leadership development, drawing from both his military experience and civilian career. The conversation delves deep into what makes an effective leader, emphasizing the importance of being present and avoiding ego-driven decision-making. Ray's perspective on translating military leadership skills to civilian success provides valuable lessons for Veterans in transition and established leaders alike.​

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What you'll learn in this episode:​

• Learn how IVMF serves 20,000 veterans annually.​
• Understand how corporate partnerships fuel Veteran support.​
• Gain insights on translating military leadership to civilian success.

Explore Resources from this episode:​

• D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Terry Hill, the Co-Head of Emerging Middle Market and Co-Head of Veteran Initiatives for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. Hill – a U.S. Army Veteran and a West Point graduate – helps lead the firm’s efforts to support veteran and military spouse founders and business leaders. Hill plays an active role in CEOcircle, a program for veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs led by D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. ​

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Berry and Hill delve into the crucial role veteran and military-community business owners play in the economy, leadership lessons from the military to run effective teams, JPMorganChase’s broader work supporting veterans and the military community and more. ​

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What You’ll Learn:​

• How Veterans can break into the finance industry and thrive​
• Why leadership isn’t about rank—and how to create impactful teams at any level​
• The inside story of CEOCircle: a game-changer for Veteran entrepreneurs​
• JPMorganChase’s commitment to hiring, training, and supporting 18,000+ Veterans​
• Practical advice for Veterans transitioning into business and beyond​

Whether you’re a Veteran looking to scale your business, navigate a career change, or simply gain insight into leadership that drives results, this episode delivers actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss.​

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Explore Resources from the Episode:​

• JPMorganChase Veterans Programs​
• CEOCircle Program at Syracuse University’s IVMF

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Jennifer Vollbrecht, CEO of J. Volbrecht Consulting and author of My Mom is a Veteran. From her beginnings as a Marine Corps crew chief to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Jennifer shares her story of transformation and leadership.​

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Jennifer discusses a moment in her career that led her to pursue entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. She highlights how military discipline and planning skills translate into effective project management, a crucial element for success in any field. Jennifer also shares her experiences with both exemplary and poor leadership, underscoring the value of mentorship and personal connections. ​

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Balancing her systematic approach to business with creative endeavors, Jennifer demonstrates how storytelling can be a powerful tool in leadership, helping teams understand their mission and context. Her insights offer valuable lessons on leadership and the execution of vision.​

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Explore Resources from this episode:​

• Home - My Mom Is A Veteran Children's Book​
• Jennifer Vollbrecht | Project Management Consulting

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Kelo Makelele, an Army Veteran and Direct of Operations at RedTrace Technologies since 2018. Kelo Makelele successfully transitioned from IT and Cyber Operations in the Army to a cyber security career in the private sector. We delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on modern businesses and how it’s shaping the future. Kelo also discusses his decision to venture into entrepreneurship and the factors that influenced his choice.

Drawing from his military background, Kelo talks about the essential leadership qualities that have helped him succeed in both his military and civilian careers. Watch the full episode to hear Kelo’s inspiring story and gain valuable knowledge on navigating the intersection of military experience and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Steve Russell, the Army battalion commander who led Task Force 1-22 Infantry in the historic capture of Saddam Hussein. Russell shares the details of tracking Saddam through his network of trusted families and the ultimate successful raid in December 2003.​

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Beyond his military service, Russell discusses his continued dedication to public service as an Oklahoma State Senator and U.S. Congressman, where he championed veteran causes including the Uniform Spouse Protection Act reform. His journey from battlefield commander to manufacturer and elected official demonstrates the lasting impact of military leadership principles in civilian life.​

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Today, Russell serves with JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service), where he applies his military logistics and leadership experience to support humanitarian missions in remote jungle locations worldwide. Using aircraft, boats, and four-wheel drive vehicles, JAARS reduces barriers and serves communities across the Amazon, Congolese, and Melanesian rainforests.​

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Explore Resources from the Episode:​

• JAARS​
• We Got Him!: A Memoir of the Hunt and Capture of Saddam Hussein

In Episode 104 of Veteran Led, John S. Berry hosts Lieutenant Colonel Retired Oakland McCulloch, renowned leadership expert and author of Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be.​

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Oak dives deep into the timeless principles of leadership, sharing how trust, service, and adaptability can elevate teams and organizations. From lessons learned in the military to adapting those skills in civilian life, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead with integrity and purpose.​

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What you’ll learn in this episode:​

• Why trust is the foundation of effective leadership​
• How to connect with your team and build a culture of excellence​
• The power of reflection and adapting military leadership skills to new environments​
• Real-world examples of great (and poor) leadership and their lessons​

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Whether you’re leading a team or striving to grow personally, this conversation will inspire and equip you to leave a lasting leadership legacy.​

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Explore Resources from the Episode:​

• ltcoakmcculloch.com​
• Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be

In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry sits down with JT Taylor, CEO of the USMC Scout Sniper Association, to explore the vital work of building support networks for veterans and their families.​

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JT shares his journey from Marine Scout Sniper to veteran advocate, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans. Learn how the USMC Scout Sniper Association provides mentorship, financial assistance, and critical resources while preserving the legacy of Marine Scout Snipers.​

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Learn more about the USMC Scout Sniper Association at scoutsniper.org and the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation at scoutsniperheritagefoundation.org.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John Berry challenges leaders to ask the tough question: “Is this the best you can do?” He dives into the mindset of continuous improvement, explaining why “your best” today should only be a steppingstone to what you can achieve tomorrow.​

John shares personal stories, including lessons from hiring coaches, building high-performing teams, and developing new skills—even when it meant starting from scratch. This episode is a reminder that great leaders lead by example, embrace growth, and never settle for “good enough”.​