🎙️ S02E09: From Combat Engineer to Global Coach: The Edward Zia Way
Guest: Edward Zia – Veteran, LinkedIn Influencer, Master Coach

Episode Summary:
In this energising episode, Pete Liston sits down with Edward Zia, a proud Army veteran turned international marketing mentor and LinkedIn powerhouse. Ed shares how his military service as a Combat Engineer laid the foundation for a career helping thousands of professionals build influence, win clients, and amplify their personal brands.

We explore Edward’s journey from the frontline to the front page of LinkedIn, his resilience through personal hardship, and his passion for connecting good people to great opportunities. With 10,000+ hours of coaching experience and collaborations with Microsoft, LinkedIn, and the Australian Government, Edward delivers insight with authenticity and humour.

What You’ll Learn:

• How military experience shapes entrepreneurial thinking
• Edward’s key strategies for growing a personal brand on LinkedIn
• Why connecting with “likeminded winners” matters
• His philosophy on leadership, faith, and service
• Tips for veterans looking to succeed in business and influence

About Edward Zia:
Edward is a Certified Practising Marketer (CPM), International Master Coach, and proud Australian veteran. Through his work with Microsoft, LinkedIn, Business Australia, and others, he’s helped generate millions in revenue for clients globally. He's also a passionate Christian, charity supporter, and Australian Top Google Guide.

🔗 Listen Now:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
• VBC Website

📣 Follow Edward:

• LinkedIn – Edward Zia
• Website

🎙️ S02E08: SAS Patrols in Vietnam to Principal of Veterans in Motorsport

Guest: Robert Kilsby
Theme: "We have to earn our stories" – and Robert has more than earned his.

🎧 Episode Summary

Robert Kilsby’s life is a masterclass in resilience, transformation, and service. Whether you're a veteran, leader, or someone looking for inspiration on how to keep moving forward when life knocks you down – this episode delivers.

In this deeply inspiring and action-packed episode, we sit down with Robert Kilsby, a man who has lived multiple extraordinary lives – from scouting enemy trails in Vietnam with the elite SASR, to redefining recovery through motorsport, to now preparing to take the stage as a keynote speaker.

Robert’s story begins in the rugged Flinders Ranges of South Australia and winds through the battlefields of Vietnam, the covert operations of military intelligence, the chaos of entrepreneurship, and the redemptive thrill of racing fast cars. Through it all, he’s remained a powerful example of what it means to adapt, overcome, and live with purpose.

Connect with Robert Kilsby

🌐 Website: https://www.veteransinmotorsport.au/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kilsby-9152615/

#VBC #VeteransInMotorsport #SASVeteran #VietnamVeteran #CombatToCivvy #VeteranStories #UltimateFreedom #ResilienceMatters #MilitaryLife #MotorsportRecovery #VeteranSupport #VeteranStrong #ServiceAndSacrifice #MenOfAction #PodcastForVeterans #VeteranPodcst #HealingThroughPurpose #MentalToughness #LivedExperience #InspirationDaily

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode of MM4B, we’re joined by Shannon Lemanski—a former Army mechanical engineer who’s turned his technical skills into powerful social impact. As the founder of Aqua Ubique, Shannon is leading a clean tech revolution, using cutting-edge technology to extract water from air.

After more than a decade in uniform, Shannon now heads a social enterprise that helps small businesses reduce plastic waste, save money, and provide clean drinking water to remote and underserved communities across Australia.

We unpack Shannon’s journey from defence to entrepreneurship, the technology behind atmospheric water generation, and his passion for building sustainable solutions with real-world impact.

💡 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Shannon’s Army career and transition to purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• The origin story of Aqua Ubique and its social mission
• How atmospheric water generators (AWGs) produce clean water from humidity
• The environmental and financial benefits for small businesses
• How Aqua Ubique is tackling plastic waste and water scarcity
• Lessons learned as a veteran building a clean tech business
• The role of veterans in climate and sustainability innovation

🧠 Key Takeaway

With a mission-driven mindset and the right technology, it’s possible to turn thin air into real change—for business, people, and planet.

🔗 Connect with Shannon Lemanski & Aqua Ubique
🌐 Website: https://aquaubique.com.au/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lemanski/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/aqua-ubique/

#WaterFromThinAir #AquaUbique #SocialEnterprise #CleanTech #VeteranEntrepreneur #AustralianInnovation #SustainableBusiness #PlasticFreeFuture #WaterForAll #VeteransInBusiness #PurposeDriven #AtmosphericWater #ClimateSolutions

🎙️ S02E06: Boutique Rum, Crowdfunding & Life in Northern New South Wales
🎧 Listen Now:https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media

📣 Guest: Sally Carter, Co-Founder of Birds of Isle

In this episode, we sit down with Sally Carter, co-founder of Birds of Isle, a boutique Australian rum label redefining the country’s relationship with the spirit. With over two decades of leadership across procurement, supply chain, and operations—including time with the NSW State Government and the Australian Army—Sally brings both sharp strategy and deep integrity to her work.

Sally shares the journey of turning her lifelong passion for rum into a purpose-driven business rooted in ethics, sustainability, and celebrating Australian culture. From launching a successful crowdfunding campaign to crafting small-batch spirits that reflect the landscape of Northern New South Wales, Sally offers a powerful look into what it means to lead with intention.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🥃 Why Sally co-founded Birds of Isle and her vision for Australian rum
🚀 Insights into launching and funding a spirit brand through crowdfunding
🌱 Building a sustainable, values-driven business from the ground up
🧭 How a career in government, food manufacturing, and the military shaped her leadership
🌊 Life and business in regional NSW and its role in creative entrepreneurship
💼 Juggling operations, sustainability, legal and finance as a hands-on founder
🔍 Her take on ethical leadership and leading by example in the craft distilling industry

Sally Carter is a dynamic leader with a passion for ethics, sustainability, and supporting the growth of others. With over 20 years of experience across procurement, supply chain, and operations—including roles in food manufacturing, the NSW State Government, and the Australian Army—Sally brings deep expertise to every part of her business. As co-founder of Birds of Isle, she is redefining Australian rum, crafting spirits that celebrate the land and culture of Australia. Sally oversees production, operations, sustainability, finance, legal, and governance—proving that great leadership is hands-on, values-led, and vision-focused.

🔗 Follow Sally Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-carter-65951b42/ | https://birdsofisle.com.au/

📲 Follow us for more inspiring stories from veteran leaders and business innovators:

• Website - https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media
• Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/military-mindset-for-business/id1657948200
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3J5xETQmJzNbXM4agGrDv9?si=a5513dab60a14c13

📌 Join the Veteran Business Community → https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community

💯 Join Mission Ready: The Veteran Business Foundation Program → https://share.hsforms.com/1H3X6qjK7QEyqu4a8k-VqHQdvnde

#MM4B #VBC #BirdsOfIsle #AustralianRum #BoutiqueSpirits #WomenInBusiness #CrowdfundingSuccess #SustainableBusiness #RumRevolution #EthicalLeadership #RegionalBusiness #NorthernNSW #AustralianDistillers #VeteranEntrepreneur #CraftRum #PurposeDrivenBusiness

🎙️ S02E05: Women in Combat – Sliding Door Moments that Changed Our Lives

🔥 In this inspiring episode, we chat with Rach Ranton—Australian Army veteran, corporate leader, and advocate for neurodiversity and veteran hiring programs. From frontlines in East Timor and Afghanistan to boardrooms at Westpac Bank, Rach shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and achieving financial independence (FIREd).

💡 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Women in Combat – Breaking barriers as the first woman in the Australian Army awarded a commendation for service in Afghanistan.

2️⃣ Corporate Leadership & Cultural Change – Leading multi-billion-dollar portfolios and driving cultural shifts at Westpac.

3️⃣ Neurodiversity & Veteran Hiring – Pioneering inclusion programs that redefined corporate culture.

4️⃣ The Road to FIREd – How strategic planning enabled Rach to retire early and live life on her terms.

5️⃣ Living Life Fully – From powerlifting to remote camping and surfing, Rach is embracing adventure post-career.

🏆 Honours & Awards:

• Prime Minister’s Veteran Employee of the Year
• University of Southern Queensland’s Professional Alumnus of the Year
• Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Silver Commendation (Afghanistan)

🎧 Listen Now: https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🔗 Follow Rach Ranton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelranton/ | https://www.rachranton.com/

📲 Follow us for more inspiring stories from veteran leaders and business innovators:

• Website - https://veteranbc.com/
• Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/military-mindset-for-business/id1657948200
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3J5xETQmJzNbXM4agGrDv9?si=a5513dab60a14c13
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@veteranbc
  
  

📌 Join the Veteran Business Community → https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community

💯 Join Mission Ready: The Veteran Business Foundation Program → https://share.hsforms.com/1H3X6qjK7QEyqu4a8k-VqHQdvnde

👥 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and tag us! #MM4BPodcast #WomenInCombat #VeteranBusiness #FIREdJourney #FinancialIndependence #WomenInLeadership #MilitaryToBusiness #Neurodiversity #VeteranHiring #BreakingBarriers #LeadershipMatters #EmpowerVeterans #TrailblazingWomen #MissionReady #CombatToCorporate #LiveLifeOnYourTerms #ResilienceInAction #VeteranSuccess

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

🎙️S02E04: Grant Mastery: Navigating the World of Grant Applications with Kate Whitehead

We are joined by the brilliant Avant Group’s Managing Director, Kate Whitehead, a leading expert in grant applications and funding pathways.

Kate shares her deep expertise in understanding the complexities of grant applications—from uncovering the best opportunities to mastering the application process. Whether you're a startup, a non-profit, or a growing business, Kate’s insights will help you cut through the noise and position your applications for success.

🎧 Tune in now: https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media
🌍 Check out Avant Group: https://avantgroup.com.au/

🔗Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-whitehead/

Kate on VBC's Lunch In The Mess. RSVP here → https://share.hsforms.com/1b8dhYcXgQVic8O-V50a9dwdvnde

📌 Join the Veteran Business Community → https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community

💯 Join Mission Ready: The Veteran Business Foundation Program → https://share.hsforms.com/1H3X6qjK7QEyqu4a8k-VqHQdvnde

#MM4BPodcast #GrantMastery #GrantApplications #FundingSuccess #BusinessGrants #KateWhitehead #SmallBusinessSupport #GovernmentGrants #GrantWriting #FundingOpportunities #ApplicationSuccess #BusinessGrowth #SecureTheGrant #FundingPathways #MissionDrivenBusiness

🎙️S02E03: Beyond the Battlefield: How Edward Plant Builds High-Impact Business Networks

In this episode of the MM4B, we sit down with Edward Plant, Co-Founder and Director of The Business League (TBL), to explore his inspiring journey from army engineer to business growth strategist.

Edward opens up about his time in the Australian Defence Force, the leadership principles he carried over into civilian life, and how his experience led him to co-create one of Australia’s most impactful networking organisations for business owners.

🎧 Tune in now: https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌍 Check out The Business League here: https://www.thebusinessleague.com.au/

🔗Connect with Edward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-plant-business-networking-growth-support/

📌 Join the Veteran Business Community → https://veteranbc.com/join-our-community

💯 Join Mission Ready: The Veteran Business Foundation Program → https://share.hsforms.com/1H3X6qjK7QEyqu4a8k-VqHQdvnde

#MM4BPodcast #VeteranBusiness #BusinessNetworking #TheBusinessLeague #EdwardPlant #VeteransInBusiness #Leadership #StrategicGrowth #Entrepreneurship #AustralianVeteranOwnedBusiness

🎙️ S02E02: From Electronic Warfare to Executive Furniture: Kevin Kidd’s Next Mission

After flying the EA-18G Growler, Kevin Kidd now commands a different kind of mission—fitting out offices across Australia. In this episode, we dive into his transition from high-speed decision-making to high-end workspaces, and the mindset it took to pivot after service.

🎧 Catch the latest episode of MM4B:
🔗 https://veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🔗 Check out Access Office Industries here: https://www.accessoffice.com.au/

🔗Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: Kevin Kidd

💡 Don’t forget to subscribe!