In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Colonel Kevin Hudson to discuss his remarkable journey from infantry officer to Cobra pilot, and ultimately to executive leadership in the private sector at YAM Worldwide. After serving more than 26 years in the Marine Corps, Kevin made the transition into a completely new industry, helping build Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) from a startup with fewer than 20 employees into a global company with more than 900 employees worldwide.

Kevin shares how military leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills translated directly into the business world, despite having no prior experience in golf manufacturing. The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the importance of networking, finding the right post-service career path, and why veterans often bring more value to civilian organizations than they realize.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Kevin’s path from infantry officer to Marine Corps aviator and Cobra pilot
• What inspired him to join the Marine Corps and serve for more than two decades
• Lessons learned leading Marines in combat and throughout a military career
• The realities of transitioning from military service into the private sector
• How networking and professional relationships create career opportunities
• Why veterans often underestimate the business skills they have developed in uniform
• How military experience translates into operations, manufacturing, talent management, and executive leadership
• The importance of understanding budgets, personnel management, and organizational culture
• What it was like helping launch and scale a startup company from the ground floor
• The similarities between leading military units and leading high-growth businesses
• Why defining where you want to live and how you want to live is critical during transition
• Common fears veterans face when leaving the military and how to overcome them
• The value of mentorship and maintaining strong veteran networks
• How veterans can continue serving their communities after military retirement
• Finding purpose, balance, and fulfillment in life after the military

Kevin also reflects on his experience serving as a Marine Corps monitor, where he witnessed countless officers and enlisted Marines navigate transition. Drawing from those experiences, he offers practical advice for service members preparing for civilian careers and emphasizes that military veterans are uniquely equipped to tackle complex challenges, lead teams, and drive results in any industry.

Whether you're an active-duty service member planning your next chapter, a veteran exploring new opportunities, or a business leader interested in the value veterans bring to organizations, this episode offers actionable advice and powerful lessons on leadership, adaptability, and lifelong service.

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