In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, about leadership, loss, veteran transition, and finding purpose after service. TMF was founded by Ryan’s mother, Janet Manion, in honor of her son, Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed in Iraq in 2007.

Ryan discusses how TMF has grown into a national organization that supports veterans and families of the fallen through programs centered on leadership, service, mentorship, and community engagement. The conversation also highlights TMF’s view that veterans continue to have an important role to play after leaving the military, and that service and community can help create that next chapter.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The emotional realities of transition after military service and loss
• How imposter syndrome impacts veterans and nonprofit leaders alike
• Ryan Manion’s journey from entrepreneur to nonprofit CEO
• Lessons learned leading and scaling a national nonprofit organization
• Why hiring smart people and building strong teams matters
• How military leadership skills translate into business and nonprofit leadership
• The importance of community, service, and purpose after the military
• How the Travis Manion Foundation supports veterans and families of the fallen
• The impact of programs like Character Does Matter and the 9/11 Heroes Run
• Why mentorship and youth engagement are critical to long-term community impact
• The connection between service, purpose, and veteran mental health
• How local veterans can create meaningful change in their own communities

Ryan also shares a pivotal story about attending a White House veterans roundtable early in her career and realizing that believing in herself was more important than seeking validation from others. Her reflections on leadership, confidence, and growth offer valuable lessons for veterans, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and anyone navigating major life transitions.

Whether you’re a veteran entering civilian life, someone passionate about supporting the military community, or a leader building purpose-driven organizations, this episode delivers an authentic conversation about resilience, identity, leadership, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform.

🔗 Learn more about the Travis Manion Foundation
🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

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