Ep. 118 High Risk, High Reward: Navigating Special Operations Forces Transition with Purpose

Host Beau Higgins welcomes two powerhouse leaders from The Honor Foundation: Matt Stevens, CEO and former Navy SEAL, and Kelly McGraw, Chief Impact Officer and long-time Naval Special Warfare spouse. In this deep and personal episode, they explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning out of Special Operations and into civilian life. Matt shares his journey from SEAL Team leadership to Honor Foundation graduate, tech startup exec, and now organizational head—underscoring how identity, introspection, and network-building reshaped his post-military path. Kelly brings the vital perspective of a military spouse navigating transition as a family affair, and highlights the groundbreaking programs helping SOF families redefine their next mission. Together, they discuss: - Why transition is a team sport - The importance of introspection before reinvention - The Honor Foundation’s expansion beyond SOF and into spouse support - Real talk on fears, identity shifts, and family priorities after the military - How companies can engage and hire elite SOF talent If you"re in the military community, preparing for transition, or want to understand the power of purpose-driven reinvention, this episode delivers the insights and honesty you’ve been looking for. Learn more about The Honor Foundation at honor.org #MilVetPodcast #HonorFoundation #VeteranTransition #MilitarySpouse #SpecialOperations #VeteranVoices #PostMilitaryLife #CareerAfterService #LeadershipAfterService #TransitionIsATeamSport #FromBootsToBusiness #VeteransInTech #MilitaryToCorporate #SupportOurVets #PurposeAfterUniform Thanks for listening! Here"s how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet