From Military to Startup: Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

As the host of Founders Unplugged , I've had the privilege of interviewing numerous entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds. One pattern that has emerged is the remarkable transition many founders make from military service to the startup world.

I've been fortunate enough to have a handful of ex-military founders on the show and Jen Lothian , co-founder and CEO of MyArk , is a prime example of this journey. Her story (that she shared with me in Part One of our conversation: https://youtu.be/tQw3jZW6ny0) offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

But first!

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The transition from military service to entrepreneurship is often romanticised, with veterans' leadership skills and resilience touted as perfect ingredients for startup success. However, Jen Lothian's journey from the Royal Engineers to founding MyArk reveals a more complex reality that both challenges and enriches the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Double-Edged Sword of Military Discipline

Military training instils a sense of structure and protocol that can be both an asset and a liability in the startup world. Jen's experience highlights how this discipline can manifest in unexpected ways:

1. Rapid Decision-Making vs. Analysis ParalysisMilitary: Quick decisions are often necessary in high-stakes situations.Startup Reality: The ambiguity of market conditions can lead to overthinking, as veterans search for clear-cut solutions in a nuanced business landscape.
2. Hierarchical Leadership vs. Flat StructuresMilitary: Clear chain of command and top-down decision-making.Startup Reality: The need for a more collaborative, horizontal leadership style can be challenging for veterans who are used to hierarchical structures.

Redefining Mission and Purpose

The sense of purpose ingrained in military service doesn't always translate seamlessly to the business world:

• In the military, the mission is clear and often tied to national security or humanitarian efforts.
• In startups, defining a compelling mission that resonates with both the team and the market can be a more abstract challenge.

Jen's journey to founding MyArk illustrates how veterans can leverage their sense of purpose to identify and solve real-world problems, bridging the gap between military service and entrepreneurial innovation.

The Resilience Paradox

While military-honed resilience is often cited as a key entrepreneurial trait, it can be a double-edged sword:

• Positive Aspect: The ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks is crucial in the volatile startup environment.
• Potential Pitfall: Over-reliance on resilience can lead to pushing through when pivoting or reassessing might be more appropriate.

Jen's decision to scrap six months of work and start over with MyArk demonstrates a nuanced application of resilience – knowing when to persist and when to change course.

Leveraging Crisis Management Skills

Veterans' experience in high-pressure situations can be a significant asset, particularly in the chaotic early stages of a startup:

• Stress Management: The ability to remain calm and focused during crises can be invaluable when dealing with startup challenges.
• Adaptability: Military training in adapting to rapidly changing situations translates well to the pivot-heavy nature of startups.

However, the constant state of "crisis management" in startups can lead to burnout if not balanced with strategic planning and self-care.

The Network Effect: Military Bonds vs. Business Relationships

The strong bonds formed in military service can influence how veterans approach networking and team-building in the business world:

• Strength: Deep trust and loyalty can lead to strong founding teams and business relationships.
• Challenge: The intensity of military relationships may not be replicable or appropriate in all business contexts, requiring veterans to adapt their approach to team dynamics.

Implications for Investors and Founders

For investors considering veteran-led startups:

• Look for founders who demonstrate adaptability in leadership style and decision-making processes.
• Value the unique perspective veterans bring to problem-solving and crisis management.
• Be prepared to support the transition from military to business mindsets, particularly in areas like marketing and customer development.

For veteran founders:

• Actively work on translating military skills to the business context, being open to unlearning certain approaches when necessary.
• Leverage your experience in high-pressure situations, but be mindful of the different nature of startup stress compared to military stress.
• Build diverse teams that complement your strengths and fill gaps in business-specific knowledge.

Conclusion: The Evolving Veteran Entrepreneur

The journey from military service to successful entrepreneurship is not a straight line but a transformative process. Veterans like Jen Lothian who succeed in this transition appear to do so by:

1. Recognizing the need to adapt military skills to the business context.
2. Embracing the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in entrepreneurship.
3. Leveraging their unique experiences to solve problems and build resilient companies.

As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the role of veteran entrepreneurs will likely become increasingly nuanced and valuable, bringing a unique blend of discipline, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership to the business world.

I am not ex-military myself, so these are just observations I have made in speaking with a handful of ex-military founders.

If you are an ex-military founder, please let me know what you think I got wrong and what you think I got right in the comments.

Thanks for reading. ??

Please head over to Founders Unplugged on the platform of your choice and follow/subscribe to get alerted when Part Two of my conversation with Jen comes out.

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