WPAOG Podcast
The WPAOG Podcast is a strategic initiative focused on tailored audible communications to further inform Graduates on current AOG projects, events, and USMA updates. This customized content is mainly for USMA Alumni and the West Point Community solely produced by the West Point Association of Graduates. The Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, Google Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
Preparing Army Leaders in Civil-Military Relations with Dr. Chris Gibson, President of Siena College
In this episode Dr. Chris Gibson, President of Siena College, discusses with SOSH Department Head, COL Heidi Demarest ’01, about the current state of civil-military relations, the controversial use of social media as a means for free speech, and the future for military nonpartisan norms. The USMA academic year of 2022-23 is dedicated to the study of the military officer's role and relationship with society and civilian leaders.
Dr. Gibson served district NY-19 in the U.S. House of Representatives, commanded 2BCT, 82nd Airborne Division in Haiti, served four combat tours in Iraq, was part of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and taught in the USMA Department of Social Sciences (SOSH) from 1995-98.
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Serving a Higher Purpose with Steven Lee, COO and Co-Founder at Crowdz
This episode features an interview with Steven Lee ‘01, COO and Co-Founder at Crowdz, an innovative receivable software as a service FinTech company set to revolutionize the 9 trillion receivables market. Steven has over 18 years of hands-on leadership, operations, project management, logistics, finance, and personnel training in the military, aerospace, and high-tech industries, as well as a career as a former captain and combat veteran in the U.S. Army. In this episode, Steven talks about his background at West Point and why he has always rooted for the underdogs.
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Maintaining Historical Accuracy in Film
This episode features an interview with classmates Michael Mazzocco and John Nawoichyk, Class of 1993 who worked on the new Netflix movie “The Pale Blue Eye,” a fictional tale about a detective hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. The detective, played by Christian Bale, enlists the help of one of West Point’s eeriest cadets to unravel the case—a young Edgar Allan Poe. Mazzocco and Nawoichyk worked alongside Director Scott Cooper, the crew, and the cast as technical advisors and military historians. In this episode, they talk about their friendship on the set, maintaining historical accuracy, and how implementing the military decision-making process learned at West Point guided them in recreating the West Point experience on the big screen.
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Elevating Cadets for Success
January 11, 2023
This episode features an interview with Army West Point Men’s Rugby Head Coach Matt Sherman. Coach Sherman joined the Black Knights in 2015 to lead the program and is the first full-time coach in Army West Point Men's Rugby history. In this episode, Coach Sherman talks about the current efforts to defend the national championship title, the steps he takes to elevate cadets to be successful, and the important impact Lee Anderson '61, and his wife Penny, and Margin Of Excellence donors have had on the program and Margin Of Excellence donors have had on the program.
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Paying It Forward
December 14, 2022
This episode features an interview with Terry Hill ’92, and Alex McKindra ’93, Managing Directors and Co-heads of Veteran Initiatives at JP Morgan Chase commercial banking. Together, they lead efforts to provide resources and support to veteran business owners nationwide. Terry and Alex talk about cadet life and lasting influences from their time attending the Academy, the transition from serving in the military to a career in banking, and the importance of giving back by inspiring young veterans to pursue passion through entrepreneurship.
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A Lifetime of Coaching
November 30, 2022
This episode features an interview with Army West Point Head Hockey Coach Brian Riley and your host, the voice of Army Hockey, Nikolai Busko. In this episode, Coach Riley discusses his own personal journey towards achieving his dream job and fulfilling the Riley family legacy and relives his father’s stories, specifically his success in hockey at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics and receiving an Olympic gold medal as a coach. Coach Riley has 18 seasons as Army Hockey’s Head Coach and is just the third Army hockey coach in the past 70 years, following in the footsteps of his father and brother who led the program before him.
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The Dean on Educating Future Military Leaders
November 16, 2022
In this episode, BG Shane Reeves ’96, 15th Dean of the Academic Board, sits down and talks about his path to becoming the Dean and running the academic program at West Point. He discusses the importance of providing a challenging intellectual foundation for future leaders so young officers are able to successfully navigate the complexities, uncertainties and ambiguities of the modern and future battle space. BG Reeves also explains why the West Point Press and other Margin of Excellence initiatives hold essential roles at West Point allowing cadets valuable experiences beyond the classroom.
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Never Leave a Fallen Comrade
October 26, 2022
This episode of the WPAOG Podcast features a conversation with LTC Robert “Rob” Beale ’02. Beale is the 2022 WPAOG Alexander R Nininger Award winner and currently serves at U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg, NC. In this episode, hosted by 2021 Nininger Award winner, COL James Enos ’00, Rob shares how his experiences in programs at West Point, including Margin of Excellence opportunities, helped prepare him for his valiant military career. Rob also explains his take on the Warrior Ethos, the importance of relationships in supporting mental health, and why mentorship through the Long Gray Line has been a principle to his personal success.
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Contribute Where You Can
September 28, 2022
This episode features an interview with LTG(R) David F. Melcher '76. Melcher spent 32 years serving in the Army and is recognized as a prominent figure in the aerospace and defense community. In this episode, David talks about how he had no doubt that West Point was where he could gain the best leadership skills. He discusses working in the White House and then transitioning into business. David also explains what he feels are the keys to success in life and the importance of continuing to be an active member of the West Point community.
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Eliminating Obstacles and Executing with Joe Beard ‘96, Co-Founder & CEO of CollateralEdge
September 21, 2022
This episode features a conversation with Joe Beard ’96, Co-Founder & CEO of CollateralEdge. Joe talks about how he had to adapt and use what he learned at West Point to succeed in business. He also discusses his successful investment strategies, the importance of problem solving, and what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.
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Taking Calculated Risks in Entrepreneurship
September 14, 2022
This episode features an interview with David Hunt, the founder and CEO at Crossrope a fun, new way to get fit anywhere with a weighted jump rope experience. Dave, a 2004 graduate of USNA and a MIT Entrepreneurial Masters graduate talks about his life as a former Naval Aviator, overcoming serious life-changing injuries through passionate entrepreneurship, and the importance of taking calculated risks while also embracing uncertainty.
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Building Character and Becoming Tougher with Bob Eisiminger ‘88, Entrepreneur and Founder & Former CEO of Knight Point Systems
August 31, 2022
This episode features a conversation with Bob Eisiminger ‘88, entrepreneur, and Founder and Former CEO of Knight Point Systems. In this episode, Bob discusses how his West Point and Army experiences helped him develop his hundred million dollar business, what it’s like to work alongside the U.S. government, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that will help make you a better person.
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Discipline, Resilience, and Passion with James “Jim” Keegan ’55
August 24, 2022
In this episode of the WPAOG podcast, listen in on conversation between Tye Reedy ’05, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, and James Keegan ’55. Jim is best known as a co-founder of Morgan Keegan & Company (now Raymond James), one of the country’s largest investment firms, where he served as President and COO until retirement in 1985. Jim tells us about his time in the military and what’s required to be a confident entrepreneur.
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Setting Priorities and Acting on Them with Brian Elliott ’14 and Andrew Wolgemuth ’15, Co-Founders of Wove
August 10, 2022
This episode Brian Elliott ’14 and Andrew Wolgemuth ’15, Co-Founders of Wove, a 21st century jeweler bringing the jewelry designer directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation. Brian and Andrew discuss how years of military experience are applicable to entrepreneurship and help drive their work and how they’re disrupting the engagement ring industry by changing the way people buy engagement rings.
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Coaching and Leading with a Values-Based Culture with Coach Mike Krzyzewski ’69, Retired Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Duke University
August 3, 2022
This episode features an interview with Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski ’69: West Point Men’s Basketball Head Coach (1975 to 1980), Naismith Hall of Fame coach, five-time national champion at Duke, and six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Coach K was initially reluctant to attend West Point, but eventually realized how much he loved the Academy, the Army, and the importance of being exposed to so many different ways of leading. In his senior year, he was captain of West Point’s basketball team. Following graduation, he served in the Army for five years before beginning his college coaching career. Coach K believes that the education, training, and environment of West Point benefits people well beyond their time attending the Academy. He sees the culture based system of shared values as important for being a lifelong learner and leader, which has helped him coach and guide his players to become well-educated, strong, successful men both on and off the court.
In this episode, Coach K talks about how he ensures that failure is not a destination, and how accountability helps people become the best version of themselves. He explains how his time at West Point and in the military informed and affected his approach to teaching and coaching.
“In the military, obviously it can be life or life or death. And so, in sport we talk about it being life, but it’s not. There is pressure and all that, but you need to know the truth in that moment. You have to have the courage to say or do what needs to be said or done in the moment it needs to be said or done. And really that’s what the Academy was all about and still is about.”
Listen in as Coach K sits down with former player, and long-time friend, GEN(R) Robert B. Brown ’81, President and CEO of AUSA.
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Business can be a Source for Good with Kimberly Jung ’08 and Emily Miller ’08, Co-founders of Rumi Spice
July 27, 2022
In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, Bridget Altenburg ‘95, President and CEO of the National Able Network, is joined by Kimberly Jung ’08, CEO of Blanchard, and Emily Miller ’08, Senior Impact Fund Manager at Twilio.org. In 2014, they founded Rumi Spice, an award-winning enterprise that provides high-quality, sustainably farmed saffron to at home and world class chefs and Michelin-rated restaurants. By sourcing directly from Afghan farmers, Rumi Spice has had an positive impact on the spice trade in Afghanistan and has created thousands of jobs for Afghan women. Kimberly and Emily talk about how their time at West Point and in the military prepared them for becoming entrepreneurs and recount stories of their experiences serving abroad in the Middle East.
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Leading From the Front with Brad Genser ’07, Founder and CTO at Farther
July 20, 2022
This episode features a conversation with Brad Genser ’07, Founder and CTO at Farther, the first digital family office that pairs expert advisors with intelligent technology to manage your entire financial life in one place. Brad discusses the importance of fostering relationships as a leader, managing over a billion dollars in assets, and how he received two bronze stars while serving in the Iraq War. Brad also talks about the valuable lessons learned during this time in the military, which aided his efforts in founding the next great financial institution.
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Self Reflection as an Effective Tool for Growth with Michael Meese ’81, President of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA)
July 13, 2022
This episode features a conversation with BG (R) Michael Meese ’81, President of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), a not-for-profit, member-owned financial services association that provides life insurance, military benefits counseling, Survivor Assistance Services, residential mortgages, financial planning, investment management and trust services to the American Armed Forces Community. Michael talks about his time as a student, teacher, and Department Head of Social Sciences at West Point. He explains the importance of empowering people, educating them, and then allowing them the ability to run with what they’ve learned. Michael also gives insight into being a part of the presidential transition team, and how AAFMAA is working to give needed support to veterans, survivors, and caregivers.
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Applying Entrepreneurial Frameworks to Life and Career with Emily McMahan ’01, General Partner & Co-Founder of Academy Investor Network
July 6, 2022
This episode features a conversation with Emily McMahan ’01, Co-founder and General Partner of Academy Investor Network, a seed-stage focused venture fund which invests in dual-use technology and military veteran-led startups. She has a passion for working with startups and connecting people, technologies, and companies solving tough national security, civic, and social challenges for good.
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The Importance of Empathy in Venture Capital with Brad Harrison ’94, Founder and Managing Partner of Scout Ventures
June 29, 2022
This episode features an interview with Brad Harrison, Founder and Managing Partner of Scout Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm making the world a better, safer place by investing in frontier and dual-use technologies built by veterans, intelligence leaders, and premier research labs. Brad discusses his experience in the military as a leader and why he always put the lives of his soldiers first. He explains how the skills and experiences he had at West Point, and in the Army, helped prepare him to be an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and mentor.
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Never Apologize for Having High Standards with BG (R) Rebecca S. Halstead ’81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST Leadership
June 22, 2022
This episode features an interview with BG Rebecca S. Halstead ’81, Founder and CEO of STEADFAST Leadership, a leading consultancy company she founded after serving for 27 years in the Army. Halstead specializes in inspirational and motivational speaking, developing leader training programs, leader coaching and mentoring. Halstead has provided hundreds of keynote speeches and leadership training to the corporate and academic sectors at both national and international engagements and was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award in 2022 for her exceptional service.
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Instilling Practical Wisdom in Young Leaders with LTC Tom Dull, Executive Officer at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic
June 15, 2022
This episode features a conversation between Dr. Scott Parsons, Character Education Integrator for the Military Program at USMA, and LTC Tom Dull, Executive Officer at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic. Listen in as LTC Dull talks about his background as a student of virtue ethics, responding to mission command and discipline initiatives, how the U.S. Military’s values vary from other nations’, and the importance of character education for young leaders at the Academy.
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Accomplishing What Others Said Couldn't Be Done with Rolfe Arnhym ’53, Vistage Chair
June 8, 2022
Did you watch the Army-Navy game in Pasadena, CA in 1983? In this podcast episode, we sit down with Rolfe Arnhym ’53, Vistage Chair, the world’s largest and most comprehensive executive coaching organization for small and midsize businesses. Arnhym talks about his role, and hurdles, in moving the Army-Navy game to Pasadena back in 1983. He currently develops CEOs and executives to add to their professional skill sets. Arnhym’s distinguished 21-year military career includes two combat tours in Vietnam and command of an Infantry Brigade in the Army Reserve.
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Ukraine’s Courage and Leadership in the Face of an Invasion with Ambassador William B. Taylor ’69, Vice President at the U.S. Institute of Peace and Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Professor of Political Science at USMA
June 1, 2022
Ambassador William B. Taylor ’69, Vice President, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace joins Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences in a conversation about the history of the region and the Ukraine’s relationship with Russia. Tune in as Ambassador Taylor details his personal experience, what the conflict means for Ukraine’s people, how the invasion effects the U.S. and NATO, and what you can do to help the Ukraine as the country fights for its freedom.
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Be Humble, Tactical, and Technically Efficient with Dan Streetman ’90, Chief Executive Officer of TIBCO
May 25, 2022
This episode features an interview with Dan Streetman ’90, Chief Executive Officer of TIBCO. Dan is an expert at leveraging real-time data to enable faster, smarter decisions. In this episode of On Point, Dan talks about how always finding the right solution and having humility are critical in everything you do.
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Character Cut: How Success in Leadership Stems from the Virtue of Love with MAJ Benjamin Elliott ’07 and Dr. Ryan Erbe
May 18, 2022
This episode features a conversation between MAJ Benjamin Elliott ’07, instructor for MX400 Officership at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point, and Dr. Ryan Erbe, Emotional Wellness Integrator with the Character Integration Advisory Group at the United States Military Academy.
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Training for Transition with Mark McLaughlin Class of ’88, Chairman of the Board at Qualcomm and Vice Chairman of the Board at Palo Alto Networks
May 11, 2022
This episode features an interview with Mark McLaughlin ’88, Chairman of the Board at Qualcomm and Vice Chairman of the Board at Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader working to shape the cloud-centric future with technology that is aimed at transforming the way people and organizations operate. McLaughlin talks about his non-linear career path that started after being medically discharged from the military because of a helicopter accident. He emphasizes the importance of networking with fellow alumni.
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Consistent Routines for Successful Leaders with Rodney Manzo ’04, Founder and CEO of Anvyl
May 4, 2022
This episode features a conversation with Rodney Manzo ’04, Founder and CEO of Anvyl, a company that strives to bring intelligent and connected supply chains to customers around the world.
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Soaring High and Diving Deep in Military and Business with Chris Gaertner ’84, Partner at Integrity Partners and Co-CEO and CFO of DHC Acquisition Corporation
April 27, 2022
This episode of On Point features an interview with Chris Gaertner ’84, Partner at Integrity Partners and Co-CEO and CFO of DHC Acquisition Corporation. Chris has 25+ years of experience in underwriting, advising, and mergers and acquisitions for some of the best technology companies in the world. He has been a lead advisor on over 100 equity and M&A transactions, including some of the largest deals in technology, and has led IPOs for companies such as Google and OpenTable.
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Setting Standards and Records with Jeff Monken, Head Coach of Army West Point Football
April 13, 2022
This episode features a conversation between Rich DeMarco, Associate Athletic Director and radio play-by-play announcer for the Army Black Knights, and Jeff Monken, Head Coach of Army West Point Football.
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Character Education as a Pillar of Development with Dr. Jeffrey Peterson, Director of the Character Integration Advisory Group, at the United States Military Academy
April 6, 2022
This episode features an interview between Dr. Yasmine Kalkstein, the Lead Character Integrator and Associate Professor at United States Military Academy at West Point, and Dr. Jeffrey Peterson, the Director of the Character Integration Advisory Group (CIAG), at the United States Military Academy.
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Strategy in Media and Military Alike, with Rob Schneider, Chief Content, Development and Strategy Officer at Learfield
March 30, 2022
This episode of On Point features an interview with Rob Schneider, Chief Content, Development and Strategy Officer at Learfield. Rob has an accomplished background in corporate development and strategy. He drives innovation and acceleration across the content, data, and digital product teams at Learfield. In this role, he strategizes on how to support growth and development within the sports, media, and entertainment industries.
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How to Succeed in Military and Civilian Life, with General Stan McChrystal, Co-founder of the McChrystal Group
March 23, 2022
This episode of On Point features an interview with General Stan McChrystal, Co-founder of the McChrystal Group. Following his retirement from the US Army after 34 years, McChrystal founded the McChrystal Group, which is an advisory team that partners with businesses to improve the performance of their organizations and help build resilient and adaptable teams that can win in today’s dynamic environment.
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How Character and Wisdom Affect Young Leaders, with Dr. Tom Harrison, Director of Education at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham
March 16, 2022
This episode features a conversation between Dr. Scott Parsons, Character Education Integrator for the Military Program at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Dr. Tom Harrison, Director of Education at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham.
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GEN(R) McCaffrey ’64 Leadership in The Military, Politics, and Civilian Life
March 9, 2022
The latest episode of the WPAOG podcast is here! This episode features a conversation with retired US Army Officer and current news commentator, GEN (R) Barry McCaffrey ’64. For his service in the military, McCaffrey was awarded three purple hearts, two silver stars, and two distinguished service crosses. In 2010, McCaffrey received the West Point Association of Graduates Distinguished Graduate Award. He also served in U.S. President Bill Clinton’s Cabinet as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. McCaffrey talks about his time at West Point, his time in Vietnam and the military’s recovery after the war, as well as his post military experience working for the Clinton administration. McCaffrey also provides insight into what he thinks makes a great mentor and leader.
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Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship with Ben Faw, Co-Founder and CEO of AdVon Commerce
March 2, 2022
This episode of On Point features West Point graduate and technology entrepreneur, Ben Faw. As co-founder of AdVon commerce, Ben helps the company to harness proprietary software to create value in e-commerce. He has expertise in consumer internet with a focus on tech, e-commerce, and media.
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The Drive for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
February 23, 2022
This episode of WPAOG Podcast features a conversation between Lisa Benitez ’88, the Chief Diversity Officer at USMA, and Herman Bulls ’78, International Director and the founder of JLL’s Public Institutions Business Unit. In this episode, Herman talks about leading the initial charge for diversity, equity, and inclusion at West Point. As well, gives insight into how the school has continued to expand those efforts across the organization from the board, staff, and faculty to athletics, admissions, and alumni.
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West Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with HON Robert McDonald ’75 and Todd Browne ’85 Part 2
February 16, 2022
This episode features part 2 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd continue to speak about their shared vision for the future of AOG as it continues its mission to become the most highly-connected alumni body in the world for members of the Long Gray Line. They go over the efforts WPAOG is making to coordinate and encourage alumni connections and help provide a clearer path for what’s ahead.
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West Point Association of Graduates: Becoming the Most Connected Alumni Body in the World with HON Robert McDonald ’75 and Todd Browne ’85 Part 1
February 15, 2022
This episode features part 1 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd share their mutual and individual goals and vision for AOG. The organization continues to grow and is aimed at fulfilling its mission to serve the Long Gray Line by becoming the most highly connected alumni body in the world.
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Huge End of Year Announcement
December 22, 2021
Hello and welcome to another episode of On Point. In this episode, Eddie makes a huge announcement you won't want to miss. Along with the announcement, we want to wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season and a great start to your New Year!
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There Are No Rules with Taylor Justice, Co-founder, President of Unite Us
December 15, 2021
This episode features an interview with Taylor Justice, Co-founder & President of Unite Us. Unite Us is an outcome-focused technology company building coordinated care networks of health and social service providers. Since launch in 2012, Unite Us has raised $195m in venture funding. On this episode, Taylor talks about how there really are no rules as an entrepreneur, how he raised subsequent rounds of funding for Unite Us, and why he believes it’s so important to keep that sense of purpose, even after serving.
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Balancing Work-Life Harmony with Danny Hwang, Founder & CEO, NPX Point Avenue
December 1, 2021
This episode features an interview with Danny Hwang. Danny is the Founder & CEO of education technology company Point Avenue, and a Partner at NPX Capital. On this episode, Danny shares the major setbacks he overcame at West Point, how mentors like his brother shaped his life, and what you should be striving for instead of work-life balance.
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Dancing with Uncertainty with Socrates Rosenfeld, Co-Founder & CEO of Jane Technologies
Novmeber 3, 2021
This episode features an interview with Socrates Rosenfeld. Socrates is the Co-founder and CEO of Jane Technologies, the cannabis industry’s first online marketplace that recently raised $100M. On this episode, Socrates provides a framework for making tough decisions and doing what feels right, how he turned journal entry dreams into reality, and the power of feeling comfortable in life’s uncertainties.
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Servant Leadership
October 31, 2021
Listen to this exclusive sit down with current USMA First Captain, CDT Holland Pratt, and CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation, Dan Futrell. Both guests talk with LTC Andrea Peters ’02 about living a life of servant leadership no matter where you come from or what profession you choose.
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Life is a Team Sport with Mike Erwin, Founder & Executive Director of Team Red, White, & Blue
October 20, 2021
This episode features an interview with Mike Erwin, Founder & Executive Director of Team Red, White, & Blue — a non-profit organization that delivers local opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activities. On this episode, Mike shares the different missions that overlap across his personal and professional life, how a key mentor helped pave the way for his successes, and why he believes rowing with chaos is better than fighting against it.
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Defending the Vaccine & Crushing Ceilings with Marene Allison, CISO of J&J
October 13, 2021
This episode features an interview with Marene Allison, Chief Information Security Officer for Johnson and Johnson. Prior to joining J&J, Marene was CISO and VP for Medco, the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the United States, and Head of Global Security at Avaya, where she worked on securing the World Cup network in Korea and Japan in 2002. Marene graduated from West Point in 1980, part of the first class to include women, and later served in the Military Police. She has been on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services appointed by the Secretary of Defense and the Overseas Security Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary of State. On this episode, Marene shares what it meant to graduate as part of West Point's first class to include women, the scope and magnitude of being the CISO for J&J during the production of the Covid-19 vaccine, and how she tackles challenges with an "I can do anything" mindset.
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Faith, Passion, & Intent with David Kim, Co-founder & CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation & Partner and Co-Head of the Investor Relations Team at Apax
September 29, 2021
David discusses what it takes to work a full-time job and run an impactful charity, why you shouldn’t try to be all things to all people, and how to keep the same level of satisfaction and camaraderie in your post-service life.
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The Six Attributes of Success with Herman Bulls, International Director & Vice Chairman of JLL
September 22, 2021
Herman dives into the important differences between networking and connecting, how he draws upon his military experience in the private sector, and the 6 critical skills that he believes lead to success.
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Doubling Down on Investments with Han Kim, Managing Director, Co-founder, Altos Ventures
September 15, 2021
This episode features an interview with Han Kim. Han is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Altos Ventures, a VC firm with more than $10 billion in assets under management. On this episode, Han discusses the thought process that’s guided him through notable investments like Roblox, Marco Polo, Demandbase, Coupang, Outdoorsy, and more. He shares the differences in how he works with entrepreneurs now vs. earlier in his investing career, and how West Point trained him to face challenges day by day.
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There’s No Substitute for Hard Work with Chris Hsu, Co-founder & CEO of Zibo
September 8, 2021
This episode features an interview with Chris Hsu. Chris is the Co-founder and CEO of Zibo, a hypergrowth VC-backed company that provides independent landlords best-in-class property management software and a host of financial services they can leverage to run their properties. On this episode, Chris talks about the leadership lessons he’s learned over 27+ years in business, what it really means to graduate from West Point, and why it’s always important to answer the call when opportunity comes knocking.
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Mike Buddie (Director of Athletics)
September 6, 2021
In this AOG exclusive interview, Rich DeMarco, the Associate AD & Radio Play-by-Play Broadcaster for the Army Black Knights, interviews the USMA Director of Athletics, Mike Buddie to discuss West Point Athletics and more...
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The Art of the Possible with France Hoang, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, boodleAI
September 1, 2021
This episode features an interview with France Hoang, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at boodleAI. France graduated from West Point in 1995 in the top 1% of his class and currently serves as a Partner at FH and H, holds numerous board positions, and is a distinguished visiting lecturer at West Point. Early in his career, France went from Platoon Leader to Battalion Staff Officer to Deputy Chief Of Police to SWAT Commander before transitioning into the legal field where he ultimately became an Assistant United States Attorney. On this episode, France shares his story of being airlifted out of Vietnam at the age of 2, how he achieved success in both the Army and later as an attorney, and why after 9 years in the private sector, he deployed again at the age of 35 as a Special Forces Officer in Afghanistan.
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Forging Your Own Path with Frank Finelli, Managing Director of the Carlyle Group
August 25, 2021
This episode features an interview with Frank Finelli, Managing Director of the Carlyle Group in Washington D.C., where he focuses on investments in the defense and aerospace sector. Frank graduated from West Point in 1979 and retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was also a Field Artillery Master Gunner and served in the 82d Airborne, 1st Armored, and 3d Infantry Divisions. On this episode, Frank shares a wealth of valuable insights on how to break into private equity, maintain relationships within your network, and think strategically about your career after the military.
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BG(R) Dan Kaufman ’68 Interview
August 18, 2021
Hosted by LTC Dave Siry, USMA Class of 1994
Daniel Kaufman, USMA Class of 1968 was the 12th Dean of the Academic Board at the United States Military Academy.
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Finding Meaning in Your Life & Work with John Robb, Founder and Managing Director of The Stone Creek Group
August 18, 2021
John unpacks his investing methodology across the various funds and organizations he’s managed capital for. It was fascinating to hear how his experience working with West Point AOG helped shape his vision for creating his own firm.
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From Rhodes Scholar to Combating Ransomware & Taking His Company Public via SPAC with Jason Crabtree, Co-founder & CEO of QOMPLX
August 11, 2021
On this episode, Jason talks about the challenges of preparing to take QOMPLX public via SPAC, how to ‘be your own enemy’ and improve your ideas, plans, and teams by seeing them from the other side of the board, and the many leadership lessons he learned from his time in the Army.
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Don’t Fear Opportunities with 3-time CEO & Chairman of the Thayer Leader Development Group, Bill Murdy
August 4, 2021
Bill Murdy is an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees of the West Point Association of Graduates and a principal and Chairman of the Hotel Thayer and Chairman of its associated Thayer Leader Development Group, which provides corporate executive leadership development. Previously, Bill served as the CEO of Comfort Systems and has served in a variety of senior leadership roles, including President and CEO of Club Quarters and General Investment and Development Company., as well as President, CEO, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of LandCare USA. Bill was also the Managing General Partner of Morgan Stanley Venture Capital. Bill graduated from West Point and served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1974, including one year in the Dominican Republic (82nd Airborne) and two years in Vietnam (173rd Airborne). He was awarded three Bronze Stars, four Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. In this episode, Bill shares the one theme from his career that he believes others can use for their own career, the most rewarding part of business, and the many lessons he’s experienced and learned from his service in the Army and his 40-plus-year-long career in business.
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A Service-Driven Journey with Bob McDonald, Former Secretary of the VA & CEO of Procter & Gamble
July 26, 2021
On this episode, Bob shares his invaluable insights around leadership, innovation, and empathy garnered from his journey through West Point, his three-decade long career at Procter & Gamble, and his tenure as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Career Services
July 6, 2021
The very first episode of the WPAOG Podcast focuses on our Career Services Department and all the great work they have done in helping our Alumni get job placements during pivotal transitional moments throughout their careers. Hosted by: Mike Lyons '83, Major Giving Officer, and special guests Todd Browne '85, WPAOG President and CEO, Miguel Gutierrez '80, WPAOG Assistant Director of Career Services, Julia Ruddock '07, Anees Merzi '11, Hannah Dahlem '18
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