On this episode of World Changing Veterans podcast, Will interviews Knight Campbell, a Naval Academy graduate and former Navy helicopter pilot who later founded Cairn Leadership.

Knight shares his path from growing up in rural Virginia to flying MH-60s, teaching leadership at the Naval Academy, and eventually leaving the Navy as his wife transitioned from the Marine Corps to medical school, ultimately becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

He argues the military’s “grow where you’re planted” mindset can actually hurt veterans navigating civilian life. He recommends transitioning service members start networking 6-12 months out via LinkedIn and asking candid questions about industries most veterans never think to explore.

Knight also breaks down how Cairn Leadership leads outdoor experiential team offsites for companies by utilizing deep team assessments, facilitated lessons, adventure-based scenarios, and follow-up coaching to make sure the lessons actually stick.Ways to connect:Knight CampbellWebsite: https://www.cairnleadership.com/Email: [email protected]LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/knight-campbell-adventure

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00:00 Orders Versus Ownership

00:35 Meet Knight Campbell

01:01 Navy Aviation Path

02:15 Leaving Service And Starting Cairn

03:01 Spouse Transition Story

04:11 Transition Networking Playbook

06:23 Cairn Leadership Outdoors Model

11:12 Psychological Safety In Action

13:26 Veteran Leadership Blind Spots

15:16 What Even Is Leadership

15:51 Accountability Gaps

16:38 Vision Storytelling

17:30 Care Versus Manage

18:22 Startup Reality Check

19:15 Find Product Market Fit

20:40 Build Before You Leap

21:49 Networking That Works

24:12 World Changing Veterans

25:22 Community After Service

27:04 Veteran Inspiration Wrap

29:33 How To Connect

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com