In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Brohan sit down with Hillary Boyce—President and CEO of BAFO Services (Badass Female Operations)—to unpack a surprising truth: mentorship often happens when you least expect it.

Hillary, a U.S. Army veteran, military spouse, and award-winning entrepreneur, shares how her decades of service and leadership shaped a mentorship style rooted in compassion, humility, and action. What makes her story compelling is that she never set out to be a mentor—yet countless women, veterans, and entrepreneurs credit her with guiding their paths.

The conversation explores how mentorship doesn’t require a title or formal structure. From answering a quick question to making a meaningful introduction, small acts of “helping” often become pivotal career moments for others. Hillary reflects on her military experiences, including her ongoing work supporting casualty operations, and how they instilled a deep sense of empathy, perspective, and grace in her leadership.

Listeners will also gain insight into navigating complex spaces like federal contracting, where Hillary helps entrepreneurs—especially veterans—translate their expertise into sustainable businesses. Her work with transitioning service members through The Honor Foundation highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and reminding them it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

A standout theme: mentorship is a two-way street. We are all both mentors and mentees at different moments in life.

Hillary leaves listeners with simple but powerful advice—get out, meet people, “write your plans in pencil,” and never underestimate the impact of showing up for others.

If you’ve ever helped someone and didn’t think twice about it, this episode will make you realize—you’ve been mentoring all along.  You are your own Kick-Ass brand.

Resources & References

1. Hope for Kenya – Nonprofit supporting education, health, and basic needs in Kenya 
2. The Honor Foundation – Transition program for U.S. Special Operations members 
3. Women Belong – Networking and membership community for women in business 
4. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Federal contracting resources and certifications 
5. National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) – Support for veteran entrepreneurs 

Highlight Quotes

1. “Mentorship isn’t a title—it’s every moment you choose to help someone else move forward.” 
2. “Write your plans in pencil. Life—and opportunity—will ask you to revise them.” 
3. “You don’t need to have it all figured out. The next right step is enough.”

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