In this episode of Targeted podcast, Atlas Aultman sits down with a former U.S. Air Force cyber operations officer, commander, and senior military leader Michael "Mike" Brooks turned though leader and author to discuss cybersecurity leadership, military-to-civilian transition, identity after service, and his upcoming book Lessons Earned. Mike Brooks spent 22 years in the Air Force, serving in elite units including the Thunderbirds, intelligence agencies, a combat command, special operations, and the White House Communications Agency. After commanding in a high-tempo operational environment and supporting presidential missions, he transitioned into the private sector — where he found another real battle with identity, purpose, and redefining leadership. In this powerful conversation, we cover:

• Cybersecurity leadership in the Defense Industrial Base

• CMMC and federal cybersecurity compliance

• Military leadership lessons that translate to corporate America • Identity loss after the military

• Truth, values, and rebuilding purpose

• Lessons from Air Force One & combat command

• Why “Leaders Serve. Results Matter.”

• A preview of Mike’s upcoming book Lessons Earned If you are a cybersecurity professional, defense contractor, veteran, leader, or entrepreneur — this episode will challenge how you think about mission, precision, trust, and excellence. Connect with Mike Brooks on LinkedIn (CISSP, PMP, MPA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdb-michael-brooks/ Subscribe for more life changing REAL conversations. Until next time, AIM for excellence and stay on target. SPECIAL OFFERS & SPONSORS: - Atlas Aultman’s FREE Book: atlasaultman.com - FIGHT SCRUB: All-natural disinfectant & soap – 10% off with code FIGHTSCRUBATLAS at getfightscrub.com - BUCKED UP Supplements: 20% off with code ATLAS25 at buckedup.com - LEADERS-KIT.com: Leadership training, coaching, and seminars to elevate your team or business Targeted MERCH: https://blackeaglecustoms.us/collections/targeted-podcast SPONSOR THIS SHOW/GUEST APPLICATIONS: https://calendly.com/atlasaultman Thank you for supporting TARGETED Podcast. Every watch/listen helps us grow, reach more champions, and bring you powerful life and mindset lessons from men who've won already. This isn't story, it's REAL-LIFE lessons for our growing community. Until next time, aim for excellence, a STAY ON TARGET.

Atlas Aultman sits down with retired Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann to unpack the real mechanics of trust: struggle, vulnerability, and story. From battlefield letters and daily journaling to building one-man plays that bring civilians into the emotional reality of war, Scott explains why “no struggle, no story” is the most universal leadership principle. The conversation also covers operator transition, moral injury after Afghanistan, and the questions leaders must learn to ask to rebuild connection in a fragmented digital world.

We also talk about Scott’s one-man theater work — including “11 Days: The Story of Operation Pineapple Express” — and how live performance can help civilians feel what veterans carry. Scott explains the craft of asking better questions (what/how vs. why), why short-form content is weakening connection, and how leaders can rebuild trust by telling the story they avoid.

Key takeaways: -How storytelling rebuilds trust in low-trust environments -The difference between “talking about yourself” vs. serving the listener -Why operators struggle with transition — and how to find relevance again -The hero/protagonist framework without ego -The power of journaling, mentors, and “taking the armor off” 🔔 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a bridge back to themselves. Follow/learn more about Scott Mann: ScottMann.com About “11 Days” + tour info: TFpineapple.com Scott’s upcoming book: The Generosity of Scars (releases May, 2026)

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