Leaving the military can mean your entire identity is changing. It can be overwhelming. What is next for you in your career and your mission? How do you find success after military service?
In this episode, Olivia Nunn shares her journey from military service to becoming a leading advocate for mental health and an authority in the branding world. We’ll dive into how she navigated the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, her insights on destigmatizing mental health within the military and veteran communities, and why storytelling is key to building a strong personal or professional brand—even when selling products.
Olivia Nunn, a seasoned veteran with over 20 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army, leads Olivia Nunn Communications with a commitment to making a difference. With a solid foundation of 13 years of experience in government relations, Olivia specializes in communications, branding, social media strategy, and event planning, bringing her expertise to the forefront to craft compelling narratives and strategies that elevate brands and amplify voices.
Embrace the Transition: It’s a Process, Not an Event
Many service members leave the military with a well-laid plan—only to find life taking unexpected turns. Olivia Nunn initially planned for a post-military career in the nonprofit sector but found herself in government contracting instead. When that didn’t fulfill her, she pivoted again—this time into entrepreneurship.
- Be open to adjusting your plans as new opportunities arise.
- Leverage military transition programs like Soldier for Life to explore options.
- Seek mentorship and learn from others who have successfully transitioned.
Use the Resources Available to You
Many veterans underutilize the career, education, and financial resources available to them. Olivia emphasized the importance of taking advantage of these programs before leaving the military.
Valuable Resources for Veterans:
- Soldier for Life – Helps transitioning service members connect with career opportunities.
- Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) – Provide networking and support.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) & Warrior Rising – Offer guidance for veteran entrepreneurs.
- VA Benefits & Education Programs – Ensure you’re maximizing your benefits.
Even if you don’t need these resources immediately, they can be invaluable in the future.
Related Podcasts: Financial Support and Resources for Veterans
Mental Health Matters
Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about finding a job—it’s also about maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Olivia openly shared her struggles, including a mental health crisis after her unexpected divorce and military retirement.
She emphasized that many veterans suppress trauma from their service, only for it to surface after they leave the structured environment of the military.
Advice for Veterans Struggling With Mental Health:
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom—seek support early.
- Check in on fellow veterans—sometimes a simple text or call can make all the difference.
- Advocate for better resources—mental health care for veterans still has gaps that need to be addressed.
The veteran community is a strong, supportive network. There’s always someone willing to help—you just have to reach out.
Storytelling and Personal Branding
Whether you’re pursuing a corporate career, entrepreneurship, or nonprofit work, how you tell your story matters. Many veterans downplay their military experience, assuming that their skills won’t translate to the civilian world. The truth is that leadership, adaptability, and teamwork are highly valued in every industry.
How to Build a Strong Personal Brand:
- Identify your core strengths from your military service.
- Learn how to communicate your value in a way that resonates with civilians.
- Establish your presence on LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
- Share authentic stories—people connect with real experiences, not just resumes.
Companies actively seek out veterans because of their discipline, work ethic, and leadership skills. Your story is an asset—don’t be afraid to share it.
The Power of Social Media for Career and Business Growth
Many veterans avoid social media due to security concerns or lack of experience using it for professional purposes. However, having a strong online presence is essential for networking, job opportunities, and personal branding.
Where Should Veterans Focus?
LinkedIn – The best platform for career networking and professional growth.
Instagram – Useful for personal branding and business visibility.
YouTube or Podcasting – Ideal for thought leadership and industry influence.
Pro tip from Olivia: Start building your online presence before you transition out of the military. It takes time to develop a network, and opportunities often come from relationships built online.
Entrepreneurship and the Veteran Advantage
Veterans make excellent entrepreneurs because they are used to problem-solving, taking calculated risks, and leading teams. Olivia Nunn didn’t plan to be a business owner, but after recognizing a demand for her skills in branding and communications, she built a thriving consulting business.
Advice for Veterans Interested in Entrepreneurship:
- Take advantage of veteran-focused business programs (e.g., V-WISE, IVMF, Warrior Rising).
- Start with a clear plan—know your mission, audience, and business model.
- Be prepared for the ups and downs—success takes time.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but it can be a deeply rewarding career path for those willing to take the leap.
Related Podcasts: Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned as a Military Spouse
Wrapping Up Success After Military Service
Transitioning out of the military is more than just a career change—it’s a full-life transformation. Whether you pursue a traditional job, entrepreneurship, or further education, the key to success is being proactive, using available resources, and staying connected to your veteran community.
Above all, your service has given you valuable skills that civilian employers and industries need. Don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Take the time to find a path that aligns with your values and goals—your next mission is just beginning.
Resources From Building Wealth Episode
- Soldier for Life
- Warrior Rising
- Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
MILMO Show Sponsor
Support for the MILMO Show is provided by Navy Federal Credit Union. Being in debt can take a serious toll on your finances and mental well-being. Navy Federal Credit Union can help you take control of your debt. They offer financial tools and resources designed to help you tackle debt, they’re offering a 0% intro APR on credit card balance transfers for 12 months. Plus, you can earn $250 when you spend $2,500 within the first 90 days on a cashRewards or cashRewards Plus credit card. You can learn more at navyfederal.org.
Got Money Questions?
If you have questions about money or entrepreneurship, please fill out this form, and Lacey will answer them on the show and send you a free MILMO t-shirt!
