Kevin Schmiegel helped change the national conversation around veteran employment. As the founder of Hiring Our Heroes, he built a grassroots movement that connected more than a million veterans and military spouses to meaningful work.
But behind the hiring fairs, White House partnerships, and corporate coalitions was a leader running on empty.
In this conversation, Kevin opens up about the emotional and physical toll of building something bigger than himself. He shares what it felt like to walk away from a movement he founded, the depression that followed, and how losing his role forced him to confront a deeper question: Who are you when the mission ends?
Today, as the co-founder and CEO of ZeroMils, Kevin is challenging the “broken veteran” narrative and leading a new movement around military thriving. This episode is about burnout, identity, service, and the courage to leave even when the world thinks you’re winning.
Enjoy!
Stay connected with Kevin Schmiegel
Website: https://zeromils.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-schmiegel-03523b8/
The Service Project: https://theserviceproject.substack.com/
Work with Brian
Storyline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.
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