In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Dr. Michael Hackney—Army veteran, business leader, coach, and author—to explore the dynamic intersections of military service, organizational leadership, and personal reinvention.

Dr. Hackney shares his journey from commanding infantry units in Germany and supporting operations during the Gulf War to leading corporate turnarounds at Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and ConAgra. With a doctorate in organizational psychology from USC, he brings a unique perspective on what it takes to sustain meaningful change in both military and business environments.

Now the founder of ShaydeTree Enterprises in Nashville, Mike coaches executives and advises organizations on cultivating motivated, high-performing cultures. He also speaks candidly about his role as a veteran advocate, pilot, and writer—showing how a life of service can evolve in powerful and unexpected ways.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

* How military leadership principles apply to the boardroom
* Why "sustaining change" is more than a buzzword—it’s a discipline
* The critical importance of self-awareness and resilience in transformation
* Mike’s reflections on aviation, writing, and pursuing purpose beyond profit
* The ways he continues to serve veterans and mentor rising leaders

📚 About the Guest – Dr. Michael Hackney:

* Founder, ShaydeTree Enterprises (Nashville, TN)
* Former Infantry Officer & Gulf War veteran
* Doctorate in Organizational Psychology – University of Southern California
* Corporate turnaround specialist with leadership roles at PepsiCo, Sara Lee & ConAgra
* Published author, speaker, general aviation pilot, and veteran advocate

Key Takeaway:
Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive, grow, and bring their best to the mission. Whether in combat zones or corporate boardrooms, Dr. Hackney's life proves that service never really ends—it just evolves.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Michael Hackney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-hackney-892b466/

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

In this episode, Stories of Service host Theresa Carpenter talks with Navy SEAL veteran Bill Brown and his attorney Chris D’Alessandro about Bill’s firing from McCarter & English. What began with a LinkedIn post reveals a deeper story of alleged discrimination and retaliation tied to Bill’s military service and beliefs.

Chris breaks down the legal side as Bill shares what it’s like to challenge a system that preaches diversity but often excludes veterans.

🎙️ Topics include:

• Transitioning from military to law
• The LinkedIn post that triggered the firing
• Alleged exclusion and retaliation
• What laws protect veterans and whistleblowers
• How to recognize and prove workplace retaliation

🎯 Why This Story Matters
This episode reveals the gap between DEI talk and real inclusion—especially for veterans. It’s about the hidden cost of service and the price of speaking up.

🔍 You’ll Learn:
• What workplace retaliation really looks like
• Challenges veterans face in corporate settings
• What true inclusion means in practice
• Why free speech and respect for service must coexist

📢 Call to Action
If you’re a veteran, an ally, or someone who believes in fairness and truth—this episode is for you. Share it, talk about it, and be part of the movement toward better understanding and advocacy.
More on this fight - https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2024...
More on Chris - https://www.ddplawfirm.com/

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

🎙️Episode Title: "Guilty Until Proven Innocent: When the Military Justice System Fails"

Episode Summary:
The U.S. military justice system was designed to uphold discipline and integrity—but what happens when it becomes a tool for political agendas instead of truth?

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, former Navy Commander Arvis Owens shares his harrowing experience of being falsely accused of sexual assault. What unfolds is a disturbing look at a system that, under pressure to show progress on sexual assault cases, has sacrificed due process and fairness in pursuit of conviction rates.

Key Topics Discussed:

•The rise of metrics-based justice since 2009—and why conviction rates became the new gold standard,
•Suppressed exculpatory evidence, blocked video proof, and commanders incentivized to convict,
•The military’s "titling" process that brands service members for life—even after acquittal,
•The absence of innocence projects or conviction review units in military courts,
•The deep personal and professional toll on the falsely accused,
•Why real justice means protecting the innocent and believing victims.

This conversation is not about discrediting survivors—it's about protecting the integrity of the justice system for everyone. When the balance tips too far in one direction, both victims and the falsely accused pay the price.

🔊 Listen now—and ask yourself:
If this happened to someone you love, wouldn’t you want a path to clear their name?

You don’t want to miss this episode — it’s raw, real, and deeply important. 🎙️

Read and rate his book - https://a.co/d/3FazLeK

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5449868908953600

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76