Tampa Speaker Series – Scott Mann

ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series: A Powerful Conversation with Scott Mann on Leadership, Storytelling, and Transitioning to Civilian Life

The journey from military service to civilian life can be a daunting one, filled with challenges that many veterans struggle to navigate. The transition involves much more than just finding a new job; it’s about rediscovering purpose, reestablishing identity, and figuring out where you fit in a world that operates very differently from the one you’ve known. The ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series recently featured a powerful conversation on these topics with retired Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author Scott Mann—a discussion hosted by Zack Knight, founder of Advancing The Line for Veterans, ATLVets.

This special event brought together veterans and supporters from around the country for a deep dive into the critical topics of leadership, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. The evening was more than just an insightful speaker event; it was a call to action for veterans to embrace their experiences and use them to help others, while also offering a roadmap for overcoming the challenges they face when transitioning out of the military.

Scott Mann: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Storytelling

Scott Mann’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and dedication. From a young age, he knew he was meant to serve in the military after meeting a Green Beret at the age of 14. His journey as a Special Forces officer took him across the world, where he led soldiers in complex and high-stakes environments. Yet, as Scott shared with the audience, the greatest challenge came after leaving the military—a time when many veterans struggle to find purpose and meaning in their new civilian lives.

Through his work in the military, Scott learned the importance of leadership—not just in guiding others, but in managing energy. Leadership, Scott explained, isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about understanding the energy of your team and leading by example. This approach to leadership formed the basis for his later work with Rooftop Leadership, an initiative designed to empower veterans and civilians alike with the tools to lead with authenticity and impact.

Storytelling: The Bridge Between Military and Civilian Life

One of the most compelling themes of the evening was Scott’s emphasis on the power of storytelling—a tool that has become central to his post-military life. Scott’s storytelling isn’t about glorifying war or recounting heroic tales of battle; it’s about using storytelling to make sense of our experiences, connect with others, and heal from the scars of service.

For Scott, storytelling is a form of leadership. It allows veterans to repurpose their struggles and pain in a way that helps others find meaning in their own journeys. He shared his philosophy on “The Generosity of Scars”, a concept he first introduced in his TED Talk, which emphasizes the power of struggle to create connection and trust. In his words, “No struggle, no story.”

This idea of using personal hardship as a means to serve others resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had faced similar struggles in transitioning to civilian life. Scott’s own experience with loss and recovery—particularly his seventh friend lost to suicide—became a powerful example of how embracing our scars can be a path to healing, both for ourselves and for others.

From Military to Entrepreneurial Leadership

In addition to discussing leadership and storytelling, Scott shared insights on why veterans are uniquely suited for entrepreneurship. Veterans have spent years honing skills like adaptability, perseverance, and decision-making under pressure. Scott pointed out that these skills naturally lend themselves to entrepreneurial ventures, where quick thinking and the ability to pivot are often the keys to success.

Scott’s entrepreneurial journey has been one of self-discovery. Through his work with Rooftop Leadership and his book Nobody’s Coming to Save You, he has found a new sense of purpose and meaning. His work encourages veterans to create a “life by design” and to recognize that their military experiences can be a launchpad for success in the civilian world.

A Call to Action for Veterans

The conversation at the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series wasn’t just an exchange of stories; it was an invitation for veterans to share their own narratives and step into leadership roles in their communities. As Scott emphasized, veterans have an obligation to share their stories—not just for themselves, but for the people who need to hear them. The more veterans embrace storytelling, the stronger their sense of purpose becomes, and the more they can contribute to the world around them.

In a world that often struggles to understand the veteran experience, storytelling is the key to bridging the gap. By repurposing their military experiences and sharing their struggles, veterans can lead the way in transforming how society views service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Looking Forward

The ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series featuring Scott Mann was an evening of profound insights, inspiration, and empowerment. As the ATLVets community continues to grow, we look forward to future events that will bring together veterans, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to share knowledge and create opportunities for all.

For those who missed the event, you can still access Scott Mann’s work and learn more about his leadership approach and storytelling philosophy at Rooftop Leadership. His book Nobody’s Coming to Save You is also available on Amazon, offering an in-depth look at his philosophy on leadership and the power of sharing personal stories.

Stay tuned for more updates from ATLVets, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the success and growth of veterans in both their professional and personal lives.