Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community.
Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.
After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Curtez Riggs wasn’t chasing titles—he was building bridges. As the founder of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), Curtez has created one of the largest platforms for military-connected leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of their communities.
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Episode Summary: Curtez opens up about his journey from humble beginnings in Flint, Michigan, to building impactful platforms like the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) and serving as a connector for thousands in the military space.
You'll hear stories about his early days hustling bottles for spare change, lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks (including a wild ride in cryptocurrency), and why servant leadership drives everything he does.
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What you'll find in this episode:
The origin story of the Military Influencer Conference and its impact on veterans, military families, and underrepresented communities.
Why humility, mentorship, and authentic connection are core to Curtez's leadership style.
Fresh advice for first-time event attendees—from crafting the perfect elevator pitch to forging meaningful connections.
Personal stories from Flint, Michigan, and how Curtez’s experience shaped his relentless drive.
The role of nostalgia, pop culture role models, and what it’s like to stand on stage with childhood hero Montel Williams.
Real talk about failure, resilience, and why reinvention matters—not just for veterans, but for anyone seeking growth.
Fun rapid-fire questions, leadership lessons, and how to serve others boldly.
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🔥 Curtez Resources
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➡︎ Recurrent Military: https://www.recurrentmilitary.com/
➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtezriggs/
➡︎ Military Influencer Conference: https://militaryinfluencer.com/
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QUESTION - What did you take away from this video?
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This video is NOT sponsored.
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⏰ Chapters ⏰
00:00 Connecting and Networking at MIC
01:54 Advice for First-Time Attendees
08:24 Strategic Networking and Connection
11:37 The Impact of MIC on Veterans
15:23 Curtez Riggs: A Multifaceted Leader
19:06 Lessons from Flint: Resilience and Hustle
21:05 The Art of Storytelling
25:21 The Journey of a Former Lunatic
31:56 Influences of Childhood Role Models
36:04 Nostalgia and Its Impact on Identity
38:06 Reflections on Personal Growth and Mentorship
41:24 Reinventing Oneself: The PCS Mentality
44:19 Building Connections and Community Support
49:29 Lessons from Personal Experiences and Entrepreneurship
51:04 The Legacy of Flint and Its Influences
54:03 Authenticity in Leadership and Storytelling
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Audio version with Chapters AND Transcript -
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1946508/episodes/17758385
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Mentioned:
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@militaryinfluencerconference
Book – Super Connector
Jessica Manfre
Tessa Robinson
Katherine Torres-Pummill
Recurrent Military
Recurrent Ventures
@Taskandpurpose
@Wearethemighty
@thewarzone
Military Spouse Fest
Montel Williams
Phillip Taylor
Clarissa Shields
Lee Williams
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Quote:
“Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it.”
- Billie Jean King
“Humility in the design process is key.”
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#passingthetorch #torch #militarypodcast #leadershippodcast #fyp