Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as a lonely pursuit. Build harder. Work longer. Sacrifice more.
But what if that's exactly why so many people struggle?
In this episode, I sit down with Waco Hoover, Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of MCON, to explore why community may be the greatest competitive advantage in business and in life.
We discuss the hidden cost of chasing success alone, the relationships that shape our future, and why the strongest leaders don't build followers, they build environments where others can thrive.
Whether you're building a company, transitioning from military service, leading a team, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, identity, purpose, and the people you choose to surround yourself with.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why success without community often feels empty
The leadership lessons the Marine Corps never stops teaching
The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling
Building relationships that create opportunity
Why isolation quietly limits growth
How veterans can translate military leadership into business
The importance of purpose after achievement
Creating environments where people—and organizations—thrive
If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more long-form discussions with world-class leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, veterans, and thinkers exploring the ideas that shape who we become.
#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Veterans #Community #Purpose #Business #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast #MCON #WacoHoover
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Waco Hoover and IMPCT Group
02:30 The Impact of Social Connectivity on Veteran Wellness
04:25 The Power of Community and Connection in Veteran Support
06:45 Impact Group's Purpose-Driven Approach and Goals
08:05 Measuring Impact and ROI in Veteran Programs
09:37 The Scale and Vision of MCON
11:02 Bridging Research and Community Deployment
13:15 Waco Hoover's Personal Journey and Leadership Philosophy
16:10 The Inception and Future of MCON
21:13 Long-Term Vision and Success Metrics for MCON
24:36 The Role of Family, Fatherhood, and Personal Values
29:16 The Influence of Ryan Holiday and Stoic Philosophy
33:34 Closing Remarks and Future Collaboration Opportunities
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Get in touch with Waco:
⬛ Website: https://impctgroup.com/
⬛ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waco-hoover-3928a014/
⬛ MCON: https://mcon.live/
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Mentioned in episode:
Scott Huesing Episode 127 appearance - https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ep-127-scott-huesing-building-transferable-legacy/
@scotthuesing4419
Jason Galui Episode 125 appearance - https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/ep-125-from-service-to-civic-engagement-jason-galui-on-leadership-and-overcoming-fictional-fear/
MCON
Vet Tix @VeteranTickets
IMPCT Group
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Subscribe and Listen to Passing The Torch Podcast
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04suOPTX3ny_M0aDxmBAXQ
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passing-the-torch/id1338122884
ᯤSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47ZwWTJWETz5SwEfcuPQwF?si=055366dec7154b3c
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Connect on social media:
Facebook: ➡︎ https://www.facebook.com/torchfoster
IG: ➡︎ https://www.instagram.com/torchmartin/
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Full Audio episode with Chapters:
◼https://www.buzzsprout.com/1946508/episodes/19487459
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Quote to open episode:
“Failure shows us the way – by showing us what isn’t the way.”
– Ryan Holiday from The Obstacle is the Way
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Keywords:
failure, veteran wellness, military community, family bonds, belonging, social science, neuroscience, VetTix, Impact Group, connection, event hosting, military spouse hiring, economic opportunity, veteran-owned businesses, corporate partnerships, social impact, purpose-driven profitability, research deployment, MCON, military culture, tentpole events, entrepreneurship, celebration of service, transitions, mental health, suicide prevention, health and wellness, fatherhood, leadership, daily dad newsletter, Ryan Holiday