The Hero Mindset Podcast

The HERO Mindset is a podcast for leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and high performers operating in high-stakes environments. Hosted by TJ Trent, the show explores the intersection of leadership, psychology, resilience, performance, decision-making, and modern culture through candid conversations, provocative insights, and practical frameworks. Each episode challenges conventional thinking and equips listeners to build greater Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism—the core pillars of the HERO Mindset.

Episode 5

In Episode 5 of the Hero Mindset Podcast, TJ Trent sits down with William McElya, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, licensed hypnotherapist, Army veteran, former Airborne Ranger, and former CEO of multiple healthcare organizations.

Drawing from his experience leading the Washington Veterans Home during the COVID-19 pandemic, William shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, strategic thinking, and maintaining hope during times of uncertainty. Together, TJ and William explore how military leadership principles can be successfully applied in healthcare, business, and everyday life when navigating complex challenges.

The conversation examines the importance of mindset, psychological capital, and the HERO framework—Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism—as critical factors in overcoming adversity and achieving success. They discuss how beliefs shape thoughts, thoughts influence emotions, and emotions ultimately drive action, highlighting why cultivating a resilient mindset is essential for both personal and professional growth.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Leading through crisis and uncertainty
Lessons learned from managing a veterans healthcare facility during COVID-19
Applying military leadership principles to civilian life and business
The role of hope, optimism, and resilience in peak performance
The importance of goals, purpose, and solution-focused thinking
Trauma-informed care and supporting veterans’ mental health
Building a legacy of service and helping others succeed

William concludes the episode with the inspiring poem “The Bridge Builder,” reminding us that true leadership is about creating opportunities and pathways for those who follow. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, clinician, veteran, or someone striving to overcome life’s obstacles, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration to help you thrive under pressure and continue building bridges for others.

Listen now and discover how resilience, purpose, and the right mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Episode 4

In this episode of The HERO Mindset Podcast, TJ Trent sits down with entrepreneur, consultant, and business strategist Tim Forrest, founder of Tim Forrest Consulting.

Drawing on nearly three decades of consulting experience, Tim shares how he transformed his expertise into scalable frameworks that have helped clients generate millions of dollars in revenue. The conversation explores the power of personal branding, the influence of renowned consultant Alan Weiss, and why experience—not credentials alone—is often a professional’s greatest asset.

Tim discusses his work in FDA food consulting, international business development, retail growth strategies, and helping organizations successfully navigate relationships with major retailers such as Costco. Together, TJ and Tim examine what separates successful businesses from struggling ones, the importance of delivering value, and how leaders can convert knowledge and experience into meaningful results.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, executive, military leader, or aspiring business owner, this episode offers practical insights on building credibility, creating systems that scale, and developing the mindset necessary for long-term success.

Topics Include:

Building a successful consulting practice
Lessons learned from Alan Weiss
The power of personal branding
Turning experience into value
Business growth frameworks and systems
Working with major retailers like Costco
Entrepreneurship and leadership lessons
Creating sustainable competitive advantage
The HERO Mindset in business and life

Episode 3

The HERO Mindset Podcast is where leadership, resilience, and identity collide in honest conversations about life before, during, and after service. Hosted by TJ Trent, the show explores the mindset required to thrive in high-stakes environments, overcome adversity, and continue growing long after the uniform comes off. In this Memorial Day episode, TJ sits down with retired Command Sergeant Major Garrick Griffin to discuss transition, purpose, leadership, and the challenge many veterans face when redefining themselves after military service. Garrick shares lessons from 30 years in the Army, insights from his doctoral journey, and stories behind his books, Don’t Talk About It, Be About It and *Use Your Head for More Than a Hat Rack*. This episode is a powerful conversation about mentorship, personal growth, resilience, and finding identity beyond rank and title — all through the lens of the HERO Mindset: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism.

Episode 2

In this episode of The HERO Mindset, TJ Trent sits down with Danny Li, host of the Danny Li Podcast, software engineer, and entrepreneur, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, resilience, technology, and the future of human performance in the age of artificial intelligence.

Drawing from conversations with more than 200 senior military, business, and public-sector leaders, Danny shares insights on developing future leaders, navigating uncertainty, and why adaptability matters more than ever. Together, TJ and Danny discuss how leaders can shape — rather than simply react to — the operational environment around them.

Topics include:

Leadership in the age of AI
Strategic thinking and decision-making
Military leadership lessons applied to business
Resilience and adaptability under pressure
Technology and the future of work
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Developing future leaders

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, executive, veteran, or high-performing professional looking to operate more effectively in complex environments, this conversation is for you.

Episode 1

In the inaugural episode of The HERO Mindset, TJ Trent sits down with legendary consultant Alan Weiss to explore psychological capital, self-esteem, resilience, leadership, and thriving in high-stakes environments. From aging and purpose to confidence in an era of uncertainty, this conversation challenges listeners to stop shrinking from their talent and start operating with courage, clarity, and impact.