Ep. 135 One Bullet Away - Leading Through Chaos Marine Veteran and Cyber Diplomat Nate Fick on Mission Driven Careers

In this insightful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Nathaniel Fick — entrepreneur, investor, writer, former United States Ambassador and United States Marine Corps veteran. Nate’s extraordinary journey bridges combat leadership, business innovation, and diplomatic service, offering listeners a rare look into a career that defies traditional boundaries.

From leading one of the first U.S. units into Afghanistan and Iraq to writing the acclaimed memoir One Bullet Away, Nate shares how his military foundation shaped his approach to leadership, crisis management, and mission-driven work. He dives into his path through business school, private equity, and cybersecurity, ultimately becoming CEO of Endgame and later serving as an executive at Elastic after a successful acquisition.

Nate also recounts how a surprise call from Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched him into public service once again—this time as the nation’s top diplomat for cyberspace and emerging technologies. He reflects on building international partnerships in AI and cyber defense, reinforcing trusted digital infrastructure, and helping shape U.S. tech diplomacy in a time of rapid change.

With refreshing candor, Nate discusses:

• Navigating non-linear career transitions between policy, business, and government
• Treating job interviews as a two-way street and choosing the right leaders to follow
• The power of servant leadership and lessons from mentors like General Jim Mattis
• The emotional highs and near-death moments of scaling a venture-backed startup
• Advice for veterans entering private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship
• The enduring impact of One Bullet Away and how storytelling builds bridges
  
  

Whether you're a veteran, operator, investor, policymaker, or aspiring leader, Nate’s story is packed with hard-earned insights on risk-taking, humility, and answering the call to serve—again and again.

Tune in to learn about:

• Blending public service and private sector impact over a dynamic career
• Why leadership experience matters more than technical skills early on
• How to vet your future boss and build meaningful mentor relationships
• Bridging the cultural gap between national security and Silicon Valley
• Why your military background is a hidden asset in venture and policy
• How to stay calm and "be clinical" in high-stakes environments
  
  

This episode is a masterclass in navigating transitions, leading with values, and finding meaning across multiple domains of service. Don't miss it.

Connect with TheMilVet community at themilvet.org and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories from those leading with purpose.

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