You Won’t Believe What This Veteran Is Doing Next — A Mission to Save Lives and Reclaim Hope

In a world where adversity often defines the journey, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Conrad Stough. A former Army veteran, a dedicated leader, and the founder of Warrior’s Mindset Academy (WMA), Conrad’s life exemplifies resilience in its purest form. His path has been marked by sacrifice, struggle, and an unwavering desire to serve others—especially those who have given so much in service to their country. From the battles on the front lines to the silent wars fought within, Conrad’s story is a testament to the transformative power of purpose, faith, and relentless perseverance.

His journey isn’t just about overcoming personal hardship; it’s about igniting a movement to uplift and empower the voiceless. Through WMA, he’s creating a legacy rooted in hope, strength, and the unbreakable belief that every hero deserves a second chance at life. Today, we delve deep into his inspiring story—an account of a warrior who refuses to surrender, who fights not just for himself but for a better future for all those who need it most.

Journey to Your Profession

Q: Can you share the story behind your career choice? What were some pivotal moments or experiences that led you to where you are today?

A: Outreach is very difficult as a veteran, being on a disabled veterans' budget, and learning that it's okay to talk about it, and network with PTSD. I took several courses and training on strategic communications, used LinkedIn to develop professional networks, developed graphic design and media skills, and began teaching others to gain credibility. In turn, I gained 40k+ followers on social media platforms and developed a professional image for myself that helped me lead the way for my fellow brothers and sisters in arms coming back home from the real world.

Challenges and Resilience

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them? What lessons did those experiences teach you?

A: Outreach is very difficult as a veteran, being on a disabled veterans' budget, and learning that it's okay to talk about it, and network with PTSD. I took several courses and training on strategic communications, used LinkedIn to develop professional networks, developed graphic design and media skills, and began teaching others to gain credibility. In turn, I gained 40k+ followers on social media platforms and developed a professional image for myself that helped me lead the way for my fellow brothers and sisters in arms coming back home from the real world.

Passion and Motivation

Q: What drives you to do what you do? How do you maintain your passion and motivation in your professional life, especially during tough times?

A: De Oppresso Liber, freeing the oppressed, is my drive. In the Army, I wanted to be in Special Forces and earned it by jumping out of airplanes, studying all the time, breaking my body, and developing my mind to handle immense amounts of pressure daily. These traits and memories never leave, and neither does my drive. I thrive when I'm fighting for those who are not heard, those who are silenced by the powers that be, and I refuse to give up when there are others to help. For every 100 people, there are 2 that want and need my help, and those two will rise when they see that I am with them. Together, we will conquer the masses that attempt to oppress us.

Defining Success

Q: How do you define success, both personally and professionally? Has your definition of success evolved over the years?

A: Success to me is finding something worth fighting for. Professionally, it’s helping others learn to lead and gain the confidence to empower others. Personal success is sitting back and watching them thrive, adapt, and overcome!

Inspiration and Role Models

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in your career, and how have they influenced your path?

A: Les Brown and Jim Rohn are two of my favorite motivational speakers, but overall, I give my credit for my career path to the Bible. The Bible has gifted me with all the cheat codes to life and business and has given me the mindset to flourish along my path. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 82:6; there is more power to this truth than most understand. We are creators, and those of us who possess the courage to instill that belief within our lives—the possibilities are endless.

Skills and Learning

Q: What key skills do you believe are essential for someone aspiring to enter your field? How can they develop these skills?

A: Passion, leadership, desire, tenacity, and drive. Passion cannot be learned; it's already there, waiting for you to find something that releases it from within. Desire is achieved when you want something so badly that you can't stop thinking about it—you want it more than you want to breathe, and failure is no longer an option. Tenacity and drive can be learned by developing goals and creating game plans to achieve them, then facing the failures along the way, knowing that these setbacks don't define us—they develop us. Leadership is the result of achievement and success; when others see that you possess something they desire, they will begin to follow you. Share your journey, share your successes, share your power—that is how we lead!

Impact on Others

Q: What do you hope your work contributes to the lives of your clients, community, or industry? Can you share a story that illustrates this impact?

A: WMA is focused on helping heroes overcome their struggles post-service. We win a little more each time that one of our heroes steps off the ledge, and we provide them this opportunity by helping them overcome their obstacles and regain their confidence. We're here to lead leaders and develop futures through a purpose-driven life for each and every one of our members.

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Balancing Life and Work

Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What strategies or practices do you use to nurture your personal life while pursuing your professional goals?

A: When you enjoy what you do, it's not work. I look forward to opportunities to make an impact every second of every day, and that includes within my own family. Together, we grow, we get better, we become stronger, and together, we fight on.

Advice for Future Generations

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals or students who are just starting out on their career journey, especially in your industry?

A: A warrior is someone who faces struggles that they don't have to, not to hurt others but to help those who cannot help themselves. Warriors don't do it for pleasure, pride, parades, or awards; we do it because it's the right thing to do. You will never beat a warrior because we have a purpose that we're willing to die for. The world needs warriors to suppress evils and protect those who cannot protect themselves, but only the strong need apply. When you're ready to stop fighting for others and start living for purpose, you're ready to become a warrior. Put your phone down, help the elderly cross the roads, open their car door just to make them smile, tell a stranger they're beautiful today—do little things each day to make a big difference!

Future Aspirations

Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years? How do you envision growing both yourself and your work over that time?

A: Currently, we are working on developing a major movement that we plan on expanding across the US and neighboring first-world countries. Fathers Under FIRE is a reform movement to demand accountability from those who oppose the law and refuse to enforce it, even public servants, to protect our children, and encourage equal rights in parenting after divorce. Over the next five years, we'll be promoting that, raising donor funds, and doing everything in our power to stand up for the fathers and children in a world that is being oppressed and ignored. Fathers Under FIRE will change the way the world looks at parenting.

Conrad Stough’s story is more than a tale of military service and entrepreneurial spirit—it is a call to action for all of us. His unwavering commitment to “De Oppresso Liber”—to free the oppressed—reminds us that true leadership begins with service, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of others. His work with Warrior’s Mindset Academy exemplifies how resilience can be harnessed to build communities, inspire change, and heal wounds inflicted by both war and society.

As he looks toward the future, Conrad’s vision of reform and advocacy through initiatives like Fathers Under FIRE illustrates that the battle for justice, dignity, and purpose is ongoing. His mission underscores an essential truth: that within each of us lies the power to transform pain into purpose, despair into hope, and struggle into strength.

In a time when many feel silenced or forgotten, Conrad’s story serves as a beacon of light—an enduring reminder that with faith, tenacity, and a warrior’s heart, we can all rise above our circumstances and forge a better world. His journey is a testament that true victory isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about uplifting others and leaving a legacy that endures long after the fight is over.