Personal Development at ATLVets is about building the internal leadership that drives everything else—mindset, habits, identity, and resilience beyond the uniform. Through Heroic Forge (for men) and Beyond the Uniform (for women), participants develop disciplined routines, stronger self-leadership, and a supportive community that reinforces growth in real life—not just in theory.
What is The Leadership Insitute?
The ATLVets Leadership Institute is the umbrella for all ATLVets programs—current and future—designed to help veterans and veteran-connected leaders grow in their careers, businesses, and lives.
What The Leadership Institute Does
Organizes ATLVets programs into clear leadership pathways
Connects participants to community, mentorship, and accountable growth
Develops leaders across career progression—from transition to executive leadership to entrepreneurship and personal mastery
Builds continuity so you can move from one program to the next as your goals evolve
The Institute’s Promise
You’ll leave with more than motivation—you’ll leave with tools, decisions, and momentum. (Motivation is nice. Execution pays rent.)
The Institute is built for:
Veterans (transitioning, mid-career, senior leaders, founders)
Veteran spouses and family members (where applicable by program)
Veteran supporters (mentors, allies, sponsors, and partners)
Employers and organizations seeking veteran talent development, retention, and leadership pipelines
If you’re asking, “What’s next?”—this applies to you.
About The Founder - And Why This Matters
Zack Knight
After being medically retired from the Army, Zack did what every veteran does… He found organizations and programs designed to help veterans “transition”. After 15 years of professional success, multiple side hustles, and still wanting to be a hard charger, Zack realized that most programs out there lack depth. They lacked the answer to ‘Now What’. Three- or six-month cohorts that taught only the basics weren’t what he was looking for. Does this sound familiar? He set out on the path to create an organization that would answer this one question… Now What?
- No "graduations" - You stay in the programs as long as you need them
- We don't teach basics. We teach you the next step in your journey
- We look beyond a resume or inrterview prep, we get you in the room
- We believe in skin in the game. Nothing we offer is free
Find the right program for you
What do you need?
That’s the big question, isn’t it…
We have programs designed for workforce development, not just getting a job but finding a career you’re passionate about; entrepreneurship, not starting a business but scaling it to become a CEO; and personal development, because if your home life isn’t right, your work life won’t be either.
Veterans Optimizing Professional Success
The VetOPS (Veterans Optimizing Professional Success) program focused on veteran integration, leadership development, and long-term retention—specifically targeting mid-management and executive-level veterans. It provides corporate consulting services to HR teams and leadership, offering structured onboarding, career development, and strategic leadership integration.
Senior Leader Track
Personal Development
Ready to Learn More?
Senior Leader Track
For veteran entrepreneurs and operators building businesses with discipline and scale in mind.
This track focuses on strategic execution, leadership maturity, and founder-level performance.
Best for: Founders, co-founders, operators, veteran business owners, senior leaders building ventures
Veterans Optimizing Professional Success
For veterans focused on career growth, professional leadership, and workforce success.
Build the skills, network, and strategy to compete—and win—in the civilian workforce.
Best for: Transitioning veterans, rising leaders, mid-level managers, professionals changing lanes
Beyond The Uniform - Women's Program
For women veterans building identity, confidence, and community beyond the uniform.
A women-centered leadership and personal development pathway built for growth, connection, and long-term sustainability.
Best for: Women veterans seeking community, personal leadership, and intentional growth
Heroic Forge - Men's Program
For men who want sharper mindset, stronger habits, and leadership in every arena—work, family, community.
A personal development path designed to build consistency, discipline, and purpose—not just “feel good” moments.
Best for: Men who want structure, accountability, and personal leadership development
Which Program is Designed for me?
As part of the ATLVets Leadership Institute application process, all prospective participants complete a short Program Fit Quiz. This quick assessment helps us understand your current season of leadership—career progression, entrepreneurship, or personal development—so we can recommend the most appropriate Institute pathway: VetOPS, Senior Leader Track, Heroic Forge, or Beyond the Uniform. Your results are not a “pass/fail” score; they’re a practical routing tool to ensure you start in the right program, with the right level of structure and support, from day one.
