Tactical Wealth: From Military to Money

In this episode of Tactical Wealth, former U.S. Navy nuclear engineer Will Hasting reveals how he went from operating nuclear reactors to building the next generation of drones.

Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Illinois, Will enlisted in the Navy at just 17 years old. After earning a spot in the Navy's elite nuclear program, he learned firsthand how discipline, technical excellence, and operating under extreme pressure could shape a career far beyond military service.

Following the Navy, Will accelerated through an aerospace engineering degree, designed IndyCars, developed jet engines at GE Aerospace, helped take a Silicon Valley startup from Series C to IPO, and ultimately founded Angel Aerial Systems to solve one of the biggest challenges in modern drone technology.

Will shares how one conversation with a Navy chief changed the trajectory of his life, why your environment determines your future, and how military training prepared him to build cutting-edge technology with real-world impact.

In this episode, we dive into:
🚁 From Navy Nuke to CEO: How the Navy's nuclear program built the foundation for Will's career in engineering and entrepreneurship.
🧠 The Power of Your Environment: Why changing who you surround yourself with can completely change your future.
⚙️ Engineering Under Pressure: How operating nuclear reactors prepared him to lead startups through uncertainty.
🏎️ Building the Impossible: From designing IndyCars and jet engines to creating next-generation drones.
🚀 Starting a Company From Scratch: Why solving customer problems matters more than chasing technology.
🇺🇸 Innovation for National Security: How Angel Aerial Systems is developing mission-focused drones for military and civilian applications.
💰 Lessons on Wealth & Entrepreneurship: Why taking outside investment changed the way he thinks about responsibility, leadership, and success.
⚡ Military Skills That Win in Business: Extreme ownership, attention to detail, and staying calm when everything is on the line.

Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, engineer, investor, or someone building your next mission, Will shares powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, innovation, and turning technical expertise into lasting impact.

👉 Ready to stay tactical and stay driven? Hit SUBSCRIBE and join us for more conversations on leadership, wealth, and building a life of purpose.

EPISODE RESOURCES
Connect with Will Hasting:
🌐 Website: angelaerialsystems.com
💼 LinkedIn: Will Hasting

Connect with Kaj Larsen:
🌐 Website: kajlarsen.com
📸 Instagram: @KajLarsen
👤 LinkedIn: Kaj Larsen