You’ll Need to Wear Many Hats: I thought writing a book meant just focusing on the craft, but I wish someone had told me earlier that being an author involves a lot more than writing. You have to become your own marketer, publicist, and sometimes even graphic designer. I found myself debating cover designs (Elizabeth ultimately helped with that!), thinking about social media strategies, and handling promotions. Learning to manage these different roles was a challenge, but it’s something I had to embrace to succeed in the industry.
Many successful people reinvented themselves in a later period in their lives. Jeff Bezos worked on Wall Street before he reinvented himself and started Amazon. Sara Blakely sold office supplies before she started Spanx. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a WWE wrestler before he became a successful actor and filmmaker. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a bodybuilder, to an actor to a Governor. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was a milkshake-device salesman before starting the McDonalds franchise in his 50s.
How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?
In this series called “Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life “ we are interviewing successful people who reinvented themselves in a second chapter in life, to share their story and help empower others.
As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryan Clark.
Bryan Clark is a retired US Special Forces Green Beret veteran and author, drawing on over 25 years of military experience, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, to craft his thrilling, action-packed narratives. His debut novel, Mendacity, explores the complexities of courage, deceit, and justice, set against the backdrop of powerful criminal networks. Currently focused on his second book in the Mendacity series, Bryan continues to blend real-world expertise with compelling storytelling. In his free time he enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, motorcycle riding and reading.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Absolutely! I was born and raised in Aurora, Ohio, in a middle-class family. We lived in a modest home in a rural setting, and I’m the oldest of three children, and the only boy. Aurora had two big attractions — Geauga Lake Amusement Park and Sea World — which we visited often with our season passes. It was a great way to stay out of trouble! I was athletic and excelled in sports, particularly football, and later developed a passion for swimming and scuba diving.
My father owned a commercial heating and cooling business, where I often worked with him, learning the value of a strong work ethic. My mother, an incredible cook, dreamed of starting a catering business but never pursued it. I always believed she would have succeeded.
I was close with my two sisters, and while we had our disagreements, my mother, skilled in conflict resolution, made sure we resolved them quickly. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, was a huge influence and became my mentor when I decided to join the military. His advice continues to guide me to this day.
Those formative years shaped my adventurous spirit. While in college, I realized a 9-to-5 life wasn’t for me, so I joined the military. I hit some bumps along the way, but in the end, it was the right path.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I actually have two quotes that have been incredibly relevant throughout my life. The first is “Live with no regrets,” which my grandfather used to tell me often. One key moment where this shaped my path was when I had the chance to try out for the Special Forces Green Berets after a few years in the military. Many service members talk themselves out of attempting the selection process, intimidated by the perceived unreachable strength and resolve required. But I knew this was something I deeply wanted, and I didn’t want to look back, regretting that I let fear of failure hold me back from even trying. That mindset helped me take the leap.
The second quote is from Kurt Cobain: “They laugh at me because I’m different, I laugh at them because they’re all the same.” This rang true when I made the decision to leave college and join the military, which baffled many of my friends at the time. I’m grateful for the resistance I encountered back then, as it helped me build resilience against naysayers early on in life. That experience taught me to block out the noise, focus on my own goals, and stay true to my path, regardless of others’ expectations.
You have been blessed with much success. In your opinion, what are the top three qualities that you possess that have helped you accomplish so much? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
The first quality that has helped me is courage and determination. Life throws many challenges our way, and I’ve certainly faced my share. When I first joined the military, I actually started in the Navy. Months into my training, I was removed from a school for failure to conform. It was a tough experience and could have easily derailed my military career. Instead of letting that setback define me, I took it as a wake-up call. I held myself accountable, learned from my mistakes, and set a new course for success. That determination pushed me to keep going when giving up would have been easier.
Another key quality is adaptability. After leaving the Navy, I had to overcome a mental hurdle to join the Army. Switching branches wasn’t the challenge — many people do that. The real challenge was that I had always wanted to be a Navy SEAL and knew a great deal about their operations, but I knew very little about the Army’s Special Operations Forces (SOF). Despite the uncertainty, I took a leap of faith, adapted to the change, and it paid off. That same adaptability helped me transition from military service to becoming an author. Moving from the familiar into the unknown can be intimidating, but the ability to adapt allowed me to pursue new goals outside my comfort zone.
Lastly, I’ve always placed a strong emphasis on growth. Whether striving to be among the best in the military or pushing myself creatively to write a novel, I’ve consistently chosen personal development over complacency. Growth requires the willingness to face challenges head-on and continually seek improvement, no matter the circumstances. It’s that drive that has allowed me to push beyond limits and accomplish what I have today.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about ‘Second Chapters’. Can you tell our readers about your career experience before your Second Chapter?
The majority of my military career and experience was as a Green Beret. Prior to 9/11, I was in the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and our focus areas were Central and South America. We spent time training Colombian Commandos and other SOF units from various countries. The primary focus was the identification of what we call lines of communication, the routes and supporting agencies the cartels were using to sustain and enable their battles against the Colombian government. Once identified, we could take action to severe them, slowing the production and movement of illicit drugs.
Post 9/11, I spent a great deal of time in Afghanistan fighting the war on terror. I transitioned from 7th SFG (A) to 3rd SFG (A) after completing the Special Forces Warrant Officer Course, and continued service there, deploying in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. My time in SOF allowed me to work from the tactical ground level, to the strategic and joint levels of planning and leadership, allowing me to develop a keen understanding of military operations. I was awarded multiple Bronze Stars over the conflict years and upon retiring in 2017, I was awarded the Legion of Merit for exemplary service.
And how did you “reinvent yourself” in your Second Chapter?
My time in Special Forces, particularly in combat, instilled in me the ability to adapt and overcome in any situation. Transitioning to writing drew on those same qualities I mentioned earlier — courage, adaptability, and the drive for growth. Reinvention wasn’t just a decision; it was a mindset I had cultivated throughout my career.
The military gave me invaluable experiences in leadership, global conflict, and the human condition, which I now channel into my writing. Although I write fiction, weaving my personal experiences into the characters allows me to tell authentic stories that resonate with readers beyond the confines of a biography. Storytelling has always been a passion of mine, and writing became a new mission — an opportunity to explore complex narratives often hidden behind the scenes.
Reinvention wasn’t without its challenges, but much like military operations, I approached it with discipline and determination. Both roles, from Special Forces to writing, involve solving complex problems and executing plans, and in my writing, I explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity — much like those I encountered in my military career. Reinventing myself as an author has shown me that life doesn’t stop after one career; there are always new paths to create and explore.
Can you tell us about the specific trigger that made you decide that you were going to “take the plunge” and make your huge transition?
I’ve always enjoyed reading novels by authors like Tom Clancy, Brad Taylor, and Larry Bond, whose stories feature characters from SOF, CIA, and military backgrounds. While there are both fiction and biographical books in this genre that include African-American characters, very few focus on a black Special Forces operative, spy, or CIA agent. This realization sparked my decision to use my own experiences to write a compelling story that showcases the presence of people of color in these specialized, low-visibility roles.
One of my favorite characters is Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. His stories inspire and motivate me, despite being fictional, and I wanted to create a character that young black men could see themselves in — a figure who might inspire them to consider a career in Special Operations Forces. It’s important for people to see both real-world figures and fictional characters they can identify with, as it helps with their growth, self-esteem, and belief in their potential. That was a key driving force behind my decision to write.
In my novel, I purposely don’t identify the race of the characters. I want readers to envision themselves as Brayden, James, or Steve, regardless of background. At the same time, for those who are interested, I want to subtly convey who Brayden really is and show that we’re all capable of achieving great things.
What did you do to discover that you had a new skillset inside of you that you haven’t been maximizing? How did you find that and how did you ultimately overcome the barriers to help manifest those powers?
Honestly, it all started with a diary. After my second rotation into Afghanistan, I decided to start capturing my experiences. Though time was limited due to the pace of operations, I made an effort to write when I could and even reflected on scenarios from my earlier days in Central and South America. Re-reading those entries made me realize I had a natural ability to turn real-life experiences into stories. However, time was my biggest obstacle. Between deployments and the operational tempo of the war, I couldn’t fully focus on writing until a couple of years before I retired.
Even after leaving the military and transitioning to defense contracting, I found myself still sacrificing my writing for work. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that fear of failure shouldn’t stop me from pursuing my passion for writing. I didn’t want to look back one day and regret not following that dream, so I made the decision to fully commit to becoming an author.
How are things going with this new initiative? We would love to hear some specific examples or stories.
It has truly been awesome, but like any new venture, especially transitioning careers, it has been a humbling experience. Imagine being at the top of your field, with the expertise and recognition that comes with years of hard work, only to make a complete 180 and step into an entirely new arena where you’re an unknown. It can definitely be nerve-wracking. But the feedback I received on my first novel, Mendacity, from friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers gave me the confidence that I could succeed as an author.
One story that really motivated me came from my wife, Elizabeth. She’s not a big reader and usually takes her time with books, so when I asked her to read Mendacity, she agreed but warned me it might take a week to get through. To my surprise, she finished it in one day, telling me she found it hard to put down because she was eager to see what would happen next. That moment gave me the push I needed to take my writing seriously and commit to being a full-time author.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Like most people, there are many individuals who helped shape and guide me along my path, but my wife Elizabeth stands out. She supported me throughout the writing of my first novel, offering not only encouragement but also honest feedback — especially when it came to the cover design. I remember her telling me, in no uncertain terms, that despite what my teachers might have said, people do judge books by their covers! Writing is a long and often challenging process, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have, or what I hope to in the future, without her support.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started in this new direction?
It’s interesting because the most unexpected part of this new direction is actually experiences like this — talking about myself. As a Green Beret, you’re taught to be a quiet professional. You do the job, often in secret, without seeking recognition. After spending an entire career in that mindset, it’s been quite a shift to step into the spotlight as an author, where I’m now expected to share my story, talk about my experiences, and promote my work.
I remember back in Afghanistan when we had news organizations embedded with us on certain missions to provide transparency. Even then, our interactions were minimal because much of what we did was classified. Explaining those complex, layered operations to the media was always awkward, and we were trained to speak very little about ourselves. Now, as an author, I’m doing the exact opposite — constantly talking about myself, my career, and my motivations. It was uncomfortable at first, and I’m still adjusting, but I’ve come to appreciate this new form of communication and connection. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey, even if it feels unnatural at times.
Did you ever struggle with believing in yourself? If so, how did you overcome that limiting belief about yourself? Can you share a story or example?
Yes, I faced a significant internal struggle during the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC) in Key West. Despite a lifelong love of the water and extensive experience swimming and scuba diving, I failed the course on my first attempt. It was a surreal moment because, up until then, I hadn’t really “failed” at anything in my life. That failure shook my confidence, but I knew I couldn’t let it define me.
Instead of giving in to feelings of shame and doubt, I regrouped, retrained, and returned for a second attempt. This time, I succeeded and went on to spend most of my career on a combat diving detachment. Through that experience, I learned to redefine failure — not as an end but as a stepping stone to growth. Failure only happens when you stop trying. As long as you keep pushing forward, even if it means adjusting your path, you haven’t truly failed — you’ve grown.
For those who have always been successful, ask yourself: are you sticking to what you know because it’s comfortable? If you’re hesitating to pursue something due to fear of failure, take the plunge. Learn from your mistakes, and keep growing. Fear is healthy, but it shouldn’t paralyze you or keep you from reaching your goals.
In my own work I usually encourage my clients to ask for support before they embark on something new. How did you create your support system before you moved to your new chapter?
I started by reaching out to mentors — respected individuals who had transitioned out of the military, either continuing in related careers or branching into something entirely new. I valued both perspectives, as each offered unique insights into the challenges and opportunities I might face. Their objective feedback became the foundation of my support system, helping me evaluate my plans.
Additionally, I sought the support of my family, considering both their encouragement and concerns. It was important to balance positive feedback with constructive skepticism to ensure I had a well-rounded understanding of what lay ahead, while being mindful to avoid any toxic negativity that could stifle my progress.
Starting a new chapter usually means getting out of your comfort zone, how did you do that? Can you share a story or example of that?
Combat is the ultimate test of leaving your comfort zone — it forces you to confront your own mortality while making split-second decisions that affect not only yourself but those around you. That kind of pressure reshapes how you handle discomfort and uncertainty, making it easier to step into new challenges. When it came time to pursue my dream of becoming an author, I knew I had to leave behind the comfort and security I was used to.
Right now, I’m in the process of selling my house and moving into a small cabin in the woods. It might sound extreme, but for me, it’s a way to strip away the distractions and comforts of my current life and focus entirely on this new chapter. Sometimes, you have to take bold steps — even if they seem drastic — to reorient yourself and fully commit to your new path. For me, stepping out of my comfort zone is what makes me eager and hungry to succeed.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started” and why?
1 . Failure is Part of the Process: In Special Forces, the goal is always to succeed, but when I failed the Combat Diver Qualification Course the first time, I realized that failure doesn’t define you — your response to it does. I wish someone had told me that failure isn’t the enemy, but part of the journey, and it’s okay to stumble as long as you keep moving forward. That experience taught me to embrace failure as an opportunity to grow, which helped me as an author too. Writing isn’t always smooth — I scrapped a few chapters in my first novel, but I overcame the disappointment because of those early lessons.
2 . You’ll Need to Wear Many Hats: I thought writing a book meant just focusing on the craft, but I wish someone had told me earlier that being an author involves a lot more than writing. You have to become your own marketer, publicist, and sometimes even graphic designer. I found myself debating cover designs (Elizabeth ultimately helped with that!), thinking about social media strategies, and handling promotions. Learning to manage these different roles was a challenge, but it’s something I had to embrace to succeed in the industry.
3 . Writing is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: I’m used to high-pressure situations and executing missions quickly and efficiently, but writing a book is a slow, deliberate process. I wish someone had told me to be patient with myself and with the process. I learned that forcing myself to meet deadlines that were too tight led to burnout. Once I embraced the idea that writing requires time and space to evolve, I was able to enjoy the process more and produce better work.
4 . The Value of Self-Promotion: In the military, especially as a Green Beret, we were trained to be the quiet professionals — let your work speak for itself. But as an author, I quickly learned that you can’t just be quiet and hope people notice your work. You have to get comfortable talking about yourself and promoting what you’ve created. Transitioning from a world of secrecy to one where I have to openly discuss my experiences and promote my book feels unnatural. I wish someone had told me earlier that self-promotion is not arrogance or narcissism — it’s part of building your platform and sharing your voice with the world.
5 . You’re Never Too Old to Begin a New Adventure: I started writing at 40, but it wasn’t until I turned 50 that I decided to take the leap to become a full-time author. I’ve learned that age should never stop you from pursuing a new chapter. Whether it’s writing a book or starting a completely different career, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities. I truly enjoyed my time in the military as it made me who I am today, I was slow to transition but now I’m doing something that truly moves me and brings me joy. A great deal of people are firmly planted in careers for the recognition and compensation. For me, writing isn’t about seeking recognition — it’s about creating stories that mattered to me and that I believe will resonate with readers. That’s been far more fulfilling.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
In today’s world, we face deep polarization, wars, and natural disasters that threaten how we live. I would inspire a movement centered on embracing our shared humanity. Too many people focus only on themselves without considering the experiences of those around them. If we could pause, even briefly, to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we could begin to dissolve the hatred and division that is being normalized today. The movement I would start is a return to a simple yet profound principle: love thy neighbor and treat others as you would want to be treated. If we embraced this mindset, we could start finding common ground and tackle the larger, more complex issues that our world faces. It’s only through understanding and empathy that we can make meaningful progress, not just for ourselves, but for everyone.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
I would love to sit down with former President Barack Obama. While there will always be debates over what a political figure accomplished, some of their most significant contributions are intangible. I would love to speak with Mr. Obama about those intangibles. As the first African-American president, he carried an immense weight on his shoulders, and in my opinion, no one could have handled the racial dynamics of the country with more grace while still working for the good of the American people. He was also in office during a large part of my military career, and I was impressed with how he supported and utilized Special Operations Forces. His poise and leadership under pressure are qualities I deeply admire, and it would be an honor to hear his insights and reflections on those experiences.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can visit my website at www.thebryanclark.com, where they can find updates on my latest projects and upcoming releases. I’m also active on most social media platforms, which can be accessed directly through the site. I’d love for you to follow along and stay connected!
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
