You Reach the Top—and Have to Start Over?
Tue Feb 03 2026
Send us a text
What Happens When You Reach the Top and Then Have to Start Over?
In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, I sit down with retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve Maynor Jr., now a Communications Instructor at Davidson-Davie Community College, to talk about what really happens when the uniform comes off and the old playbook stops working.
After 23+ years of service, Steve reflects on the moment he realized rank wouldn’t carry him into the next chapter. We talk about preparing early, translating leadership into civilian value, and the humility of starting over. He also shares how education, therapy, and honest relationships helped him rebuild purpose and redefine success beyond the title.
This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, reinvention, or the uneasy space between who you were and who you’re becoming.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Purpose of the Conversation
00:41 – Introducing Steve Maynor Jr., Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.)
03:47 – The Mid-Career Wake-Up Call
06:20 – Education as a Lifeline
09:58 – When Injuries Force a New Plan
12:44 – Identity vs. Skills in Civilian Hiring
16:20 – Therapy, Listening, and Growth at Home
20:30 – Translating Leadership into Teaching
24:10 – Trading Command for Community
28:00 – What Starting Over Really Teaches You
Thank you for your continued support. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless!
Support the show
Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com
More
Send us a text What Happens When You Reach the Top and Then Have to Start Over? In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, I sit down with retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve Maynor Jr., now a Communications Instructor at Davidson-Davie Community College, to talk about what really happens when the uniform comes off and the old playbook stops working. After 23+ years of service, Steve reflects on the moment he realized rank wouldn’t carry him into the next chapter. We talk about preparing early, translating leadership into civilian value, and the humility of starting over. He also shares how education, therapy, and honest relationships helped him rebuild purpose and redefine success beyond the title. This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, reinvention, or the uneasy space between who you were and who you’re becoming. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Purpose of the Conversation 00:41 – Introducing Steve Maynor Jr., Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) 03:47 – The Mid-Career Wake-Up Call 06:20 – Education as a Lifeline 09:58 – When Injuries Force a New Plan 12:44 – Identity vs. Skills in Civilian Hiring 16:20 – Therapy, Listening, and Growth at Home 20:30 – Translating Leadership into Teaching 24:10 – Trading Command for Community 28:00 – What Starting Over Really Teaches You Thank you for your continued support. Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. God bless! Support the show Become a Member Today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M2Kfxb2hN1uHdlDKGtuQw/join Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO1rqQsabaxHHO1nQQtn5lhd Still Serving, Inc.: www.stillservinginc.com Email: mario@stillservinginc.com