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Cut The Tie Podcast with Scott Packard
What happens when your job title, rank, or uniform becomes your whole identity? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Scott Packard—a Marine Corps veteran turned startup executive—who shares his journey of shedding institutional expectations to build a second life in innovation, energy, and entrepreneurship.

From defense contracting to quantum networking to repurposing EV batteries, Scott proves that skills are transferable, identities can evolve, and success has to be defined by you—not your resume.

About Scott Packard
Scott Packard is the VP of Business Development at Smartville Inc., a startup that repurposes electric vehicle batteries into smart energy storage systems. A retired U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer with 20 years of service, Scott has transitioned from defense contracting into commercial tech and clean energy leadership. His career has spanned everything from NATO program management to chaos-proofing early-stage startups in quantum computing and battery innovation.

He’s also a published writer, an outdoor enthusiast, and a firm believer in servant leadership and lifelong learning.

In this episode, Thomas and Scott discuss:

• The trap of undervaluing yourself after military service
  Scott opens up about how defense contractors use military retirement as a salary justification—and how he had to cut that toxic mindset.
• The moment he reclaimed his voice
  Writing for Gear Patrol helped Scott rediscover that he had something valuable to say outside of the military bubble.
• From infantry to innovation
  Despite not being an engineer or scientist, Scott’s leadership, curiosity, and adaptability helped him thrive in chaotic startups in clean tech and quantum physics.
• Stoicism and empathy in business
  He shares how learning from competent female colleagues taught him emotional intelligence and conflict navigation in high-stakes environments.
• Why chaos is an advantage—not a barrier
  Scott reveals how his Marine Corps mindset helps him embrace startup uncertainty, break through silos, and thrive without needing to “stay in his lane.”

Key Takeaways:

• You are not your former rank
  Transitioning out of uniform means redefining your value—and demanding full compensation for it.
• Transferable skills are real
  Leadership, decision-making, and adaptability transcend industries.
• Imposter syndrome is normal. Do it anyway.
  Scott took a job he thought he wasn’t qualified for—and crushed it.
• You don’t have to be an expert to contribute
  Curiosity and chaos-tolerance are just as valuable as technical credentials in startup life.

Connect with Scott Packard:

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-packard-usmc/

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelfrich
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutthetie
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
🌐 Website: https://www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@inst

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