Guest: Sean Lundy – Army Officer, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), and mentor
Host: Mickey Gamonal (@GamonalTutors)
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking Part 2 with Sean Lundy, we explore the powerful overlap between service in the Peace Corps and the U.S. military. Sean reflects on returning home after Peace Corps, navigating reverse culture shock, building community, and why service-minded individuals make great leaders — and even better founders.
From doing ACFT makeups on his birthday to building a venture firm that backs RPCV entrepreneurs, Sean brings depth, humor, and hard-earned insight. This episode dives into the “why” behind service, the power of mentorship, and why embracing your insignificance might be the key to lasting impact.
🧠 Topics We Cover:
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🎂 Taking the ACFT on your birthday & the new standards
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💍 Why service stories always resurface — even at weddings
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💡 The shared hardship of Peace Corps & the military
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🧳 Reverse culture shock and “aftershock” after service
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🪖 The psychological resilience Peace Corps instills
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🔍 The origin of RPCV Ventures — and what it supports
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🧗 Why Peace Corps volunteers make scrappy founders
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📞 Cold calls, unlikely mentors, and building connections
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🧭 Finding purpose and living with intentionality
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⚔️ How to lead — even if you’re not “in charge”
🔥 Quote Highlights:
“You don’t operate like you’ve got something to lose. That’s where real progress begins.”
“We’re not special. That’s why we’re free to do anything.”
“If you can succeed with nothing — no money, no language skills, no blueprint — you can build anything.”
📢 Mentioned Resources:
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RPCV Ventures – Investing in founders who’ve served
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Sean Lundy on LinkedIn – Reach out for mentorship
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GamonalTutors.com – Crush the ASVAB with expert prep
💥 Action Steps:
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🌐 Know a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer or veteran starting a business? Connect them to RPCV Ventures.
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🤝 Need a mentor or guidance post-service? Find someone interesting, and just ask.
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🎯 Want to turn service into purpose? Start living intentionally — today.
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