Leave no one behind with Mike Durkee

September 24, 2026

A U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Mike flew more than 60 combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He started working with the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund in 2014 as liaison and was voted on to the board in 2015. Now as executive director of the organization — which operates statewide, including a large presence in Tampa — he helps to provide guidance and essential relief to Florida’s disabled veterans on a daily basis. On this episode, Mike and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about the key leadership lessons Mike learned from the Army and how he stays cool in high-pressure situations.

3 Takeaways

(13:00) Teamwork is necessary, you can’t do it alone
(14:30) Make the mission clear
(16:00) Ask for help

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Mike Durkee, Executive Director, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
(03:25) What is the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund?
(05:30) The importance of dental service
(07:35) Mike’s military career
(13:00) What leadership lessons did you take from your military career?
(14:30) Creating accountability without fear
(17:40) Must-have leadership characteristic
(19:00) Leadership lesson you know now you wish you knew earlier
(21:00) What are you looking forward to in 2026?

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