The Built Not Born Podcast EP62: Creating Mission Clarity: Emotional Intelligence in High-Stakes Environments w/ Ashton Leverak
In this episode, David sits down with Ashton Leverak—21-year special operations veteran turned real estate entrepreneur and mindset coach. Ashton shares how he transitioned from 15 combat deployments to building a $90M real estate portfolio, and how the real battlefield wasn’t overseas—it was internal. The two dive deep into emotional regulation, identity beyond the uniform, and what it really means to lead yourself and others.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:-
Emotional regulation as a performance tool
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Identity shifts post-military and post-career
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Why clarity is a prerequisite for commitment
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The hidden cost of misaligned ambition
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Masculinity, legacy, and redefining success
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Breathwork, meditation, and nervous system mastery
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How to build a new life without losing your edge
00:00 – Welcome + Ashton’s background in special ops
08:30 – Early life, rebellion, and the call to serve
17:42 – Identity, self-worth, and proving value
25:50 – Imposter syndrome vs. internal certainty
33:05 – Combat, clarity, and the power of priorities
41:20 – Real estate, entrepreneurship, and flipping the internal switch
48:10 – Meditation, breathwork, and nervous system control
55:36 – Legacy, family, and what makes a man
1:04:12 – The mindset behind “Built Not Born”
1:09:45 – Lightning Round: Legacy, identity, and advice for the next chapter
Ashton Leverak is a 21-year U.S. Special Operations veteran with 15 combat deployments, now turned real estate investor, fund manager, and performance coach. He is the founder of Valkere Investment Group, where he helps everyday investors build generational wealth through real estate. Ashton also runs a coaching community focused on mindset, purpose, and post-career reinvention. His mission is to help high performers build lives of clarity, strength, and service.
đź”— Guest Links:-
Website: www.valkeregroup.com
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LinkedIn: Ashton Leverak
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Instagram: @ashtonleverak