Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.
This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.
I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.
Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.
Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
#91 - Curtez Riggs - Connecting Communities, Military Influence in Action, and Veteran Impact
Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Curtez Riggs on building community, military transition, and authentic connections.
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Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:
đź”— Servant Leadership in Action:
Curtez intentionally stays “on the floor,” listening and connecting at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). He focuses on learning others’ needs and bridging connections, emphasizing, “I want to be on the ground, I want to be connected, I want to solve problems and I want to make matches.”
🚀 Success through Nontraditional Paths:
His journey from hustling in Flint, collecting bottles for cash, to launching impactful ventures proves success isn’t always linear. “You can constantly reinvent yourself,” he says—encouraging us to trust our skills, embrace the hustle, and forge our own way.
🤝 The Power of Authentic Community:
Whether it’s the welcoming culture at MIC or his personal mentorship approach, Curtez shows that the real impact comes from creating access and breaking down barriers. “We like to be around heart-minded individuals… we have the heart to serve one another.”
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Time Codes:
00:00 Impact & Innovation
03:49 Military Influencer Conference: Connecting Hearts
08:12 Networking Strategy at MIC
12:25 Empowering Transitions Through MIC
16:03 Recurrent Military: Media for Service Members
19:07 Flint Lessons and Military Bonds
22:50 Mentoring Through Impactful Dialogue
25:57 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Ventures
26:35 "Embracing Affiliate Marketing"
29:43 "Former Crypto Enthusiast's Tale"
33:26 "Seeking Role Models on TV"
36:10 Nostalgic 90s Reflection
39:23 Late Mentor's Impact on Perseverance
43:53 Continuous Self-Reinvention Mindset
47:20 From Divorce to Credit Repair
52:39 "Returning Home to Innovate Service"
53:42 Seeking Growth Through Storytelling
57:06 "Podcast Reflection Request"
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 49: Ryan Hawk – Crafting a Legacy of Leadership
Episode 52: Riley Tejcek – Mission of Empowerment and Endurance
Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.
After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Curtez Riggs wasn’t chasing titles—he was building bridges. As the founder of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), Curtez has created one of the largest platforms for military-connected leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of their communities.
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Quick Episode Summary:
In this episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster welcomes Curtez Riggs, a retired Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). Curtez shares his journey from his early days in Flint, Michigan, through his 21-year military career, and into his ventures as a champion for the military and marginalized communities.
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Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtezriggs/
Recurrent Military: https://www.recurrentmilitary.com/
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Mentioned:
Military Influencer Conference
Book – Super Connector
Montel Williams
Phillip Taylor
Clarissa Shields
Lee Williams
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Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:
đź”— Servant Leadership in Action:
Curtez intentionally stays “on the floor,” listening and connecting at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). He focuses on learning others’ needs and bridging connections, emphasizing, “I want to be on the ground, I want to be connected, I want to solve problems and I want to make matches.”
🚀 Success through Nontraditional Paths:
His journey from hustling in Flint, collecting bottles for cash, to launching impactful ventures proves success isn’t always linear. “You can constantly reinvent yourself,” he says—encouraging us to trust our skills, embrace the hustle, and forge our own way.
🤝 The Power of Authentic Community:
Whether it’s the welcoming culture at MIC or his personal mentorship approach, Curtez shows that the real impact comes from creating access and breaking down barriers. “We like to be around heart-minded individuals… we have the heart to serve one another.”
-
Quotes:
“Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it.” - Billie Jean King
“Humility in the design process is key.”
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Time Codes:
00:00 Impact & Innovation
03:49 Military Influencer Conference: Connecting Hearts
08:12 Networking Strategy at MIC
12:25 Empowering Transitions Through MIC
16:03 Recurrent Military: Media for Service Members
19:07 Flint Lessons and Military Bonds
22:50 Mentoring Through Impactful Dialogue
25:57 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Ventures
26:35 "Embracing Affiliate Marketing"
29:43 "Former Crypto Enthusiast's Tale"
33:26 "Seeking Role Models on TV"
36:10 Nostalgic 90s Reflection
39:23 Late Mentor's Impact on Perseverance
43:53 Continuous Self-Reinvention Mindset
47:20 From Divorce to Credit Repair
52:39 "Returning Home to Innovate Service"
53:42 Seeking Growth Through Storytelling
57:06 "Podcast Reflection Request"
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Full Episode Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Curtez Riggs shares his journey from a military veteran to a successful entrepreneur and community leader.
He discusses the significance of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in connecting veterans and fostering mentorship.
Curtez emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the impact of childhood influences, and the lessons learned from financial ventures.
He reflects on nostalgia and its connection to personal growth, while also offering advice to younger individuals navigating their paths.
Curtez's commitment to serving his community and encouraging others to find their unique paths is a central theme throughout the discussion.
