Veteran Leadership Consulting: How Philip Ayles Is Transforming Lives After Service
Veteran leadership consulting is more than just a buzzword—it’s a growing field that merges military experience with practical coaching, emotional intelligence, and business insight to support veterans and organizations in their pursuit of growth and transformation. One entrepreneur who embodies this mission is Philip T. Ayles, a U.S. Army combat veteran and the founder of Ayles Solutions LLC.
In a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy dives into Philip’s remarkable journey from the battlefield to launching a purpose-driven veteran leadership consulting firm in Jacksonville, Florida. The conversation reveals hard truths about transition, entrepreneurship, and the power of emotional awareness in leadership.
A Transition Marked by Struggle—and Discovery
Philip AylesPhilip Ayles didn’t have the kind of military transition many hope for. Despite over two decades of service in military police, civil affairs, and intelligence, his post-service reality was unexpectedly bleak. “It was horrible,” he said. “I couldn’t even get a job at a restaurant. I was overqualified, and employers didn’t know what to do with me.”
This disconnect between military training and civilian expectations is precisely where veteran leadership consulting becomes essential. Veterans are often loaded with skills, but without the right guidance, translation, and support, those skills can go underutilized.
Philip realized early on that he needed to take control of his future—not by conforming, but by creating something new. His company, Ayles Solutions, would eventually become a haven for others who faced similar struggles.
Founding Ayles Solutions LLC: Veteran Leadership Consulting in Action
Established in 2020, Ayles Solutions LLC is a veteran-owned business rooted in the core principles of veteran leadership consulting: relationship building, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and mission-driven coaching. Unlike traditional consultants, Philip’s approach is grounded in his lived experiences and refined through research and hands-on mentoring.
His methodology is practical and adaptive. “It doesn’t matter the size of the problem,” he explains. “From simple personal issues to multi-jurisdictional coordination—everything is solvable with the right mindset.”
This mindset is where Ayles’s brand of veteran leadership consulting thrives. By helping individuals understand their roles, manage emotional energy, and align with organizational goals, he’s transforming workplaces and communities alike.
Building a Consulting Practice with a Veteran’s Heart
What sets Ayles Solutions apart is its versatility. Philip doesn’t limit himself to a narrow client base. His consulting services extend to:
Veterans transitioning into the workforce
Corporate teams seeking leadership development
First responders in need of emotional regulation strategies
Nonprofits and community organizations building trauma-informed leadership practices
At its core, veteran leadership consulting isn’t just about performance—it’s about people. Philip brings empathy, honesty, and authenticity to every client interaction. “Veterans were trained with millions of dollars’ worth of knowledge,” he explains. “Why not bring those skills into the civilian world in a way that uplifts everyone?”
Warrior to Love: A Personal Mission Beyond Business
Philip is also developing Warrior to Love, a nonprofit project featuring a podcast and book that explore emotional healing after military service. While not directly a part of Ayles Solutions, this initiative complements his veteran leadership consulting work by focusing on inner transformation and emotional healing.
“We’re taught how to go to war—but not how to come home,” he says. Through Warrior to Love, he’s opening a dialogue about trauma, grace, faith, and personal growth, and encouraging veterans to move from survival mode to a life of connection and compassion.
This unique blend of consulting and storytelling makes his work deeply impactful. By addressing both the external and internal challenges veterans face, Philip delivers a comprehensive form of leadership consulting that resonates at every level.
Entrepreneurship, Emotional Intelligence, and the Role of Faith
Philip credits much of his entrepreneurial growth to continued research into emotional intelligence and mentorship through programs like the Syracuse University Veteran Entrepreneurship Program, sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project. “I realized I needed to take it out of theory and into practice,” he said.
Like many entrepreneurs, he encountered major financial hurdles. Marketing, events, and growth expenses added up quickly. But instead of giving up, he doubled down on his values and stayed focused on purpose. “You have to spend money to share your message. That was something I had to learn the hard way.”
This emphasis on purpose is why veteran leadership consulting isn’t just his business—it’s his calling. He’s committed to being “the good” he wants to see in the world and encourages others to embrace a similar mindset.
The Core of Veteran Leadership Consulting: Emotional Intelligence and Role Clarity
One of the major themes in Philip’s coaching is emotional intelligence. In the military, emotions are often suppressed for the sake of mission focus. But in the civilian world—especially in business—emotional regulation and empathy are crucial leadership tools.
“Imagine hiring a veteran who’s emotionally intelligent, mindful, and understands their role. That changes the whole workplace,” he said. Through veteran leadership consulting, he helps teams develop self-awareness, improve interpersonal dynamics, and create healthier, more effective environments.
His work also emphasizes role clarity: knowing when to lead, when to follow, and how to integrate into teams without dominating or withdrawing. These are often overlooked challenges for veterans entering new spaces.
Advice for Aspiring Veteran Consultants and Entrepreneurs
Philip offers clear advice for other veterans considering leadership consulting or entrepreneurship:
Invest in education and mentorship. Look for veteran-focused business programs and networking groups.
Start with purpose, not profit. Know your “why” and let it guide your decisions.
Accept setbacks as part of growth. Transition is never linear—what matters is resilience.
Focus on relationships. “It’s who you know,” he says. “Networking opens doors.”
Be honest about finances. Budget for marketing, operations, and personal development.
Veteran leadership consulting isn’t a quick path to riches—it’s a long-term journey of service through coaching, empowerment, and meaningful relationships.
Connect with Philip Ayles
You can connect with Philip T. Ayles on LinkedIn and Facebook, or simply Google his name to find Ayles Solutions LLC. His website focuses on coaching, facilitation, and veteran leadership consulting services for individuals and organizations ready to elevate their performance and culture.
Whether you’re a veteran looking for purpose, a company seeking to improve leadership dynamics, or a nonprofit striving to build resilience—Ayles Solutions has something to offer.
Conclusion: Veteran Leadership Consulting as a Catalyst for Change
Through Ayles Solutions and Warrior to Love, Philip Ayles is redefining what it means to lead after service. His approach to veteran leadership consulting is holistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in real-world experience. He’s not just solving business problems—he’s healing people, building communities, and empowering fellow veterans to lead with heart.
In a world hungry for authentic leadership, Philip reminds us that service doesn’t end at discharge—it evolves.
