Making the leap from military service to a career in civilian life can seem like a wide distance to clear. However, according to the retired Navy admiral who organized the raid against Osama bin Laden, the first steps are always the same.

In the debut episode of Yahoo Finance’s Warrior Money, retired Admiral Bill McRaven, one of America's most decorated veterans, reveals the key advice he gives transitioning veterans.

“Learn the business of your business,” McRaven tells them, “so you can be better prepared to help your teammates.” He explains that military experience produces a strong work ethic and leadership skills that can transfer into new careers, but knowing the ins and outs of an industry is key to successfully applying them.

McRaven also urges veterans to find the deeper purpose of the professional paths they choose. Recalling a telecommunications worker who described their job as merely “connecting wires,” the retired four-star admiral says he quickly corrected them. “You’re connecting people,” he told them. “You’re connecting mothers to their daughters, and fathers to their sons.”

McRaven adds that he instills the same search for value into his own post-military career as Senior Advisor for Lazard Geopolitical Advisory. “It’s not just about making money,” he tells former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze. “It’s about making money that, in the long run, is going to help families grow and be more prosperous.”

Hosted by former Congressman Patrick Murphy and veteran investor Dan Kunze, Yahoo Finance’s Warrior Money is a weekly vodcast dedicated to uplifting military veterans transitioning into civilian life. Through insights from fellow veterans and high-ranking government officials, Murphy and Kunze are helping set vets up for success through financial education and inspiration.

This post was written by Nick Riccardo.