From Air Force to Financial Freedom: A Masterclass in Self-Leadership with Corey Stokes on The Bunker

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, I had the honor of being the guest on The Breakthrough Bunker with Shaun Murphy, aka Mr. Motivation, for my first-ever live interview. Though I was nervous, the conversation was a high-energy, deep-dive discussion that traced my journey from my challenging early days after high school to my 23-year career in the US Air Force, and now, my life as a county director, author, and certified financial coach. It is one I enjoyed immensely.

The episode’s theme was perfectly captured by Shaun: a master class in simplicity, self-leadership, and service. We explored how discipline and integrity don’t end when the uniform comes off; they simply evolve, freeing up time and energy for what truly matters: family, purpose, and peace of mind.

---

The Conversation Highlights

1. Military Service: Finding Purpose Through Difficulty

My path to the Air Force was driven by a period of struggle after high school, marked by dropping out of college and difficulty finding stable employment. I joined the Reserves in 1998 and eventually switched to active duty for 20 years.

• Motivation for Joining: My grandmother encouraged me to join the Reserves, a decision rooted in a search for stability and direction.
• The Problem, Not the Challenge: We discussed an early incident where a pay malfunction left my family without income for months. I distinguished this as a “problem” to be fixed, rather than a personal “challenge.” This experience spurred an unwavering vow: “I would never be broke again.”
• Advice for New Recruits: My key advice is simple: Know what you’re getting into. Talk to veterans who have walked the road you’re considering before jumping in headfirst. If you can’t find a veteran willing to talk to you, talk to me!

2. Family, Fatherhood, and the Power of Presence

Shaun and I took a deep dive into the importance of family, celebrating my 26 years of marriage to my wife, Dr. Micheline Stokes, who was with me from basic training to retirement. The conversation about fatherhood was particularly personal.

• The Fear of Fatherhood: Having an absent father made me terrified when my daughter was born. I realized I had “no idea what I was doing.”
• Advice for New Dads: My message to Shaun and all new fathers was heartfelt and simple: Cherish every moment, be present, and love on your kids. Don’t be afraid to be emotional or to hug your sons—this connection is essential.

3. The Foundation of Financial Coaching

My current work as a certified financial coach is directly linked to those early struggles with financial instability.

• The Vow: After experiencing an overdrawn bank account and missed paychecks, I committed to never being broke again (distinguishing this from being poor).
• The Catalyst: My journey to financial literacy wasn’t about simply increasing wealth, but about achieving peace of mind (a great echo of Shaun’s opening “3 Thoughts”). The turning point was finding a system based on building momentum—a principle that resonated deeply.

4. Systems for Success and Consistent Growth

With my roles as a husband, father, Sedgwick County Director, and coach, I shared the habits that keep me aligned:

• Prioritize Mental Health: I make time to work out to de-stress, decompress, and remotivate myself.
• Bring the Best Version: Every role needs a different version of me, and the decompression time ensures I bring my best to each scenario.
• The Power of Returning: Like Shaun, I shared that I dropped out of college not once, but twice, before earning four degrees (an associate’s, two bachelor’s, and a master’s). The key is to take a step back, refocus, and keep going back. Don’t get discouraged by the breaks; use them to gain clarity and motivation.

---

Key Takeaways from The Breakthrough Bunker

These are the essential principles that came up repeatedly throughout the discussion:

• Simplicity is the Seed of Success: Don’t overcomplicate progress. Small steps taken consistently will outpace elaborate plans never executed. (Shaun’s Thought #1)
• Leadership Starts Inside and then comes out: Before you can lead others with integrity, you must lead yourself through discipline, self-awareness, and follow-through in your own life. (Shaun’s Thought #3)
• Progress Doesn’t Require Perfection: You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Get a small win, then another, and build momentum toward your goals. (Shaun’s Quote #1)
• Discipline = Delayed Gratification: Discipline is simply choosing between what you want now and what you want most. (Shaun’s Quote #2)
• Financial Literacy = Peace of Mind: Managing your finances is not just about wealth; it’s about reducing stress, empowering decisions, and building a secure future. (Shaun’s Thought #2)
• Prioritize Growth and Purpose over Convenience: Choose to move where “you’re going to grow in that position.”
• Unwavering Commitment: After experiencing financial difficulty, my vow became: “I would never be broke again.”

---

Resources Mentioned

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
• Unbreakable Valor by Shaun Murphy
• Man to Man by Corey L. Stokes
• On This Day by Corey Stokes

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Shaun and can’t wait to share the conversation I had with him for Catching up with Corey!