What if you’ve been a mentor all along—and didn’t even know it? In this energizing episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz and Mary Brohan welcome Hillary Boyce, a powerhouse entrepreneur, Army veteran, and founder of BAFO Services, to challenge everything you thought mentorship had to be. No formal titles. No structured programs. Just real moments that matter. Hillary shares how a career built in service—from the military to federal contracting—shaped her people-first leadership style and sparked impact far beyond what she could see. Through candid stories, she reveals how simple acts—offering advice, making introductions, showing up—can quietly change someone’s trajectory. You’ll also hear how she helps veterans and entrepreneurs navigate intimidating systems, while reminding them (and all of us) that it’s okay to not have a perfect plan. This episode is a refreshing reminder that influence isn’t about authority—it’s about action. And chances are, you’re already making more of a difference than you think. You are your own Kick-Ass brand.
In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Brohan sit down with Hillary Boyce—President and CEO of BAFO Services (Badass Female Operations)—to unpack a surprising truth: mentorship often happens when you least expect it.
Hillary, a U.S. Army veteran, military spouse, and award-winning entrepreneur, shares how her decades of service and leadership shaped a mentorship style rooted in compassion, humility, and action. What makes her story compelling is that she never set out to be a mentor—yet countless women, veterans, and entrepreneurs credit her with guiding their paths.
The conversation explores how mentorship doesn’t require a title or formal structure. From answering a quick question to making a meaningful introduction, small acts of “helping” often become pivotal career moments for others. Hillary reflects on her military experiences, including her ongoing work supporting casualty operations, and how they instilled a deep sense of empathy, perspective, and grace in her leadership.
Listeners will also gain insight into navigating complex spaces like federal contracting, where Hillary helps entrepreneurs—especially veterans—translate their expertise into sustainable businesses. Her work with transitioning service members through The Honor Foundation highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and reminding them it’s okay not to have everything figured out.
A standout theme: mentorship is a two-way street. We are all both mentors and mentees at different moments in life.
Hillary leaves listeners with simple but powerful advice—get out, meet people, “write your plans in pencil,” and never underestimate the impact of showing up for others.
If you’ve ever helped someone and didn’t think twice about it, this episode will make you realize—you’ve been mentoring all along. You are your own Kick-Ass brand.
Resources & References
Highlight Quotes