Episode 7: Living Intentionally with Greg Bernstein '11

What does it mean to approach life as an adventure?In this episode of Corps Conversations, hosts 1/c Kevin Pandorf and LCDR Nicholas Martin ’12 sit down with Greg Bernstein '11, former Coast Guard officer, entrepreneur, venture capital executive, and CEO of New Industrial Corporation. Greg reflects on the experiences that shaped his unconventional career—from serving aboard cutters and commanding an 87-foot patrol boat to leading investments in emerging technologies tackling some of the world's biggest industrial, energy, and national security challenges.Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges cadets to stop simply enduring the Academy and instead embrace it as an opportunity to build the life they want. He shares how mentors, risk-taking, creativity, and a mindset of intentional living influenced everything from launching the Academy's Alaska Mountaineering Program to starting a cadet rock band and ultimately pursuing an entrepreneurial career after military service.Greg also offers candid advice about managing stress, navigating career uncertainty, transitioning to civilian life, and finding work that aligns with your purpose. His message is clear: take the Academy seriously—but don't take yourself too seriously. The greatest opportunities often come from pursuing meaningful challenges, investing in relationships, and having the courage to follow an unexpected path.Alumni Impact InterludeThis episode's Alumni Impact Interlude features 1/c Carl DiGiorgio '26, the Academy's first four-time All-American wrestler, discussing the new Coast Guard Wrestling Heritage Wall made possible through alumni support. Carl reflects on what the display means to current cadets, how it celebrates decades of wrestling excellence, and why investments in facilities, coaching, and tradition continue to strengthen one of the Academy's most successful athletic programs.Support this PodcastStay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887giftLearn more about the schools, programs and organizations mentioned in this episode:The New Industrial CorporationReindustrializeEQT Group / EQT Ventures & GrowthGeorgetown University, School of Foreign ServiceWallenberg International Fellows Program Keywords: Greg Bernstein, Corps Conversations, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, leadership, intentional living, adventure mindset, entrepreneurship, venture capital, innovation, New Industrial Corporation, mentorship, Alaska Mountaineering Program, cadet experience, career transition, risk taking, Coast Guard Wrestling, Carl DiGiorgio, Alumni Impact Interlude, Studio 1887, USCGA Alumni Association