Interview: Samuel Zickgraf
It’s not every day you meet someone who has transitioned from leading military operations to shaping business strategies. How do you transfer leadership skills from one intense environment to another, and how does a military background shape strategic thinking in the business world?
Samuel Zickgraf, our Strategy Senior Strategy Manager at Milestone, was not afraid to make that change and embark on a new chapter in his career. From commanding troops in the US Marine Corps to earning an MBA and making a successful switch into the business world in Denmark, Samuel has navigated two seemingly opposite worlds with confidence and drive.
Samuel has not only built an impressive career in business but has also applied years of military leadership experience to drive innovation and strategic change.
Samuel, originally from Michigan, began his career as an officer in the US Marine Corps at the age of 22, serving for five years. After leaving the military, he earned an MBA in Barcelona before transitioning into the business world in Denmark, followed by consulting experience, Samuel joined Milestone, and has been here for 1 ½ years, where he now leads strategic projects and innovations.
Leading Marines and working an office job may seem worlds apart, but Samuel sees many parallels.
As a platoon commander, Samuel was responsible for a team of 45 Marines, making swift decisions in high-pressure situations at a young age. Learning about, clear communication, decisive action, adjusting to unexpected outcomes—prepared him for his future management skills.
Whether Samuel is managing a cross-functional project or working through complex strategic decisions, the lessons from his military experience remain relevant.
In the military, you plan for the worst-case scenario. In business, you apply the same mindset when launching products or implementing major changes. It's about taking risks, setting clear expectations, and communicating effectively with all stakeholders.
But one thing that truly stood out to Samuel within the two worlds was the switch of environment. The military operates within a top-down structure, while business has a more collaborative, flat hierarchy. Samuel is used to a 24/7 job with undefined working hours. Samuel therefore appreciates the new work-life balance, being able to schedule his own workdays and hours is a positive change and gives him the flexibility he didn’t have before.
For Samuel leadership is about more than just getting the job done. It’s about building strong, cohesive teams that can overcome challenges together. His team-first mentality was built during his military career and has carried over into their work at Milestone. He emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of his team first and ensuring that everyone has what they need to succeed and feel supported.
“It's difficult to go wrong if you focus on setting your team up for success, rather than focusing on your own reputation” – Samuel Zickgraf
At Milestone, Samuel’s leading approach aligns perfectly with our value of “putting the people first”. Samuel’ take on success isn’t just about hitting targets it’s about creating a positive work environment and empathy towards his team and company. This mindset, rooted in his time as a military officer, has sticked with him—his genuine care for others and selflessness continue to influence how he approaches his work today.
The transition from military service to a peaceful, and structured work life in Denmark hasn’t been straightforward but Samuel’s story and mindset are both admirable and inspiring. It proves that you can combine two completely different worlds and still somehow find a balance between them.
What lies ahead for Samuel remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his next chapter will undoubtedly be just as impactful as the last.
