Meet Nic McKinley | Tech Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nic McKinley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nic, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a simple math equation: Risk = Probability/Consequence. Most people overestimate both probability and consequence and so fail to calculate the risk of any given decision correctly. In most cases, the consequence of failing to reach a goal is remaining exactly where you started, but with an education in what not to do. That in itself is valuable. Since the actual consequence is so low, why not go for it? The probability of my becoming a USAF Pararescueman was .09. The probability of getting hired by the CIA was .01, and the probability of graduating from Harvard University was .03, yet because I realized there was little downside to trying I was able to accomplish all three. I am not special in any way; I just accurately calculate risk, and so try things most others do not. I think most people evaluate a low probability of success as the risk, whereas one is only a factor of the other.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout my career, I’ve navigated a path that has been anything but conventional. From the outset, my journey has been driven by a deep-seated commitment to service and a desire to leverage my skills and experiences to make a tangible difference in the world. This commitment has taken me from the rigorous demands of U.S. Special Operations as an Air Force Pararescueman to the clandestine operations of the CIA, and eventually to the forefront of technological innovation as a tech entrepreneur. What sets me apart is not just the diversity of my experiences but how I’ve applied the lessons learned in each domain to address some of society’s most pressing issues, particularly human trafficking.

I am most proud of founding DeliverFund, a nonprofit private intelligence organization that equips law enforcement with the training and technology to fight human trafficking at scale. This initiative represents the culmination of my experiences, harnessing the intelligence and operational skills honed in the military and the CIA, alongside the technological innovation fostered through my entrepreneurial ventures.

My journey to where I am today has been far from easy. The transition from military and intelligence operations to the tech industry presented a steep learning curve. Each domain has its unique challenges, languages, and cultures. Overcoming these challenges required a willingness to be a perpetual student, constantly learning, adapting, and applying new knowledge. The resilience and adaptability developed in the military and intelligence fields were invaluable in navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous, but a few stand out. First, the importance of mission-driven leadership. Whether leading a team on a military operation, conducting intelligence work, or steering a company, having a clear, compelling mission that transcends individual interests is crucial for inspiring and aligning efforts. Second, the power of collaboration. No significant challenge can be tackled in isolation. Building strong, diverse teams and forging partnerships across sectors have been key to achieving impactful results. Lastly, the necessity of resilience. Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and learning.
I want the world to know that my story is about more than just my individual achievements. It is about the power of leveraging one’s skills and experiences for a cause greater than oneself. It’s about the impact we can have when we apply our talents to address complex, systemic issues like human trafficking. My story is a testament to the idea that it is possible to ‘make a dent in the universe’ with faith, determination, collaboration, and a mission-driven mindset.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Whitefish, MT, So I am going to take them skiing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Credit for my story belongs first and foremost to God, second to my parents, and third to my wife. God created and sustains me, my parents adopted me when I was an orphan and raised me as their own, and my wife is my pillar of support—without her, I would fall.

Website: https://nicmckinley.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.nic.mckinley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenicmckinley/

Twitter: @thenicmckinley

Facebook: @the.nic.mckinley

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheNicMcKinley