We were lucky to catch up with Mike Byer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mike , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Sure—here’s a more grounded and straightforward version:
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My self-discipline comes from my time in the Army and the work I do with Operation Song.
In the military, especially as a First Sergeant, discipline wasn’t just a trait—it was a requirement. You learn quickly that people are counting on you. Showing up prepared, staying focused under pressure, and holding yourself accountable becomes second nature. Those habits don’t leave you when the uniform comes off.
With Operation Song, that same mindset applies. Helping veterans tell their stories through music requires consistency, follow-through, and being fully present. You can’t phone it in—these stories matter. The discipline I built in the Army helps me stay organized, lead effectively, and stay committed to the mission, even when things get tough.
It’s not flashy—it’s just how I operate.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the Executive Director of Operation Song, a nonprofit based in Nashville that empowers veterans, active-duty military, and their families to tell their stories through songwriting. We pair them with professional songwriters to transform personal experiences—often heavy or complex—into powerful, original songs. It’s a creative process, but also a deeply therapeutic one. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever shared their story.
What makes Operation Song unique is that we don’t just focus on the music—we focus on the mission. Our brand is built on trust, storytelling, and patriotism, and that’s reflected in everything we do, from intimate retreats to public performances. We aren’t just creating songs—we’re building bridges between veterans and their communities through art.
This year, we’ve written 46 songs with veterans in Texas, Wisconsin, New York, and right here in Tennessee, and always looking for new opportunities across the country.
Two major events on the horizon:
On July 4th, we’ll perform on the Broadway stage at Nashville’s Independence Day Celebration, joining artists like Dierks Bentley in front of thousands of patriotic Americans.
On December 6th, we’re hosting our annual Operation Song Benefit Show at the Loveless Café in Franklin, TN. It’ll be an unforgettable evening of stories, music, and celebration—featuring performances by veterans, songwriters, special guests, and the presentation of the Bob Regan Award.
To help us sustain and grow this mission, we’ve launched the Operation Song Army—a national network of monthly supporters who are committed to making sure no veteran story goes untold. Our Patriot Partners, businesses that contribute $2,500 or more annually, are essential to keeping our programs free for every participant. These partnerships are more than just sponsorships—they’re a part of our brand family. Together, we’re building something that reflects the best of who we are as a country.
If there’s one thing I’d want people to know, it’s this: every song we write is more than a melody—it’s a mission accomplished. We’re proud of the work, proud of the veterans we serve, and proud of the people and brands who stand with us.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, mission-focus, and empathy.
1. Adaptability:
Military life taught me to adapt quickly—whether it was changing missions, operating in unpredictable environments, or shifting from a combat mindset to a leadership role. That same skill has been crucial in nonprofit leadership. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and the ability to adjust without losing momentum is a huge advantage.
Advice: Put yourself in situations that stretch you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Whether you’re starting a business, a creative project, or stepping into leadership, flexibility is more valuable than perfection.
2. Mission-Focus:
In both the Army and Operation Song, staying focused on the mission has been my compass. It’s easy to get pulled into distractions, politics, or noise—but if you keep your purpose front and center, everything else falls into place.
Advice: Define your “why” early. Write it down. Revisit it when things get hard. A strong mission will guide your decisions and help you stay grounded when things get chaotic.
3. Empathy:
I didn’t fully understand the power of empathy until I started writing songs with veterans. Listening—not just hearing, but truly listening—has opened doors that credentials and strategy never could. It’s how trust is built, and trust is everything.
Advice: Practice listening without an agenda. The more you understand people—your team, your audience, your community—the more effective you’ll be in serving them.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At Operation Song, we’re actively building a nationwide network of patriotic partners and collaborators who share our mission to serve veterans and their families through the power of music and storytelling.
We’re especially looking to connect with:
Professional songwriters who want to use their talent for a greater purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned hitmaker or an emerging writer with a heart for service, there’s a place for you here.
Businesses and brands that are patriotic and veteran-friendly. We’re growing our Patriot Partner program, which brings together companies that want to make a real, lasting impact. These partners help us keep our programs free for veterans and expand into new communities across the country.
Our goal is to build a nationwide network of supporters, artists, and organizations who believe that every veteran’s story deserves to be heard—and that music is a powerful way to make that happen.
If you’re reading this and want to get involved—whether as a collaborator, donor, or partner—we’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is through our website at www.OperationSong.org, or you can reach out directly at contact@operationsong.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.operationsong.org
- Instagram: @operationsong
- Facebook: @operationsong
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operation-song
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OperationSong
- Other: Bandcamp: https://operationsong1.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Twila’s Photography, by Twila Allen; Miranda Byer Photography.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
