Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker CGC ThruDark Co-Founder  Former SBS “The Hard Road Will Take You Home” I’m thrilled to share the latest episode STAZ from ThruDark with you all. I had the honour of sitting down with Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker CGC, a former member of the UK Special Boat Service (SBS). His journey from the frontlines of Afghanistan to founding the groundbreaking, Tier 1 Quality clothing brand – THRUDARK is nothing short of inspiring. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing insights from our conversation: Key Lessons and Ideas Bravery Redefined: Anthony shares that bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. His stories from Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC), highlight this nuanced understanding of courage. Medals and Meaning: The CGC, awarded for valour, is a symbol of collective achievement rather than individual heroism. Anthony’s sentiment, “Medals are for mothers,” underscores the shared nature of military success. Training and Experience: The rigorous training in the Royal Marines and SBS prepared Anthony for high-pressure situations. He emphasises that exposure to challenging environments and repetitive training are crucial for developing an automatic response to stress. Transition to Civilian Life: Anthony’s shift from military to civilian life wasn’t easy. He co-founded the clothing brand THRUDARK with his friend Louis Tinsley, channeling their military experiences into a new venture. This transition highlights the importance of finding a new mission and maintaining a sense of community. Authenticity in Business: THRUDARK s success is rooted in authenticity. The brand’s gear is tested in real-world, extreme conditions, and their marketing features real people, not models. This genuine approach resonates deeply with their audience. Learning from Failure: Anthony’s mantra, “I either win or I learn,” is a powerful reminder that failure is a stepping stone to success. This perspective has shaped his approach to both business and life. Support Systems: The importance of having a support system, whether in the military or civilian life, cannot be overstated. Anthony’s partnership with Louis and the support from his partner Ruby have been crucial in his journey. Special Forces Insights: High-Stakes Operations: Anthony recounts two significant operations in Afghanistan, including thwarting a large-scale Taliban attack and a high-stakes firefight. These stories provide a gripping look into the realities of special forces operations. From Sniper to Entrepreneur: The transition from a specialised military role to civilian life is challenging. Anthony’s journey from sniper to entrepreneur is a testament to adaptability and resilience. THRUDARK’s Mission: The brand’s strapline, “Endeavor Through Adversity,” reflects their philosophy of pushing through challenges. Their high-performance gear is designed for extreme conditions, inspired by Anthony’s military experiences. Upcoming Collaborations and Charity Work: An exciting collaboration withThe Call of Duty Endowment, helping get veterans back to work. https://www.callofdutyendowment.org/ This partnership underscores Through Dark’s commitment to social responsibility. I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Anthony’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of purpose, resilience, and authenticity in navigating life’s challenges. You can find Staz and his brand THRUDARK at https://www.thrudark.com/en-au/collec…

By Michael Kurcina

Mike credits his early military training as the one thing that kept him disciplined through the many years. He currently provides his expertise as an adviser for an agency within the DoD. Michael Kurcina subscribes to the Spotter Up way of life. “I will either find a way or I will make one”.

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