By Alexandra Perez
Edith Lagunas, a retired military officer with over 20 years of service, is demonstrating how the lessons learned in the military can positively influence a successful entrepreneurial career. As the founder of Nexus Bond AI, Lagunas applies her leadership skills and the military’s ethos of perseverance to navigate the challenges of building a business. Her story illustrates how veterans are reshaping entrepreneurship by combining discipline, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity.
From Military Service to Entrepreneurship: A Foundation of Resilience
Lagunas began her military career in 2002 at the age of 22, initially joining to fund her college education. What she didn’t expect was how the military would shape her life. “The military taught me to never give up,” Lagunas said. “When you’re in a tough situation, quitting isn’t an option. You adapt and keep going. That mindset has been valuable as an entrepreneur.”
After serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and several other overseas assignments, Lagunas rose through the ranks to become a logistics officer. She managed large teams and complex operations, but her entrepreneurial spirit was also thriving. Alongside her military service, she launched side businesses, including a skincare line and real estate investments. “The military taught me how to juggle competing priorities and focus on what’s important,” she explained.
Overcoming Setbacks: Resilience Through Failure
One of the biggest lessons from her military career was the importance of resilience. The military operates with a “no failure” mentality, where the mission must always be completed despite obstacles. “When you’re in a high-stakes mission, failure isn’t an option,” Lagunas said. “The goal is always to succeed, no matter what comes your way. This mindset has carried me through every business venture.”
However, Lagunas’ entrepreneurial ventures weren’t always smooth sailing. Her skincare business was unexpectedly halted when she was stationed overseas, and high shipping costs made it unsustainable. “Shutting down something I was passionate about was heartbreaking, but I didn’t let it stop me,” she reflected. “I learned from that setback and moved on to my next venture—real estate.”
Real Estate Success: Adapting to New Challenges
In real estate, Lagunas found her stride. She began acquiring properties and managing both short-term and long-term rentals. The skills she honed in the military—leadership, time management, and planning—translated seamlessly into her real estate career. “Managing properties taught me to adapt quickly and make decisions under pressure,” she said. “Those skills became crucial when I started my AI venture.”
Building Nexus Bond AI: Innovation Inspired by Loneliness
Lagunas’ commitment to building innovative businesses culminated in the creation of Nexus Bond AI, a platform that allows users to design personalized AI characters. The idea for the platform originated from her time in the military, where isolation was a constant challenge. “Being isolated, especially when deployed, can be tough,” she shared. “I wanted to create something that could help people feel less alone, and that’s how Nexus Bond AI came to be.”
The platform enables users to build AI characters that mirror their personalities, creating deep connections with the technology. “The goal is to create AI that adapts to you and forms a bond,” Lagunas said. “In the military, we learned that adaptability and resilience are key. With Nexus Bond AI, we are constantly improving to meet users’ needs.”
Mission-Driven Success: Applying Military Skills to Entrepreneurship
For Lagunas, the lessons from her military career continue to shape how she runs Nexus Bond AI. The focus on mission completion, even in the face of adversity, is a principle that guides her work. “I remind myself that no matter how tough it gets, I can’t give up,” she said. “The military taught me that failure is not an option. You push through, adapt, and grow stronger with each challenge.”
Inspiring Veterans to Pursue Entrepreneurship
Lagunas hopes her journey encourages other veterans to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. “Veterans have a unique skill set,” she said. “We’re trained to lead, think on our feet, and never quit. That translates directly into business. Entrepreneurship is tough, but with the right mindset, you can make it.”
Now that she’s retired from the military, Lagunas is focused on taking Nexus Bond AI to new heights. “I’m just getting started,” she said with a smile. “The military gave me the tools I needed to succeed, and now I’m applying those tools to build something that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
A Legacy of Perseverance and Innovation
Edith Lagunas’ entrepreneurial journey demonstrates that military experience can serve as a foundation for success in business. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to achieving her goals. For Lagunas, the mission is clear: never give up, always adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Published by Stephanie M.
