Colonel Candid

Determination, Patience, and Perseverance are Key Finding Mentors in National Security and Defense: Determination, Patience, and Perseverance are Key Successfully finding your mentor in the national security field takes perseverance and effort. Courageously entering into the field takes herculean efforts to get a foot in the door and once established, growing within this arena takes meticulous skill, determination, and tenacity. Finding someone to help decode the system and who knows the processes is critical. To find the right mentor, whether internal or external to your agency takes work; you must be persistent. I am sharing with you steps used over my twenty years for finding the right fit and attributes to look for in a mentor. The right time to find a mentor is now. The current political, economic, and social environment matters not. Follow the example of great business that began during a depression or economic crises. For instance, UPS began during the panic of 1...

Recently, while perusing social media I saw a post by a classmate from many years back. In this he stated that he appreciated customers of his business but he did not want to profit from people who harassed his female employees, either verbally on the phone or on-line. The company, Ranger Up , demonstrates here a perfect example of how great leaders take a stand against repugnant behaviors. As you look for companies that not only talk-the-talk look for evidence, like this, that they walk-the-walk. Here are a couple of tips from Colonel Candid on what to look for in a healthy workplace that supports women and proves what they stand for. Because we all want to work for a company where women are equitably valued and respected, participation by women is encouraged. When you’re looking at working somewhere look at how employees are seen and treated. Do you sense that recruitment of excellent talent is gender-blind? If not, then the culture is askew from the starting line. The true p...

March is upon us and it’s time for Colonel Candid to give each of you a great list on how to make note of the awesome accomplishments of women who’ve gone before us. Here’s to the strong women who raised us, inspired us, and carved a path for us to move forward. 1.      Participate in International Women’s Day, March 8. Emphatically post on all your social media and physically talk about it at work. 2.      Get to the library or your local bookstore and read about some awesome women. Enjoy my own story in “ Undaunted ” by Tanya Biank and understand women who made history serving their nation. 3.      Share your voice. Reach out and speak to your local, state, and federal legislators to promote policies the further equality for women and protest harmful ones. Register to vote and then do so. 4.      Visit a park dedicated to women. The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument , operated in p...

Another piece of advice saved, just for you, from a lifetime of lessons learned…your actions speak louder than your words. For over a decade, I’ve had the opportunity to mother two amazing children. During those years, I’ve noticed two sets of eyes watching everything I do. Talk about pressure folks…they keep you accountable and help you prioritize quickly to what’s most important for you. This is coming from someone completely dedicated to both my family and my work. In order to ensure my own sanity was maintained during several high stress jobs I had to set boundaries. Because, as I already know that you’re being the best person you can be, it’s hard to say no to anyone or any opportunity. Your children will want you to play, the spouse or significant other will want your full attention, and that email in-box just won’t stop filling up. Then there are all the extras you’re asked to do, like attend work related after hour functions, donate time with the children’s school and the...

There you are, rocking in your new gig, following MLK’s lead to “be all that you can be” and there’s someone preventing you from being your best self. Whether it’s the office gossip or the creepy person who just doesn’t get it, the problem is real. Whereas I wish you could experience work as just work and work in a culture who values you for what you offer, reality strikes. There are some places that just don’t have the best environment. Here are some examples and how to handle them, from Colonel Candid, who’s been there and done that. First scenario: The GOSSIP….wow oh wow, can this person talk. I mean they know everything about everyone. You begin by over hearing them speak in the break room or in the hallway. They always seem to have someone cornered. They’ll start talking about sports or entertainment and then nosedive into, “did you hear…” Yes, it’s that slippery slope that you want no part of. So, take it from me, a break is necessary every now and again but if you notice thi...

Congratulations! You've now just taken that first step into the working world. As much as it feels a little overwhelming, you're already moving in the right direction. Taking the first step really is the hardest part. Luckily, you've got a friend in me and I'm here to help. Over the years, I've had many opportunities to speak with individuals like yourself who are taking that initial step into their first role as a leader. While it is daunting, and it really is for everyone, it's also an opportunity for a great adventure. So, as Ghandi said, "Be the Change You Wish To See In The World." This is your opportunity to learn and grow. Luckily, we'll get to take that step together. One of the best gifts I ever received from the multiple leadership schools I've attended is the mindset that you carry a torch and can light the path for others. With that insight, I've worked to help mentor so many people at multiple stages in their careers and I...