Reading Prompt

Early Years

  • Upbringing

    • Grew up in Rumson, New Jersey.

    • Youngest of three children, effectively raised as an only child due to significantly older siblings.

    • Parents divorced when she was approximately 5 years old.

  • Childhood Experiences

    • Described self as very shy.

    • Experienced verbal bullying in seventh and eighth grade, which further led to introversion and low self-confidence.

    • Transition to high school involved new friendships and engagement in clubs and leadership positions, fostering personal growth.

  • Inspirational Moments

    • Older sister worked for American Airlines, providing annual free passes that exposed family to different cultures and languages.

    • Participated in a summer exchange program in Argentina, where she lived with a family and became fluent in Spanish.

    • Had the opportunity to reconnect with her Argentine family 40 years later as Secretary of the Air Force.

Career Aspirations and Challenges

  • Initial Career Aspirations

    • Dreamt of becoming a diplomat.

    • Obtained a master’s degree in international affairs and public policy.

    • Applied to the Foreign Service but was rejected, leading to significant emotional distress (described as "crashed" and needing recovery time).

  • Finding a Path Forward

    • After several days of mourning the failed aspiration, recognized the necessity of finding employment.

    • Began applying to federal agencies; found a position in the Department of the Army despite it not aligning with her primary passion.

    • Became engaged in her new role, discovering unexpected interest in defense and national security, marked by a positive experience with a supportive boss who mentored her.

Mentorship

  • Advice on Mentorship

    • Importance of mentorship even without formal programs; mentors can be anyone in one's environment, ideally someone older with relevant experience.

    • Suggested approach: Introduce oneself to potential mentors and request a casual meeting to learn from their career narrative.

    • Noted that most people are willing to share their insights (estimated 95% will agree to meet for coffee).

    • Emphasis on the potential benefits of an expanded network and learning from the failures and successes of others.

Leadership Lessons

  • Key Learnings in Leadership

    • Importance of effective communication, encompassing both speaking and writing skills.

    • Essential quality of being a good listener to understand others and tailor leadership style accordingly.

  • Positive Leadership

    • Advocated for maintaining a positive outlook in leadership roles.

    • Shared advice from her mother: “Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.”

    • Critical to identify opportunities amidst challenges, especially in difficult times.

Hiring Practices

  • Approach to Hiring

    • Preference for candidates with competence and proven track records in their fields.

    • Valued collaboration and strong communication skills in candidates.

    • Emphasis on verifying references with a “trust but verify” mindset.

    • Common inquiry topics:

    • Greatest challenge previously faced.

    • Favorite and least favorite aspects of former jobs.

    • Experience with terminating employees, acknowledging it as a tough managerial responsibility.

Advice for New Graduates

  • Career and Life Guidance

    • Encourage readiness to adapt ("zigzag") as life does not always align with initial expectations.

    • Acknowledgment of the emotional toll of setbacks; it is acceptable to grieve but must move forward productively.

    • Importance of having a "Plan B" while considering a potential return to original aspirations (Plan A).

    • Case in point: her own experience where Plan B exceeded expectations, leading to her current successful role as Secretary of the Air Force.