This above all: to thine own self be true

I worked with a career coach who had me complete exercises and self-evaluations. Through that experience, I discovered that it's okay to be proud of who I am and what I have achieved. One of the most enlightening aspects for me was sitting down and writing out my career journey, allowing me to examine where I have been and where I want to go.

So, there I was, sitting across from the coach, pen in hand, tasked with mapping out my professional journey. Little did I know, as I penned down those experiences, that my career path really started with my stint as a 911 dispatcher—a job best described as a symphony of chaos at times.

Imagine this: emergencies flooding in, people in need of help, some heroes in action, and unfortunately, a few villains too—all demanding attention. My role was to sift through the chaos, distinguishing critical calls from the routine, always prioritizing those with life-threatening elements. Surprisingly, I discovered an innate ability to keep my cool amidst the storm. Three years passed, and an undeniable urge for a more impactful role gripped me, leading me to take a leap into becoming a Public Safety Officer for the City of Sunnyvale.

That ride lasted for 25 years. It was an incredible journey with many highs and lows, ultimately shaping me into the person I am today. I finished first in my academy class and later secured a specialty assignment as a "Crime Scene Investigator." I thrived in the position, becoming a go-to investigator involved in many high-profile cases. One of the great things about the Sunnyvale Public Safety Department was the variety of opportunities available and the skills I developed. It is a unique department where all members are sworn Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMTs. I echoed my success from the Crime Scene Investigator’s role across the other diverse roles I held while at Sunnyvale, building a skill set that I would not have been able to develop elsewhere. I mastered many safety and security principles that I utilize today.

Then life threw me a curveball. After 25 years, my Public Safety career came to an unexpected end due to an injury. Undeterred, I pivoted to the private sector, initially grappling with the challenge of proving my value to potential employers. Starting as a contract security worker, I tirelessly demonstrated my capabilities until I earned a Full-Time Employee position with a large utility company.

As a contract employee, I meticulously observed and identified issues within the companies I served, offering solutions that were initially disregarded but often adopted after unsuccessful attempts to deal with the situations using other strategies. My innovative ideas garnered attention, shaping my trajectory within these organizations. It became a catalyst for advancing my career and the safety and security of the companies I served.

I found a great mentor in Jim Fussell. He inspired me to value diverse perspectives. One of the things he consistently did was elicit ideas from others, stating that he did not care if the ideas came from him; he just wanted the best solution to deal with the issue he was facing. I used his advice and guidance, combined with the art of listening I developed during my time at Sunnyvale. This approach, combined with my multifaceted experiences, proved instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving success. I found it was an approach that was often overlooked by the managers I reported to in my prior roles.

Recognizing the invaluable insights from those who worked the front lines and those on the receiving end of the services we delivered, I formulated strategies that were better accepted by those in my charge and those who received the service we provided. I integrated these lessons into my leadership approach, and I truly believe this has been among the most important parts of my success.

I leaned heavily on the experiences I gained from my time in Sunnyvale when I confronted challenges in the private sector. I took these challenges head-on, adapted my communication style, and made sure to share my training and experiences without coming off as too pushy. Listening became my secret weapon. It allowed me to understand the needs of my colleagues and articulate messages in a manner that resonated with them. Understanding what my colleagues wanted coupled with what I knew the company needed allowed me to find solutions that were readily accepted and implemented.

My time in Public Safety equipped me with robust communication skills. EMTs must communicate clearly and concisely, especially when explaining procedures. Firefighters employ communication skills during emergency situations, while Police Officers become adept at adjusting their communication strategies to connect with others. I had the benefit of being in all three of these roles and was able to develop a communication style that is easy for all to understand and relate to. Also, as a Public Safety Officer, I developed a very unique skill. Because I filled multiple roles at once, I was able to view a single event from multiple perspectives. Where most people only see a situation from one point of view, I had been forced to view things through multiple lenses, allowing me to develop plans quickly that would make a given situation safe for all.

As I grew in the private sector, I stood out by mastering the art of controlling events both minor and monumental. I became well-versed in policy creation, standardization, and procedure development. Translating the wealth of knowledge I gained through my experiences, I ensured the safety of my co-workers and the organizations I served. I realized my entire professional journey became a commitment to looking out for others—starting as the calm voice in emergencies and evolving into a force that shaped safety and security practices for the better.

If you are at a crossroads and not sure what to do next, take a look at where you have been and how you got to where you are. Then ask yourself, where do I want to go? That simple writing assignment made it clear for me. We are who we are. As Shakespeare's Polonius said, 'This above all: to thine own self be true.' When you realize why you do the things you do, it makes it so much easier for you to understand what you want to do next.