Featured Fellow: Eydie (USAF)

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is unique and challenging. It’ll force you to think differently and allows you to hone in on your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader and manager of people and resources.”

Eydie participated in the United States Air Force Education with Industry Fellowship in 2018-2019. She was the first Air Force Public Affairs participant at Amazon in the BRIDGE Fellowship Program and was embedded in the Public Relations (PR) Organization. Her learning emphasis during the fellowship was social media, artificial intelligence, and the information domain.

SEATTLE, WA – After 15 years in the military, Eydie was looking for a unique experience to stretch her leadership abilities and learn something new that would help the Air Force. As a participant in a 10-month Education with Industry Fellowship Program at Amazon, she brought her Public Affairs experience to Amazon’s Public Relations organization and embraced a new opportunity.

“This opportunity presented itself at the right time in my life and I thought let’s go for it!” she says. “This program is definitely one of a kind. Every experience is going to be unique, every team and career field within the corporation is going to be unique, and so if someone is willing to make themselves vulnerable to opening up and learning about something different and putting themselves out there, then this is an opportunity for anybody who wants to be challenged, anyone who wants to advance in their career.” 

Now that Eydie has returned to the Air Force to apply innovative best practices that she learned at Amazon, we asked her to share advice about her experience in industry.

What did you bring into Amazon as a fellow?

I have worked in the public affairs career field for 15 years, so my tasks and experiences have been diverse, global, and at various levels of the communication spectrum (tactical, operational, and strategic).

How does the BRIDGE program help the DoD?

The Profession of Arms is vastly different than corporate/industry practices. This program challenges the fellows to think differently and open oneself up to being vulnerable to learn and grow. Ultimately it forces fellows to put aside their governmental ways of thinking and processes, and dive deep into new ways of thinking through problems, challenges, and opportunities.

Why did you want to participate in this program?

It was the right time for me in my career development and it sort of landed in my lap – my supervisor recommended that I apply for the fellowship. I wanted to challenge myself and try something completely different than anything I had ever done before.

What surprised you the most about coming to Amazon?

The ops tempo is quick and efficient, and leadership is willing to take some risks in order to innovate.

How did Amazon’s Leadership Principles impact you?

The Amazon Leadership Principles are easy to understand and fold into your work lifestyle. They become a part of your psyche and are guidelines in helping you think through strategies and processes, developing your relationships with colleagues, and articulating well-thought-out and justifiable actions.

What is unique about Amazon’s culture and campus?

I love the “peculiar ways” mentality when thinking outside the box – this applies to developing programs, seeing dogs on campus in the work areas, efficiency of the elevators, IT help desk support, and free coffee!

What is it like to work on a civilian team and in industry with civilians?

My colleagues have been so welcoming and inclusive. They bring me into their work and projects, yet allow me the time to accomplish tasks and goals required for my Air Force objectives.

How has this fellowship impacted you personally?

I simply love Seattle. The weather is awesome and there is so much to do – whether it’s hiking, kayaking, biking, sightseeing, museums, live music and concerts, whale watching . . . I’m really going to miss the Pacific Northwest!

What is the biggest thing that you will take back to the DoD with you from Amazon’s culture?

Customer Obsession and Working Backwards.

Why is it important for the DoD to learn from industry best practices?

If the DoD doesn’t integrate ad learn about industry advancements, we’ll fall behind other nation-states. It’s vital to stay agile and effective.

Why should other fellows participate in the future?

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is unique and challenging. It’ll force you to think differently and allows you to hone in on your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader and manager of people and resources.

What piece of advice do you have for future Amazon fellows and BRIDGE participants?

Network, drink coffee, go for lunches, and get on people’s calendars for 1:1 meetings. The relationship building has been invaluable and everyone is willing to take time to mentor, educate, and advise.