"Five bullets" and "Fork" have new meanings for Federal employees these days. Well I'm taking them back.
Every career is a story, a winding narrative with chapters, challenges, and pivotal moments. Mine, a journey spanning 24 years within the intricate world of Federal human resources, recently took an unexpected turn – a fork in the road, if you will. And woven through it all are what I call my "5 Bullets" – the core tenets that guided my service. These "5 Bullets" – Dedication to Public Service, Continuous Improvement, Inspiring Leadership, Building Synergistic Teams, and Driving Impact – were the compass points of my career.
For over two decades, I dedicated myself to the often-unsung work of supporting the American public and critical government missions. Across six different agencies, I poured my energy into honing my HR craft, driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of effective government service. My focus was always clear: how could we improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality of the human capital programs that serve our dedicated Federal workforce?
This wasn't just about processes and policies; it was about people. I constantly sought to improve my own leadership skills, not just for personal advancement, but to inspire others. I wanted to build the kind of leadership support that champions innovative, impactful initiatives. I strived to form strong teams – groups of talented individuals who could truly synergize, continually exceeding expectations and making a tangible difference.
Until.
Until a shift occurred. A change in the prevailing winds that slowly, then decisively, began to erode our ability to make those positive impacts within our programs. The space for innovation shrank, the focus shifted away from effectiveness for the American people, and the very essence of the work that fueled my passion became constrained. It was a difficult realization, a professional heartbreak.
Facing an environment where the core principles that drove me were stifled, I made the incredibly tough decision to step away from full-time Federal service. It felt counterintuitive, leaving the very system I’d dedicated my life to. But I realized my skills, honed over 24 years, could still serve a vital purpose – just on a different path, for now.
And so, I find myself on a new leg of the journey, one where I can directly apply those "5 Bullets" in a different capacity. I've pivoted to coaching, specifically focused on helping current and aspiring Federal employees. I want to share the insights, the strategies, and the passion for service that defined my career. My goal is to help others optimize their own potential, navigate the complexities of the system, and build strong, fulfilling careers where they can make their own impactful contributions.
This current chapter is about empowering others to write their stories, to find their voice, and to navigate their own forks in the road.
My dedication to public service hasn't waned. The belief in the potential of Federal government to truly benefit the American people remains strong. My intention is clear: I will return to Federal service one day. I will be the Future Fed, ready to re-engage when the environment is once again one that champions impact, innovation, and the dedicated individuals who serve within it.
Until then, I'm here, sharing the lessons learned from MY 5 Bullets and navigating MY Fork, ready to help you chart your own remarkable career arc.
