FIELDING THE FUTURE
has relied on the team of experts at Defense Acquisition Univer- sity when faced with new challenges. “One of my mentors has always come to my rescue,” she said.
In fact, those mentors and teammates have been vital to her career. “Having a strong network has been the key to my success,” Elli- son said. “I have found that those who have taken advantage of at least one challenging, nontraditional assignment are quicker to successfully assimilate into the commands that they support and find their utility. Tey also tend to seek out more creative or innovative solutions to problems and tend to be willing to take more risks.”
Because she possesses that breadth of experience, Ellison quickly addressed one of the most difficult parts of her job—geogra- phy. “A good deal of my support is an ocean away,” she said. Te scenario is familiar to most of her colleagues who have worked overseas, but it is difficult nonetheless. “Every decision, meet- ing or discussion must consider the challenge of differing time zones, travel, connectivity and the impersonal nature of a tele- phone conference.” Drawing on her interpersonal skills and the knowledge she had gained in the Army, Ellison created a commu- nication and engagement plan to address those hurdles.
“Te basic structure of my plan was to conduct an in-person, grassroots campaign of engaging in office calls, site visits and participating in key global engagements,” she said. “My intent was to show up in person, shake hands and make introductions. People still really appreciate the opportunity to take a few minutes to dialogue and exchange ideas in person.”
Ellison said her plan was all about personal connection and main- taining relationships, a lesson she learned from her family’s large holiday parties and gatherings as a child. “My mom has always made the effort to have family events,” she said. She saw the deeper value of strengthened interpersonal connections at those large—and often boisterous—social gatherings, and has worked to foster those same face-to-face interactions with colleagues, when possible. Perhaps not surprisingly, she is a fixture at unit gatherings, promotions and hail-and-farewell events of every vari- ety, helping her colleagues to feel a part of “Team Army.”
She has some pragmatic advice for junior officers informed by her skills, experiences and personality. “When I am asked for career advice, my standard response is to find out what you like, compare it to what you are good at and search for a job that allows you to pull in some of both and still make money,” she said. “Tat nexus will get you through the tough days. Not many people do jobs that they like or enjoy. I love my job and it is satisfying knowing that I have made a difference. My certifications and educational pursuits have prepared me for life after the Army. I did not want to be a retiree with a degree that I had never exercised at the end of my career or experiences that I do not translate into civilian employment.”
To Ellison, military service is more than just a career. “I come from a legacy of military service members,” she said. “It is the family business. I stayed [in the Army] because there was always another challenge or adventure and the Army appreciated my motivation.” She’s created something artful, after all.
— ELLEN SUMMEY
“I always planned to move to ”
Paris to attend culinary school or to return to art school to design beautiful shoes in London.
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