Humble Beginnings
The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.
Humble Beginnings
Leidos' JR Williamson Emerges from Life's Instabilities to Succeed, Supporting Himself and Others Along the Way
WashingtonExec's Amanda Ziadeh sits down with guest JR Williamson as he shares his unique ⏤ and at times challenging ⏤ upbringing, as he moved nearly 21 times by the age of 15, largely due to his family dynamic. Still, the senior vice president and chief information security officer at Leidos considers himself a native Northern Virginian.
He candidly discusses the role his mother played in his and his siblings' lives, working multiple jobs to provide while struggling with mental illness. Williamson and his siblings supported each other, while he stayed on top of athletics, academics and work. It wasn't always easy, and Williamson's educational path wasn't as straightforward as others, but he put himself through college and graduated with a degree from George Mason University.
Tune in to hear how Williamson's early interests and motivation drove him educationally, how he landed in security, and how his professional career progressed to serving 23 years at Northrop Grumman, ultimately landing him at Leidos. Plus, learn why his family feels strongly about giving back to the local sports community.