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
The Future for XLA CEO Gary Slack Wasn't Always Clear, but Business Made it Bright
XLA CEO Gary Slack is no stranger to entrepreneurship and working for what you want. In fact, he got the business bug around the age of 8, and it stuck with him ever since. In this episode of Humble Beginnings, the Northern Virginia native shares a bit about his family ⏤ his father who didn't graduate high school and worked at a nearby naval research center, and his mother who worked in retail ⏤ and how his upbringing shaped him. Slack's family was comfortable, as his parents worked hard to provide what they needed. Still, Slack decided to start working for those "extras." He sold donuts as a kid, took on a paper route and worked throughout college. Slack's future father-in-law would also heavily influence his interest in business at a young age.
Eventually, Slack's drive and business acumen opened doors and opportunities ⏤ ultimately, leading to his position as CEO.