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
Building a Legacy: Brandy Durham Turns Passion for Tackling National Problems to Career Path in Data, AI
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Brandy Durham, vice president of Mantech's Data and AI Practice, as she shares of her upbringing in South Texas, and how her family's history of carpentry and military service instilled a strong work ethic and adaptability that shaped her career path. Growing up in a family of builders and as the first person in her family to go to college, Durham learned the value of creating something from nothing and supporting clients and employees alike. This eventually led her to a successful career in government contracting despite not taking a direct path.
Tune in to hear how Durham's initial interest in a law career quickly pivoted to political science post-9/11 due to a desire to solve pressing national problems, just like her family members who served in the military. Opting for a master's degree over a Ph.D., she began her career at the Drug Enforcement Administration, learning on the job the importance of collaboration and upskilling. This foundation propelled her through roles at IBM and into the world of data and AI, eventually navigating complex AI challenges at ManTech, and driving emerging technologies to solve real-world problems with a focus on client outcomes.