MEMBER FOCUS
Q. What is your advice for someone looking to excel in the construction and engineering industry? A. The advice I would give to someone in this industry would be the same advice I would give to anyone in any other industry. Learn, understand your job and develop the expert status needed to excel in your field. Understand that change will happen in your industry and if you know your job well, you will be well prepared for all the changes. Q. What leadership lessons have you experienced to be the most beneficial in your career? A. My first career began in the U.S. Naval Academy where I received my degree in systems engineering, and then I proceeded to serve as an officer in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps for 25 years. The Navy was a great first career and taught me a great deal about leadership, such as taking care of my troops, building team motivation, and achieving high standards. As President of Parsons MEA, I endeavor to bring those leadership qualities to the job and keep the Parsons team motivated and performing to the high standards our company is known for providing. Q. What do you do to relax? A. Balancing work and life is difficult here in the U.A.E! However, I do enjoy swimming, as it helps to work out any of my frustrations of the day. I also enjoy playing golf, which may add to the frustration level at times, but I try to play it as much as I can. Q. What is your favorite aspect about being a member of AmCham Abu Dhabi? A. Representing an American company like Parsons, AmCham Abu Dhabi has definitely been a great experience since I joined in 2011. I have enjoyed meeting the members of AmCham. The networking opportunities are great and our roundtable meetings have been productive. It is truly an opportunity to continue to improve the business environment for our companies in the U.A.E. Q. What inspired you to contribute to the U.A.E. Relations Committee and the Roundtables Committee? A. I have lived in several countries during my career and it has made me appreciate the different cultures and people that I have met along my way. Living here and experiencing the culture of the U.A.E. and meeting individuals from a diverse range of countries encouraged me to look for ways to give back to the community. Shortly after arrival, I upgraded our membership to Platinum to get Parsons more involved in the various initiatives with our host government and roundtable forums that AmCham Abu Dhabi facilitates. It was a great move, and one I would encourage everyone to consider. Call for submissions: Do you have something you would like to share with AmCham Abu Dhabi members? We accept submission of articles from members, although inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed. Submit information to communications@amchamabudhabi.org. TAWASOL - Vol 1. 2014
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