WiDS: 4 Questions for 3 Leaders

Sonja Power, Systems Engineer from Lunenberg, NS

1. What does an inclusive team mean to you?

An inclusive team is one that lets people perform in the way that is most conducive to their success. We are all unique with infinite combinations of strengths and weaknesses. A successful team is one that maximizes its ability to leverage the strengths of each team member while mitigating their weaknesses. Doing so will naturally foster an inclusive environment to the benefit of us all.

2. How does Lockheed Martin Canada enable your success?

Lockheed Martin Canada believed in me right from the start. I will be forever grateful to the people who championed my career through judging me only on my performance, not on my gender, age, or years of experience. Because of their support, my career progression has been unfettered by outdated assumptions about what type of person can be an engineer or a leader. The ability to work remotely amplified this further. For the first time I am now judged foremost on the words and ideas that came out of my mouth instead of my appearance. Giving me the opportunity to demonstrate what I am capable of in an environment free of age or gender biases has been the single most crucial factor in my success, for sure. It is very important to me to continue to do my part in fostering the meritocratic culture that I was fortunate to be welcomed into when I joined the Lockheed Martin Canada team.

3. What is something you are most proud of in your work or career journey?

Definitely the connections I have fostered with my team and the wider organization. When I first became a leader, I was somewhat apprehensive. I wondered if I would find leadership work to be as rewarding as direct engineering work. Up until then it was solving increasingly complex technical problems that made me feel most proud - whether it was finding a solution to the latest challenging customer change request, conducting IRAD projects into novel capability areas, or working hand-in-hand with the Royal Canadian Navy to determine placements for all of the equipment in the largest system on the Canadian Surface Combatant. Now, I’m most proud of the impact I’m making –  when I receive feedback that my empathetic and honest leadership style is leading to a thriving, happy team. 

4. What advice would you give someone just starting their career?

Do not feel like your career is locked into the exact field that you studied in university. I hear this from so many folks early in their career that join our team. University is more about demonstrating a general ability to learn complex topics. Have faith that you will be able to learn whatever is necessary to excel in your career just as you were able to learn what was necessary to get your degree – whatever that degree was.

I strongly encourage everyone to be willing to take on opportunities outside of their comfort zone. Believe in yourself. Take on that leadership role even if you do not yet have any experience in leadership. 

Jan Kennedy, CC130J Deputy Program Manager from Ottawa, ON

1. What does an inclusive team mean to you?

A team that is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to creating an environment of belonging, respect, and inclusion.  This type of team thrives in a psychologically safe space that encourages open dialogue, listening, and collaboration.  A space where individuals feel safe and comfortable - a team where people can be vulnerable, share their opinions, and make mistakes without experiencing negative consequences. 

2. How does Lockheed Martin Canada enable your success?

I believe there are four enablers to success: Purpose, Process, People, and Passion. First is our Purpose - “Ahead of Ready”.  Now that is a purpose that I can get behind!  Our military personnel put their lives on the line in our defence.  What a privilege to work for a company that strives to ensure our military personnel have the most advanced and effective equipment in the world, giving them every possible advantage, ensuring they remain ahead of ready! Ok, can we all agree that I have just covered off the last P as well…Passion!  The second P, Process, is not quite as spicy but is just as important.  Having robust processes enables us to achieve our goals more effectively and efficiently, while also ensuring consistency and accountability.  The last P is for People.  Lockheed Martin Canada attracts and hires the best in industry, then continues to invest in their growth.  

3. What is something you are most proud of in your work or career journey?

In 2014, I was in the RCAF and placed in command of OPERATION NOMAD - the recovery of a Northrop Nomad aircraft that had crashed into Lake Muskoka in 1940, killing Lieutenant Peter Campbell and Leading Aircraftsman Theodore Bates.  These two airmen were preparing to head off to the Second World War, receiving their wings the day before their accident.  They were granted leave to visit home prior to being deployed, but then then heard that one of their classmates had launched that morning and he and the aircraft were missing.  Peter and Ted turned in their leave passes and volunteered to look for their classmate. But they did not return.

With this story driving us to recover their aircraft so that it could be displayed in the National Air Force Museum, it was the eve of Remembrance Day and we were motivated to succeed!  I am proud because I dove into this challenge.  As an Aerospace Engineer my expertise was in keeping aircraft flying, not recovering them from the bottom of a lake.  It was my first joint operation with approximately 10 different organizations involved, such as the RCAF and RCN to the Directorate of History and Heritage. I quickly learned that while each entity had their own agenda to achieve, I was able to unite them with a common mission. 

4. What advice would you give someone just starting their career?

When an opportunity presents itself, ALWAYS SAY YES!  Adventure and growth are sure to await you when you say YES to a challenge.  All too often we sit and analyze if we have the skillset needed, do we have prior experience in this domain, CAN we actually do this?  I truly think the more important question is: Do you WANT to do it?  If the answer is YES, then dive into the challenge and trust that you have the skills and the tenacity to figure it out.

Stephanie Lambrinakos-Raymond, Head of Engineering and Propulsion from Montreal, QC

1. What does an inclusive team mean to you?

An inclusive team is one that allows everyone to be their true self. We are all different and that is beautiful. We need to embrace each other’s strengths, interests, and our weaknesses and use each other to grow collectively.

2. How does Lockheed Martin Canada enable your success?

Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions (LMCES) provided me with a unique environment where I was exposed to a wide array of challenges, both technically and professionally. I was also encouraged to make meaningful changes. I was able to start from scratch, create a vision, and implement it. The mix of challenges and opportunities that I have experienced at LMCES is a main contributor to my professional but also personal growth.

3. What is something you are most proud of in your work or career journey?

I am most proud of the development of my mindset and the ability to have meaningful self-reflection. It has been key to my success as a first line leader. It has helped me make hills out of mountains, learn from my mistakes, and ensure that I am continuously learning and improving myself.

4. What advice would you give someone just starting their career?

My advice for someone who is starting their career is to embrace a growth mindset. Once you see every task, project, or roadblock as an opportunity, you can then use those experiences to build the better you. Use those opportunities to develop yourself and grow your capabilities and interests. It is not what you are given, but what you do with it.