FOUR SECRETS TO SUCCESS THAT AREN’T SECRETS AT ALL
USBE&IT: What factors helped you climb to this re- markable position in the Coast Guard? What are the secrets to your success? Vice Admiral Brown: The secrets to success aren't secrets
at all.
First, my path to success started with the values that my parents taught me. The Coast Guard and life experiences rein- forced these good values and, over time, the things that I deeply believe became a natural part of me. They drive my sense of purpose and my passions.
Second, success relies on the consistent application of hard work. I've come to enjoy working hard because I appreciate just how precious little time we have to make a positive difference. Hard work should include a constant thirst for new knowledge. Third, I try to focus only on meaningful goals so that I am doing right things right.
When setting goals, I try to reach out of my comfort zone so that I am pushing toward new and previously unimaginable heights. I've learned to thrive while being comfortably un- comfortable; this takes some courage. Fourth, nothing is worth pursu- ing unless it is pursued with others. More than anything else, the trust and confidence that others have placed in me propelled me along the way. The true joys of life and profession come through working with others to achieve common objectives. USBE&IT: What tips and ad- vice do you have for those consider- ing a career in the Coast Guard? VADM Brown: Anyone that
seeks to join Team Coast Guard should understand that Coast Guard service
is more than just a job; it's a calling to serve. Coast Guard men and women, both civilian and military, are selfless and possess a bias for action to protect people on the sea, protect the nation from threats delivered by the sea and protect the sea itself. We seek individuals who are capable of learning to be principle- centered, purposeful, passionate, positive and people-oriented. We seek individuals who can learn to lead diverse teams in a dynamic, complex and technically challenging environment. Based on my own experiences coming out of Washington, D.C., the Coast Guard is an engine of leadership for America, taking in America's sons and daughters and, when their service is over, returning them back to society as capable and confident leaders. I encourage anyone who wants to make a positive difference and harness all of their God-given talent to consider the call to Coast Guard service.
www.blackengineer.com
Brown initially made his name in 1994 when he was hon- ored as the first recipient of the Coast Guard’s Captain John G. Witherspoon Award for Inspirational Leadership. From 1999 to 2002, Brown served as the military assistant to the U.S. Secre- tary of Transportation, including duty as the acting deputy chief of staff for six months after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In May 2003, Brown served as the chief of Officer Person- nel Management at the Coast Guard Personnel Command. From April to July 2004, he was temporarily assigned in Baghdad, Iraq.
In the recent interview Rochon said that Brown's profes- sionalism as an engineer was truly put to the test when he served as the senior advisor for Transportation to the Coalition Provi- sional Authority in Baghdad. “While in the Iraqi combat zone, Brown oversaw restoration of Iraq’s transportation systems, including rebuilding two major ports,” he said.
USBE&IT I WINTER 2012 15
FORMER COAST GUARD ADMIRAL REFLECTS ON THE STARS AND STRIPES HONOREE OF THE YEAR
Stephen Rochon is one of Vice Admiral Manson Brown's
oldest friends. A fellow Coast Guard commissioned officer, Rochon is the second of only three total Coast Guard Black flag officers. In this interview with US Black Engineer & Informa- tion Technology magazine the retired rear admiral shared his reflections on the Stars and Stripes Honoree of the Year. "I have had the distinct pleasure to be a mentor, colleague
and friend to VADM Manson Brown for nearly 20 years," Ro- chon told USBE&IT magazine. We have had a close relationship over these years so I can attest to his outstanding leadership skill and superb professionalism."
Manson K. Brown, deputy commandant, Mission Support, U.S. Coast Guard
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