How was your job different than you thought it would be?
Although I was fully certified as a Red Cross swimming instructor and life guard, I was not totally prepared for the reality of the job. I soon learned that it was extremely physical and demanding. Rather than the modern television images of life guards sitting on “wooden thrones” surrounded by beautiful young ladies, my beat was an all male part of the beach, and I never saw a “wooden throne.” Instead I spent a minimum of four hours a day rowing a large and cumbersome life boat. The other four hours were spent on foot patrol at the waters edge.

What important lessons or skills learned in your first job have been instrumental in your success?
The most important lesson was to convince men, many of them in their 40s and 50s, that I could save their lives in an emergency. I did this by embarking on an extensive and visible exercise regimen, which included weight lifting, long distance swimming, and running. In addition, I started a series of lectures and demonstrations on life saving techniques, and periodically invited selected individuals to row with me. In time, I was accepted as a valued member of the beach. Then, people started to teach me two sports that have stayed with me for many years—boxing and handball. The lesson I learned is that you always lead from the front.

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first? How do you use those skills in your position today?
During my 37 years as a Marine Officer (two of which were leadership positions in combat) I never asked a Marine to do something that I wouldn’t do. My motto to subordinates was: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

Have you seen how lacking those first job skills had negative effects on others?
People aren’t born with courage—you must teach it to them by example, history and/or tradition. A young Marine will follow you into combat if he sees that you are there with them. In my command tours in combat I seldom carried a weapon. When a Marine would ask me why, my response was “Why would I want to carry a weapon, the enemy would have to go through you before they got to me, and I know that will never happen.” In that one small way it gave the young Marines more self-confidence.

Is there a specific event in your first job that you learned something you still use today?
During my tour commanding an infantry regiment in Vietnam, I learned that a young Lance Corporal who was known as a troublemaker was a concert violinist. Working with Special Services, I was able to get a violin and pitch pipe. When he was presented with him, he became a model Marine. The lesson is that when a person is deprived of an important part of their life, he or she can become frustrated. And, when frustrated, people tend behave abnormally.

What obstacles that you faced had the greatest impact on your career path?
The most significant obstacle I had was how often my family moved—40 times in a 37 year Marine Corps career. This can stress even the most devoted and loving family. In my case, being married to my wife for over 53 years is the proof in the pudding.

What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
I am one of the most fortunate people on earth. During my entire life I have had a series of superb mentors—ones who willingly took time to help me in the pursuit of a multi-faceted career. I could never thank them enough.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Above all else, build honesty and integrity, because without these, all else is superficial. Put your primary focus on supporting your boss—not someone else’s. Be human and understanding with fellow workers. Remember, when you gain the respect of your fellow workers and subordinates, you will have the respect of your supervisors.

What is the most valuable advice you have for young adults who want to pursue their own business plan?
Build an understandable and realistic road map for the future. And be flexible—if at first you don’t succeed, try again!

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
I am in a position today that I can do meaningful things for others. Remember, it’s better to give than to receive. The world is made up of givers and receivers, and I choose to be a giver.