SPOTLIGHT ON ... Building a Successful Career

Textron Defense Systems' Vice President, Area Attack Systems Lisa Atherton is one of Profiles in Diversity Journal's annual "Women Worth Watching". In the publication's same spirit of membership, she answered some questions about successful growth and leadership.

Lisa Atherton, Vice President, Area Attack Systems, Textron Defense Systems

Q: The annual "Women Worth Watching" issue of Profiles in Diversity Journal brings together advice, anecdotes and best practices from female leaders across industries. Why are resources like this important for young women looking to advance in their careers?
A: This falls into the same category of mentoring that I value so much. Identifying with someone who has achieved, innovated or overcome is helpful for young women. It demonstrates that they can accomplish what they set their minds to, and perhaps even pick up some tips on how to do so. It is encouraging for me to read about women who have been able to balance successful careers and successful families; for example, Anne Mulcahy, the former chairwoman and chief executive officer of Xerox. Their stories validate some of the choices that I have already made in my career, or may make in the future.

Q: You came to Textron Defense Systems after serving in the U.S. Air Force. How does the unique experience of military service help prepare someone for leadership?
A: The Air Force Academy, like all the service academies, prides itself on going beyond an academic setting by training and equipping leadership skills to support critical decision making. It is like going to a leadership school for four years, where you get to experience successes and failures in a safe environment before entering the service. Fortunately, I've never had to exercise those skills in a life-or-death situation. But the intense training and focus on leadership, timely decision making, and emphasis on the team over the individual - while never failing to recognize the value of the individual - are all key skill sets that military service provides.

Q: What qualities do you think make someone "worth watching" in his or her career?
A: One of my most valued mentors has been retired Major General Jack "Coach" Catton. The most noteworthy characteristics that I saw in him were:

•   Complete honesty, even having made a mistake and taking public ownership of it.

•   Recognition that creating success takes the entire team. He was always there to coach us to success; thus, his call sign was "Coach."

•   His genuine interest in those around him and their success - not just in the work they did, but in the person that they were. He was in charge of more than 600 people when I worked for him, and I would bet that he knew everyone's name, spouses' names, and unique facts about each person.

This inspired great loyalty in the people who worked for him, and they would do anything to make him and the team successful. To me, these qualities are "worth watching," and if emulated, would result in an unstoppable organization.

Q: How has Textron Defense Systems helped contribute to your growth as a leader, and how does the company help others do the same?
A: Among the many things that Textron Defense Systems has done, three things particularly stand out that have contributed to my growth as a leader. First, the company has given me the opportunity to take on new roles that I was probably not fully ready for, and then helped me develop in those roles. Second, the company has invested in my development through formal training. Finally, there have been many individuals who have taken the time to mentor me, both formally and informally, as my roles and responsibilities grew.



Read "Spotlight On" AUVSI 2011.