Humble Beginnings
The CEOs and senior GovCon leaders of today weren't always sitting in the corner office. They weren't born in suits with a handbook for success and a direct path to leadership. In fact, before many of these executives came into positions of powers, they had rather humble beginnings -- no corporate family tree or unlimited access. Many had to find their way on their own with little to fall back on. This podcast will share the stories of high school part-time work, first jobs and early-career decisions, decades before the CEO appointments and the board memberships. We'll learn about the unconventional paths to success, the ones most of us can relate to.
Humble Beginnings
Small Town Values, a Strong Work Ethic and Career Turning Points: Rick Wagner's Rise to CEO
In this episode of "Humble Beginnings," we sit down with Rick Wagner, CEO of Agile Defense, as he shares about his upbringing in a factory town in Pennsylvania surrounded by a large family, strong work ethic and small town values. And while Wagner appreciated his small town and worked in nearby factories throughout college (amongst many other odd jobs during his youth), he knew he'd need to leave to reach his full potential.
Wagner excelled in high school and received a scholarship to attend university, but academic struggles in college led to their own financial and personal challenges. He overcame them and got his professional start in civil service as an engineer for the Navy in southern California. His career to follow would take him back to the D.C. area and into GovCon. Wagner experienced a career and life turning point shortly after Sept. 11, 2001; pursued higher education; transitioned through several different roles that weren’t always “progressions;” and made various career decisions that would change the course of his career.
Tune in to hear how Wagner eventually became CEO, the values and experiences that got him there, and what he still hopes to accomplish professionally and personally.