Patrick Mahoney serves as director of the Office of the Secretary of Defense market at LMI, and is a Pinnacle Awards finalist in the DOD Industry Executive of the Year category. Here, he shares proud LMI moments and career highlights, what he learned from failing, the rules he thinks leaders should break and more.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
LMI has been serving the federal government for more than 50 years, and I am proud to be a part of this heritage. I am proud to be serving my colleagues, clients and partners in the continuation of this heritage and service, and of LMI’s tremendous potential for future positive impacts across our federal government.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
In failure, you are failing yourself more than anyone else. But failing yourself will have consequences on many others.
Which rules do you think you should break more as a leader?
That conventional thinking is always the right type of thinking. Today’s world is filled with both conventional and unconventional thinking, but not considering a different way is not an objective approach to solving problems. Today’s environment needs objective solutions to all problems.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of seeking out companies and opportunities that allow me to work alongside and learn from some of the smartest, most humble, and passionate people in this industry. I am proud to have been able to learn and apply what I have learned from a variety of people.
What’s your best advice for aspiring leaders who want to follow in your footsteps?
It is key to see both sides of the problem/issue/challenge; strive to always remain objective. Reflect on your experiences, both professional and personal, and learn to apply them by trusting your instincts.