The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 13, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Dec. 8.
Next is Business Development Executive of the Year (Private Company) finalist Bridget Medeiros, chief growth officer at NCI Information Systems. Here, she talks key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2020/2021?
One of the most significant highlights of 2021 was NCI being awarded the largest contract in our company’s history to help manage the General Services Administration’s Digital Innovation for GSA Infrastructure Technologies contract.
Under this $807 million contract, the company’s vision and strategy of transforming into a full-service technology firm is evidence that our plan is working. More important, our customers are experiencing the significant value that digital transformation offers.
It is truly gratifying to see the results of the team’s hard work and dedication, and to see our customers realize the value of their own vision and efforts.
In addition to that, we’ve experienced significant growth over the last two years, in part because of our Empower AI Platform in 2020. The AI tools that we now offer, which are being implemented with many of our customers, provide almost endless opportunities for the federal workforce to free up their time and resources to focus on mission outcomes. That evolution continues, and it’s really great to see.
And I would be remiss not to acknowledge that all of that success happened during the most transformative event we’ve seen in decades — COVID-19. NCI has always had a people-first commitment, and because of that philosophy, it has helped us get through some of the most challenging times.
So, the growth and the successful evolution of our business model are great achievements, but it’s all secondary to what our employees, and all of us have been through. The pandemic has fundamentally changed how we all live and work, where flexibility, communication and transparency are vital to our collective future. For me, that greater empathy that we now have for each other, and our individual experiences, is the most significant.
What has made you successful in your current role?
There are a lot of factors that contribute to anyone’s success, but for me, I think it comes down to three factors:
- Having a people-first, servant leadership style that empowers employees to be successful. That includes open, honest communications, transparency and moving barriers for employees to achieve their goals.
- Building lasting relationships and partnerships with a diverse network across the industry is fundamental and always a priority for me.
- Surrounding myself with diverse people with different experiences and perspectives. That’s how you get the best ideas.
What was a turning point or inflection point in your career?
My turning point was joining Lockheed Martin in 2000. I had a mentor that changed my career and my outlook on what was possible. She was the definition of a true mentor — she challenged me in private to be better than I was and advocated for me in public. When I stumbled or needed advice, she never hesitated to give her time to ensure I succeeded. I would not be in my current leadership position without her impact and influence on my life.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the future of the nation?
At NCI, we are focused on innovation, and specifically on implementing artificial intelligence in our customer’s mission. We believe that AI — the single most transformative technology of our generation — must be a core strategy in the defense of our nation.
AI is playing a critical role in advancing the transformation of modernization for our warfighters’ IT systems and operations and can enhance our national security posture around the world.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Many things, but I am most proud of the transformation that NCI has gone through over the last four years, from a mid-tier systems integrator to a leading AI technology company delivering results. It has been one of the most challenging things I’ve experienced in my career, but to see our vision become a reality is something I’m very proud of, and I’m proud and grateful for the dedicated team at NCI that always puts teamwork ahead of their own personal goals. Their work and results are truly inspiring to me.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
I have two pieces of advice: the first is to learn by doing and be open to all options that provide you with the chance to learn something new. And the second, don’t forgot your success will be defined by the people you surround yourself with — people who choose to work with you will do so because of how you treat them.