Close Menu
WashingtonExec
    Podcast Episodes
    LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    WashingtonExec
    Subscribe To The Daily
    • News & Headlines
    • Executive Councils
    • Videos
    • Podcast
    • Events
      • 🏆 Chief Officer Awards
      • 🏆 Pinnacle Awards
    • About
    • Contact Us
    LinkedIn YouTube X (Twitter)
    WashingtonExec
    You are at:Home»Execs to Know»Chief Officer Awards Finalist Becky Harris: ‘Dedication is Key to Anything in Life You Want to be Successful At’
    Execs to Know

    Chief Officer Awards Finalist Becky Harris: ‘Dedication is Key to Anything in Life You Want to be Successful At’

    By Staff WriterApril 17, 2023
    Share
    LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Becky Harris, Hexagon US Federal

    The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 17, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.

    Next is Chief Financial Officer finalist in the Public Company category Becky Harris, CFO of Hexagon US Federal. Here, she talks about what it means to be dedicated, the support systems that helped her through challenging times, why hiring people smarter than you is important and more.

    What has made you successful in your current role?

    First, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my biological family or my work family. This support system helped me through a very tough time when my oldest son was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. The entire Hexagon team, as well as the entire MD Anderson team, supported me, understanding that I was there for him first, while still working full-time. I will forever be grateful for both support systems.

    Additionally, I wouldn’t have accomplished anything without the teams I’ve been part of throughout my career. My amazing leadership teams consistently challenged me to be the best version of me. With their support, I challenged myself to be the best leader and financial officer I could be. 

    Finally, dedication is key to anything in life you want to be “successful” at. Dedication means commitment, honesty and being true to who you are. Dedication also means making a commitment to both your personal and professional life.

    What’s the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?

    There are two risks that were pivotal to my career ⏤ taking increased responsibility within Hexagon, and making the move from Hexagon to Hexagon US Federal. Although many would say that transforming your role but staying within one organization is not very risky, I would cordially disagree.

    Transferring from the familiarity of my focused role as vice president of finance and accounting for the Safety and Infrastructure division to becoming the CFO of the global Hexagon geospatial division had challenges. It was the first time I was truly, 100% responsible for my decisions and actions and their impact on the organization.

    This inspired me to widen my lens and engage customers and vendors and understand their experiences. I also interacted with the entire employee base and was challenged to make impactful decisions across the organization.

    More recently, moving from commercial Hexagon to Hexagon US Federal was a huge decision. While I had international defense experience, I faced a learning curve with the US government. Everything from contract vehicles to procurement processes differs from how international entities operate. Although I was nervous about undertaking the role, I’ve proven to myself that I can succeed by learning and leveraging those around me.

    What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps? 

    Listening is the key to great leadership. Diverse perspectives enable you to make the best-informed decision for the organization. Seeing the point of view of employees or other leaders helps you understand how decisions will impact the overall business. It earns the trust from employees to know that they are heard, and that I always listen, regardless of the outcome.

    I believe that recognizing your weaknesses is important. Your strengths come through naturally in how you behave, manage and think. Identifying your weaknesses allows you to surround yourself with individuals that excel in these areas. It also provides you with trusted confidants for leveraging ideas and thoughts. 

    This leads to my last point of hiring well. Don’t be afraid to hire individuals that are smarter than you. They will help your team grow and be successful, while helping you learn, and increasing your chances for success.

    Meet the other Chief Officer Awards finalists here.

    Previous ArticleChief Officer Awards Finalist Ellen Walsh: ‘The Ability to Learn and Adapt Quickly is More Critical Than Ever’
    Next Article Top Government Tech Leaders to Watch in 2023: VA’s Michael Parrish

    Related Posts

    [COLUMN] Building the Future Today with Domestic Semiconductors

    Top Cyber Execs to Watch in 2025: GDIT’s Nabeela Barbari

    Top Cyber Execs to Watch in 2025: GrammaTech’s Ray DeMeo

    Comments are closed.

    LinkedIn Follow Button LinkedIn Logo Follow Us on LinkedIn
    2025 Chief Officer Awards - Finalists
    Latest Industry Leaders

    Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2025

    Top General Counsels & Compliance Execs to Watch in 2025

    Load More
    Latest Posts

    [COLUMN] Building the Future Today with Domestic Semiconductors

    May 22, 2025

    Top Cyber Execs to Watch in 2025: GDIT’s Nabeela Barbari

    May 22, 2025

    Top Cyber Execs to Watch in 2025: GrammaTech’s Ray DeMeo

    May 22, 2025

    Amentum Names Helen Simms VP of International Technology & Innovation

    May 22, 2025

    From Flying Jets to Federal Innovation: How Marcus Lopez Drives Belcan’s Defense Growth Strategy

    May 21, 2025
    Quick Links
    • Executive Councils & Committees
    • Chief Officer Awards
    • Pinnacle Awards
    • Advertise With Us
    • About WashingtonExec
    • Contact
    Connect
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Subscribe to The Daily

    Connect. Inform. Celebrate.

    Copyright 2023 © WashingtonExec, Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Powered by J Media Group

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.