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 Private Company: Annual Revenue <$100M category Holly Aglio, CFO of NetCentrics. Here, she talks learning from failures, success in her current role and more.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I’ve always tried to keep in mind the “story” I wanted to tell with respect to my career ⏤ what I’ve done, why and what I’m currently doing to get to the next place I want to be. As I look back on how I have established my goals, and how I have tried to proactively narrate my story, two themes come to mind:
First, I’ve taken calculated risks to get out of my comfort zone and put my “hat in the ring” to achieve desired outcomes. To paint the picture, I’ve moved across the country to pursue my goals, sought work that would challenge me, got rejected many times after leaving a large firm to forge a new career path, and had to entirely re-brand myself to land the coveted “Controller” title I sought a few years after having entered GovCon.
I learned to advocate for myself, proving to my then boss that the CFO they needed was me. I was fit for the role, which I’m proud to say I landed. It was a risk joining NetCentrics during a period of organizational repair, but that risk is paying off. We’re at the forefront of innovation, supporting emerging cyber, cloud security, digital transformation and mission support needs while building an impressive capabilities suite, partnerships and customer successes.
Second, I’ve prioritized connecting myself with good people. Both mentors from whom I can get advice and emulate, and teammates who are like-minded and encourage me to continue to grow as a leader. This strategy is proving to support our continued achievements here at NetCentrics.
How do you help shape the next generation of industry leaders?
I love seeing team members grow in their love for and understanding of the way that Accounting and Finance shapes corporate decision-making. Accounting can seem mundane, perhaps some would even say boring. So, when I see someone who shows an inclination for data analysis and appreciates how data drives awareness, I feel responsible for helping them evolve in developing their own insights and good judgment.
I also have an affinity for internship programs that provide a truly empowering experience for young professionals. I’m elated to be able to work with interns here at NetCentrics and help them plant the seeds for their future.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
When I was in my mid-30s, I had a startling realization (through discussions with my now husband) that I had failed to appreciate the importance of work-life “fit” ⏤ isn’t the same as balance, to be clear. As an ambitious professional, I had come to accept the ‘reality’ that, if I wanted to be successful in my career, I would spend most of my time, effort, and energy working. When faced with the question of “do you really want a family?” I started to grasp the concept that I can shape BOTH my career and my family life. Finding a job that fits is paramount.
For me, that meant finding leaders who support prioritization of family life, learning how to create healthy routines, and becoming a clear and transparent communicator. Home life and work life are both huge priorities to me, so it goes without saying that I had to get it wrong a few times before I got it right and found somewhere that “fit.”