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 Podcast Episode finalist for WashingtonExec’s “Givers of GovCon” podcast Julian Setian, president and CEO of SOSi. Here, he talks about proud career moments, “rocking the boat,” career advice and more.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the opportunities we’ve created for the thousands of people we’ve employed over the past three decades and the work that we’ve done to support our local non-profits (organizations like Cornerstone, Ayuda, the PenFed Foundation, and others).
The number of people who started with us in relatively junior positions (or right out of the military and government), who’ve successfully then developed their careers here at SOSi and at other companies in our industry, are too many to count.
I’m proud of having created an organization literally from the ground up that’s supported the goals and aspirations of so many people. Throughout my career, I’ve tried hard to not just grow my business but invest back into the community. Contributing to the broader social ecosystem has always been the most gratifying aspect of my work.
Which rules do you think you should break more as an industry leader?
There’s a tendency in this town to not want to rock the boat. Change in D.C. is hard. There’s a certain sense of permanence and complacency in this town ⏤ the idea that things can’t or won’t change ⏤ that stems directly from the Government.
I feel that that sense of permanence makes our business less dynamic and less innovative. Given the fact that I’ve never served in government, and never had to answer to external owners, I’ve always tried to take chances and play the role of fire-starter to move things that others felt were intractable.
Admittedly, as we’ve grown larger, even we here at SOSi sometimes can’t get out of our own way when making decisions, taking risks, and implementing change. Especially when it comes to holding the government as accountable as the Government holds its industry partners, even when it potentially jeopardizes a customer relationship, I think it’s important for all of us as citizens and taxpayers to ensure that our government bureaucracy doesn’t stifle prudent, responsible decision-making that reflects a sense of accountability.
All too often I’ve witnessed leaders in our industry turn a blind eye to bad business behavior within the government (not just industry) out of fear of retribution, and that’s not good for anyone in the long run.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Be true to yourself, be patient and persistent. Work hard, focus on the opportunity versus the money, and once you have the experience, trust your intuition.