WashingtonExec has awarded Systems Planning and Analysis Senior Vice President and Strategic Division Director John Burton with the Longevity Award, which recognizes executives who made outstanding contributions to their companies throughout the years.
Burton has been with SPA for 35 years. Below, he shares how he got started with the company, the impact he’s made, mentorship moments and more.
Why did you join SPA in the first place?
I had been an intern for two summers and really enjoyed the aspect of supporting national security, the work, challenges, culture and people. Given the several options I had for my first job, I chose SPA.
What made you stay?
The people and the mission of doing what’s right to support U.S. national security.
What’s the best part about staying with a company for as long as you have?
The best part is having true impact on results that matter. Also, establishing lasting relationships with many smart, caring, dedicated professionals who do what’s right for our customers and our nation.
What are some myths you’ve come across relating to long tenures in organizations?
Some people may think that a long tenure means lack of ambition, risk aversion or lack of imagination. In my experience, long tenure means anything but that. I’ve wanted to do more and lead larger efforts and teams over my career and have been blessed to be in the right position at the right time to do just that.
Regarding risk aversion, the company president asked me to give up my group leadership role and move to our business development organization, where I was asked to lead the capture of a new contract opportunity.
This role was completely different for me and I was basically starting from zero. The work turned out pretty well and I learned substantially in the new organization. Finally, whether at a company for a year or many years, bringing energy and creativity is less about tenure and more about trying to do what’s right and making a difference.
How have you changed as a professional from your first years to today?
I started as an analyst and have progressed to a senior vice president and division director. Along the way, I’ve been a project leader, program manager, group leader, vice president, senior capture manager and executive director.
Responsibilities for each position have been significantly different, and in general, built upon prior experience. Over the course of my career at SPA, I’ve learned leadership fundamentals, managing projects, strategic planning, leading personnel, teams, and leaders, capturing new business and managing execution on contract.
What’s the most significant impact you’ve had on your company?
Helping to establish a new area of business in the organization when our client asked for help in a new security area. I also helped establish SPA’s Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts Center, focused on business development and contracting paths through large IDIQ contracts.
What do you wish you could tell your younger self in that first year?
Raise your hand and ask questions whenever you don’t fully understand. Also, seek out mentors to the maximum extent possible.
How do you share your institutional knowledge?
Mentoring and leading our next level of leaders. I try to be as approachable as possible so colleagues are willing to engage in discussions and ask questions, without concerns.
What has been your most significant mentorship moment?
I’ve had many mentorship moments over the course of my career, and I hope to continue that going forward. From leading teams and leading by example, I’ve been able to represent how I think employees should be interacting and challenging each other. I’ve provided guidance and counsel to numerous junior, mid-level and senior staff across a variety of topics to include career planning, technical advancement, and life skills.
Many of my mentees continue to grow and advance in our company, or leave (sadly) to do great things with other organizations.
Regarding the most significant mentorship moment: I think we’d have to ask the folks I’ve mentored over the years to see whether my leadership and mentoring was helpful to them in meeting their career and life objectives.