The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 28, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Shawn Mural, senior vice president and chief financial officer at V2X, and finalist in the Chief Financial Officer Public Company category. Here, he shares key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key accomplishments did you have in 2023?
Upon joining the V2X team, I focused on building upon the foundation already established, aiming to restructure the organization and align costs in a manner that fosters cross-company collaboration. This restructuring has enabled enhanced reporting and proactive analysis and has been pivotal for streamlining processes and improving efficiency across departments. The changes implemented not only facilitate better internal communication but also empower teams to work more cohesively towards shared goals, ultimately strengthening our company’s overall performance and responsiveness in the market.
What are your primary focus areas going forward?
Going forward, my primary focus areas will center on making the routine truly routine by streamlining processes across the organization. Our goal is to provide predictable performance, continually demonstrate robust mission support for our customers, and ensure that the organization is finely tuned and optimized to deliver on our commitments. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and reliability, thereby reinforcing our ability to meet both current and future challenges while supporting our strategic objectives.
What is your best career advice?
Communicate with clarity. Often, we mistakenly believe that our audience understands the intricacies of a topic — instead, we should not make this assumption and should strive for clear communication. I have observed numerous issues that arise unnecessarily because messages were not conveyed clearly, leading people to draw unintended conclusions. Embrace authenticity; organizations are dynamic entities that evolve based on the individuals who shape their culture.
The significance of culture has long been discussed, and its impact on the employee experience is profound, influenced by our interactions, approaches, and demeanor. These insights came to me later in my career, requiring self-reflection and a willingness to adapt to become confidently assertive without resorting to excuses.
Fun Fact: What is something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy yard work and landscaping. Seems odd perhaps, but I enjoy planting trees, mowing, mulching etc. That type of activity is so different from the things I do on a routine basis that I find it very helpful in taking my mind off other items.