Josh Reddell has built a wide-ranging career across security, program work, program management, solution development, capture management, corporate integration and M&A.
That breadth, he says, gave him a strong understanding of the industry’s complexity and deep respect for the people who support national missions.
In this Q&A, Reddell discusses his priorities, the company’s approach to AI, the role of mentorship in GovCon and why he believes pushing through discomfort matters.
Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and career progression? Please include what ultimately landed you in your current role.
I have worked in security, on program, in program management, solution development, capture management, corporate integration, M&A and growth strategy development. A wide variety of fields that have given me perspective and appreciation for the complexity of our business and admiration for the talented and dedicated people that support it. As it relates to Synergy, I am here because of our President, Phil Murphy, a transformational leader, the Synergy culture that is second to none in the industry and the dedication to technical greatness in support of our client’s missions.
Why was this the path you chose, and how influential was it to your career?
If you would have asked me 20 years ago if this path is the one I would have chosen or that I would have been in the position I am in now, I would have said no. I have been very blessed to have been given the opportunities I have had in my career. Even more blessed to have been surrounded by incredible mentors who took chances with me and allowed me the room and grace to stumble, learn and stand back up to become stronger and more focused.
Do you have a personal connection to the current mission you support? If so, please explain.
I have a deep personal connection to every mission I have ever supported directly on program or in support of those on program. I am deeply proud to be an American. Supporting our warfighters, our government civilians (who are often unsung heroes), our institutions, our people and our freedom is an honor.
What are your current top priorities and responsibilities? How do these relate to your company’s overall mission/growth strategy?
Synergy’s top priority is strategic growth across our strategic pillars of Integrated Data Engineering & Platforms, Cybersecurity Operations and Mission Enablement. Our pillars are underpinned by foundational technical layers in Cloud, AI and Domain Expertise that are built into our model as opposed to specific focus areas. We take this approach to ensure we maintain pace with “Speed of Mission” and provide a more efficient, cost effective and rapid pathway to meaningful services and solutions for our clients.
Where do you and your team see growth opportunities in your current field or portfolio you support, or what do you anticipate to be your customers’ top pain points?
Smart and safe implementation of AI into the mission spaces is going to be critical. Regardless of the mission, the ability to effectively implement AI will be a force multiplier across the board.
How are you and your team planning to address/prepare for these opportunities?
At Synergy, we are developing AI enabled capabilities that can be leveraged across different environments to give our clients the ability to harness their data to improve decision making and outpace our adversaries. While the adoption of AI and AI enabled tools is going to increase exponentially over the coming years, Synergy will not rely on AI completely, instead we will continue to invest in our culture and our people so we can deliver the most technically capable workforce possible to support the implementation of frontier technologies.
How important is mentorship & networking in GovCon? Were they influential to your career?
Mentorship and networking are the lifeblood of our industry. It is impossible to overstate how important mentors have been for me in my career, what I have learned from people in this industry has been more impactful than anything I learned in a classroom. The unique experiences of each individual paint a canvas rich with perspective, wisdom and context.
What is something most people don’t know about you personally?
I participate in several endurance athletic events each year, not because I enjoy it (I do not), because it is important to push yourself and find comfort with discomfort. It’s good medicine for the soul and better prepares you for the daily barrage of obstacles we all experience.