Melissa Fields
CEO + Principal Designer
Shades of Gray Design Studio
United States Air Force Major
Chief, Contracting Inspections, Air Education & Training Command
How has your military career prepared you for your current job?
Being in the Air Force for 20 years prepared me to become an entrepreneur and business owner in so many ways! Being placed into leadership roles has taught me how to lead people better and manage resources appropriately and efficiently. We had checklists for everything. It was always about attention to detail in all that I did, no matter what job I had. All of the tools the military provided me went into my “toolbox”—so now I use them in my everyday life as I run my business and manage complex projects.
What advice do you have for other women who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce?
My advice for other women getting ready to enter the civilian world is to remember to keep showing up, no matter what comes your way. Although being a civilian is very different from military life, you can still apply what you learned in the military to your next career path. You’re going to have mountain-top moments that are great, but you’ll also have some valley moments, and those can be very difficult sometimes. But that’s where you keep showing up, remain focused on the mission, and remember your why. That’s what will help you persevere when you face those challenging times.
Who or what has helped you the most in your career?
Before I started walking with the Lord Jesus later in my career (I know now that He has helped me the most), I would say what helped me in my career were the people I had in my corner. The amazing leadership I received from some of my commanders who believed in me. They happened to be female officers as well, and they inspired me: Lt Gen Wendy Masiello (ret), Maj Gen Alice Trevino, and Col Rene Richardson (ret). They saw something in me that I didn’t see. It wasn’t until I was older and gained a bit more wisdom that I realized they had truly supported me and provided opportunities for me to excel and learn. Having that support system was crucial for my career. You need people who will not only encourage you along the way but also correct and guide you down the right path.
Any additional thoughts or questions you’d like to add?
I truly believe that my entire military experience has helped me be the woman and business owner I am today. Even in the civilian world, it will always be about the mission and the people.
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