Charlene Mowery ─ leveraging her military background to create disruptive innovation and optimized performance in the US Public Sector.
February 2, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 2022
Charlene Mowery
General Manager, Federal Growth
Microsoft
(Previously —
Director, Strategic Initiatives, Public Sector
Red Hat Public Sector)
Are you looking for a person with next generation leadership skills who possesses strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, is unshakable under pressure and happens to be a U.S. Navy veteran? We know the person─Charlene Mowery!
Charlene is a US Naval Academy graduate and holds a Master’s degree from Stanford University in Engineering. She is now serving as General Manager, Federal Growth at Microsoft and building her growth mindset, customer focused perspective, optimism, and transparency to these customers. She also brings her unique ability to optimize performance through disruptive technology.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Charlene Mowery!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I have a cupboard full of coffee mugs that range from creative/inspirational to "all business" – I start each morning by selecting the day's perspective. Today I chose a unicorn mug!
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Definitely enough for a few free flights! COVID helped me learn how to better optimize connecting virtually with teams (easier said than done).
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
While on a business trip to Norway, I tried a fermented fish dish - quite tasty!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
As a young leader, I was fortunate to lead the $130M Ford Island Master Development Agreement, an "in-kind consideration" arrangement for the U.S. Navy. Closing this complex deal was impactful all around and provided me with unusual growth opportunities. Two key win-win lessons:
- Select teams with diverse and creative people - and pair them with key mentors
- Take time to really understand stakeholder perspectives and motivations – early and often
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
Yes – from my first mentor: the people that you choose to surround yourself with will fundamentally shape your life – choose wisely!
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
The same thing that I often share with others – when evaluating successes or failures, particularly your own, be objective and quick to pick out the lessons learned. Consciously reflect, iterate, and move on – as quickly as possible.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Mostly through industry associations and social media. Though not necessarily targeted to any group, I've enjoyed routine 12 minute virtual "convos and coffee" to stay connected and available to folks reaching out.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
U.S. Federal digital transformation. Emerging technology has enabled game-changing approaches to developing and managing software across networks. Especially as a veteran, it's awesome to work with teams as they implement key steps toward "continuous delivery" of new capabilities.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Improving business and rapid innovation during disruption and uncertainty. Routinely re-affirm commitment to the old adage, "be comfortable with being uncomfortable" and use the nature of change to execute different approaches with objectivity and intuition.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Time management. It is so important to deliberately choose how to use our time - there's just never enough of this finite, unrecoverable resource!
