Veterans of GovCIO: Roger Esteban

  • Q&A
  • Military & Veterans

Meet Roger Esteban, a Program Manager for GovCIO’s Deployable Services team, whose 25 years of service in the United States Marine Corps uniquely position him as a leader in mission support. Roger’s military background has deeply influenced his approach to problem-solving, leadership, and team collaboration. In the following interview, he shares insights on how his experience shapes his work at GovCIO, the invaluable skills he’s carried from the military into his career, and practical advice for veterans transitioning to the civilian sector.

 

Military photos of Roger Esteban

 

How has your military experience shaped your approach to problem solving and leadership? 

My military experience has shaped my approach to problem-solving in leadership from a higher lens. As a retired Master Guns, I’ve always kept the bigger picture in mind, which helps me understand how decisions impact the customer. From there, I can collaborate with my team to find effective solutions. 

 

What skills or lessons from your time in the military have proven invaluable in your career? 

One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of effectively dealing with people. Your customers require you to be fluid and adaptable in your interactions. There are certain answers I might want to give, I often need to provide a more political response, as that’s the right approach for a leader. Learning to manage my emotions has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed throughout my career and continues to serve me well in my current role. 

 

What advice would you give to other veterans transitioning civilian sector? How can they leverage their military background for success? 

From my experience over the past four years as a DoD contractor, my advice to veterans is that your next steps really depend on your career goals. If you’re looking to transition completely out of the DoD, it’s essential to tailor your resume for that path. On the other hand, if you want to continue supporting the DoD, the transition can be much smoother—especially since my team is made up of mostly veterans, making it feel like I never left the Marine Corps. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you want to achieve in your next chapter. 

 

Military uniform

New Career, Same Mission

Transitioning Military and Veterans bring invaluable experiences, leadership skills, and unique perspectives to all teams. As a veteran-friendly employer, GovCIO is proud to partner with transitioning service members to not only continue to protect and defend our nation, but also to build a better tomorrow for the Veteran community.
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