Personal Context
Core Goal: Gain context on my background—from the Marines to the Puget Sound—to better understand the roots of my professional values.
Military & Professional Roots
- The “Commander’s Intent” & High-Stakes Experience:
- Before starting my engineering career, I served as a United States Marine (stationed in Hawaii) and later worked as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. These roles formed the foundation of my professional “Operating System.”
- In these environments, I learned the value of “Commander’s Intent”: Providing a clear “What” and “Why” so that those on the front lines can autonomously execute the “How.”
- These experiences also shaped my focus on “The Most Important Thing.” It is highly unlikely that anything I encounter in a corporate environment will be as stressful as my day-to-day in those roles. This background gives me the perspective to remain calm, manage the signal-to-noise ratio, and prioritize effectively during routine and high-pressure situations.
- Communication & Accountability:
- My military service instilled a preference for direct, high-signal communication. I value Radical Candor and Radical Accountability because I have seen firsthand that clarity and ownership are the most direct paths to mission success.
Family & Personal Values
- The “Why” Behind the “What”:
- My role as a father of four and a grandfather of three has profoundly influenced my leadership style. I’ve learned that simply directing someone isn’t enough; to move a forward together, you must inspire, motivate, and show people why they want to do it.
- I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. My family’s diversity, including having a trans adult child, has deepened my empathy and my belief in the power of a supportive community.
- Collaboration & Community:
- Growing up in a large family and now leading a multi-generational one has reinforced my “Team First” mentality. I naturally think in terms of collective success and building a legacy of excellence.
Life in General
- Boating:
- I am the captain of a 48-foot boat (essentially a floating motor home) that I take out on the Puget Sound, especially during crabbing season in July and August. My natural leadership tendencies are on full display when I’m teaching folks new skills on the water.
- It’s a bit harder to get folks to come out on the water in the winter months, but activities like whale watching or island exploring are still a lot of fun, especially when it feels like you have all the water to yourself!
- Baseball:
- I am a dedicated SF Giants fan and attend at least 30 games a year with friends and family. Baseball is the ultimate “High-Signal” environment for me—it provides the perfect tempo to chat, build relationships, and enjoy the company of others. If you want to talk strategy or just share a story, a game is my favorite place to do it.
- July:
- My grandpa had 13 grandkids but only one born in July (me!). He gave me the nickname “PaulJulio” which became my gamer tag, github username, and nickname.
- My wife and I were born on the same day of the same year, we celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2023 on July 11th. My oldest and youngest children are born in the first week of July. Chances are I’ll be taking a big chunk of my yearly vacation in the first half of July.