TheBridge profile: Mara Motherway
Mara joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) and Sue Gordon, Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence at TheBridge’s panel discussion with women veteran leaders delivering tech for national security.
Name: Mara Motherway
Current city: Washington, D.C.
Current job: Vice President, Head of Government Relations, Booz Allen Hamilton
Past job: Director, Business Development Booz Allen Hamilton
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Greenberry
Q. Describe how a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable. Clear and concise communication with C-suite and senior government leaders, whether presenting, speaking, or writing. As a naval intelligence officer, I learned early on to present complex issues to senior leaders. I had to speak concisely and precisely, while anticipating every question and preparing for dialogue. Remaining objective, separating fact from assessment, is critical. At the Kennedy School, I honed these skills for impactful writing under the tutelage of Drs. John P. White and Ash Carter. The ability to communicate in any form to any audience at a moment’s notice is a disciplined art. I apply these skills every day.
Q. Job advice in three words? Get it done.
Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? We are working with U.S. government leaders to bring more non-traditional technical talent into the government contractor workforce. We believe talent with technical certifications is an untapped segment of the workforce and their expertise and diverse perspectives are critical to driving technology adoption for government modernization.
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? I appreciate that a nonpartisan space exists where we can have intellectual conversations about technology. This is critical if we are to close the public-private divide and work collaboratively as a nation to assure appropriate governance of technology amidst growing geostrategic complexity.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Policymakers have a precise knowledge of the inner-workings of the U.S. government and they approach their craft like an engineer, considering structure, constraints and trade-offs. Innovators are well served to communicate with this framework in mind when seeking innovation adoption.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Innovators question the status quo. They welcome opposing thoughts and ideas. They see failure as a path to learning, growing, and realizing new avenues for improved outcomes. Policy makers can consider applying this mindset to tech policy, by pursuing an intentionally incremental approach which creates the capacity to address current issues of concern while at the same time allowing for course correction as the technology evolves.
Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? A pocket version of Sun Tzu, The Art of War, sits on my desk
Q. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your career? Prioritize what must get done first each day. Take time to unplug every week. Don’t get lost in the low hanging fruit.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you are still trying to master? Patience.
Q. Morning routine? Wake up, check email/news, work out, get my children off to school, head to the office. Coffee throughout.
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? San Diego
Q. Best advice you’ve received? Success is 50% substance, 50% presence and knowing which one to lead with.
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