Congratulations to David “Matt” Speer – January 2023 SOAR Star of the Month!
Q: What do you do for your SOAR clients?
A: I support my client as the Risk Team Lead. In this role, I provide Risk Management expertise to help the Agency identify, analyze, mitigate, and monitor risks that affect its Mission-Essential-Function.
Q: What do you like best about working at SOAR?
A: I love the support and genuine care SOAR has for all of its employees. Although I am the only SOAR employee in my division, I never feel isolated or out-of-touch. Every member of the SOAR team cares about their co-workers and the mission.
Q: Why does it matter to you to work somewhere that provides purpose and meaning?
A: Having passion for my job is critical. If I don’t have a passion for the work, it’s time to move on to another role. To sustain this passion, I must have a clearly defined purpose. Once I have this purpose, I find a way to make it meaningful. To do this, I find ways to improve my organization on a daily basis; make it better, even if it’s something small. I find SOMETHING to improve/fix knowing that my efforts are making a real difference which inspires me to do more. These improvements are how I measure my success.
Q: Have you worked in other jobs that do not provide purpose and meaning?
A: Many times I have been saddled with jobs that did not provide substantial meaning. Usually, it could be traced back to having an unclear purpose or undefined role. Without the purpose and meaning, the work/job passion is simply not there.
Q: How is your experience here different?
A: My current role is not without its own challenges, but knowing that SOAR is there to help and provide guidance, when needed, is a refreshing breath of fresh air. The SOAR Team goes out of their way to ensure each member of the team feels valued and is not just a billable resource.
Q: What would you say to someone who feels like they’re stuck in a job they don’t feel is meaningful to them?
A: I would say to find a way to make a difference. If you can’t find a way to make a difference then maybe it’s time find another role. Keep looking until you find the passion to make a difference. Once you have that passion, you know you have found meaning!
Q: What’s your favorite part of working with your teammates?
A: I like the recurring tag-ups, the comradery, and the shared desire to advance the programs we have been assigned
Q: Why would you recommend that a prospective candidate consider working for SOAR?
A: I see the challenges that my division teammates experience working for a big “prime” contractor. The personal touch and support you get from SOAR can never be matched by a bigger company.
Congratulations on a job well done Matt!