Darnell “Flash” G. (if we could share the last name, the nickname would make total sense) is the subject of this installment of MELE’s Five Questions series. Read on to learn about his fondness of a specific Caribbean island, how he plans to turn the acreage he owns into an organic side hustle, and how he got his nickname.
What do you do at MELE and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
My job is TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures) Technician, and the reward is working with and being a part of a great team of TSCM practitioners under MELE.
You spent 20 years on active duty with the U.S. Airforce. How did that experience help you succeed in the private sector and shape your leadership approach?
My time and experience in the USAF influenced the shift in my mindset and behaviors of how I work with people. Whether I’m following or leading, I was able to learn from the outcomes to the extent of my authority. From leading a workout to overseeing a multi-million-dollar project, I focused on relationship building and being engaged at all available levels to support and encourage change. Since my transition into the private sector, those influences from my time in service endured and continue to impact the work I do as a MELE employee in support of the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration.
For those in the project management field, would you recommend pursuing Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and if so, why?
I chose to obtain my PMP certification while an active USAF Information Technology Project Manager (PM) in the Communication Squadron on Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. The decision was a prudent choice to put me in a position upon retirement to market and showcase my knowledge, skills, and experience gained as an USAF PM. I would recommend that if your goal were to pursue a career as a PM, then the PMP Certification should be on your list of high-level PM related certs to achieve. Otherwise, if you’re just interested in supporting projects within the company without overseeing them as the PM, then I would recommend the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certificate Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as the precursor for any higher-level PM certifications.
Your nickname is “Flash.” What’s the story behind that nickname?
With my surname it became a bit synonymous with a well known TV and movie character. Nonetheless, the nickname’s been a staple for me as my “call-sign” during my time in service; especially during physical fitness activities/training where I was one of the fastest runners.
When you think about life after work, what do you envision for yourself?
Hahaha… I love this question because I’m re-evaluating what my life after-work goal is going to be. First, I want to turn my current real estate of 5 acres in South Carolina into a tropical fruit farm 😊 and sell the produce for additional passive income. Secondly, I want to find real estate on a Caribbean Island like Saint Lucia (my favorite vacation retreat) and make more passive income via the stock market to pay for my dream future life.
