Op-Ed: How Military Service Prepared Me for Corporate Life

In advance of Memorial Day, we are sharing an inspiring story written by a proud veteran.

By Stephanie Toomey-Johnson, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Relationship Manager

An essential part of my life that has shaped me and my career is that I am a proud veteran who had the honor of serving our country. My grandfathers, father, uncles, and older brother also served. Growing up, I admired their sense of duty and courage, but I remember thinking my life plans would focus on academics and athletics instead.

My immediate family was small — just me and my older brother Tommy. Because we were so close in age, I was always right behind him, following in his footsteps to match his achievements and make him proud. On his 17th birthday he went into the delayed entry program, leaving for bootcamp the day after he graduated high school. As my brother entered the fleet Marine force, I began my senior year of high school.

September 11th happened not long after and I sat paralyzed in front of the TV. I was shocked at the images, unable to understand how this could happen while wondering what this would mean for my brother.

After graduating, I immediately enlisted. Three days later, I was being yelled at by drill instructors. I didn’t know exactly how, but I sensed things would be both challenging and ultimately rewarding.

I started my Marine Corps career with the rank of Private and an occupational specialty as field radio operator. I completed three deployments, with two in Iraq. On the heels of my last deployment, I decided it was time to leave the Marine Corps and focus on my growing family.

I married an Army infantryman, so you can imagine our house is occasionally divided. My husband has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and we have three children who amaze us and make us proud. I believe that military children have their own resilient traits, and I am humbled to have strong and determined children. Our approach to parenting stems from lessons learned while serving, and we teach them to adapt, overcome obstacles, and make the very best of things whenever they can.

Recently my eight-year-old daughter heard I was preparing to deliver a Veteran Reflection speech and said, “Mommy, write this down: it takes a lot of team spirit to be in the military.” It was so adorable coming from my aspiring athlete, but when she walked away, I realized she was right.

I speak from firsthand experience in confirming that the U.S. military has team spirit equal to any other organization. Our bonds start with an oath, are forged through adversity, and become branded in the fabric of who we are and how we function. The military trains and teaches us not to work as individuals, but as a unit. The military takes any weakness, selfishness, distraction, and fear, and turns those things into a disciplined, fortified, and most importantly, a unified front.

The military instilled in me the confidence to think critically and become a confident decision-maker. It also gave me a sense of camaraderie and purpose.

It was bittersweet for me to leave active duty, and it was a culture shock transitioning back into the civilian world. I had doubts, and I wondered if I could be as good at a career in civilian life.

Years later, I’m happy to report that I see myself both as a successful Marine and a strong working professional and leader. I grew to learn there is something on the other side of service, and importantly that service prepares us for almost every possible obstacle, challenge, or bend in road.

My skills and background from the Marines translated well into corporate life. I learned skills like problem solving, being a team player, and being quick on your feet are valued in Corporate America. We are trained to believe in ourselves and believe in broader missions. That also translates to my current role at Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo found me through their Veteran Hiring program. They recognized my skill set and quickly made me feel like an integral part of the team. Their core values aligned with mine.

I am currently a Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, which means I am an advocate for our clients and an agent for the company. The work I do is challenging and rewarding. I have used my experience to connect with veteran-led and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, with the support of my team and senior leadership, we have hosted veteran-focused events and made strides expanding our client base to be more inclusive of the veteran community. I am proud of the leadership role I have played in helping us make tangible progress.

I will always be an advocate for the veteran community, both internally and externally. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I do every day in a place that recognized my unique skill set and respected the experience I could bring to the organization.

There is no question that the military altered the trajectory of my life. It helped inspire a girl from Duval County in Jacksonville, Florida, who was fueled by the admiration she felt for her now late brother. Today, I am filled with immense gratitude for my time served. It helped mold me into a strong, confident, successful professional. I proudly wear many hats as a veteran, wife, mother, sister, and now business leader who gets to serve Wells Fargo clients with pride. Thank you, Semper Fidelis.