Source: US FBI
What is the best career or life advice you have to give?
During my time in the police department, my mentor wisely told me: “[Fill in the blank] is like dust, dishes, and laundry. It’ll always be there. Sometimes you have to let it go.” That “blank” could be fear, anxiety, or whatever limitations you may have. Since they probably aren’t going away on their own, push through.
Who made a difference in your career? How?
Early in my career I worked with “Louie,” who was at the end of a 37-year career with his department and as an FBI task force officer. He always answered late phone calls to help his squad mates on a case. He was patient in helping newcomers learn the details of the work, and he inspired me to always pursue the right answer—even if it was not the one I wanted. He was a detective—to his very last day on the job. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. If you needed something, Louie had someone he could call. I saw the dedication to work, his commitment to family, and how he upheld the highest values of being a law enforcement officer and investigator for the FBI. I still try to follow the example he set.