Military Lessons That Empower My Work at Freddie Mac was originally published on Power to Fly.
My journey from the military to my role as an IT risk senior at Freddie Mac is marked by growth, resilience and a deep sense of purpose. Reflecting on my path, I see how the lessons I’ve learned as a Marine intelligence officer and the benefits provided by Freddie Mac have shaped both my career journey and my approach to teamwork and leadership.
When I graduated from college in 2018, I was eager to serve my country, inspired by my family’s military legacy. With a father in the Air Force and two grandfathers who served in the military, the call to duty felt strong, but I wasn’t sure the timing was right. I joined Freddie Mac as a tech analyst in the IT department and paused my plans to commission as an officer in the military. This decision opened doors I hadn’t anticipated, particularly when I learned about the company’s talent advancement program, which offered to sponsor my entry into the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where I now serve as a Captain.
Photo of Terry and his girlfriend Emily after his promotion to the rank of Captain at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico
My manager and the company’s human resources department have been supportive and encouraging as I navigated taking time off for active-duty training, annual trainings and an eventual deployment. No one made me feel as though I was stepping away from my responsibilities at Freddie Mac, but instead they reassured me that I was stepping into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allowed me to blend my passion for service with my professional ambitions.
Leading with a bias for action
“When leading a team on different projects or in the military, I think of myself conducting an orchestra, and my team is playing the instruments.”
My military training instilled in me the importance of having a bias for action, a characteristic which I’ve applied to my time at Freddie Mac. Put simply: a bias for action is an effective leadership style, where one is not afraid to make decisions and act on them, even when faced with uncertainty. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of decisiveness can hinder progress; individuals who freeze in the face of uncertainty often struggle to move forward, worried about making mistakes.
At Freddie Mac, I engage with my teammates with this principle in mind. I encourage everyone to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks. Making decisions — even imperfect ones — is essential to driving our projects forward. I believe that you foster an environment of action bias by responding promptly to colleagues looking for information and always delivering on your promises. This mindset encourages a culture of accountability and innovation, where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Emily pinning on Terry’s Captain’s bars during his promotion ceremony
I roll up my sleeves and remove obstacles, even when it’s not my job. This hands-on approach not only models the behavior I want to see but also reinforces the idea that we’re all in this together. Every challenge is an opportunity for us to act and adapt, both at Freddie Mac and in the military. One pivotal moment in my career occurred during a meeting with my manager, who had helped me significantly. I worried that the entire conversation was about me, and I knew she had a lot on her plate. I said, “I’m sorry for taking up your valuable time.” She responded, “That’s the reason I’m here. I’m here for you to ensure you are getting all the information, knowledge and resources to do your job.” The leaders at Freddie Mac care about our well-being and who we are as individuals, and that moment stands out to me as a prime example of that.
I would not be where I am without the personal and professional support provided by Freddie Mac, and as I look toward my future, I am able to apply all the support and learning I’ve received to inspire and empower my teams to achieve remarkable outcomes together.
Fostering inclusion through supportive benefits
“I feel a sense of purpose and safety at Freddie Mac, no matter what I’m going through on and off the field. I know I can come to work and have the psychological safety I need to get my job done.”
Emily and Terry at the Marine Corps Ball in 2023
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role at Freddie Mac has been witnessing the organization’s commitment to supporting military employees and their families. The inclusive benefits, such as behavioral health services and the Employee Assistance Program, are not just policies on paper; they are lifelines for many of us. I’ve seen firsthand how these resources can make a significant difference in the lives of veterans, current members of the military and their families.
A defining moment for me came during a community build in Southeast D.C., where I helped improve a facility for veterans. Surrounded by colleagues — including vice presidents, directors and managers — who shared their own military experiences, I felt a profound sense of belonging. Listening to their stories and seeing the veterans living at the facility made it clear: I was part of something bigger. I often say that being part of the military community at Freddie Mac means knowing you’re surrounded by people who understand your journey. This supportive environment reinforces the idea that the military positively affects lives, and it’s gratifying to see how our work can translate into meaningful impact.
3 strategies to promote a sense of belonging
As I engage with my team on different projects, I focus on three key strategies to promote a sense of belonging:
- Empathy: Understanding the personal challenges our team members may be facing is vital. It’s essential to be attuned to their emotional and situational needs, ensuring everyone feels seen and heard.
- Communication: Open lines of communication are crucial. We encourage dialogue around team goals and individual contributions, fostering a culture where everyone’s voice matters. This transparency not only builds trust but also enhances engagement across the board.
- Empowerment: I’m passionate about empowering those around me to take initiative. By adopting a “yes, and” mindset, it encourages innovative thinking and foster a sense of ownership. This approach helps everyone feel integral to our mission and reminds us that we are all in this together.
Hiking in Harper’s Ferry — one of Terry’s hobbies
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how profoundly my military experience has influenced my leadership style at Freddie Mac. But it goes both ways. I have been lucky to work with managers and colleagues who have left an indelible mark on me, and I bring new skills and lessons learned to my military service. By emphasizing teamwork, empathy and empowerment, I strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. Leadership is not just about directing; it’s about facilitating growth and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. In today’s complex business landscape, this approach is not just beneficial; it is essential for long-term success.
To learn more about Freddie Mac and explore career opportunities, visit their company page.
