Mission Area
April 7, 2020
Maj. Leslie Clemente, assistant program manager of Enterprise Services (ES), is today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday. A former Signal Corps officer and tenacious go-getter, she is in the process of identifying best-of-breed robotic-process-automation (RPA) tools that can help the Army save time and money.
Born in Puerto Rico, she was the first female in her family to join the Army and graduate from college. When not working, she enjoys CrossFit, hiking, rock climbing and mentoring young people in her local church. Clemente answered nine questions about her career and life.
How has Enterprise Services responded to COVID-19?
We use Skype for Business to facilitate working from home. Skype enhances our ability to work remotely without hindering our mission or productivity.
I use Skype to send messages to teammates, schedule impromptu meetings and find out when ES staff are not in meetings and available to have a phone conversation. I use Skype’s video capability to have “virtual” face-to-face meetings and share slides.
What do you value the most about your Army experience?
I thank God for the privilege to work alongside remarkable Army leaders. Through their coaching, I learned the value of teamwork, clear and concise communication, planning and building relationships. In the Army, leaders put me in positions that I thought I was not ready for. They provided valuable guidance and trusted me to get the job done.
What do good leaders do?
My former boss, William Bush in the Marine Corps Systems Command, is an example of an exceptional leader. When I supported him, he provided clear-and-concise guidance, requirements and expectations. He also made sure that his team felt appreciated.
Good leaders don’t micromanage. Good leaders encourage people to do their best and don’t dictate the best way to do it. They understand that collaboration produces better outcomes.
Good leaders know when someone on their team is experiencing challenges or struggles in their personal life. Remote workers with kids at home are experiencing unique challenges. I have a seven-year-old and 15-year-old who are homeschooling in response to COVID-19. My husband and I adopted an infant this week. I have adjusted my normal work schedule to meet my family’s needs.
Why have you been successful in your career?
I have been blessed with great mentors and opportunities. I don’t do things halfway. Growing up, I faced a lot of hardships. I push myself to make sure that my kids are taken care of and never have to experience what I did.
What is your project-management mantra?
“One size does not fit all.” Adapting to rapid changes in technology is challenging. We have to adjust established processes to support new requirements, objectives and schedules. We can’t let the culture be a roadblock to change.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Even though we are in the middle of a pandemic, I would not go back in time. Every hardship I have experienced helped me grow and mature. I embrace what I have now.
What is the best advice you received?
Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today. Spend time with your family. Take a second out of your busy schedule to call a loved one.
What do you enjoy about CrossFit?
CrossFit transformed my approach to fitness. It is a mental, physical and emotional sport that helps me maintain a work-life balance. Every day at work I am bombarded with information. CrossFit helps me take a step back and balance myself mentally. It helps me be more productive at work. When you work in a job that requires you to be behind a computer all day, you need to get up and move.
When are you happiest?
I am happiest when I am helping somebody.