Lexus Wheeler soaks up knowledge like a sponge

Lexus Wheeler, technical engineering team lead at the General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS), manages a 15-person team supporting IT modernization initiatives.

Focused and driven, Wheeler earned two masters’ degrees before she was 30 years old. A dedicated professional, she has earned high marks for having a pleasant personality and being a hard-working teammate.

Always willing to enhance her skills, Wheeler recently volunteered to support a stakeholder-management initiative led by PEO EIS Deputy Program Executive Officer Brendan Burke.

A part-time fashion blogger, Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Norfolk State University and a master’s degree in information technology with a concentration in software engineering from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). She earned a graduate-level certificate in cyber technology and a second master’s degree in cyber technology from UMGC. Wheeler, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, answered questions about her career and life.

How do your current and former bosses describe you?
They would say that I get the job done. I enjoy solving problems and streamlining procedures.

Why have you been so successful in your career?
One of my former supervisors told me, “Soak up everything like a sponge.” Wherever I go, I soak up as much knowledge as possible. I also keep a positive mindset. I am a people person. I know everybody in the office and am always willing to help them.

A lot of friends have asked me for career advice. I always tell them, “Make the best of where you are at — even if you don't like it. Consider it a stepping stone to where you want to go.”

How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in my people. I support them when they bring concerns to me. We are here to support the mission and get the job done. But I know that my people need to be in a good headspace to be good at their jobs.

What does a good leader do?
A good leader takes care of their people.

Who has mentored you?
I appreciate Peter Cloutier, Balinda Mooreland, Rob Porter and Reg Shuford for giving me valuable guidance, feedback and remembering the goals that I wanted to accomplish. 

What advice do you have for PEO EIS employees?
Take advantage of lunch-and-learns and developmental opportunities. My short-term goal is to become a General Schedule (GS)-14. I mapped out how I need to build my resume to get there.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am a fashion blogger and created a YouTube channel. Most of my weekends are spent creating content for my blog and YouTube channel.

What inspired you to create a fashion blog and YouTube channel?
I love fashion and put a lot of thought into what I wear. My best friend recommended that I start a blog. She said, “You do business attire like nobody else.” What you wear to work can include more than just a pant-suit. I like to add beautiful colors and textures to my work attire.

I volunteer to teach young mothers how to dress for interviews, after they get the job and every day. I also help them find the best deals on clothes.

Have you read any good books lately?
I read “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth. I follow the author on Instagram for her fashion style. The book is an inspiring account of her life in fashion and journalism.

What are you for or against?
I support women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and exposing the younger generation to math to get them into it. When I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I avoided math classes. I decided to embrace math courses to achieve my goal of earning two masters’ degrees.

What is your favorite word?
Blessed