Shawn Powers
Rank: Captain
Service: US Army/Cavalry
Years: 10
Current Company: TTM Technologies
Role: CHRO (Head of Human Resources/People)
Industry: Electronics (Defense & Commercial)
Why did you enter the military? I am a third-generation soldier. My father was drafted to Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader in 1st Cav, his father was a parachutist in the 82nd Airborne and jumped into Normandy on D-Day.
My mother’s grandfather was navigator on the B24 in WWII and was captured in Germany after being shot down; he was a POW for a year. Several uncles served in the Army and Marines in Korea and Vietnam; it is in my blood.
Enlistment age: 22. I was commissioned as a 2LT in the Army after graduating from Texas A&M.
Where did you serve? Alabama (flight school), Texas, Hawaii, Colorado, Korea and Iraq.
What did you learn? I learned how to lead others, including some who were much older. And to put others first – leading is about helping others.
What could you do in the military that you couldn’t do in civilian life? I learned to fly tactical helicopters under dangerous conditions around the world. Last month was the first time in 21 years that I flew a helicopter! It was like riding a bike—but so much more exciting.
What was the biggest lesson you learned about discipline? Have a plan for how you approach every situation, from waking up and starting your day to preparing for a meeting.
This mindset makes it much easier to pivot and adapt when the situation demands another way.
Did you deploy overseas and what was your takeaway? Yes, for the first year of the Iraq War (2003-2004). A few takeaways—men are capable of such unimaginable evil—eradicating it requires sacrifice and conviction. 2. Nothing is promised—live in the moment, be thankful and enjoy life. Our worst days are so often much better than someone’s best day.
How has the military helped your business career? In the military, your word is your bond.
You don’t ask someone if they ‘have your back’ or if you can count on them to deliver. You earn it, expect it and always come through—there is no alternative. When you commit to someone, there should be absolutely zero doubt that it will get done right and on time.
