# DLA Distribution expert cites leaving comfort zones as key to personal, professional growth

/ Published April 8, 2024
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. , 
Embracing change and getting out of your comfort zone can be both personally and professionally rewarding, just ask Jamie Sternadel, who just completed an assignment as the acting deputy commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Norfolk, Va.

“You can’t be afraid to tackle a new challenge,” said Sternadel, a Wichita Falls, Texas, native. “It’s important to invest in yourself and some short-term pain could have some long-term benefits for both you and the agency.”

Sternadel speaks from experience, having served in a variety of positions inside DLA Distribution in Guam, Germany, Japan, and the United States.  After serving in the Navy, his DLA career started as a quality assurance evaluator at DLA Distribution Guam, Marianas, in 2010.

“I had many people challenge me throughout my career, but the one that really put the pressure on for me to step up to expectations was then Marine Corps Lt. Col.  Patrick Tucker, the commander at DLA Distribution Guam, in 2013,” he said. “It was very early in my career, so I found myself having to build knowledge skills and abilities quickly and then continually refine those skills to be more efficient to keep up with him. Those were tough days, but I still chop wood today with that axe head I ground back then.”

After three years he was presented with the opportunity to tackle a new role as a primary operations analyst at DLA Distribution Europe in Germersheim, Germany.

“It was quite a change going from Guam to Germany, but I knew it was a great opportunity to build on my existing skills and see how they could apply to another distribution center,” he said. “At the same time, I was also able to learn for the team there and the varying degrees of complexity and challenges that I hadn’t experienced before.”

After a year in that role, Sternadel returned to the United States, accepting a position as the retail program manager and supervisory supply management specialist at DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas.

“My time there provided exposure to different problems, challenges and situations that gave me a greater perspective on the types of challenges and questions that our leaders face,” he said. “After my experience I now have more tools in the toolbox to solve problems, but I also know what questions my supervisor may ask before they ask it. “

Returning to the Pacific in June 2016, Sternadel worked as a contracting officer’s representative at DLA Distribution Guam. In November 2017, he moved to Sasebo, Japan, to serve as the DLA Distribution Yokosuka Site Sasebo director and was promoted to the position of DLA Distribution Yokosuka, Japan, deputy commander in September 2019.

“What I have learned through my career is that you can’t be afraid to expose yourself to a different environment,” he said. “If you stay where you’re comfortable you might be denying yourself the opportunity to learn new things, tackle new challenges and becoming even more of an asset to DLA and our nation.”

Serving in a variety of positions and locations within DLA Distribution has allowed him to see first-hand the unique challenges faced by each distribution center.

“It really helps you to understand how different the mission is at each distribution center when you spend time there, engaging leaders at all levels,” he said. “You going to forge new relationships, develop news skills and look at problems from a different perspective, all of which will help you when you return to your home station.”

Stepping out of your comfort zone can also allow people to grow personally as well, according to Sternadel.

“By taking advantage of these opportunity I’ve been able to experience a variety of cultures and meet people from all over the world,” he said. “I’ve been able to bike through the German countryside, see Mount Fuji, drive through the Alps and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. As a kid growing up in Texas, I never thought I’d have those kinds of opportunities.”

Sternadel urged other DLA employees to look at USA Jobs, DLA All Hands Messages and DLA Distribution FRAGO to find opportunities on temporary duty announcements, but also to prepare their current organization for continued success.  

“First, train your replacement. Losing a valuable member at a Distribution Center leaves an impact, reduce that impact by either training or mentoring someone to take your position,” he said. He also suggested letting your supervisor know you are interested in taking a temporary assignment opportunity if one should arise.

“Let them know how you’ve prepared the organization for your absence, whether it’s training, mentoring or continuity books, what your intentions are for the temporary assignment and the potential  beneficial to the parent Distribution Center.”

If presented with the opportunity to tackle a new assignment, Sternadel says he advise them to strongly consider it.

“Don’t hold yourself back, take the opportunity if it presents itself,” he said. “As I look back at my career, I’m glad I’ve to push myself outside of that comfort zone and invest in myself and DLA. It can be scary at first, but it will be worth it.”

Sternadel returned to DLA Distribution Corpus Christi earlier this month to resume his role as the operations manager.

“In my absence Elyse Atoe did an excellent job of running operations, which goes back to training your replacement,” he said. “Your temporary assignment may be beneficial to your career, but it is also an excellent opportunity for your replacement to shine.”