# Women's History Month Spotlight: Becky Watson

/ Published March 12, 2024

**Throughout March, in honor of Women’s History Month, DLA will celebrate women who have made an impact through their sacrifices, public service, and inspirational work. This year’s theme, “Women Who Have Made Great Achievements,” acknowledges women who have shaped U.S. history and made contributions to pave the way forward. By regularly highlighting DLA employees through Special Emphasis Program observances, we gain valuable insight and perspective from individuals who represent the full diversity of our agency's workforce.**

*The following Women's History Month Q&A features Becky Watson, who serves the agency as director of the DLA Disposition Services South-East region team.*

**What strategies have you found most effective in navigating challenges and achieving success in your leadership role?**

I try to foster a culture of innovation and creativity within my team and colleagues and try to learn as much as possible about the challenge/issue (i.e., upcoming trends or research). I have also found remaining flexible and open minded in my approach helps through challenging times.  

**How do you prioritize and balance different responsibilities to ensure both personal and professional growth?**

Over my professional career and personal life, I have identified what is important me and how it can be achieved throughout all stages of life. When I take time to reflect on what is important to me during my current season of life, it helps me prioritize what is important, identify compromises I am willing to make, and provides clarity that serves as a foundation for making decisions that support my goals. I have also learned how to ask for help and assistance from my husband, family, and co-workers, and learned how to say “no” or offer another alternatives or recommendations that help me maintain balance.  

**What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance in their careers?**

Don’t be afraid to seek out challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Take every chance to level up your skills through training, networking, and learning, and seek out mentors.   

**How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader?**

Being a servant leader; seeking out how to serve others and add value to them every day.

**What is the most significant barrier to female leadership?**

None. The limitation comes from our own mindset and not thinking big enough. Don’t be afraid to develop very high goals.  

**Have you ever felt imposter syndrome, and if so, how did you navigate your way through it?**

No, I focus on helping/serving others, reaching out to colleagues/peers, acknowledging strengths and to stop seeking approval from others. I have also found that building a strong network, being authentic, and continuously developing my individual skills is very important as well.

**Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor?**

As a Christian, my role model is Jesus, and I strive to share his love and humility to serve with everyone. In a professional capacity, my role model is the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, first female CNO and highest-ranking Navy military member. Her military career is an inspiration for all women. My leadership mentor was someone who helped me through my business entrepreneurship. He would always ask me very thought-provoking questions and challenged me to think broader and that the sky is the limit.

**What makes you a strong woman?**

Being humble, willing to serve, grateful, optimistic, loving/caring, unafraid to stand up for what I believe, and staying true to myself.

**What fulfills you?**

Being of service to others and seeing others succeed.

**What advice do you have for women who want to do more?**

Be true to yourself, develop personal and professional goals, think big, be persistent and never give up. There is no such thing as failure, just learning experiences. Keep moving forward – it’s only failure if you give up or quit.

**What advice do you have for women looking to grow within the government?**

1.Leaders are readers and listeners.2.Be open to new job opportunities, including lateral roles, at any age or any stage of life.3.Every day is a job interview. Put your best foot forward, do your homework, and be prepared.4.Develop professional and personal goals.5.Have a strong business and financial acumen and budgeting skillsets. Always be learning. 6.Identify, strengthen, and leverage personal relationships and talents to achieve results and goals. Network, network, network to foster partnerships.