How Identity Has Influenced a Vice President and Lieutenant Colonel's Career at The Vets and US Army Reserve
Growing up in "the middle of America," shaped Zach's career by fostering a broad perspective and tolerance, allowing him to appreciate diverse backgrounds and skills. This led to a proactive approach of seeking to understand others, exemplified by the statement "the first thing that I want to hear about is like, tell me more about that," which contributed to their success as a VP.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Teamwork, Communication, Cultural Awareness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zach Mills
Vice President; LTC
The Vets; US Army Reserve
Kansas State University (1994)
Colorado State University (Epidemiology); University of Georgia (MBA); Kansas State University (DVM); Kansas State University (MPH)
Biology & Related Sciences
Government & Public Sector, Military
Medical
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Coming from a small town in the middle of America provided a unique perspective, allowing Zach to see things from various viewpoints and develop a broad understanding beyond coastal perspectives.
2. Zach emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and actively seeking to learn about different cultures and backgrounds, highlighting his extensive travels and experiences.
3. He stresses the value of tolerance and inclusivity in building strong teams, advocating for understanding and appreciating the unique skills and contributions that individuals from all backgrounds bring to the table.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as coming from a small town in America, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
This is a great question. When I think about how people from coastal areas view someone coming from the middle of Kansas, there are a lot of assumptions made immediately.
People on the coasts, like in New York or LA, have a lot of diversity and exposure. I've often encountered situations where they might think they're superior because of it. I've even told people where I'm from, and in more than one occasion, the response has been, "Oh, I'm sorry." It makes me wonder why someone would apologize for where another person is from.
Growing up in Kansas, we're able to look broadly. It's the middle of America, so I see things from coast to coast and north to south that people on one coast might not see. I also become less ethnocentric because of this.
I've tried to travel more broadly and expose myself to many different things, not just in the United States. I've been to all 50 states and traveled around the world multiple times. Coming from middle America, my mind is open to seeing what other people are doing. I want to learn about it in person, by going there, seeing it, talking to people, touching, tasting, smelling, and feeling it.
This has also built my tolerance. When I go to new places and people tell me where they're from, I want to hear more. I ask them what they like about it, what skills they have, and what they bring. People coming from everywhere bring something unique.
People might misjudge what it means to come from a small town in middle America. But I think it has actually made me a stronger person and very tolerant of learning about where other people are from. It helps me understand why I should involve them on my team and what they can bring to make me a better person.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/zachmills