Meet Sherman Gillums…a native of Buffalo, New York, serves as the Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington DC.

Sherman has testified before Congress as an expert witness and appeared on national networks, such as CNN, Fox News, and C-SPAN, as one of the most influential voices on military and veteran issues. His expert commentary has regularly appeared in the Hill, Military Times, and other national publications.

He was recognized by HillVets as among the 100 most influential voices on Capitol Hill in 2016, the same year his alma mater, University of San Diego, inducted him into its hall of honor. He was also personally recognized by The White House for noteworthy “service to our nation” and the Secretary of Veteran Affairs for “exceptional leadership.”

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served for 12 years, medically retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He holds a graduate degree from the University of San Diego School of Business and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. He will complete his doctoral studies at the University of Dayton in 2024.

Sherman and his wife Tammie, herself a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, have two sons, four daughters, including one who is presently a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, and a granddaughter.

Top tip for a successful life?

Learn your purpose = What you’re good at + What you like to do + What society needs + What you can get paid to do.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

There are “paper” leaders, and there are “people” leaders. Don’t chase paper. Chase purpose.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

When I left the Marine Corps after 12 years of service, knowing I had helped create, shape, and influence a new generation of Marines to continue the fight after I was honorably discharged.

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

What you think is your curse may be your calling in disguise.

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Waiting too long to see the value of authenticity in leadership.

What's next for you? Currently working on doctoral degree and looking forward to a new career in education

Causes you care about?

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Connect with Sherman on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/SGillums

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sherman-gillums-jr/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/eIOtS8bLbio

Link to Podcast MP3: