Vanguard Magazine

30 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 www.vanguardcanada.com G A M E C H A N G E R See the full interview online Q How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today? In 1998, my husband and I were pursuing our professional careers which led us to up- state New York where I first joined Lock- heed Martin. Ironically, I wasn't support- ing defence at that time – I was supporting a division of Lockheed Martin building large complex automation solutions for the United States Postal Service. Having just spent six years with Canada Post, I thought I was up for the challenge! Despite the fo- cus of the postal service project, I still had the opportunity to work alongside many former military leaders at Lockheed Mar- tin. They instilled a passion in me, and I felt this instant desire to want to support our military in Canada. So, when I moved back in 2004, with my husband and son, I took a role that allowed me to find a way to contribute to supporting our troops…. helping our service members in unform get the right technology and equipment to achieve their mission success made me feel like I was contributing something bigger than myself. In some small way I was part of a mission to help bring our brave mili- tary members home safely. I'm honoured to be part of this industry and to be in the role that I'm in today. Q What is your role at your organization today? As Chief Executive in Canada and Re- gional VP for Latin America I am respon- sible for delivering on country-specific strategies, maintaining, and strengthen- ing strategic customer and partner rela- tionships, and partnering with business areas on key pursuits, program campaigns and government relations. I also serve as co-executive chair of Lockheed Martin's Women Impact Network that provides a spectrum of thoughtful and relevant programs to employees across the orga- nization through intersectional advocacy, professional development and active al- lyship. I am passionate about women in leadership and have made a commitment to help broaden Lockheed Martin Cana- da's global diversity and inclusion. Q What was your most challenging moment? I have experienced many challenging moments throughout my career, but I would say that the most challenging so far has been coming out of the pandem- ic and ensuring the proper support is in place for our workforce. As we know, many people are struggling with mental health issues and experiencing financial difficulties in these challenging econom- ic times. For me personally, rebuilding social connections has taken time. I was not prepared for the mental exhaustion that would come after the pandemic. Q What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader Throughout my life I have experienced moments of clarity and realization that have shaped my perspective along the way. The most memorable a-ha moment that stands out is the realization winning and failure are two sides of the same coin. They both teach us valuable les- sons. Early in my career, I truly believed I could do it all and I was lucky enough to be part of some incredible teams where I was able to perform with excel- lence and develop my skills. However, the pressure that I put on myself to excel in all areas of my life was overwhelm- ing, and I often felt like I was drowning in a sea of expectations. At the height of my career, I started to feel exhausted and completely overwhelmed and it was during this period that I experienced my a-ha moment, which ultimately trans- formed my perspective about success and happiness. I had just landed a huge opportunity for the company I had worked for and was selected as top performer of the year. I know what you're thinking…. How could that lead to a sense of failure? What could possibly go wrong? Especially when I was on top of my game! Well, it was only after winning that I realized that I was just at the beginning of my jour- ney and what I hadn't realized was how complex and intricate the program that I had just won would be. It took years to implement and required many changes within the company to ensure a complete and successful implementation. I found myself frustrated by lack of leadership and I felt that I was carrying the world on my shoulders. At that time, I believed success was linked to a sense of flawlessness and I pushed myself toward a constant pursuit of perfection…not just my own perfec- tion but holding others to the same ac- countability. For me failure was not in my vocabulary. What I didn't realize was that failure could teach me so many things. It provided me with an opportunity for growth and created resiliency. It taught me perseverance and helped me bounce back. It has also helped me mentor and support other women in the industry who are struggling or have experienced similar a-ha moments. My a-ha moment has taught me the power of perspective - success is not a linear path for most of us. It also serves as a constant reminder that personal growth and self-compassion have made me the person I am today. Q What is the best advice you received? My mentor, retired BGen Chester Muise, once told me "If you never take risk, you won't get the reward". Those words have stayed with me and have guided some of my most successful moments. LORRAINE BEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA AND REGIONAL VP FOR LATIN AMERICA LOCKHEED MARTIN

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