Joshua Belsterling

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding moments of my position occur when we are faced with a difficult problem and get to brainstorm solutions to those problems as a team. There's an electricity in the air when bright minds converge to come up with a solution to a problem, especially when it's on a short timeline. It is rewarding when we rally together under pressure,  breaking complex problems into smaller workable problems, that when solved add incredible value to our customer’s most indispensable missions.

What is the best/worst career advice you have received? or what’s one piece of advice you would offer somebody new to the field?

The worst advice I've heard is "find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life". As my Opa (grandfather) and then my father used to say, "if the job was fun all the time, they wouldn't have to pay you to do it - people would just show up!" Instead, if you can find a role that meets a genuine, marketable need in the economy with a good team, engaging work, supportive management, and fair compensation you'll have a great career. I'm grateful to have found all of these in my purpose-driven role with Lockheed Martin.

What’s one piece of advice you are still trying to master?

I'm still learning to find my footing in leadership roles, especially when it comes to fighting the urge to want to tackle hard problems immediately verses setting the conditions for my team to get after it. However, I am deliberately working on it by pushing pause and asking myself – should I step in and help solve a problem or direct a solution toward a problem versus do I simply monitor the problem and permit the members of my team to rise to the occasion.

Who are your mentors? Who has inspired you?

My parents are the best mentors and inspiration I could have asked for. They have loved, challenged, guided, and encouraged me while providing solid advice every step of my journey.

Additionally, the subject matter experts on my work team are an incredible inspiration, consistently demonstrating technical rigor as well as humility, patience, and kindness. They are patient to listen to my thought process and gently correct my approach when I need it. They are always generous with their time to help me fully understand a problem, and I am confident I wouldn't be where I am today without their support.

Lastly, my most recent manager was great at giving me space to run, occasionally trip, dust myself off, and keep going. He also helped me to spot challenges that I'll need to navigate while they are still distant.

What is your favorite movie, book, TV Show, or podcast? Why?

For me it's the Bible, especially the book of Acts. Following Jesus guides everything I do and reading God's Word helps me to know Him more.

Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable?

When you are in a meeting, don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll receive clarity, and there is a good chance someone else in the room is thinking the same thing you are, so your speaking up may give a voice to their question or concern, and it'll likely encourage them to do so in the future too.