We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Will Lu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Will thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
My journey post-military service was anything but smooth. I was born and raised in Texas, so that was my best bet on where I should move. I still remember all the emotions as I started the drive from San Diego to Houston. It was a sense of nervousness and uncertainty. At the time, I did not have a job lined up. The only sure thing was that I had a room to stay in with a friend of mine.
Since it was a long drive, I used that time to do informational interviews. I connected with an Army veteran who worked in HR. He offered to meet for coffee when I got settled. Fast forward a week, we met at a local Starbucks and chatted for the next hour. What started as a typical “What do you want to do for a living?” conversation evolved into a mentorship-type conversation. At that moment, I felt like he took an interest in me and wanted to help. It wasn’t long before we started attending networking events together and built up a mentor/mentee relationship.
After about a month, I got a call for a role in San Diego. I still remember the excitement when I told him I got an offer letter from the company I wanted to work for. Together, we talked about salary negotiation (A process that was brand new to me). Even when I left Texas, he continued supporting me as I started my first job. Looking back, what stuck with me was that he believed in me when it felt that others were not. We did not have any other connection minus the military service. I really feel that a person’s relationships are priceless. When he extended his professional network to me, I really felt his confidence in me. Since then, I have done everything I can to pay it forward within the veteran community. Like what he did for me with connections and mentorship, I’ve done for others.
Will , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I come from a coaching and teaching background. Throughout high school and college, I coached swim team year around. Early on, I learned how to break down topics and tailor my communication to different audiences. After college, I joined the Navy and commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer. During my four years, I learn how to manage projects with multiple stakeholders with competing interests. I learned from many strong leaders and gained many lifelong friendships.
Since the Navy, my work has been centered around business strategy and operations. I enjoy refining operational procedures with a goal of greater productivity and effectiveness. I’ve been able to do this professionally within the management consulting, fintech, and now defense space. Whether it’s the years of coaching or the Navy, I often find myself pulling experience from different aspects of my life.
In my spare time, I have continued that same spirit of service I felt in the military. Most recently, I served as a San Diego chapter lead for the Veterans Beer Club. A monthly networking group that helps connect service members and military spouses with meaningful employment post-military service. I now serve as a board member with the Armed Services YMCA San Diego. A non-profit dedicated to serving military members and their families through various programs to enhance their well-being and ease the challenges of military life.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Just because someone says to do it a certain way does not mean it is the only way.
As I was getting ready to leave the Navy, the topic of networking was constantly brought up. I wasn’t told what that meant or what to do. I just knew it was necessary. I saw others hand out business cards, so I did that. Others told me to use my elevator pitch, so I did. Neither way felt authentic to me. I was going through the motions, but it didn’t feel right. As an introvert, the idea of doing this repeatedly felt unpleasant.
As I’ve gotten more involved within the community, I’ve learned I need to find methods that are authentic to me. What works for me is volunteering. It’s been a natural way to find like-minded individuals with similar interests, and you are building connections through a shared experience. As a bonus, you’re giving back to the community.
The last couple of years of volunteer work have led to awards, podcasts, interviews on TV, and leadership opportunities. I never set out for those outcomes. It’s always been from a place of wanting to give more than I receive. I know as long as I continue to live a of generosity I’ll attract like minded individuals as well.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Two traits have helped to build my reputation here in San Diego. The first is a willingness to help others and give back to the community. Over the last several years, I’ve spent hundreds of hours volunteering in the veteran community. From mentorship calls to hosting networking events in the community, the most authentic way for me to network is to come from a place of giving. When you come from a place of generosity, you tend to attract those types of people and get it in return.
The second is a sense of curiosity and openness to try new things. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the factors that have led to my success. One trend I can think of is attending a wide variety of events that led to me meeting others outside my usual circles. There have been countless times when two different social circles merge without me realizing it. It is remarkable how the San Diego community here might appear big yet it’s pretty small as you meet more people.
