Joe Sabin| Chief Master Sergeant - USAF

Congratulations on your recent promotion to Chief Master Sergeant! Can you share a bit about your journey in the military and some of the key experiences that have shaped your career so far?

I have been in the military since 2002 and I have had the pleasure of completing training and/or deploying to 7 different countries on 4 different continents. I have been on single mission trainings where I have been in charge of a couple members, to being in charge of over 150 military and civilian contractors in remote locations. All of these have shaped me into how I approach both careers currently. There have been a lot of changes that have taken place from the day I joined until today, some have been easier than others. I would say the biggest change that has occurred in the military for me has been the transition from a do what you’re told mentality, to a mission-type order, which passes responsibility down to the lowest level. I feel that I have instilled this new mentality into my leadership style at InfraServices by delegating and allowing members of the team to make correct decisions.

How long have you been with InfraServices?

I have been with InfraServices/Vertical Limit since 2011. 8 with Vertical limit and 5 with InfraServices (merger in 2019)

How have the leadership skills and values you cultivated in the military influenced your approach to your role here at InfraServices?

Leadership for me is having the courage to guide successful teams and allowing them to be successful. Having been put into many leadership roles in my time in the military I have been able to understand and appreciate a lot of different approaches to leadership. Not all leadership styles work for all members of the team. Having an adaptive leadership style has allowed me to succeed in the military as well as here at InfraServices.

In the military, adaptability is crucial. How do you leverage your adaptability skills in a dynamic industry like ours at InfraServices?

Changing circumstances in the military as well as here at InfraServices can be challenging for people as it brings a sense of the unknown. I personally enjoy the idea of being ready to deploy for the military within a 48-hour timeline and being ready to do so. I believe that has allowed me to take on the changing workforce that the telecommunications industry brings us. One day we can run 100 mph and the next we are scratching for work. It makes it exciting and if you show readiness and willingness to your team, they are more apt to follow.

Communication is key in any organization. How have the communication strategies and practices you developed in the military contributed to your success in your current role?

Communication is key, and the military taught me at an early age that leaders need to be clear, complete, and concise when communicating ideas, intentions, and decisions. Using those communication tools in my current position as a Market Director allows me and my team to be on the same page.