Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Lu
Hi Will, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like many others in San Diego, I’m a transplant who never left. I’m originally from Houston, TX. In 2013, the Navy brought me here, and I immediately understood the allure. After leaving military service in 2017, my goal was to stay in San Diego, and I got lucky. Through a unique blend of luck and being at the right place at the right time, I met another veteran who helped me land a role in management consulting here in San Diego.
As a consultant, I built upon many skills I learned from the military. From breaking down a vague problem to uniting people towards a common goal, I regularly referred to experiences from the Navy. During this time, I began volunteering with the veteran community and found a passion for helping others navigate their military transitions. I’m proud to say that while I was there, I led the company’s largest military veteran employee resource group.
As I approached the 5-year mark, an exciting opportunity to work at a start-up presented itself. The prospect of learning and growing in a new environment was exhilarating. I loved the dynamic nature of the job, working with different business functions both in the U.S. and outside of the U.S. Every week, I was learning something new, whether it was about the business or a new culture. The experience was one of the most energizing work experiences I’ve ever had.
Since the start-up, I’ve returned to the federal side, working on process improvement efforts that improve program efficiency. In my spare time, I serve on the Board of Management for the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, where we support the well-being of military families in areas such as food insecurity and child care.
Come this time next year, I’ll be back in school working on my second master’s at Cornell in their Executive Masters of Public Administration program. As I approach the middle of my career, I see the need for strong cooperation between the public and private sectors. I’m looking forward to learning more about this area and, hopefully, one day, working in a role that helps facilitate that.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not.
The transition from the military was very difficult. While I’m very active in the community now, that wasn’t the case seven years ago. I still remember figuring out what networking was and how to do it. Everyone kept saying how important it was. I assumed it was attending events and exchanging business cards. However, that process never led to anything for me. If anything, it only made me feel uncomfortable and frustrated.
But over time, I’ve learned that networking isn’t about handing out little pieces of paper but more about connecting with people. I no longer attend events to meet everyone in the room. I’m okay with leaving an event with one or two really good conversations that I’m excited to follow up on.
In the last several years, community service has become my source of energy and fulfillment. It’s not just a way to continue serving, but also a platform to meet other like-minded individuals. I’ve found joy in this form of networking, where it doesn’t feel like networking
at all.
I wish that I had life figured out and thoroughly mapped out. However, that would be a lie. I’m still going through this path of self-discovery with what I want in my life and how I might get there. There are still many days where I feel stuck. Nonetheless, one thing I have nailed down is having a solid support system around me. Whatever path I take, I’ll have many friends, mentors, and champions there to support me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m good at bringing people together. In an individual context, I know how to recognize an individual’s needs and connect them with the right people to provide that support. In the workplace, I’ve bridged gaps between teams by identifying the missing skill sets and bringing together the right individuals to solve specific challenges. I’ve done this for veterans seeking new career opportunities outside of work. I have continued to apply this approach in the non-profit sector, fostering partnerships and supporting fundraising efforts.
I’ve used this in group settings to identify the right people whose goals and values align with the mission. In the past, I’ve used this to help scale a networking group. While serving as a chapter lead for the Veterans Beer Club, what started as a group of 30 to 40 participants quickly doubled by the end of my time as a chapter lead. We united and fostered hundreds of connections, leading to jobs for service members and their spouses. I’m in the process of doing the same at the Armed Services YMCA San Diego as we continue to scale our impact and reach within the San Diego community.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Support the Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Services YMCA San Diego provides two food drives for military families each month. These events are a great opportunity to see the community we support and the importance of our work. At each event, you’ll find board members, staff, the community, and local companies.
Please come out and join us!
Contact Info:
