Metronome’s Quarterly Newsletter March 2018 Issue No. 13

| i Contents Introduction Message from Jen BY JENNIFER VIRGA

Metronome’s Quarterly Newsletter March 2018 Jennifer Virga, Metronome’s Chief Executive Officer, highlights the big takeaways from the Issue No. 13 last quarter and what you should know for the road ahead.

s winter gives way to spring, we prepare to put away our OneGoal Progress Update heavy coats and welcome warmer days. Let’s elaborate on Our company-wide OneGoal for 2018 is to get us “Prime-Tuned” by Asome of the success we saw at the start of 2018 and look the end of December. We are happy to report that we are well on 1 Message from Jen 9 Calendars 101 ahead to the next few months! our way to reaching this goal! BY JENNIFER VIRGA BY RALPH HARMON New Website We started the year by outlining key projects for each of our HQ Chief Executive Officer Jen Virga reflects on the first Our resident Executive Assistant shares his tips and After months of hard work and collaboration, we are thrilled to teams to tackle, all with the unified aim of setting the company up quarter of 2018 and what’s next for Metronome. tricks for effective calendar management. launch our new website: www.wearemetronome.com. Our website for success to win more prime contract awards. Within the first is a way for the world to get to know who we are and how we do several months of 2018 we have seen departments carry their 2 Energetic You! 10 Opportunities business. Our goal was to communicate what makes us a spark in initial projects through to completion, taking us one step closer to BY REBECCA WOOLSON Check out our open opportunities available for you, your our industry. We are proud of this new product and are excited for reaching our OneGoal. There is much work still to be done and we Our Director of Culture & Engagement explains the friends, and your family to apply for. you to explore it! are excited to support each team in their ongoing efforts throughout importance of Energy Management. the rest of the year! The new website provides valuable information on the services we 4 Eye on Espionage 11 Pulser Spotlight provide to the Federal Government, including cloud services, cyber security, data management, intelligence and mission support, as Leadership Opportunities On-Site BY DEBORAH McCLINTON BY SARAH GEORGE well as recruiting. In addition, it outlines our company culture and At Metronome, we strive to maintain open communication with our Our FSO breaks down what you need to know about We shine a spotlight on Tim Hendricks, a Metronome leadership, and our open positions. We encourage you, your friends, Pulsers and create an environment and reporting structure that sets espionage and national security crimes. Toponomist in St. Louis, MO. and your family to check it out! you up for success. This is where our Operations Managers come into play! Our Operations Managers are Pulsers who, in addition to 5 Secured Websites exceeding the expectations of their respective customers, choose 12 Quarterly Celebrations 2017 Core Value Award Winners BY AMINA MOHAMUD BY SARAH SOLTIS to go above and beyond by serving as a liaison between our on-site At our 2017 Holiday Party we introduced a new annual award initia- One of our IT gurus shares how to ensure that the infor- Celebrate this quarter’s upcoming birthdays, last quar- workforce and our headquarters. It is through the leadership and tive: The Core Value Awards. The Awards were created to celebrate mation you send online is safe. ter’s anniversaries, life events, and new Pulsers! efforts of our outstanding team of Operations Managers that we the success of Pulsers who consistently demonstrate their commit- are able to best support our workforce. We are excited to add to 7 Raises! 13 Quarterly Anthem ment to specific Metronome core values throughout the year. It was this team and are actively seeking hard-working individuals with an honor to present the following individuals with their respective a passion for leadership! Operations Managers receive additional BY SAM SANDERS BY VIRGIL VIRGA awards and we look forward to rewarding the efforts of other Puls- compensations for their time and commitment. Reach out to Tom People & Culture introduces a new policy linking raises to Metronome President, Virgil Virga, shares his quarterly ers in the years to come. Snopik at [email protected] to apply! Professional Development Plans. anthem: Three Little Birds. —————— 8 The Music In My Life PASSION TEAMMATES 14 Fun & Adventures Disney Sams Rey Mireles Thank you for helping us kick off 2018 with a great start! We look BY TRACY HARRIS Snapshots of fun and celebrations from this past quarter. forward to celebrating even more success with you throughout the In this article, Tracy describes how music has played a IMPROVING MISSION rest of the year. pivotal role in her own life. John Mastapeter Holly Wickline Wishing you and your loved ones a happy spring!

cover illustration: stock.adobe.com © alphaspirit on this page image: stock.adobe.com © benna23 | 1 Energy Management Energy Management PHYSICAL ENERGY MENTAL ENERGY What is Physical Energy? What is Mental Energy? Physical energy is drawn from the body and is fueled by nutrition, Mental energy is the ability or willingness to engage in cognitive work, exercise, and sleep.1 ability to focus, exercise willpower, be productive, and make decisions.1 Energetic You Why does Physical Energy matter? Why does Mental Energy matter? Our bodies carry us through our days. Keeping them in good condition is One’s ability to engage in cognitive work, level of productivity, ability to fundamental to our ability to get things done, manage emotions, and focus make decisions, and willpower matter tremendously, particularly in the BY REBECCA WOOLSON attention. Nutrition fuels both body and mind. Physical activity is correlated workplace. Much of this boils down do the ability to focus which is a with better mood, less stress, more confidence and better sleep. Insuf- challenge because of the number of distractions we face each day. “We ficient sleep may increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular waste time, attention, and energy on relatively unimportant information “There’s not enough time in the day.” “I wish I had more time.” “When The three main areas of symptoms that are considered to be signs of disease, and infections. and interactions, staying busy but producing little of value.”6 will I find the time?” “If only there were a few more hours in a day!” burnout include:3 Best practices for managing Physical Energy Best practices for managing Mental Energy We say and hear statements referring to not having enough time • Exhaustion: People affected feel drained and emotionally • MINIMIZE TECHNOLOGICAL DISTRACTIONS: Adjust the push multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. Alas, time continues exhausted, unable to cope, tired and down. • NUTRITION: Ideally, you should eat regularly (3 small meals and 2 healthy snacks a day). To get started, keep healthy snacks like notifications you receive to what really matters. Purposefully leave to tick by relentlessly at the same pace as always. 7 • Alienation from activities: People who have burnout find seeds, nuts, and dark chocolate within reach and put unhealthy your phone behind or put it on do not disturb or airplane mode. In a popular Harvard Business Review article, Tony Schwartz and their jobs increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may start ones out of reach.2 • CLUSTER TASK: Multi-tasking DOES NOT work! You’re simply Catherine McCarthy challenge their readers to “Manage your energy, being cynical about their working conditions and colleagues. • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Ideally, do strength training 3 days per week, switching tasks. Cluster them into 90 to 120 minute chunks and 1 not your time” because “time is a finite resource – energy is a different • Reduced performance: People with burnout are negative cardio 2 days per week, and actively rest 2 days per week. To get then take a true break before fully focusing on the next activity. story!”1 However, just like time, a lot of us get stuck in cycles of just about tasks, find it hard to concentrate, and lack creativity. It started walk in 5 to 10 minute bursts for 30 minutes a day or find • WRITE IT DOWN: Keep a running list of everything you want or wishing we had more energy rather than figuring out how we can affects everyday tasks at work, home, or when caring for family something fun to do - recreational sports and play is not just for need to do. When you download what’s on your mind regularly, you increase our levels of energy. members. kids! spend less energy thinking about undone tasks.2 So, what is energy management? Why does it matter? What are some Research has also linked burnout to many negative physical and men- • SLEEPING: Ideally, get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. To get started, • TAKE A BREAK: Studies show that the most productive employees 8 practical steps you can take to increase your energy levels and help tal health outcomes, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, establish a regular sleep/wake schedule and create a bedtime take frequent breaks throughout the day. Even breaks that last a ritual. Begin to unwind 30 to 45 minutes before your bedtime.4 minute or less can pay dividends. you make the most of the time you have in any given day? Read on to sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, as well as to increased learn more! alcohol and drug use. EMOTIONAL ENERGY SPIRITUAL ENERGY WHAT IS ENERGY MANAGEMENT? WHAT TO DO What is Emotional Energy? What is Spiritual Energy? Energy is defined in physics as the capacity to work. It comes from four Humans are designed to be rhythmic, and to intermittently renew. “Emotional energy is not an adrenaline filled, run-around-like-a-nut Spiritual energy relates to what a person most values and what gives main wellsprings in human beings.1 The wellsprings and the questions We are not meant to run like machines – at high speeds and for long kind of energy. It’s an aliveness of the mind, a happiness of the heart, them a sense of meaning and purpose.1 to ask yourself include:2 periods of time. We need maintenance and replenishment to sustain and a spirit filled with hope.”5 optimal performance – otherwise, our energy burns out. • THE BODY: Physical Energy - how healthy are you? Why does Spiritual Energy matter? Why does Emotional Energy matter? • THE EMOTIONS: The Quality of Energy - how happy or at By establishing rituals and behaviors related to each of the four well- If what a person is doing really matters to them, “they typically feel more The impact of low levels of emotional energy include an entire drain 1 peace are you? springs of human energy, you can systematically expand and renew positive energy, focus better, and demonstrate greater perseverance.” of energy in your mind and body, impatience, friction in relationships, your energy levels. By doing so, you are able to maximize the time you Identifying our core values can be the best gift we can give ourselves • THE MIND: Focus of Energy - how well can you focus on warped thinking, and loss of motivation. Stable to high levels of emo- because they can serve as a compass. They can help us navigate deci- have by bringing a greater clarity of mind and an optimistic attitude to something? tional energy can result in greater self control, less stress, stability in sions, make more fulfilling choices, and live in a way that is satisfying and any given challenge. With your energy buckets full, you can increase • THE HUMAN SPIRIT: Energy of Meaning and Purpose - relationships, higher performance, inspiration, and drive.1 meaningful.9 your level of productivity and satisfaction in all areas of your life. why are you doing all this? What is your purpose? Best practices for managing Emotional Energy Best practices for managing Spiritual Energy To get started in managing your energy, bring awareness to the behav- iors, relationships, habits, and thought-processes that are depleting • DEEP BREATHING: Deep abdominal breathing is one way to do that • DISCOVER YOUR CORE VALUES: There are a number of core value WHY IT MATTERS gives your analytical brain to catch up to your emotional brain.1 discovery exercises and assessments out there. Give one a shot! When we don’t manage our energy properly, we are at risk of burn- your energy. Recognize what is in your control and set out on a journey • CHANGE THE STORY: Bring awareness to the difference between • KEEP AN OPEN MIND: When you’re attempting to discover what out. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion to establish and intentionally practice rituals that expand and renew your energy level. the facts in a given situation and the way you interpret the facts. you do best and what you enjoy most, they might not align. You caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel You have a choice about how to view a given event. The story you may get a lot of positive feedback about something you’re very overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant tell yourself powerfully influences the emotions you feel.1 good at but not truly enjoy it. The reverse is also possible. Be demands. patient with yourself and weigh your path forward.1 1 https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time • PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Express appreciation to others. This can 2 https://lifehacker.com/5993541/the-four-elements-of-physical-energy-and-how-to-master-them • ESTABLISH RITUALS: Once you’ve realized what truly means the You’ve likely heard the term before – maybe you’ve even felt it. Burn- 3 https://hbr.org/2016/11/beating-burnout be a handwritten note, an email, a text, a call, or a conversation. 4 https://hbr.org/2010/12/six-ways-to-refuel-your-energy The more detailed the better.4 most to you, you can clarify priorities and establish accompanying out is not yet a clinical term separate from stress – however, it’s an 5 https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ornish-living/the-importance-of-emotion_b_8394718.html increasing issue in the modern workplace. A 2013 ComPsych survey 6 https://hbr.org/2015/06/counquering-digital-distraction • RECOVER: Too many high energy emotions, even positive ones, rituals. Consciously allocate time and energy to those areas of your 7 https://hbr.org/2016/06/resilience-is-about-how-you-recharge-not-how-you-endure life – work, family, health, service to others – whatever you deem of more than 5,100 North American workers found that 62% felt high 8 https://hbr/org/2017/08/4-signs-that-your-focus-is-holding-you-back-at-work can leave you feeling exhausted and drained. You can expand your most important.1 n levels of stress, loss of control, and extreme fatigue.3 capacity for emotional energy by allowing yourself to recover after cycles of extreme emotional energy. Message from our FSO Message from IT Eye on Espionage Secured Websites BY DEBORAH MCCLINTON BY AMINA MOHAMUD

As Metronome continues to keep our employees abreast of insider threats and counterintelligence, we take a One of Metronome’s IT gurus explains how to ensure that the information you send online is safe and look under the magnifying glass to explore espionage and national security crimes. encrypted through SSL or TLS

he Center for Development of Security Excellence recently pub- ECONOMIC ESPIONAGE: lished an informative flyer breaking down some of the common The FBI defines economic espionage as “foreign power-sponsored or components of espionage-related national security crimes. coordinated intelligence activity directed at the U.S. government or U.S. T corporations, establishments, or persons, designed to unlawfully or Espionage in its broadest and most traditional sense is the transmittal of national security information with the intent to cause harm to the U.S. or clandestinely influence sensitive economic policy decisions or to unlawfully aid a foreign power. While the term may bring to mind Hollywood produced obtain sensitive financial, trade, or economic policy information; propri- images of James Bond, its real-world implications are more applicable etary economic information; or critical technologies. is defined as behavior than you might think – and the responsibility to report suspected violations that denies the economic benefit of reasonably protected property to its falls on you. Here is a break down of what you should know about three rightful owner, for the purpose of benefitting a foreign entity.” 1 common forms of espionage and how to counter them. TRADE SECRET THEFT:

People often use the terms “economic espionage” and “trade secret theft” stock.adobe.com © XtravaganT image: interchangeably, however there is a difference. Trade secret theft covers the interchange of a trade secret to the economic benefit of anyone other It’s no secret that the internet can be a dangerous place. As our LET'S BREAK IT DOWN: than the rightful owner. Unlike economic espionage, there is no require- newsfeeds become increasingly cluttered with reports of hacking 1. A device tries to connect to an encrypted site (one with ment for a foreign nexus. Keep in mind that even if information disclosed and stolen information, how can you protect yourself? Accessing https and the lock icon) in trade secret theft is unclassified, it can still divulge critical information websites encrypted through Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Trans- related to a technology or security program and its personnel. port Layer Security (TSL) is a great place to start! 2. The device will request this encrypted site to identify itself EXPORT VIOLATIONS: WHAT IS SSL AND TLS? 3. The encrypted site will then present an SSL certificate to Most technology made in the US is considered to hold at least some the device sensitive information for a foreign nation. The International Traffic in Arms Have you ever visited a website and noticed that the site link starts Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are two with the letters “https” and a small green lock? This is a good thing! 4. The device will inspect the certificate and decide whether important US export control laws meant to keep this sensitive information The letter “s” after “http” and the lock icon serve as a visual indi- or not to trust the site safe. Information controlled by ITAR includes the design, development, cator that SSL and/or TLS are being implemented. SSL certificates production, fabrication, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance serve as an online I.D. card that ensure integrity, identification, 5. If it refuses to trust the site, the device will block the site or modification of defense items. Information controlled by EAR includes authentication, and confidentiality. TLS is an upgraded SSL – a 2.0 or warn the user to turn back the development, production, and use of technology related to high perfor- version. Although TLS is a newer and better protocol, both TLS and mance computer, GPS, and weather radars. SSL are still used today to establish secure channels of communi- 6. If the device trusts the site, an encrypted session will be cation. initiated WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: When considering these components and their relation to national se- HOW DO SSL AND TLS WORK? 7. In an encrypted session, information can be securely curity, it is important to remember that it’s not always easy to accurately transferred between the device and site determine the end user. What appears to be a domestic perpetrator could Each SSL and TLS session involves a pair of keys: a public key and in fact be a foreign collection effort, making the threat of espionage even a private key. The public key is responsible for encrypting infor- MAKE SURE YOUR INFORMATION IS SAFE! greater. Thus, it is important for you to remain vigilant in your counter-es- mation, while the private key is used to decrypt information. For If you have additional questions about how to ensure that the in- pionage efforts. The suspected violation of any of these laws MUST be example, think of a locked door. In this case, the public key acts as formation you send online is secure, reach out to Amina Mohamud reported to your security officer and/or the appropriate federal agency. the physical lock on the door, while the private key serves as the image: stock.adobe.com © retrostar - [email protected] n n unique tool capable of unlocking the door. In the same way you

1 https://www.fbi.gov/about/faqs/what-is-economic-espionage would want to protect your home and belongings using a lock and key, you want to make sure that information you provide 4 | | 5 online is also protected. Message from People & Culture PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Raises! PLAN BY SAM SANDERS, SHRM-CP Want to make yourself eligible for a raise? Schedule a meeting with our Talent Development Advocate!

Every Pulser Deserves a Plan “[The PDP] offers a way for Identifying the steps you need to take to advance in us employees to set short term goals and provides your career can seem daunting. Where do you begin? us with a supporting Metronome believes every Pulser deserves a plan system to essentially hold that pinpoints what those steps are. A Professional us accountable and help Development Plan (PDP) helps shed light on where you us in achieving and / or are in your career, where you want to go, and to establish exploring these goals.” a goal to help get you there. -Behn Zib

image: stock.adobe.com © M.Dörr & M.Frommherz

here are a several opportunities to obtain a raise are tied to the individual professional development of that don’t require you to jump from company to each team member. Professional development can Tcompany. The Metronome help to shed light on where you are in Leadership Team wants to help you your career, where you want to go, and maximize those opportunities! While Examples of Professional what goals you can establish to help we seek to ensure that all team Development Goals: you get there. The backbone of any members earn competitive salaries for • Completing a certification effective succession plan is a robust WHO WHERE WHEN their current roles, we also want our • Obtaining a degree talent pipeline that can be drawn from Pulsers to have a clear understanding • Completing a class at any time. With an employee-driven Metronome’s Talent Depending on your You can do your PDP any of how to obtain a raise when the • Workshop/training/facilitated class professional development initiative Development Advocate will preference, PDPs can be day of the week. As for time time comes. This is not intended as an exhaustive list. in place, our top talent gains the guide you through the PDP. conducted in person or over of day, that’s up to you! Please confer with Silvano Melgar, Talent opportunity to apply to the newest the phone. This is precisely the reason we have Development Advocate for more information opportunities within the company, and created a single point of contact for [email protected] creates eligibility for promotions or your professional growth, our Talent raises. Development Advocate (TDA). Please reach out our Talent Development Advocate, Contact our Talent Development Advocate TODAY to schedule your PDP at Well thought out professional development is critical for Silvano Melgar, at [email protected] to your own success as well as the continued growth and schedule a discussion! (703) 957-4082 or [email protected] success of Metronome as a whole. Therefore, raises 6 | | 7 Essay Tips & Tricks The Music In My Life Calendars 101 BY TRACY HARRIS BY RALPH HARMON

When she isn’t acting as a Community Manager, Pulser Tracy Harris is living and breathing music. In this edition of Manage your calendar, manage your life! Metronome’s resident Exeuctive Assistant, Ralph Harmon, The Music In My Life, she shares the sense of purpose music has given her. shares his tips & tricks for effective calendar management. So it came about that whenever the [evil] spirit… While I do not specifically recall when it happened, it eventually occurred What is one thing critical to success that is also the bane was on Saul, David took a harp and played it with his hand; to me that my capacity to move people through song was not by chance, of even the most seasoned professional’s existence? What so Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil but rather by God’s design. Through my musical journey and this reali- is the answer to this riddle? Drum roll, please… CALEN- spirit would leave him. (1 Samuel 16:23, AMP) zation, it became clear that I was put on this Earth, in part, to sing. I had DAR MANAGEMENT! *cue the screams* Juggling available As the scripture above denotes, inspirational music is intended to be the been awakened! time slots, working around colleagues’ varying schedules, catalyst to positive change in the soul or spirit of the recipien. To “war” and hitting the road block of “never enough time” are just against that which is evil or unpleasant; conquer it with a chosen vessel The Awakening and My Soul Sisters a few of the calendar pitfalls that we might encounter of encouragement. I consider myself one such vessel. Admittedly, I did not “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” during our professional careers. The good news is, staying realize the magnitude of music’s power or purpose until later in life. Proverbs 18:16, KJV on top of your schedule doesn’t have to be as scary and I believe that specific gifts and talents are simply bestowed upon us by taxing as it seems - you just need to get organized and My definition of “inspirational” is not limited to gospel or what some refer God, and that He is strategic in His distribution of them. Thus, to me, it is know a few shortcuts. Here are my top three tips and to as “church” music. Instead, I believe any musical genre can be a con- no coincidence that my date of birth – March 26 - is so close to the birth tricks for how to optimize your calendar organization and duit for spiritual encouragement. Case-in-point, the lyrics and rendition of dates of a number of other inspirational musical makers. Like me, these keep your day on track. Mastering these will ultimately Fantasia’s I’m Doin’ Me gave me a previously absent level of strength that individuals were predestined to serve as vessels to provide positive change making you a more productive professional!

literally moved me to take a necessary action in my life: stock.adobe.com © Itan1409 image: and encouragement through song. COLOR ME ORGANIZED Sometimes as women we give more than we should / To a man that just don’t Chaka Khan born March 23rd sings I’m Every Woman. Aretha Franklin born treat us good, no // Gave him my heart my time / Did all that I could / In the Studies show that we often respond to color faster than th th past / To keep him here with me, yeah // But now I woke up / Opened both March 25 sings Mary Don’t You Weep. Diana Ross born March 26 sings we respond to data. Color-coding meetings to make dis- th my eyes up / Realize that I don’t need any other. // Man, if you can’t love me Home. Mariah Carey born March 27 sings Hero. tinctions between the types of events you’re attending is a • Alternate your calendar views between the “Day” setting to see what equally / Then you don’t need to be with me / Nothing more beautiful then My commonality with each of these artists has remained pivotal in my very useful tool. Having a specific color for different types of meetings will needs your immediate attention, the “Week” setting to prepare for up- knowing you’re worth / And finally, yeah uh / I know exactly what I deserve realization that I was born to sing and has encouraged me to uplift others assist you in organizing and streamlining your day-to-day schedule and coming appointments, and the “Month” view to give you a big-picture through song. Furthermore, their music has influenced my singing styles make it easy to identify what’s in store for each day. You can even try color Through song, I am an open receptacle for positive change and a portal perspective and preferences – ballads seem to be my forte! coordinating your meeting to match its mood or urgency! through which vocal inspiration can flow. Travel with me as I share a few • Periodically, take a look at the upcoming 2 to 3 months to help avoid excerpts of my musical journey, my awakening through song, and the Again, I don’t know when this metamorphosis occurred. Perhaps it How to color code your Outlook calendar: conflicts, set priorities, and establish deadlines. manifestation and joy I experience from fulfilling this purpose in my life! happened after the seemingly endless trials and tribulations of life began 1. Click the “Home” tab on your 4. Click “New” to take a toll on me. In hindsight, I know that it was God changing me The Journey menu 5. Choose a color and enter a SORRY, ITS “ME TIME!” from the inside-out. It was at this time that singing in church became my 2. Click “Categorize” name Rather than constantly trying to multitask or getting caught up in compet- I have been singing and talking for approximately the same amount of “thing.” Initially, I thought that the soul-stirring gospel songs of the church 3. Click “All Categories” 6. Click “Okay” ing priorities, try setting aside some time without interruptions. It’s import- time. My family shares stories of me not just babbling or talking, but sing- existed to guide me on a personal level. But then, it became apparent that ant to take time to tackle small tasks, regroup, and breath. Setting aside ing loudly in my crib. As little girls, my sister and I would sing and dance the inspiration and power gospel music gave me was to be paid forward! I CHECK, PLEASE! time for this can help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed and inundated for soda pop, chips, and small change in the local bars that my mother knew I was meant to share gospel with others wherever, and whenever, He It’s crucial to carve out time in your busy schedule to check your calendar with projects. Creating “Administrative Time” on your calendar every day of would take us to - clearly, we didn’t grow up in the church! called me to do so. The purpose of my singing gift had revealed itself to throughout the day. Staying current on start times, end times, free time, the week and committing to be present for that time slot is paramount to In high school, I was hand-picked by the music teacher to audition for a me. It had manifested! types of meetings you have, and who you will be meeting with is very keeping yourself organized. scholarship to a performing arts school in New York City. At the time, I had important to staying prepared and equipped for success. absolutely no idea why I was chosen. To my utter surprise, I was offered The Manifestation and the Joy! How to use “Administrative Time”: “A song is a corridor into the presence of God.” – Mike Murdock How to stay on-top of your calendar: the scholarship! Due to family circumstances, I was unable to attend. • Work on important documents that need focused attention I believe God created me to be an encourager. Encouraging people • Check your calendar before the week starts Later, while living in Germany, I wound up becoming the lead female • Add appointments to your calendar to prioritize your time through word is what I do. Often, the most impacting words I have to share • Check your calendar before you leave for work in the morning vocalist in a band. We sang various cover songs and the National Anthem • Respond to and send important emails and correspondence are relayed in the form of song. Thus, I find great joy in knowing that my • Check your schedule mid-day, every day at events like fashion shows, sports games, and special ceremonies. Upon • Sift through time sensitive tasks gift of song might breed hope and encouragement into the lives of those returning to the U.S., I spent some time in recording studios singing both • Check your calendar for the following day before you leave work • Participate in activities that reduce stress who hear! I am further gratified in knowing that I was chosen to be a cover songs and a few original compositions. After being encouraged by • Set up reminders so that your calendar will update you when it’s time vessel for such positivity! n a travel companion to perform more, I also began signing renditions of for your appointment to begin Managing your calendar effectively can be critical to your day-to-day suc- different jazz pieces at local clubs. cess. Use these tips and tricks to maximize your organization and conquer your week! n 8 | | 9 Open Positions Pulser Spotlight Opportunities Tim Hendricks Are you looking for a change? Contact your Manager if you'd like to apply to a different position within Metronome. You can also refer a friend! Ask them to send their resume to SendYourFriends@ Interview by Sarah George metronomeusa.com. For each referral hired, you could receive a bonus between $500 and $3,000 (depending on clearance level and exemption status). im Hendricks is a laid-back Army Veteran and soon to be dad that supports Metronome as a Toponomist in St. Louis, MO. Recently, Administrative Secretary Springfield, VA Network Engineer Fort Belvoir, VA TSarah George, a Metronome Business Development Specialist, interviewed him for our quarterly Pulser Spotlight. All-Source Intelligence Analyst Fort Belvoir, VA Network Engineer Fort Belvoir, VA Automotive Mechanic Springfield, VA Packer/Crater Springfield, VA What kind of music do you like? Business Analyst Dahlgren, VA PHP Developer Springfield, VA I like all kinds of music: jazz, rap, indie; however, I’ve loved Louis Arm- strong since I was a little kid. In my opinion, he is the greatest trumpet Chief Architect Fort Belvoir, VA Proposal Manager Fairfax, VA player of all time. Louis is so well known for the depth and soul of his voice, that you almost forget about how talented he is on the trumpet. To Cloud Analytics Developer Springfield, VA Python Development Instructor Springfield, VA be that gifted as both a singer and a brass player is pretty remarkable! Cloud Security SME Washington, D.C. Resource Manager Fairfax, VA Do you have any talents or hobbies that you’re passionate Computer Systems Analyst Washington, D.C. RSA Archer Developer Washington, D.C. about? Computer Technical Support Special- Dahlgren, VA Senior Secretary Springfield, VA I consider myself a pretty “middle-of-the-road” kind of guy with no ist (Help Desk) Senior Security Engineer Washington, D.C. noteworthy talents. I’m a homebody and love spending time with my wife, Customer Technical Support Special- Dahlgren, VA Amanda, and our dog, Reggie. However, in college I was very adventur- Tim, his wife Amanda, and their dog Reggie repping their Service Desk Fort Belvoir, VA favorite sports teams ist (RDT&E) ous. I received a scholarship to Marian University in Indianapolis to throw SharePoint Developer Fort Belvoir, VA discus and hammer. Once there, I went on to be Class President, student Cyber Intelligence Analyst Fort Belvoir, VA body Vice President, a college mentor for local kids, and even performed SharePoint Developer Springfield, VA in a couple of school plays. Cyber Metrics Analyst Washington, D.C. Splunk Senior Engineer Washington, D.C. Data Analyst Dahlgren, VA What were you doing before joining the Metronome family? Splunk SME Washington, D.C. Executive Administrator Tysons / McLean, VA I finished my undergraduate degree in Political Science in May 2012. By System Administrator Fort Belvoir, VA July of that year I was off to basic training in the Army. I served for five Executive Administrator Bethesda, MD years. In 2014, I deployed to the Middle East under Operation Inherent Systems Administrator (Unix) Dahlgren, VA Forensic Analyst Fort Belvoir, VA Resolve, the coalition campaign against ISIS. During my nine-month tour, I Systems Engineer Fort Belvoir, VA participated in 96 successful ISR missions, for which I received a couple of Geospatial Analyst St. Louis, MO + Deployable medals and special recognition. It was an honor to serve my country and Systems Security Engineer Dahlgren, VA I’m really proud of my time in the Army. After that, I started working on my Incident Handler Fort Belvoir, VA Tim is a decorated Army Veteran recognized for his service Systems Security Engineer Dahlgren, VA Master’s in Public Administration – I’ll be graduating this summer! Information Assurance Engineer Fort Belvoir, VA under Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East Tier 1 Analyst Mount Weather, VA Intern Fairfax, VA What is a fun or special memory from your life story? Who is someone that inspires you? Tier 2 Night Shift Lead Washington, D.C. An event in my life that it unique is how I met my wife, Amanda. We had I know this sounds cliché, but it has to be my wife, Amanda. She im- ISD Developer Springfield, VA a mutual friend, Jill, who always insisted that Amanda and I would be presses me every day. Amanda is a special education teacher, dedicating Tier 3 Analyst Mount Weather, VA IT Web and Multimedia Springfield, VA perfect for one another. However, Jill waited a long time to actually get us countless hours and lots of love to her students. I see her challenge VAT Team Lead Washington, D.C. connected. It wasn’t until I was overseas that Jill finally reached out to give herself every day. It’s amazing to watch her grow as a person. While I was Knowledge Management Specialist Fort Belvoir, VA me Amanda’s number. Seeing as how I was in the middle of the desert deployed and we were living in different time zones, Amanda would wake Warehouseman McLean, VA Linux Database Engineer Washington, D.C. and couldn’t call her, I messaged Amanda on Facebook instead. We hit it up early or stay up late just to talk to me. She took a chance on me and Warehouseman Springfield, VA off right away, bonding over our shared love of sports and going to games. moved to Georgia after only a year of dating. It took a lot of courage to Linux Systems Administrator Washington, D.C. We now have a large collection of hats for all the teams we support. Four uproot her life so that we could pursue our dreams and I love her for that. I Local Courier McLean, VA years later we are married, bought our first home, and just found out we am excited to take on parenthood with her once our twin boys arrive! n are pregnant with twin boys! It’s a very exciting time for us!

10 | | 11 Quarterly Celebrations Quarterly Anthem Celebrate Three Little Birds Each quarter, we assemble lists of Pulsers celebrating milestones and achievements. If you see one of the BY VIRGIL VIRGA below Pulsers, be sure to help them celebrate!!! Each quarter Metronome President, Virgil Virga, chooses a song as Metronome’s anthem. This quarter, he BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES NEW PULSERS selected Three Little Birds. Rise up this mornin’ March 25: Silvano Melgar 6 Year Anniversary Also known as Don’t Worry About a Thing or 1 Year Anniversaries Darlene Curl Smiled with the risin’ sun 4: Ebony Epperson 29: Rim Radwan Mary Hastings Michelle Stevens Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright, Three Craig Elam Little Birds is one of only a few songs that just Three little birds 6: Bill Ide 29: Sara Hunter James Obleton Kellie Dumire about everyone on Earth knows… No matter Pitch by my doorstep 6: Melissa Rubley Monica Bethea May 5 Year Anniversaries the naming convention, the song conveys the 6: Farrington Wright 3: Nemo Cerritos Dorothea Dehart Veronica Harger In Three Little Birds, Bob repeats a few lines Alex Dina ubiquitous messages of hope and resilience from throughout the song. He uses this incantation to 9: Tom Snopik 7: Peggy Lattion Ebony Epperson Quinton Keith Lauren O’Neal the prophet, Robert Nesta Marley – better known drive home his message. He mentions the morn- 9: Luvelle Pemberton 11: Charles Miller Alan Isaacson Mark Johnson as Bob Marley. ing, the sun, and his little bird friends. These are 13: Michelle Mayne 11: Ever Cerritos Annie McNeil Kouri Sims 4 Year Anniversaries all constants in his life that clearly help him to feel 13: Paige Guthrie 14: Michelle Stevens Tracy Harris Don’t worry about a thing Derrick Johnson Chris Bostick connected, safe, and significant. All of which were 15: Kellie Dumire 15: Amina Mohamud Charles Miller ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright Ervin Harris likely positive triggers in Bob’s world. 17: Altavon Clark 16: Lauren Cheatham Donna Stakes Dating back to my early teens, friends and image: stock.adobe.com © pravdinal Timothy Lowe The older I get, the more it becomes apparent 17: Javier Vazquez 17: Mike Megill 3 Year Anniversaries Kyle Woods acquaintances would often say, “You never seem that we all have our worry points, our baggage, 22: Jeffrey Golden 17:Trisha Clark Vontia Perry Kayla Goodwin Stephanie Brown to be worried about anything.” Sometimes they and our issues. No one is free from roadblocks or bottle necks at work, 23: Eric Keemer Marquita Ransford Ricardo Holloway Matt Eisele would take note of my sense of serenity or happiness and joke, “Why are 18: Renee Sanders at home, or in our heads. However, once I have the courage to look my 26: Alex Dina Coy Roberts you in such a good mood.” These inquisitive interactions with folks have 19: Melissa Kozak Micha Brown James Icenogle anxieties, worries, and triggers in the face and accept them, I can begin stuck with me throughout my life and continue today. 29: Annetta Taylor 20: Quinton Keith Bill Ide Brandon Cho Christopher Behrmann the process of fixing the problems. 31: Ralph Harmon 21: Corey Green Sarah George I think about these interactions often, especially when I am dwelling on Melissa Rubley For me, personal growth is the key to fixing problems. As I stick to my April 23: Ryan Lewis 2 Year Anniversaries Disney Sams something or in a crummy mood. I reflect on those statements because Shaun Sandbloom plans for improvement, I am most energized when I begin to see and feel 1: Jackie DeJesus 24: Arnold Barba Mohamed Ali Mel Welch it simply isn’t true and never has been; I certainly suffer from bad moods the results in myself. The road to recovery can be a fun and refreshing one 5: Marquita Ransford Chad Enyeart Jeremy Johnson and incessant worry, just like many others. June Sandra Anderson when it’s grounded in love and gratitude. Claudette Scarlett 13: Greg Nevens 7: Anthony Burton Carrie Barnes Arnold Barba Over the Holidays, I suffered from a panic attack and had a subsequent When meditating, I use incantations and intentions to reflect on the love 16: David Scharton 7: Jason McConnell Myra Brandon David Scharton rough couple of days. Yep. I worry too. Clearly, it’s not always easy for me of my family and friends, my health, and my mindfulness. These are all 16: Paul Morse 11: Ricardo Holloway Frances Robinson to take Bob’s advice. Scotty Embley constants in my life that provide me with positive energy, and reflecting on 18: Chad Donovan 12: Mel Welch Tracy Sims Peggy Lattion Yet listening to Three Little Birds, the message that we should always be them always helps improve my mood and attitude. They are the singing 20: Candy Smiley 16: Kelly Jones Jamie Hart Juandella Williams-Gray ego free and have the capacity to never worry is unhealthy. In my experi- canaries on my doorstep. 20: Danny Gilbreath 16: Robert Brown Jonathan Lockwood Ione Stovall ence, we all need to take time to realize how we can improve ourselves. 21: Sarah Soltis 19: Dane Winter Kristie Martin Holly Wickline Some folks wait until they hit rock bottom to start making a change and Singin’ sweet songs 24: James Tucker 29: Ione Stovall Danny Gilbreath some reflect well before the crash and start getting better. Of melodies pure and true 25: Darlene Curl Mehak Dar Ultimately, the anxiety I experienced over the Holidays really helped me. Saying’, (this is my message to you) Once I accepted the mental and emotional state that I was in, I started to As I move through 2018, I am going to be sure to reflect and improve, all LIFE EVENTS realize that I had an opportunity to improve and some work to do. the while knowing that it is okay to worry. It is alright to feel sad. From now on when I listen to Three Little Birds, I will use the song as a reminder that Here are some steps I started to take: Sara Hunter: Sara was accepted into graduate school! Ben Tsai: Ben moved into a new home! every little thing isn’t always alright – and that’s okay! But once I face my Kashif Khan: Kashif welcome a new baby to the family! Tashamia Allen: Tashamia got engaged! • Read up on anxiety/triggers and possible remedies problems, base my improvement in love, and surround myself with positive • Reengaged with my therapist Paige Guthrie: Paige welcomed a new baby to the family! Javier Vazquez: Javier moved into a new home! people and optimistic messages, things sure can be alright… at least for • Meditated more regularly Tracy Harris: Tracy moved AND welcomed a grandchild! a while. Rebecca Woolson: Rebecca welcomed a nephew to the family! • Demonstrated appreciation and gratitude for the constants in my life Ryan Covington: Ryan graduated as a Doctor of Engineering! Lauren MacPherson: Lauren welcomed a nephew to the family! that boost my feelings of positivity Singing’ don’t worry ‘bout a thing Janice Wilson: Janice got engaged! Silvano Melgar: Silvano welcomed a nephew to the family! ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright Singing’ don’t worry ‘bout a thing Scott Troen: Scott moved into a new home! ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright ... image: stock.adobe.com © Kanea image: 12 | | 13 Celebrations Fun & Adventures

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