Do you have a few extra minutes? Then spend ‘5 Minutes With…’ Jeremiah McCloud!
Jeremiah is a United States Naval Academy grad (c/o 2009) who spent over 10 years in the Marine Corps. And now he’s using his experience in various business areas and industries to support clients with their strategic initiatives.
But that’s only half of his story! Jeremiah is full of surprises–like his newfound hobby of mycology. Keep reading to learn more about his hobbies and even pick up some kid-friendly podcast recommendations.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I spent a little over a decade in the military, both as an enlisted Marine and as a Marine officer, with a combat deployment to Afghanistan. Since leaving active duty, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience in roles across business functions and industries, equipping myself with knowledge, tools, and experiences that now inform my approach to project delivery. I value spending time with loved ones and close friends, I enjoy photography, and I’m just beginning to explore the world of fungi and mycology.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
As much as I enjoy sushi, pasta, and bacon (separately…or together, I guess), I’d have to go with vegetables. And if I had to be more specific than that: mushrooms, because they’re relatively simple to farm and harvest; they offer a variety of flavors and textures; and they provide an array of medicinal benefits, such as improved gut health, increased neurogenesis, and brighter mood.
What’s your favorite season and why?
I prefer autumn. The winds pick up and the temperatures drop. The changing colors and crisp air bring back memories of college weekends, holidays with friends and family, sports, and outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s a great season for photography.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
I’ve looked up to several inspiring figures at different stages of my professional journey. What inspires me most right now is family.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received? How did that help you?
I’m not sure these were ever pieces of advice from anyone directly to me; I’ve just sort of picked these up along the way.
◦ ‘Just do the work.’ Take the steps necessary to realize your desired outcomes. No one else can do it for you. You’re not owed anything in life. And sometimes things are unpleasant or seem unfair. So…just do the work.
◦ ‘Go and see.’ I think this concept comes from the idea of ‘genba’ in manufacturing and process improvement: go to the ‘actual place’ where things are happening. Go see it. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t rely on anecdotes and assurances. Experience reality for yourself and inform your understanding of what is true. It’s a really simple concept that pays dividends – especially when approached as a team – because it drives the behaviors of curiosity and enables a shared understanding of reality, which ultimately enhances decision-making.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to see both telescopically and microscopically. 🤓
What podcasts are you listening to right now that you recommend?
I don’t listen to podcasts all that often…with the notable exception of listening with my daughter to Story Pirates, Circle Round, and (most often) Greeking Out. 😎
Leave a Reply