Lessons in leadership, growth and giving back
By Holly Springsteen
The Tarmac to the Tech World: An Unexpected Path
When I was 19-years-old, standing on the tarmac at Marine Corps Air Base New River, I thought I had life figured out after going through basic training and school. I knew how to follow orders, push through pain, and lead by example. But, my true mission – my real journey of leadership, growth, and giving back – was just beginning.
When you join the military, especially the Marine Corps, you learn quickly that life is about structure, discipline, and service. I rose to become Chief Maintenance Supervisor, ensuring that critical equipment was maintained, operational, and ready for deployment at any moment. The stakes were high – no room for error, no “off” days. But, I loved the precision, the responsibility, the camaraderie, and the feeling of leading a team toward a common goal.
After nearly five years of active duty in the Corps, I had a choice: continue rising through the ranks, or transition into civilian life. I chose the latter, which was both terrifying and liberating.
I quickly learned that transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t straightforward. I went from leading high-stakes maintenance operations to the whimsical art world. Later, I transitioned into software engineering. It felt like I had lost part of my identity. But a lesson was brewing beneath the surface: leadership isn’t about your environment – it’s about how you adapt and grow within it.
The Power of Mentorship: My Wake-Up Call
In my early days as a software engineer, I worked with a team at IBM that seemed worlds apart from the Marine Corps. But the more time I spent in the tech world, the more I realized how transferable my military experience was. One day, a junior developer asked me for help. I walked him through the complex problem issue, and in that moment, I saw something click for him – his understanding deepened, and his confidence grew.
That moment struck me. I had become a mentor.
I spent years leading and mentoring my Marines, but mentorship in the tech world felt different. It wasn’t about barking orders or following protocol; it was about fostering curiosity, helping people find their own solutions, and lifting others. I started mentoring regularly, inside and outside the office, which led to an opportunity to teach at UT.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t grow in isolation. You grow by helping others grow.
Giving Back: A Lesson in Purpose
A few years into my tech career, I received a call from a fellow veteran. He was struggling with the same things I had struggled with when I left the Marines. The loss of structure, the overwhelming sense of being adrift. That phone call was my second wake-up call. While I had found my footing, I realized many veterans hadn’t.
That’s when I decided to find opportunities to serve my fellow veterans better. I joined several organizations and companies whose mission is to enable and serve veterans, along with a non-profit, teaching veterans how to translate their service and skills into the civilian world. We built platforms that helped veterans access resources more quickly, streamlining operations so those who served could find the help they needed without endless red tape.
I’ll never forget the day I received a message from one of our users – a veteran who had been able to navigate the platform and finally access the support she needed. She said, “I didn’t know how to ask for help, but your platform made it easier.”
That’s when it hit me: Technology isn’t just about code; it’s about people and connection.
Lifelong Learning: The Journey That Never Ends
In all my years of military and tech experience, one thing has remained constant: the need to keep learning. Life always finds a way to remind me that I don’t know as much as I think I might. The most successful people I know are the ones who never stop being curious and seeking out new knowledge, no matter their experience.
A few years ago, I decided to pursue an Executive MBA. It wasn’t because I wanted another credential but because I had questions. Questions about leadership, strategy, and how to drive impact at a larger scale. That program didn’t just give me answers – it opened up a new set of questions.
It’s easy to think you’ve reached your peak when you’ve climbed a few mountains, but there’s always a higher summit waiting. Lifelong learning is about staying open to the unknown.
The Austin Connection: A Place to Grow
When I moved to Austin in 2015, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Austin is where innovation isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected. Beyond that, Austin is a community. Austinites care about each other and about making a difference. That sense of purpose has become a guiding force in my life.
Austin has been the backdrop for much of my professional and personal development. It’s a place that nurtures growth in a way I never anticipated.
The Lesson: Growth Comes from Giving Back
Looking back, the lesson that ties my entire journey together is simple: growth comes from giving back. Whether it’s mentoring a junior developer, building technology that helps veterans, or simply being open to learning something new every day, my most significant breakthroughs have come when I’ve focused on others.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. It’s about lifting others, sharing what you’ve learned, and being willing to grow alongside them. Our mission in life isn’t just about success – it’s about making a difference in the lives of others.
Because, at the end of the day, that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
Connected with Holly on LinkedIn or see more of her work in technology at hollyos.com.