Would you tell us about your career journey?

Most times I think of it as a fortunate parlay from playing team sports early in my life. There’s no better feeling than being part of a winning team — and contributing in any way that you can. I learned that teams which worked the hardest, spent time being strategic, and who could inspire individuals to make sacrifices for the benefit of the team were the ones that won the most. While I was busy playing sports, I also had two newspaper delivery routes and a side hustle selling (empty) beer cans to “rich kid” collectors. Finally, there was no way Dad was going to accept bad grades at school, so I had to cover that base too. Those early life experiences led to my love of teamwork, understanding of business, the necessity and gratification of hard work, and fear of failure. I worked every summer since I was a kid and started my career two days after graduating college. My career is all about continuation of those things.

What’s a favorite hobby or pastime?

That sure has changed. It used to be playing football, basketball or baseball. Then there was skiing and golf. Once the career became my main sport, those things started to fade. Fortunately, for the last 30 years or so, my favorite thing to do is travel with my wife. We love the Caribbean, Europe and places like that. We wine, we dine, we dance and go out of our way to connect with locals. When you get tight with the locals — like the hotel team — it’s like being with family. We love that. I am also a big music fan. My playlists have a lot more variety than most. And then there is the periodic Sunday morning burrito and beer runs with my brothers. Those can be quite epic too.

What’s your favorite book or movie?

Life is pretty stressful, so I like joyful movies as an escape. I’d say “The Great Race” with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon and Natalie Wood — or maybe “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!”. For books, it’s always nonfiction for me. One that comes to mind is “Blood and Thunder” by Hampton Sides. It’s about the American West and has a lot of history on New Mexico, a place I love endlessly. For business, “Leadership is an Art” by Max DePree has always inspired and informed me; and I share a copy with as many people as I can.

What song gets you hyped up?

This week it’s “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. Next week it could be “Serenata Norteña” by Los Lobos. I’m all over the place.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

Maybe “Marcus Popus.” Mom called me Marcus, and Dad called me Popus — for which of course there is a reason which would unfold in the book. They were awesome parents, so it seems that title would be fitting. I’ll go ahead and tell Stuart (Bradie) I’ll need more free time to get this literary project off the ground.

What’s something that inspires or motivates you?

The way my wife cares for her mother is the most difficult and admirable human act I have ever seen. Any accomplishments or challenges I undertake are so insignificant compared to this.

What’s the best advice you ever received, professional or otherwise?

When in doubt, lead.

What’s one piece of advice you frequently give?

It’s the one I still don’t do enough: Go out of your way to make someone’s day.

Which ONE KBR Value resonates with you the most and why?

For sure, “We Are a Team of Teams.” Everyone that walks this earth has special gifts and talents. The great joy of teamwork is identifying each player’s gifts and organizing the team to best leverage those for maximum impact. That’s total inclusion. When I think about building teams, I usually start by envisioning what victory looks like, and also what it will feel like. For me, this sets an internal expectation and commitment, and with that comes a positive energy to make the team win a reality.