Interview with Hartley Lesser, Editorial Director, SatNews Publishers

A true veteran, in every sense of the word—Marc LeGare has actual satcom application and installation experience within contested military zones. In addition, he is the CEO of Proactive Communications, Inc. (PCI). He possesses senior staff experience with TRW/Northrop Grumman as their former Senior Consultant and Operations Manager for the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade. Marc served in various command and staff positions for the U.S. Army worldwide, including Iraq. We somehow managed to have him pause in his work for a few minutes as we conducted an interview to follow-up his October MilsatMagazine article, “Taking Customization to the Next Level… The Iraqi Connection”.

Hartley
Marc, how did you become involved in the satellite communications business? When did you join PCI? What was your experience prior to PCI (business and military)?

Marc
I moved into the satellite communications business in 2003 after serving as a Battalion Commander for the U.S. military. In that role, I underwent military communications training and gained hands-on experience with some of the most cutting edge digital battle command technology in the world. My battalion was the first digitized, mechanized infantry battalion in the US Army.

Hartley
How is your management philosophy impacted by your military experience as a Battalion Commander?
Marc
Empowering employees so they can make rapid decisions is what I strive to attain, and that requires I work with them in the field to understand exactly what they need to succeed on each project. In this way, they can effectively lead members of the team and work together to complete their missions.

Hartley
How would you describe your experience working with Iraqis employed by PCI?

Marc
Seventy percent of our work force in Iraq is comprised of native Iraqis. They’ve been an integral part of doing business there because they’ve helped us understand the culture and also provided the necessary translation services and labor we’ve needed to complete various projects. I’ve witnessed true camaraderie and teamwork between Sunni, Shiite and Christians and would describe them as a real “band of brothers.” It’s a real privilege to know and to work with them. They are a refreshing reminder of the human resource potential that resides in Iraq.

Hartley
What qualities do you find most necessary when working and leading under extreme conditions?

Marc
In most extreme situations – whether its emergency communications or when you’re operating in a war zone – initiative, flexibility, empowered decision making, and a “make it happen” attitude are the most important attributes.

Hartley
What valuable business lessons have you learned from working in Iraq?

Marc
I’ve learned that it’s necessary for corporate leaders to roll up their sleeves and to really get to know the environment and customer with which they’re working. Another key factor is building a solid team that can manage the international finance and legal complexities.

Hartley
How did you, and do you, protect your assets in a war zone?

Marc
Our most important asset is our work force. We take great pains to ensure the safety of everyone who supports the different programs in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the measures I assume is to personally visit the most dangerous sites and understand the asset protection necessary within each working environment.

Hartley
After your active duty, how did you manage the transition to civilian life and the lead role with a commercial company?

Marc
I did a lot of reading on business practices and tried to merge that knowledge with my military leadership experience. As far as leading PCI is concerned, when I started we only had five employees at the time, so I have been able to learn as the company grew.

Hartley
What frustrated you the most during your first trip to Iraq? How could that have been overcome?

Marc
I was most taken back by how difficult the simplest tasks could become. Just getting food, water, and fuel could be a struggle. I thought my military experience would have prepared me for this, but I had to learn a new set of rules as to who to talk to, and how to emplace resources. Now we embrace the friction and are always prepared to be flexible. On the other hand, initiative, teamwork, and a sense of humor can overcome this friction. In fact, I started using the Staples “easy” button to acknowledge those efforts that made seemingly impossible tasks simple and fast.

Hartley
What major changes have you witnessed within the military satellite communications industry since joining PCI?

Marc
We have seen the ever increasing “untethering” of units from line-of-sight communications and an increasing reliance on satellite based systems. I think this movement will continue for years to come.

Hartley
Where do you see the industry heading?

Marc
I believe satellite systems will become more mobile, lighter in weight, and far more capable of being pushed out to the individual on the battlefield.

Hartley
What is your vision for Proactive Communications? What future plans do you have for the company?

Marc
Our plan is for PCI to be at the forefront of secure communications for our customers, in the most demanding of environments. I don’t see PCI becoming a “Club Med” telecommunications company. Our role is to be the desired partner for any “away game” whether that’s a combat zone, disaster assistance, or beyond the reach of line-of-sight systems.


About Proactive Communications, Inc.
This company offers satcom, enterprise, IT consulting and field support services around the world. Marc, by the way, has a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the School of Advanced Military Studies. The company website is located at: http://www.proactivecommo.com/solutions/default.asp