ELD: How important is staying connected and serving the veteran community for you? Did you envision serving your community in this way?
DG: While I never imagined I’d be doing this as a career, I’ve never had a single day in the last 5 years where I didn’t spring out of bed, looking forward to my work day serving fellow veterans. That kind of motivation isn’t easy to find, and I’m grateful for the fit I’ve found in this
role which energizes me each day.
My universal advice is to work hard to find that “right fit” role, realizing you may need to zero in on it by working a few jobs that aren’t quite perfect. Even if it takes time, with every job and opportunity you get closer to the ideal role.
ELD: What attracted you to the idea of working as the Endowment’s executive director? Are you still excited about the same aspects, or have you found nuances on the job you couldn’t have envisioned?
DG: I love the genuine commitment of the Activision Blizzard leadership team and its employees to this cause. It’s real: with resources, time and passion. That attracted me to this role and keeps me in it. My Board, which consists of company executives, both supports and challenges me to continue pushing our performance envelope.
ELD: What has been your most humbling or instructive moment on the job since you left active duty?
DG: Learning early on that “there’s no free lunch” is trite, but true. Every job I’ve had in the civilian sector has been more challenging than the previous one. At the same time, if you’re dedicated to learning and work hard, your capacity to handle these challenges grows as well. I think some active duty folks are surprised with the level of effort required to succeed and advance in the civilian workforce, especially in professional, non-government roles.
Executive Director, Dan Goldenberg from the Call of Duty Endowment tries on an Explosive Ordnance Disposal suit at Ramstein Air Base April 14, 2018
(Photo by Joseph A. Lee/USO)