From Service to Civilian: One Senior Manager’s Leadership Journey

“I’m a better person and leader because of those I serve.” — Jess Turner

Senior Manager of the Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Due Diligence and Integration at Rentokil Terminix, Jess Turner, learned much about leadership through her military service. She now applies the invaluable leadership lessons gained as a veteran to support and empower her team. “I realized that service is service and that I could fulfill my duty to serve others in many different ways — not just in a military environment,” she explained.

Jess is also grateful for the opportunities her organization offers. “I feel really proud to work for an organization that was already providing opportunities and listening to ideas from colleagues before the DEI movement ramped up,” she said.

We spoke with Jess about her military service, current role, and how she’s grown throughout her journey.

What was it like to transition from a military to a civilian job? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

At first, the transition felt very foreign. It seemed like such a different lifestyle and pace to now live and serve others as a civilian. So, that was my main challenge: processing that one chapter was over but realizing it wasn’t the last chapter by any means.

I left active duty service in 2006, so many of today’s cultural elements weren’t discussed then. I certainly wasn’t raised to talk about feelings. It was a “figure it out and keep moving forward” way of being. So that’s what I’ve always done.

Tell us a bit about your job. What’s your current role, how long have you been in this role, and what’s your day-to-day like?

Before I joined Rentokil Terminix, I ran a branch for a competitor pest control company for six years. Today, I’ve been in the Acquisition SHE role for four years. I travel often and help integrate acquisition colleagues into our organization. I teach coworkers about our culture, train the managers on our policies, order personal protective equipment (PPE) and other materials, and do whatever else is needed to support the local manager.

What’s your favorite aspect of Rentokil Terminix’s culture, and how does it help you succeed?

My favorite part of working here is connecting with so many people who show the best part of humanity by helping others — that’s our Teamwork and Service values in action. I absolutely love seeing people thriving in life and doing good for other people. If I can join in and help in that process, my leadership team will facilitate that. Leadership realizes how much that refills my emotional tank. It’s a neat thing to be a part of.

Do you believe your military background has given you unique perspectives or talents that aid your career today?

Yes, absolutely! My time in the military taught me the value of long-standing relationships and how bonding with others to work toward a common goal can really make a difference. My service provides a perspective that always keeps me in check when I feel like something is a bigger deal than it needs to be.

What’s your top advice for veterans, especially other women veterans, who are looking for jobs right now?

Keep those values of selfless service, discipline, integrity, and all the incredibly important soft skills in your front pocket. At the very least, they’ll serve as a foundation of success as you navigate through service in the civilian sector. 

Also, be mindful of the small percentage of Americans who’ve served our nation. That will remind you to try to understand where others are coming from once removed from military service. There are many more people who haven’t served than those who have, and it’s on us to make more of an effort to relate to the masses and understand life outside of the military.

What advice do you have for someone new to your industry?

Always listen first, especially as a leader. Don’t stray from your values, but listen to those who have been in this industry for a while. You can always learn lessons from both the good and bad habits of others. It doesn’t necessarily matter if you’re a veteran. We can pretty much do or learn anything. As far as listening, solving problems, and helping others thrive, the people aspect will always remain the same.

Looking back on your career, what has been your proudest career move, project, or moment?

Although it took several months to come to terms with my decision to leave operations and join the support world in this role, I’m incredibly proud of what we built at the branch level before I handed it over to the next person to make it even better. I’m a better person and leader because of those I serve.

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