A Day in the Life
Get to know your Odyssey colleagues from around the country!
Ken Aldrich
Senior Communication and Navigation Engineer/WISN Area Lead
What does your job involve?
I provide technical engineering support for Video Data Link (VDL) equipment and the Special Warfare Assault Kit (SWAK).
What is a typical day like in your role?
That’s difficult to answer as each day can be different and not every day goes according to the plan. I field numerous technical questions from the FMS PMs regarding equipment on an FMS case or outlining a specific set of equipment for customers who want to establish a new case. Other times I’m supporting SWAK by reviewing fielding documents, providing input to Configuration Control Board slides, cybersecurity documentation, Systems Engineering Plans, OSS&E Baseline Document, etc.
How did you get into your current job role?
I’m a 29-year civil servant who was offered a job at Odyssey (thanks Rey Febo!), resigned from government service and took the job at AFLCMC/WISN.
What do you enjoy most about your job? What excites you the most about the work?
I really enjoy digging into the technical details of the VDL equipment and SWAK, both are vital to increase the lethality of our Special Operators and those in partner nations. What excites me about the job is learning new things, since SWAK is every evolving, as well as the foreign travel to help our partner nations (through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) part of the job).
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I was looking for “what’s next?” and working for Odyssey provided the opportunity to continue my professional growth.
Are there any special requirements for this job?
A thirst for knowledge as the landscape is ever changing. A love for travel and learning new cultures helps with the FMS aspect.
What can this type of job lead to?
Becoming a Subject Matter Expert in VDL equipment, as well as military waveforms and Digital Engineering.
What advice would you give somebody considering this role as a career??
You need to be comfortable dealing with changing requirements, developing training material, public speaking and enjoy travel.
Lanie White
Senior HR Business Partner
What does your job involve?
As a Senior HR Business Partner, my role is all about supporting leaders and employees to create an engaging and effective workplace. I partner with leadership on strategic HR initiatives, workforce planning, employee relations, and process improvements that enhance the overall employee experience. I also help navigate challenges by ensuring we’re aligned with company policies, compliance requirements, and best practices in people management.
What is a typical day like in your role?
No two days are the same, which is one of the things I love about this role! Some days, I’m deep in discussions with leaders about talent strategies, coaching managers on employee development, or working on process improvements to streamline HR operations. Other days, I’m problem-solving complex employee relations issues, rolling out new initiatives, or collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive engagement and retention. There’s always a mix of strategy and hands-on work, which keeps things interesting.
How did you get into your current job role?
My background is in counseling psychology, but I realized the clinical side wasn’t the right fit for me—I was more drawn to psychological assessments. Since I couldn’t focus solely on testing at the master’s level in Colorado, I reached out to the chair of the psychology department where I previously worked, who suggested HR as a career path. Once I transitioned into HR, I found it was the perfect blend of my interests—supporting people, improving processes, and driving organizational success. Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation in HR strategy and business partnership, which led me to my current role as a Senior HR Business Partner, where I get to influence leadership decisions and create meaningful workplace experiences.
What do you enjoy most about your job? What excites you the most about the work?
I love making an impact. Whether it’s helping a leader navigate a tough situation, improving a process that makes employees’ lives easier, or seeing a new initiative come to life, it’s rewarding to know that my work contributes to a better employee experience. What excites me the most is the opportunity to drive real change—finding ways to make HR more efficient, effective, and aligned with business goals.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve problem-solving, strategy, and helping people succeed. HR allows me to support employees and leaders while driving meaningful organizational change—all without being in a clinical setting. I still get to help people navigate challenges, develop their potential, and create better workplace experiences, but in a way that aligns more with my strengths and interests. The variety of work—ranging from coaching leaders to shaping company culture—keeps things dynamic and rewarding.
Are there any special requirements for this job?
Strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are key. It’s also important to be adaptable and comfortable navigating change, as HR is constantly evolving. A background in HR, business, or a related field is helpful, but hands-on experience in areas like employee relations, performance management, and process improvement is what really prepares you for this role.
What can this type of job lead to?
A role like this can open doors to leadership positions in HR, such as HR Director, VP of HR, or Chief Human Resources Officer. It can also lead to specialized roles in areas like HR strategy, organizational development, or transformation initiatives, depending on your interests.
What advice would you give somebody considering this role as a career?
Be curious, be adaptable, and always look for ways to improve things. HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people, strategy, and driving business success. Build strong relationships, learn to navigate complex situations, and stay open to continuous learning. Most importantly, find ways to make a real impact, whether through improving processes, supporting leaders, or advocating for employees.
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Join us on April 17th for 3rd Thursday!
While our topic is still TBD, it’s sure to be relevant and interesting—we look forward to seeing you there!
Please remember to join 3rd Thursday Virtual Community Meetings every month—we highlight company news and a different part of our business on a rotating basis. Invitations for all 2025 3rd Thursday sessions are on your Odyssey calendar.
At the end of each 3rd Thursday session, Odyssey’s Executive Leadership Team will answer questions from team members—you can submit your questions using the button below.