Military Leadership Shapes Amazon Career for Former Marine

Transitioning from military to corporate life can be challenging, but for former Marine Humphrey, his military experience has been a cornerstone of his success at Amazon. After serving as a drill instructor for 17 years, he joined the company in 2017, bringing with him a leadership style rooted in “firmness, fairness, dignity, and compassion.” This approach has not only guided his personal career but has also helped him mentor fellow veterans navigating the corporate environment.

Humphrey’s journey at Amazon began with counting inventory as an associate. He quickly advanced to the role of ambassador, training new associates, and now serves as an area manager overseeing dozens of staff members. His military background instilled a sense of responsibility and calmness under pressure, qualities he attributes to his ability to thrive in a fast-paced business environment.

Amazon has committed over $1 billion to enhance pay and reduce healthcare costs for its U.S. fulfillment and transportation employees. The average total compensation for these roles now exceeds $30 per hour when accounting for benefits. This commitment to employee welfare is part of a broader strategy to foster growth within the company, particularly for veterans like Humphrey.

Humphrey often reflects on the lessons learned during his time in the Marine Corps. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, especially in high-stress situations. “People often ask me, ‘How are you so calm when everything else is crazy?’ This quality comes directly from my military experience,” he explains. In the Marines, he observed leaders who could navigate uncertainty with honesty and reassurance, skills he applies daily at Amazon.

Implementing Military Precision in Corporate Operations

His time handling artillery in the Marines taught him to approach problems methodically. “In the Marines, we would run through hundreds of scenarios before deployment,” he notes. This preparation has translated seamlessly into his work at Amazon, where he focuses on identifying root causes of issues rather than applying temporary fixes. A notable example of this approach was his development of a contingency plan for manually sorting packages during system outages. When automated systems fail, operations can come to a standstill, but Humphrey’s proactive planning allowed for continuity in operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of his military training.

In 2021, Amazon pledged to hire 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2024 and has already surpassed that goal. As part of this initiative, Humphrey created a manual sorting flow plan that has been successfully implemented twice during system downtimes. His foresight and planning exemplify how military training can provide valuable skills in crisis management.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Humphrey’s skills became even more crucial. He was called to fill a new role on short notice, where he quickly instituted safety measures to protect associates. By anticipating needs and implementing safety protocols before they became standard, he successfully maintained operations while ensuring the safety of his team.

Fostering Growth and Leadership Among Colleagues

Humphrey’s leadership philosophy reflects the values he learned in the military. He prioritizes the professional growth and well-being of his team members, encouraging them to learn not only their own roles but also the responsibilities of those above them. “I can’t see what’s on the other side of the building, so those leaders have to have that ability,” he explains. This training approach ensures that team members are always prepared to step into new roles as needed.

At the Texas fulfillment center where he works, many former military leaders occupy key positions, illustrating how military experiences can enhance corporate effectiveness. The culture emphasizes personal ownership and the sharing of knowledge, creating pathways for career advancement.

Through his involvement with Warriors at Amazon, an employee-led professional network, Humphrey supports fellow veterans in their transition to the corporate world. He acts as a resource for new associates with military backgrounds, providing guidance and reassurance as they adapt to their new environment. His commitment to helping others reflects Amazon’s recognition of the value diverse experiences bring to the company.

As Humphrey continues to grow within Amazon, he remains dedicated to supporting his colleagues and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. His journey exemplifies how military training can be a powerful asset in the corporate landscape, demonstrating that there is a place for unique skills and perspectives at Amazon.