The following key takeaways for this article:
- Todd Owens, a former naval officer, brings his leadership experience from military service to the tech industry as the CEO of Kevala.
- His time in the Navy shaped his leadership style and approach, especially aboard the submarine he served aboard.
- The career move from Navy to tech was influenced by his father, who also transitioned into the private sector after a successful military career.
- Currently serving as the CEO of Kevala, Owens actively applies the principles of team leadership and discipline he learned in the Navy.
- Since its inception, Kevala has raised $21 million and Owens currently leads a team of 28 employees.
Stepping Off the Sub and into the Startup Scene
Todd Owens is a shining example of how military experience translates into stellar leadership within the tech industry. As a former naval officer, he first developed his knack for leading people and coordinating efforts while serving aboard a nuclear-powered Navy submarine. This unique trajectory has now led him to become the co-founder and CEO of Kevala, a startup designed to streamline worker management within healthcare facilities.
Born into the Navy Life
The son of naval officer and submariner, Admiral William Owens, Todd Owens had his future course almost predetermined. His upbringing on navy and submarine bases culminated with his graduation from the United States Naval Academy, following in his father’s footsteps 32 years later.
Learning Leadership Below the Waves
In his early 20s, aboard the USS Pogy, Owens commanded the reactor controls division, a team of around 10. The submarine experience enlightened Owens about the team’s functioning and leadership roles that he later effectively transferred to startup companies. He notes how the collaborative and selfless partnership on a submarine, where each member has a crucial role, resonated with him and he now applies these insights to smaller startup companies.
Civilian Life and Business School Transition
After his Navy stint, Owens transitioned into the civilian world through Harvard Business School. His mission was to adapt his military persona to suit the more informal business world. His father set an exemplary path by transitioning to the corporate world after military service, leading Teledesic, a company backed by influential figures like Bill Gates and Craig McCaw.
Leveraging Military Experience in the Private Sector
Upon exiting Harvard, he joined Siebel Systems. Here, a former navy submariner guided him through the process – a testament to the unique bond shared amongst veterans. Today, Owens leads Kevala, his fourth stint as a CEO after successfully heading TalentWise, Appuri, and Azuqua, which were all acquired by larger enterprises.
Bringing Military Discipline to Tech Startups
At Kevala, Owens tackles the issue of managing people in a complex system like healthcare. Kevala’s software supports staffing, scheduling workers, organizing the labor pool, and tracking caregiver credentials. With 28 employees under his leadership, Kevala has raised a commendable sum of $21 million.
Owens’ leadership style reflects his past military training. He views his role as a CEO from a team perspective, holding himself accountable for his team’s key objectives and results.
In Conclusion
Todd Owens epitomizes how military training can foster distinctive leadership skills. His experiences, first on a navy submarine and then at the helm of successful startups, underscore the value of discipline, teamwork, and clear goals in any setting. Over two decades after his military career, he continues applying these principles, leading his current crew at Kevala, as they navigate the waves of the tech industry.
