Getting to Know BCS: Robert Naranjo
Olayinka Kolawole
Getting to Know BCS is a quarterly series that highlights members of the BCS team. This quarter we are shining a spotlight on Robert Naranjo, our Senior Vice President, who is responsible for managing BCS’ Energy and Environment portfolio. Robert has spent more than 20 years with thecompany, and in his current role leads business development, technical analysis, and management,in support of government clients.
BCS is well established as a provider of crucial contracted support in the energy sector with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) clients.Can you talk a little bit about that?
BCS has always been an energy-focused firm. We have a 30+ year track record with DOE providing professional support services in the areas of business management, communications, engineering, analysis, and strategic planning. At DOE we provide support for over eight different program offices and several National Laboratories.
With the many new developments occurring in the energy sector, the future continues to be bright for the company. Our work spans fossil energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, environmental management, and cybersecurity, which gives us a deep understanding of the energy industry as a whole and the energy sector stakeholders. We have leveraged this knowledge to expand the services and contract types we can offer to clients, developing extensive capabilities even in specialized areas such as energy engineering.
A key to our success has been exceptional staffing. We take great care in hiring the right individuals for the job and creating an environment where they can learn and grow professionally.
In addition to leading and supporting business development, I really enjoy interacting with people. So, cultivating an environment that brings out the best in our staff to produce exceptional work is significant to me.
I am also excited about the future of the company. As a nation we are at a transformational point in the energy sector.The work we do is valuable and impacts everyone, as we help secure the Nation’s environment, and energy resources.
From administrative personnel to project managers, our staff, in their various capacities, play critical roles in making both our clients and the company successful. We continue to provide incentives for our employees to stay with the company on a long-term basis - there are many opportunities in this space, and we value their contributions to the company.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Never say you cannot do something. Figure out how you can do it, and if at first you don’t succeed, reflect on why you were not successful and adjust accordingly.
Where would you say this philosophy comes from?
It is a credit to my family – my parents. My father came from modest means and grew up in Espanola, New Mexico. He was the oldest of nine children and was the first to go to college in his family. He came to Washington, DC after college and worked tirelessly to provide for me and my four siblings to ensure we had every opportunity in life. My mother as well – she never let us quit or make excuses, and that translates into my philosophy of work. With two older brothers, an older sister, and younger sister, my family was my first glimpse at the importance of teamwork. Here at BCS, when we do something, we do it together.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned on the job?
One of the best things I’ve learned is to set stretch goals and strive for more while also clearly articulating those goals to others to keep myself accountable.
What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about social justice and inclusiveness. When I was a kid my dad, who is Hispanic, came to pick me up at a Bar Mitzvah that I was attending at a ritzy country club. As we were walking towards the door to leave a man handed my dad his parking valet ticket and told my dad that his car was the red Porsche (he assumed my dad was the parking attendant). My dad laughed at the man, handed him back his ticket and said with pride that he was there to pick up his son. The man quickly grabbed his ticket and turned his head; he never apologized. When we got into our car to leave my dad started to laugh and turned to me and simply said, “Son, that is why you never judge a book by its cover.” That experience upset me but also taught me the dangers of stereotypes. It is important to me because of experiences like this that we strive to make BCS an inclusive workplace.
This interview was conducted by Olayinka Kolawole, an electrical engineer in the Defense and National SecurityDivision of BCS.