November is a special month that honors the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the military.
We not only recognize Veterans Day, a day to celebrate those who have served and continue to serve in the United States, but we also recognize Remembrance Day across many of the Commonwealth countries – including United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada – to honor the ultimate sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to their country. Though the tone differs for each of these days, one celebratory and one reflective, both honor courage, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than oneself.
How Service and Sacrifice Unite Us Worldwide
These days certainly hold the value of one truth that is undisputed – that service and sacrifice are universal. These are values that transcend borders and unite allies and communities worldwide. As a U.S. Navy veteran currently living in Australia, I am filled with pride to see how this universal spirit of service carries across borders and cultures globally.
Here in Australia, as a U.S. veteran and as a key ally, we are invited to celebrate and be recognized with our brothers and sisters on Remembrance Day. Ceremonies across the nation reflect on the importance of our global brothers and sisters in arms and the ongoing commitment and sacrifices we continue to share on the battlefield abroad and here at home.
The Power of Operating as One Unified Team
The global culture we have at Commvault means that we are all one team, working together on the common goal of defeating threats and protecting our businesses and communities. Our resilience, teamwork, and shared belief that we always have each other’s back reminds me of the values and principles of being in the military and on the battlefield.
Integrating Key Values From Service Into the Workplace
As I reflect on November, I often think about what service means to me. Service is a lifelong commitment to giving with purpose, acting with integrity, and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. It’s about doing what is right, not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do. The military has had a profound impact on my leadership style. It taught me to stay calm under pressure, lead from the front, and ensure no one is left behind. These principles have shaped my approach to leadership at Commvault.
Today, my team in APAC knows my three key principles of success: focus, cadence, and discipline. We focus on our goals, establish a consistent rhythm for our business, and maintain the discipline to adapt and persist until we succeed. Other military-inspired leadership principles I practice at Commvault include:
- Leading with empathy and clarity.
- Staying mission-focused during change.
- Building teams based on trust, inclusion, and shared goals.
Like the core values I learned in service, Commvault thrives on resilience, purpose, and the drive to protect what matters.
Creating a Culture of Community and Belonging
It gives me such pleasure to have served my country and our allies, and I am honored to work for a company that recognizes and supports our veterans. Not only does Commvault value resilience and teamwork, we have wonderful volunteer and community initiatives supporting organizations like Warrior Canine Connection and a dedicated Employee Resource Group – VALOR – focused on bringing awareness to the value our veterans bring to the private and public sector. To learn more about our culture of care, click here.
During this month of November, I encourage you all to reflect and celebrate the sacrifice all our men and women in uniform make on a daily basis. And if you happen to cross paths with an active military member or a veteran today, please make sure to thank them for their service.
Martin Creighan is Vice President, APAC, at Commvault.
