#MagnificentManMonday - Martin Lemelle

“The only way to achieve excellence in anything is to give it everything.”

The Rule of 12:  People will size you up from 12 feet away, then 12 inches away, and finally based on the first 12 things that you say.  This was probably some of the best advice that I have ever received. Martin's mom taught this to my peers and I in college at Grambling State University and now Martin continues to share this vital first impression tip with other students at GSU.


Martin isn't a stranger to hard work and discipline.  After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Grambling State with a B.S. in Accounting, Martin continued his studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he received his MBA.

As a competent practitioner of fiscal management, Martin has led finance and operations for organizations including the U.S. Senate, PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM, General Electric, Dean Foods, and Industry Retail Group.  Martin currently serves at the Chief Operating Officer at Grambling State University where he is responsible for ensuring efficient operations for nearly 5000 students and close to 600 employees. 

Martin is Lean Six Sigma certified and has successfully managed operating budgets valued at a cumulative $6.5 billion. 

Martin’s words of wisdom to young men:

Get in touch with your unique value proposition.  What skill do you possess or service can you deliver better than anyone else? Once you get clear on your value, deliver it and never settle for any opportunity, person, job, etc. that doesn't honor the value you possess. Create a sustainable legacy, every journey you take should culminate with a blueprint for the next person to take it to the next level.

What Challenges/Opportunities have you had to overcome?

Any accomplishment is not achieved without sacrifice. You have to be willing to move out of comfort zones and "good" roles to achieve a level of greatness. 

Take the assignments that stretch you: the job that requires you to move, the project that needs to be completed in a week, the team that needs a turnaround. You'll always face opposition and situations where your validity is questioned - it's just noise, block it out. Stay focused on the "end goal", yes there will be diversions and turns along the path, but never lose sight of the destination.

What makes him magnificent?

Martin has a wealth of training and experience which makes him a highly sought after candidate for any Fortune 500 company, however, Martin chose to serve in the community where he got his start. I think that's pretty dope! 

Thanks Martin for all that you do!