Daniel Harshman is a dedicated professional with a rich background in military service, currently serving as an Equipment Specialist at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, MA. His role involves leading field evaluations of emerging military technologies, focusing on improving soldier safety and performance. An accomplished wrestler, Daniel began his wrestling career in childhood and earned All-American honors. He extends his passion for the sport through coaching youth and high school wrestling in Massachusetts. Daniel is also a committed volunteer, working with disabled veterans at local VA centers. His educational credentials include a B.S. in Management and an A.S. in Marketing from Ashworth College, alongside certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Residing in Natick, MA with his wife, Jessica, and their three children, Daniel is a testament to resilience, leadership, and community service.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Usually with an early morning workout, which sets the tone for the day. At work, I focus on the tasks that align with the Department of Defense’s objectives to improve soldier equipment and technology. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks, delegate when necessary, and always ensure there’s time for physical activity, as it helps me maintain mental clarity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
In my role at the Natick Soldier Systems Center, when a new idea comes up, I coordinate with scientists, engineers, and military personnel to prototype, test in the field, and gather feedback. This collaborative approach helps transform concepts into practical solutions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Integrating advanced wearable technology in military training and operations excites me. These technologies can enhance soldier safety and performance, which directly impacts the effectiveness of our national defense strategies.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying physically active is a habit that significantly boosts my productivity. Whether it’s weight training, wrestling, or coaching, staying active not only keeps me fit but also sharpens my focus and energy levels at work.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to worry less about the things that might go wrong and focus more on what’s right in front of you. Take every opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t shy away from challenges—they are what shape your character and resilience.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that extreme physical challenges and rigorous training are vital for developing mental toughness, not just for athletes but for everyone. This mindset is often seen as too demanding, but I’ve seen its benefits in both military and civilian life.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend everyone engage in some form of coaching or mentoring. Sharing your knowledge and experiences to help others grow not only benefits them but also provides you with a sense of fulfillment and perspective.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I usually take a break to do something physical, like a quick workout or a walk. This helps reset my mind and gives me clarity to prioritize my tasks.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships within and outside my field has been crucial. Networking, being reliable, and consistently delivering results have helped me advance in my career and build trust with key stakeholders.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
An early failure in my career was underestimating the importance of communication in a leadership role. I overcame this by actively seeking feedback and working on my communication skills, which taught me that clear and effective communication is as important as technical competence.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that helps veterans transition to civilian careers by matching their skills with available jobs, providing career advice, and connecting them with mentors in their desired field.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft OneNote helps me stay organized. I use it to manage my projects, keep track of meetings and notes, and share important documents with my team.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu has been incredibly valuable in both my military and civilian careers. Its principles on strategy, adaptation, and leadership are timeless and applicable in many situations.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed “Heart of Invictus” on Netflix. It’s a series that follows the journey of Invictus Games athletes. It’s inspiring to see how these veterans overcome adversity and strive for excellence, reflecting the resilience and spirit I admire.
Key learnings
- Emphasis on Physical Activity
- Value of Relationships and Communication
- Commitment to Service and Mentoring