'Mission First, People Always': How Albers Alum John Paramadilok Learned to Lead Through Experience

With more than 28 years across cybersecurity, military service and federal agencies, John Paramadilok, '15 MBA, has built a career at the forefront of emerging technology. Today, as executive director and senior principal cybersecurity architect at JPMorgan Chase, he oversees security architecture governance for the next generation of enterprise technology, including agentic artificial intelligence, non-human identities and post-quantum cryptography. Recently recognized with a 2026 Global Ignite Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Artificial Intelligence at JPMorgan Chase, John shares the lessons no classroom could fully teach him and the Albers experiences that changed how he leads.

Leadership Lessons From Military Service

John's leadership has been shaped across multiple combat tours supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve and an active-duty tour as a master instructor in the Cyber Science Department at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"I've always been taught 'mission first, people always,' but experience has taught me that fulfilling the responsibilities of leadership and genuinely caring for those we serve are not necessarily the same," John says.

"Competence is essential, but I've learned that genuine care and empathy are what distinguish the leaders we remember."
- John Paramadilok

There were countless times in his career when he felt alone, navigating challenges without a formal mentor. Looking back, he recognizes how many people were in his corner, sometimes without his knowing it. One was a Navy recruiter who followed through on his commissioning package after several others had rotated through the position. They met for the first time almost a decade later, when she learned he was teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. "I would not be where I am today without her commitment," he says.

For John, genuine care means honesty, empathy and staying with people after an assignment ends. In his view, leadership isn't defined solely by competence, authority or accomplishing the mission.

"It's how we choose to care for people along the way, especially when circumstances are difficult, outcomes are uncertain, and there's nothing expected in return."

How the Albers MBA Changed How He Leads

One of the most pivotal moments in shaping John's leadership came during the Leading with Emotional Intelligence course in the Albers MBA program. The course offered meaningful self-reflection and a transparent view into how others actually perceived him, rather than how he believed they did.

"The feedback revealed seemingly conflicting perspectives," John recalls. "Some placed considerable trust in my leadership because of the confidence I demonstrated, while others found that same presence intimidating. I had never viewed myself that way."

The experience taught him that self-awareness extends beyond understanding one's strengths and limitations.

"It's recognizing the difference between how we intend to lead and how others experience our leadership, then having the willingness to adapt in ways that enable others to succeed."

"Leadership isn't about having every answer or determining every path forward," he says, "but creating an environment where others feel confident contributing their own experience and judgment."

"Some of my greatest rewards come from seeing others succeed, knowing I played a part in igniting their passion, curiosity and growth."
- John Paramadilok

Albers Ethics Week pushed that reflection further. Today John works to understand the question behind the question.

"Experience doesn't simply validate what we know," he says. "It exposes what we failed to consider."

The Lasting Impact of Community

For John, one of the most meaningful parts of his Albers and Seattle University experience is the university's impact on the broader community. Rooted in Jesuit values, Seattle University's commitment to service, compassion and care for others extends well beyond the classroom and beyond graduation. That commitment continues to guide how he leads.

"In a world continually shaped by economic, political and technological change, our shared humanity and commitment to one another remain among our greatest strengths," John says.

Learn more about the Albers Professional MBA, or find out how alumni like John give back through the Albers Mentor Program.