Price Floyd: The ‘Geek To Chic’ Interview

This is the second in a series of interviews for a series we’re calling Geek 2 Chic, which is a personal style, a social movement, and a new event series all in one. The first Geek 2 Chic fashion show is powered by Microsoft and will take place at Bloomingdales in Chevy Chase, MD on October 13th. We’ll be raising money for the Heart of America Foundation, which makes libraries the heart of communities around the country and promotes literacy.

Our second Geek 2 Chic interview is with Price Floyd, until recently the tech-savvy head of public affairs for the Pentagon. Read this interview to find out where he came from, and where he’s going now…

Price, what professional appointments do you currently hold and what work do you do as part of that?

I am currently doing several things. I just started as the VP for Digital Media Strategy at BAE Systems, and I began teaching a graduate level course on Public Diplomacy this fall at George Washington University. I am also looking to work on several projects for the Center for a New American Security.

How did you first become interested in technology? When and how did you become interested in Web 2.0 technologies?

As a communicator I have always been interested in technology and its ability to reach large audiences. I became interested in, and a champion for, Web 2.0 soon after I began by position at the Defense Department as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (and, at the time, the acting Assistant Secretary). The head of Strategic Command wanted to shut down access to all social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) from DoD computers. I fought hard to keep such access open, and with Secretary Gates’ leadership put through a new policy that ensures all have access to internet based capabilities.

What has most transformed your thinking about technology in the last couple of years?

Web 2.0 has dramatically transformed the way I think about technology and communicating in general. With Web 2.0 we have gone from one-way communicating to the ability to engage with our audiences. This is truly transformative. To be able to give your audience the ability to communicate back to you - and for you to go back to them - is amazing.

What does the next year or two look like for how technology and innovation will affect U.S. national security? What about how it is affecting people around the world who are not necessarily our friends?

This new technology will enable the U.S. National Security apparatus (State Department, Defense Department, others) the ability to communicate and engage with those overseas in an unprecedented way. It will also give those opposed to our policies the same ability. We cannot ceed this territory to them - we must be a robust and enthusiastic player.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

When not working I try to keep up with my three incredibly active children - currently aged 12, 11 and 8. They are taking part in soccer, lacrosse and baseball. I also try to stay in shape - I’m a Crossfit fanatic and just completed the Nations Triathlon for the second year in a row (my time was a slow 3:45:20 but better than last years).

What were you doing five years ago? Would you have predicted your career path to where you are today?

Five years ago I was the Director of Media Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. I did not forsee working at the Defense Department or BAE Systems at that time and feel lucky to have been able to do so. This is the perfect segway to what advice I always give those starting out in the workforce after completing their college studies - don’t forget to take unforseen opportunities that come up. I think to many people try to map out/plan out their careers and lives and don’t pay enough attention to unplanned events and opportunities. In short, stop and smell the roses.

What do you (1) read, (2) watch, (3) dream?

I watch the History channel as often as I can and try to watch Lawrence of Arabia at least once a month - much to the dismay of my kids.

One of my favorite quotations is from Lawrence of Arabia! “Truly, for some men, nothing is written unless they write it.”

Yes! I also try read old history books and just finished a 1920’s edition of the History of England. Doing so gives me insight into how much our views of events have changed over time

Finally, how would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is action. I always have to be doing something, making something happen. I don’t do well when I have free time. I guess that is why I work at BAE Systems, teach at GWU, do Crossfit and Triathlons, etc… Go, go, go.

Thanks for speaking with SECTOR: PUBLIC, Price!

For more interviews with people like Peter Corbett and Price Floyd, please follow Geek 2 Chic on Twitter. You can buy tickets to the first Geek 2 Chic show on Oct 13th here.