When Henry “Jamie” Holcombe first arrived on-island in 1986 as an Army Officer, he knew he wanted an MBA. He explored a few different universities, and ultimately settled on Chaminade University.
He was Catholic, and he liked that Chaminade educated in the Marianist tradition. But he was also attracted to the diversity that the campus offered.
And thus began his two-year foray acting as soldier by day, and student by night.
Over 30 years later, and Holcombe finds he still uses the knowledge he gained at Chaminade nearly every single day.
He’s the Chief Information Officer at The United States Patent and Trademark Office, and his department is responsible for overseeing nearly 10,600,000 patents.
When someone comes up with an idea that they want to implement, they have to make sure that it’s a unique and novel idea and that if they were to patent it, their patent would stand up in a court of law.
His office is responsible for designing and maintaining an easy-to-use platform so people all over the world can search for unique and novel ideas. His team relies heavily on computers and search algorithms, and builds classifications for all types of information, from genetics and microbiology to artificial intelligence.
Chaminade’s prime location offered Holcombe a valuable insight into Eastern business philosophies, which, as a businessman, has proved invaluable. When he was a student, Japan’s economy was surging and served as a great model to study. He also gained a better understanding of Japanese culture which is vital as he works regularly with his counterpart in Japan.
But the one thing that really impacted Holcombe, and that he reflects on every single day, are the pillars of the Marianist philosophy. At Chaminade, Holcombe came to value the importance of having a heart and extending kindness toward others. “I try to use kindness as a theme throughout my management style,” he says. “We’re all about results and getting things done better and faster, but life is too short. You have to have kindness.”
