When a blockbuster film about a storm at sea sparked his imagination, Josh Daubenspeck never imagined it would change the course of his life.

Today, as a project director for NextEra Energy Transmission and a Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Josh embodies a rare blend of resilience, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to service.

Growing up near Pittsburgh, Pa, Josh wasn’t surrounded by ocean views or coastal culture, but after watching The Perfect Storm, he was called to service and the idea of protecting lives at sea. That inspiration led him to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., where he graduated in 2005 before starting a decade of active-duty service.

His first assignment was aboard the 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter VALIANT based in Miami Beach, patrolling the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico performing counter-smuggling and search-and-rescue missions.

“Those early years taught me the value of patience, teamwork and remaining calm under pressure,” Josh recalls.

Later, he took a staff assignment in Washington, D.C., in the Service’s finance and budget directorate, earned an MBA from Georgetown University and led interagency counter-smuggling operations off the coast of southern California, combating transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug-running and human trafficking.

After nearly a decade on active duty, Josh faced a crossroads: continue his full-time military career or explore the private sector while continuing to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Josh’s civilian career began in business aircraft sales, followed by a role in logistics and robotics operations. A chance encounter at the Service Academy Career Conference in San Diego in 2023 changed everything.

Discussions with NextEra Energy recruiters and developers stood out from dozens of others: “Their intelligence and clear sense of purpose was immediately apparent,” he recalls. “Plus, I've always been fascinated by energy technology and its role in national security.”

Today, Josh leads transmission development projects for NextEra Energy Transmission’s project execution team. His military background continues to shape his leadership style.

"My Coast Guard career has taught me to always trust and empower my team of subject matter experts," Josh explains. "I learned early to embrace that I won't be the smartest person in every room. Stay humble, listen intentionally and build relationships that help the entire team thrive.”

Between his role at NextEra Energy Transmission, his duties as a Maritime Operations Officer at U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colo., and family life, Josh admits balance is a constant challenge.

“You can’t be everything to everyone all the time,” he says. “It’s nearly impossible to knock it out of the park in every role, every day—but I prioritize, choose my battles and pick up the slack as soon as I can.”

For Josh, the connection between his Coast Guard service and his work at NextEra Energy is clear: both are about purpose.

“Whether it’s protecting the homeland or building our nation’s energy future, it’s about making a difference,” he says.