Steve Watkeys

Job outside Krav?

I am a Director of Analytics and Reporting, working at Optum which is a health services part of the parent company United Healthcare.

What are you most proud of?

I have many professional accomplishments as well as some personal, but I am most proud of my two kids and the people they have become. 

Hobbies, what do you do for fun or to relax?

I work out quite a bit doing a variety of exercises, from running to TRX straps, weight lifting and bike riding, to name a few.  I also enjoy reading, video games, cooking, hiking, hunting, golfing, almost anything outside or in the water.  As for a hobby, I guess that would be renovating/updating my house and fixing my car.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is… to consciously keep my emotions separate from decisions and actions, especially in the heat of the moment.

What advice would you give a member getting ready for their first belt test?

That nervousness you feel is a good thing, because it means what you are about to do is important to you.  Also, to give it all you have so you won’t have any regrets, then be proud of what you accomplished no matter the outcome of the test. 

Cats or dogs?

Both have so much to offer and share when part of a family, but for me dogs become a larger part of a family.

What’s the most inspiring part of being an instructor?

When students experience external/outside recognition for the skills and experience they have gained and realize all the hard work and effort of training has added a new part of who they are as a person.

The most important thing I learned before high school was: No matter how hard you try, you cannot please everyone and trying to leads to disappointment.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: To be able to temporarily freeze time/reality and make adjustments before it begins again.

When I was 5, I was pretty sure when I grew up I’d be a:“A hot mess”

Favorite Pizza toppings? Sausage, mushrooms and black olives

Tell us one fact about you that not many know. I write poetry.