What are the most important mid-career lessons for cybersecurity leaders?

Value your 3rd Party Audit findings, and perform the corrective actions necessary to reduce risk exposure. Remember, its not a matter of “if” it’s a matter of “when”.

One should prioritize continuous learning, build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, understand the business context and adapt strategies to align with organizational goals are keys. Leading by example in promoting a proactive and forward-thinking cybersecurity mindset are invaluable lessons for mid-career leaders in this dynamic field.

The further along your career in cybersecurity you get the your people skills will quickly become more important than your technical skills. Whether you're trying to influence a leader or peer, bring cohesiveness to a team (especially temporary tiger teams), or communicate your vision in a meaningful way to your audience, the deep technical skills you've cultivated to advance aren't what you need to be successful moving forward. Figure out how to authentically lead with empathy in your roles, and intentionally build relationships that will help you practice and grow these abilities.

Build the network and make a good example of the cybersecurity leader you desire. As per my experience below are key pointers that would drive you toward a good cybersecurity leader role: 1. Find a mentor if you have not found yet and be a mentor for some of your security contacts 2. Work on soft skills and presentation skills to build a good image among security leaders and in your team 3. Learn and share your experience with your teammates. 4. Encourage and motivate your juniors to take risk and guide them to achieve to their desired goal. 5. And don't underestimate the power of networking. Engage yourself on Linkedin with good content and concepts and don't forget to attend webinars, conferences, etc. If possible try to present too!

As a leader in cybersecurity developing and empowering your team is paramount. Given my experience building trust is foundational - foster open communication, be transparent and consistently deliver on commitments. Integrity is crucial so model ethical behaviour and prioritize honesty in all your dealings as a leader to be inspired. Finally mentoring and coaching are instrumental in nurturing individual growth of the team members. Encourage a culture of continuous learning to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

????One precious advice I always offer my teams is that they should strive to go out and live other experiences as much as possible and have a few hobbies/passions that are non-work related. Not only they will become happier and feel more fulfilled, but as well life will stop revolving around work. Finally, embracing this life motto has the amazing benefit of providing many valuable lessons, different experiences, skills and perspectives of life that ultimately will contribute back into turning them into much better professionals in the long term.

Find your passion outside of work and become an expert in that circle as well. Love music? Goto a festival and volunteer. Like nature, get out there and do a science study. Take an intellectual break from the chaos of the every day grind.

I have encountered passion burnout myself and realized that I must start working on me. Step 1, don't give up on your passion, think of it like a plant, it needs water, food and sunshine to flourish. Stop working through your lunch, go out with some friends at lunch time, even if you don't eat, socialize. Never let work overrun your personal or family life, work life balance is proclaimed by many companies but rarely achieved unless you make it happen. Find something else that you are passionate about, I am very passionate about BioHacking, especially since I have been getting older, it's a fascinating and rapidly growing group of people around the World. Work to live, not live to work.

Cybersecurity roles are critical, stressful, and sometimes need a fast decisions in a rapidly changing situations. therefore, being able to manage stress, stay calm and focused is the most important soft skill for cybersecurity leader.

I think the next massive technology shift is Quantum Computing, already in the testing process. Our current encryption algorithms are good but can they stand up to Quantum Computers... Fast-changing needs fast learning and understanding.

?????? Whether you identify as a specialist or a generalist in cybersecurity, don't be afraid to explore the outer limits of your knowledge, be it in the nitty-gritty details and the broader, higher-level disciplines—even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Not only will you acquire valuable skills, but you'll also gain a crucial perspective on how your expertise and role contribute across various levels of the organization. Armed with this knowledge and farsightedness, you'll become a more accomplished professional, building bridges and providing enriched critical thinking throughout the organization. You'll have the capability to fine-tune and maximize the value of your contributions, shining them at the right levels.

Three key points from my side: 1. Be ambitious to positively drive your passion. 2. Never stop learning. 3. Embrace challenges as opportunities.

Here is what else to consider that I have practiced for the last two decades and has helped me get results: 1. Share and care 2. Develop something good, share, and always take feedback from Industry experts (and give someone needs) rather than being bookish. It's good to realize early in my career, that being a cyber expert it's our motive to serve the community. 3. Having business buy-in is super important. We might achieve the objective by pushing our way down the line, but the results may not be healthy. Hence, I spend lots of time being an educator.

One thing which I've found useful is mentoring, which involves sharing insights, offering advice, and fostering personal and professional growth. providing constructive feedback, share their experiences, and help mentees navigate challenges. involves sharing industry insights, guiding professional development, and helping navigate challenges.