Building a strong information security team

The key to a strong information security team is building talent infused with positive culture. I previously shared our guiding principles, which highlights important parts of our culture to focus on the customer, enable the business, operate with excellence and remain focused on a proactive approach.

Our team has been focused on building a diverse team of associates with different educational backgrounds, experience, locations and disciplines. Most recently, I shared about Rob Duhart joining Walmart as the Deputy CISO. We have also been recruiting new talent across various teams. While I can’t highlight every amazing associate on the team, I wanted to share about some of our new hires.

We recently welcomed Nolen Scaife back as an associate after he left to pursue an academic career, where he earned his Ph.D., started two companies and traveled around the world to talk about cutting edge ideas. Also joining our cybersecurity operations team is Michael Montecillo, who has had a unique career path from offensive security leader, forensics investigator, industry analyst, researcher, business leader, consultant to engineering fellow. We are also excited to have Lisa Lafleur join our Risk Management team. Lisa most recently was the Business CISO at Raytheon, which is an impressive feat, however Lisa recently said she’s most proud of helping other people better reach their potential.

“I have worked with some of the greatest talent in our industry, many of whom have struggled to reach their full potential. It has been my honor to ensure that as I climbed the ladder, that I opened the door for so many others and helped them along their journey.” - Lisa

A common question, I hear is “Why Walmart?”. I’ll tell you my reason another day, for now, here is what Nolen and Michael shared about their “why”.

“This is a place that encourages creativity and backs up great ideas with support to make them a reality.” - Nolen

“Over five years ago, I had the opportunity to interact and engage with Walmart security leadership and I came to recognize and fully appreciate the distinct blend of prowess, passion, and humility shared by the team. Additionally, the scale and impact Walmart has on helping people save more, live better is unrivaled. Joining the tradition of security leaders at Walmart means becoming the best version of a professional that I can be in an environment that will facilitate that growth. The output of that effort translates into better serving everyday people and families. When the opportunity to join the team arose, there was no question that this was a mission I wanted to take and a tradition I wanted to join.” - Michael

This week is cyber career week for Cybersecurity Awareness Month so here is what Nolen, Michael and Lisa shared for their best career advice for those looking to start or grow their cyber career.

“Security is property of other things. Find something that you enjoy, and then look for ways to explore the security of that.” - Nolen

“Be curious, be passionate, be content, and always strive for better. I began my career by exploring a curiosity, I discovered an area that I was passionate about, and I strived for better as I pursued that passion. Within a career in cyber and/or a career at Walmart there will be no shortage of opportunities, following your curiosity to discover what your passionate about and being content at every step in the process will help bring a fun and fulfilling career.” – Michael

“Keep learning – skillsets in tech and cyber have a short “shelf-life”. We are in an age of exponential growth of evolutionary technical solutions. Also, don’t underestimate yourself – there is a role for ALL skillsets in cyber.” - Lisa

If you’re a cyber professional or interested in starting a career in information security, I encourage you to look at Walmart when considering your next move. We are human-led, tech-empowered and responsible for securing a vast and complex environment.