Empowerment at the Table: Reflections from the “Power 100” Women-in-Security-Forum Breakfast at ISC West

I spent last week at the ISC Security Events West in Las Vegas, and wow, what an impressive show – both in size and quality! But as amazing as the show-floor and education were, I think the most remarkable part for me was the last event I attended prior to heading to the airport on Friday? - the SIA Women in Security Forum “Power 100” breakfast - a gathering dedicated just to women in security - specifically those of us who were named to the SIA #Power100 list in the last three years."

As I entered the room (and actually, even waiting in line to go in), ?I was immediately struck by the atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment. It was a unique occasion: a room packed with powerful and influential women in the mostly male world of security. For once, it felt extremely odd not to be the “outlier” in the room.? As I spoke to several attendees, I realized that I was not the only one feeling both excited and pleased to see so many people reflecting on my own experiences in the workplace. In fact, I was actually in a little shock to see so many of us in one place… I think that there was part of me that almost couldn’t believe enough powerful women in security existed to really fill a room.

Like a lot of traditionally male-dominated fields, the security industry is finally seeing more women join the ranks. It’s been a slow change, but it is happening. (Shout-out to DEI efforts across all the organizations working for this!) According to recent statistics, the percentage of women in the security sector has been slowly climbing. While women constituted approximately 10% of the industry workforce eight years ago, today, they make up close to 20%—a testament to the growing recognition of the skills and perspectives women bring to the field and the growth of opportunities as cybersecurity roles open new pathways for career opportunity.

Building Networks, Breaking Barriers

This breakfast at ISC West served not just as a networking event, but as a vibrant support system - ?showcasing the power of connection among women in the security industry. This event really drove home how crucial it is for women to stick together, especially in fields where we’re still pretty rare. Building strong networks and fostering mentorship are essential elements that can significantly impact our professional journeys. At these types of events, the exchange of knowledge goes beyond professional tips; it includes sharing personal experiences of overcoming barriers and strategies for dealing with gender-specific challenges in the workplace.

Moreover, these networks serve as a critical infrastructure for support and advancement. Through these connections, women find mentors and sponsors who can play pivotal roles in their career development and peer support to help in building resilience against the common challenges they face in the industry. These aren’t just get-togethers; they’re like our personal growth labs – places where real change and cool ideas start bubbling up. They are essential for empowering women and ensuring a more inclusive and diversified industry.

The Psychology of Power in a Minority

But while I was incredibly happy to participate and engage with an amazing group of professional women, my conversations at the event did start me reflecting on how each of us had similar stories and challenges that we continue to work through because of the level of individual success we have attained.

Despite our progress, the experience of being a powerful or influential individual within a minority group remains complex. Psychologically, the intersection of power and minority status creates a unique dynamic that influences both personal perceptions and interpersonal interactions. On the one hand, there's a profound sense of achievement and authority. (Look!? There’s my name on the screen!) Achieving a high-status position boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of control and influence over your environment and life.

On the other hand, holding power as a minority often involves navigating a landscape riddled with implicit biases and overt challenges – because we never get to stop being “Women-In-Security”

Being a leader and representing your group can put you in a tough spot – psychologists call this 'stereotype threat' – where you worry about living up to or smashing stereotypes. Suddenly the anxiety of not meeting expectations or (gasp) actually failing at something is no longer just personal, but is representative of an entire gender – any downfall is no longer just about you, but could confirm stereotypes about your whole group. This can get exhausting and can actually impair performance and overall job satisfaction.

Also, the dual identity of being both a leader and a minority can lead to internal conflicts—known as "identity dissonance." Balancing these identities often requires developing coping strategies that can include overcompensating in some areas (feeling an internal requirement to continually overperform) while underplaying others (“aw shucks, it’s nothing anyone else wouldn’t do!”) to fit into the existing cultural norms of the industry.

Using Our Power for Good

Despite these hurdles, lots of us use our unique position as women to bring new ideas and make our workplaces more welcoming for everyone. I heard it firsthand through the stories of women who are “second generation” in the industry now – having had a strong female mentor to help them navigate early career issues and who are now starting to pay it forward to bring along the next group of successful female security leaders.

This dual experience was palpable at breakfast. The energy was electric ?- women sharing stories with each other of their successes, challenges, and the paths they've carved within their organizations. Yet, underlying these stories of triumph were echoes of the resilience required to rise through the ranks. It highlighted a critical aspect of our journey: the need for support and recognition from within the industry.

The increasing presence of women in security is not just about numbers; it’s about integrating diverse perspectives that enhance decision-making and innovation in the field. Events like this breakfast are key to showing off what we do and making our industry more welcoming.

As we move forward, it's essential to continue these conversations and to champion the cause of women in every facet of the security industry. It's not just about filling seats at the table—it's about reshaping the table itself to reflect the diverse world it aims to protect.

Note:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of my employer or any professional organization to which I belong.