Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Path

Acknowledgments

To my amazing colleagues who took the time to pre-read my drafts and help me craft a coherent story: Steve Romig, Dan Walsh, Adrian Sanabria, Joanna Grama, David Seidl, Rob Duhart, and Marissa Ball.

To my Ohio State security colleagues for being my teachers and friends: Gates Garrity-Rokous, Steve Romig, Gary Clark, Rich Nagle, Holly Drake, Amber Buening, and everyone who breathes “Security and Trust” daily. Thank you for keeping me sane.

Gratitude to my Cisco team, Wendy Nather, Dave Lewis, Richard Archdeacon, and Wolf Goerlich, who allow me the space to think out loud, without a filter.

Thanks to the #Tinkertribe, who encourage and connect me to good things when I need them most: Gary Hayslip, Chris Castaldo, Yael Nagler, Allan Alford, Jules Okafar, Will Lin, Brian Markham, Adrian Sanabria, Dan Walsh, Andy Ellis, and a host of others!

For my Columbus, Ohio (and sometimes beyond), security community, who lift me up every single day: Connie Matthews, Don Boian, Marissa Ball, Chris Zell, Samara Williams, Rob Duhart, and Brent Huston.

To my security colleagues on Twitter, Slack, and LinkedIn who keep me informed of the latest in security thinking — for better or worse! There are too many to mention, but they have been so important in my career and personal development.

To anyone who has ever asked to meet me for coffee — virtual or otherwise — to talk about security: I have been amazed at your journey, and you have taught me so much.

Most of all, for my family ...