The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Cybersecurity Executive of the Year finalist in the Private Company category with annual revenues greater than $250M Sheryl Hanchar, the chief information security officer at CAES. Here, she shares what has made her successful in her current role and career advice.
What has made you successful in your current role?
My career success can be attributed to surrounding myself with the right team of people. Choosing a well-balanced team whose skills and strengths complement each other, ensure the collaboration required to overcome any challenge. My hiring strategy is focused on finding leaders who can create an environment for everyone to succeed. I prioritize high trustworthiness over high performance, lending itself to mitigating any toxicity such as favoritism, bullying and office politics. I encourage everyone on my team to share feedback, make suggestions, ask for help and admit mistakes. I have maintained decades long retention teams; resulting in cohesion and cross-departmental trusted relationships, driving the behaviors of InfoSec as a business partner and enabler, resulting is measured project and operational success.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
See every opportunity as a chance to grow and develop. As a woman in STEM in the 90’s, I would often be sidelined in the workplace. I watched as many amazing, trailblazing women left the industry due to frustration from lack of opportunity. It was during that time I decided I would take every opportunity regardless of status. When there were unfavorable operational tasks, I offered to own every opportunity and respond with refined process and value. It was through this willingness to take on all tedious projects and tasks, that I ended up the most well-rounded employee on my teams, viewed by leadership as a team player with a strong and diverse technical acumen who drives results.
Leaders recognize leaders; and will mentor and promote those who are willing to do the non-glamourous work for the good of the team. My positive mindset led me to greater, high-profiled opportunities from leadership; including accelerated executive management programs and job opportunities. I look for this characteristic when building my team ⏤ someone who is focused and willing to do what needs to be done – in my own employee hiring and promotion paths.