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 Shawn Brody, who’s with the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Enterprise Intelligence & Data Solutions, ISSM, Enterprise Intelligence & Data Solutions Program Management Office. He’s a Government Cybersecurity Executive of the Year finalist. Here, he shares how he’s helping shape the next generation of leaders and what has made him successful in his current role.
How do you help shape the next generation of government leaders/industry leaders?
The way I help shape the next generation of leaders is by continuing to drive cybersecurity change. We can no longer think about cybersecurity as a technology but focus more about organizational change. This also means we need to change the way cybersecurity is perceived within the Department of Defense and drive the security cultural change.
Often, cyber is seen as a business constraint, because their involvement typically occurs at the end of project development cycle or when security vulnerabilities are exploited, most being negative impact(s) to the project schedule or budget. The successes within our project are largely due to cyber inclusion during all phases, and identifying challenges earlier in the project development.
What has made you successful in your current role?
One of the key items that has made me successful is a strong support system, of my family, team, peers, and mentors. Having a great support system will make the most impossible situation seem possible. They have provided me with the right balance of motivation, encouragement, and accountability, that has instilled the confidence in me to make calculated decisions which adds value to all aspects of my job and life. This all has allowed me the opportunity to become the successful leader I am today.