'Motivating People Who Want the Struggle': Expert Advice on InfoSec Leadership

'Motivating People Who Want the Struggle': Expert Advice on InfoSec Leadership
Industry veteran and former Intel security chief Malcolm Harkins pinpoints three essential elements for leaders to connect with their employees and drive business objectives.

(Image: Win Nondakowit/Adobe Stock)



Malcolm Harkins doesn't seem like a violent guy. But he is passionate, a trait that emerged fully to the surface in a recent encounter with a CISO during a panel discussion.


"The CISO said, 'I'm an adviser to the business.' I wanted to leap across the table and beat the guy," Harkins recounted in his presentation at the Cyber Strategy Retreat, a professional development event for technology and risk management leaders in Boston this month. "I took this guy to task in front of a couple of hundred people. I said, 'Where the heck is your accountability? As an executive, you're an owner. You own security. If the CEO makes all of the decision, well, why the heck does he need you?'"


The incident is an example of the messaging Harkins is focused on these days — that is, leadership, and specifically how security leaders can lead and inspire teams to own the security mission, believe in the goals laid out for them, and drive business objectives. It is the focus of a talk he is taking around the country titled "I believe, I belong, I matter."


"It's about motivating people who want the struggle," Harkins says. "How are we doing that within our security teams? How are we doing that despite the fact that the CIO doesn't give you the budget you need? Or the GM doesn't show up to your meeting. If pe ..

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