Cybersecurity with Patrick Kelley | After 40 Podcast with Dr. Deborah Heiser

Summary

Patrick Kelly, founder of Critical Path Security, shares his journey from startup struggles to leadership in cybersecurity. Reflecting on his experiences, he discusses the stresses of running a business during a pandemic, the importance of 'extreme ownership,' and the need for mental health awareness. With advice for those facing career challenges, especially in midlife, Patrick emphasizes resilience, self-care, and the value of mentorship. His transparent approach to leadership, combining professional wisdom with personal reflections, offers inspiration for individuals navigating high-pressure careers and those considering career transitions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Career transitions are possible at any age: Whether you're 40+ or just starting, it’s never too late to make a change, especially with the growing opportunities in fields like cybersecurity.
• 😀 Mentorship plays a crucial role: Both having mentors and being one can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
• 😀 Empathy and understanding are key in leadership: Creating a workplace that prioritizes mental health and work-life balance leads to long-term success.
• 😀 Stress and burnout are real in high-stakes industries: Acknowledging mental health challenges in cybersecurity and other demanding fields is vital for sustainability.
• 😀 Lifelong learning is essential: The ability to learn new skills, especially through tools like AI and online resources, makes it easier to pivot into new careers.
• 😀 Impostor syndrome is common, but manageable: Acknowledging your self-doubt is part of the process, and it can be overcome by focusing on the value you bring.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes: Extreme ownership is about taking responsibility for both successes and failures, learning from them to improve.
• 😀 Leadership is about more than just managing tasks: True leadership means fostering a culture that prioritizes people, their well-being, and personal growth.
• 😀 Career experiences from other fields can transfer: Skills from unrelated fields, like being a pastry chef or surgical tech, can be valuable assets in cybersecurity and other tech roles.
• 😀 Building a career requires a balance of grit and adaptability: Success often comes from sticking with hard challenges and adapting to new circumstances.

Q & A

What does Patrick mean by being an 'accidental entrepreneur'?

Patrick describes himself as an 'accidental entrepreneur' because his journey into business wasn't planned. He grew up in rural America with humble jobs, and his career in cybersecurity and entrepreneurship happened through a series of unexpected opportunities and hard work.

How did Patrick transition from physical work to cybersecurity?

Patrick transitioned from physical work to cybersecurity by seeking out opportunities to learn and expand his knowledge. His drive to break out of his rural upbringing led him to self-study using resources like online lectures from top universities, which eventually led him to California and a career in cybersecurity.

How does Patrick view the role of mentors in his life and career?

Mentors have been crucial in Patrick's journey. He reflects on the people who guided him at pivotal moments, particularly in cybersecurity. He believes that mentoring is a way to give back, especially since he himself was mentored throughout his life, helping him overcome challenges and achieve success.

What was the impact of mentorship on Patrick's entry into cybersecurity?

Mentorship played a key role in Patrick's cybersecurity career. A mentor, Rick Hudson, guided him when he was young, helping him focus his technical talents in the right direction. Another mentor, Gar, fought for Patrick to join the cybersecurity team at Big Five, ultimately changing his career path.

What advice does Patrick give to midlifers interested in cybersecurity?

Patrick encourages midlifers to consider cybersecurity as a career option because the entry barriers have lowered significantly. Thanks to tools like ChatGPT, learning is faster and more accessible than ever. He believes that people with diverse backgrounds can successfully transition into cybersecurity, as skills from other fields can often translate well.

What is Patrick's view on the importance of mental health in the workplace?

Patrick emphasizes the importance of mental health, particularly in high-stress fields like cybersecurity. He actively fosters a work culture where taking time off is encouraged, and he stresses that employees should not burn out. His approach is to have sharp, balanced workers rather than overworked ones.

How does Patrick manage the stress of working in cybersecurity?

Patrick manages stress by maintaining a calm demeanor and encouraging his team to do the same. He recognizes the challenges of the field, including burnout and impostor syndrome, and actively works to prevent these by promoting work-life balance, such as enforcing paid time off and creating a supportive, non-toxic work environment.

What is Patrick's approach to leadership and team dynamics in cybersecurity?

Patrick's leadership style focuses on empathy, humility, and fostering a supportive environment. He believes in sustainable work practices and doesn't push his team to work excessively long hours. His goal is to build strong, long-term teams, where individuals are empowered to perform at their best without compromising their well-being.

How does Patrick view career changes, such as someone moving from a pastry chef to cybersecurity?

Patrick sees career changes as a positive and increasingly common trend. He highlights that transferable skills from other professions, such as teamwork, stress management, and problem-solving, can be valuable in cybersecurity. He believes that passion and the right mindset are more important than prior experience.

What does Patrick believe are the biggest challenges in the cybersecurity field?

Patrick acknowledges that cybersecurity is becoming more complex, with threats becoming harder to defend against. However, he also sees the field as one with tremendous growth opportunities, especially for those who are eager to learn and contribute. He stresses the importance of continuous education and staying ahead of new technological advancements.