“I’m so thankful I don’t have to lobby people anymore to get what I want.” Or so it seemed. In transitioning from government relations to cybersecurity, stakeholder management is equally as present – and crucial- in both fields. While public policy focuses on legislative advocacy, the tech sphere involves advocacy for your work, your team, and your voice.

This presentation explores the critical role of soft skills in two seemingly distinct fields: government relations and cybersecurity. While technical expertise and policy acumen are needed for both domains, success often hinges on interpersonal and communication abilities. The session will highlight how skills like active listening, strategic negotiation, and relationship building are indispensable in fostering trust, influencing decisions, and mitigating conflicts.

Using real life examples, such as coalition building for legislative advocacy and stakeholder buy in for mitigating cybersecurity risk, attendees will gain actionable insights into the shared skills required to navigate office politics, virtually or in person. Participants will also practice strategies to enhance their skills, empowering them to become effective leaders in environments that demand listening and stakeholder management skills. This interdisciplinary perspective offers a unique lens on leveraging human-centric skills that drive impact and security services—with a human touch.