Leo Pate
Leo Pate III is an accomplished security leader and military veteran with over 13 years of experience in proactive security, cybersecurity operations, and technical leadership. Currently serving as Regional Consulting Lead at NetSPI, Leo oversees the Central Region Consulting team, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of growth and innovation. His leadership spans talent management, team development, and process optimization, ensuring exceptional service delivery for clients across various industries. Leo’s strategic initiatives have consistently improved consultant utilization, organizational efficiency, and revenue performance, solidifying his reputation for delivering results in dynamic, client-focused environments.
Prior to his current role, Leo served as a Senior Managing Consultant and held key leadership positions within the United States Army. His military background includes leading cyber operations teams, developing capabilities for mission-critical objectives, and contributing to national security efforts. A trusted advisor and problem solver, Leo combines technical expertise, operational acumen, and a commitment to excellence to address complex challenges and drive organizational success.
Session
The leap from technical expert to leader is one of the most challenging transitions in cybersecurity. Many high-performing engineers, penetration testers, and analysts find themselves in leadership roles without clear guidance on how to succeed. The skills that make a great individual contributor—deep technical expertise, problem-solving, and hands-on execution—aren’t always the same ones that make a great leader.
This session will explore the challenges and rewards of moving into leadership, including how to develop managerial skills, communicate effectively, and lead teams successfully.
Attendees will leave this discussion with a clear understanding of what it takes to transition from an individual contributor to a successful cybersecurity leader. They will learn how to shift their mindset from personal technical execution to team success, develop critical leadership skills like communication and delegation, and navigate the challenges of managing former peers. The discussion will also tackle imposter syndrome, common leadership pitfalls, and how to build an authentic leadership style that aligns with your strengths. Whether you're considering a leadership role or already in one, this session will provide actionable insights to help you grow, lead, and thrive in your cybersecurity career.