, Florentine B
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.
The cybersecurity industry is at a crossroads. While technical expertise remains crucial, organizations increasingly need strong leadership to guide teams, manage complexity, and drive security initiatives forward. However, transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role is one of the most difficult career shifts in cybersecurity. Many professionals who excel in technical roles find themselves promoted into management without the necessary training or guidance, leading to frustration, burnout, and ineffective leadership.
I believe this talk is a good fit for the Hire Ground track because it directly addresses a widespread and often overlooked challenge in cybersecurity careers: the leadership gap. Technical skills alone do not prepare professionals to manage people, handle conflict, delegate work, or communicate effectively with executives. Without the right support and education, new leaders struggle to balance their technical expertise with the soft skills required for management. The result? Teams suffer, projects falter, and promising cybersecurity professionals leave leadership roles prematurely, contributing to industry-wide retention challenges.
The key to addressing the leadership gap in cybersecurity is deliberate preparation, skill development, and structured mentorship—not just learning on the job through trial and error. This discussion will provide a real-world roadmap for technical professionals stepping into leadership roles, equipping them with practical strategies to lead effectively while maintaining credibility and confidence.
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Mindset Shift: Attendees will learn how to redefine success in leadership—moving from personal technical achievements to enabling and empowering their teams.
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Essential Leadership Skills: The session will cover communication, delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution, ensuring new leaders are prepared for the human-side of cybersecurity leadership.
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Navigating Common Challenges: Managing former peers, avoiding micromanagement, handling imposter syndrome, and balancing hands-on work with strategic leadership will be key focus areas.
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Building a Leadership Style: Attendees will explore different leadership approaches, helping them develop an authentic leadership identity that plays to their strengths.
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Long-Term Growth & Retention: The discussion will emphasize mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning, ensuring new leaders don’t just survive in their roles—but thrive while fostering stronger teams and a healthier cybersecurity industry.
I feel that by leading this structured discussion, I can help empower attendees with actionable insights to confidently step into leadership roles, strengthening both their individual careers and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
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.