Announcing a new development as 2020 approaches
Looking back at 2019, it has been a tremendous year for me from a personal and career development perspective. I’ve been very fortunate to elevate my involvement in the security community. I’ve documented much of it in this video I made in response to a challenge from Jane Frankland. Looking ahead to 2020, I have many new opportunities on the horizon that are very exciting. However, first I need to say goodbye to 2019.
The Announcement
As 2019 comes to a close, so does my time working for CDW. I made the decision to leave my role in their security practice and begin a new exciting chapter in my career. I’ll save the announcement about that until shortly after the new year. For now, I want to reflect back on how amazing this, somewhat brief, chapter of my life has been.
Over the last 18 months, I worked with some amazingly talented people in their security practice. I remember asking, when I was first approached by their recruiter, “CDW does security consulting?”. Over my time in the practice, I had the opportunity to really drive market awareness of the practice in the security community as a whole. We always joke about this 20 year-old practice being the company’s best kept secret, and it’s true. However, it was my personal mission from the start to change that.
My role afforded me the opportunity to interact with business and security leaders in all new ways. Not only did I speak at security conferences, I also was able to get in front of executive and industry specific audiences. Each opportunity allowed me to socialize new perspectives on how to solve the challenges around cyber security. Additionally, I interacted with so many wonderful people and forged new connections that I cherish greatly. I owe so much of my personal brand growth to my employer.
A Difficult Decision
It was a tough decision to leave my current role. I managed two teams of amazingly skilled individuals whom I care about very deeply. However, I believe they are in good hands. I have no doubt the security practice will continue to excel and bring value to their customers. Words cannot describe the honor of working with these wonderful people and helping coach them in their own career development. I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things each one of them will accomplish.
I have an extreme amount of respect for the organization I leave behind and all the good they have done and continue to do for the IT industry. It’s hard to leave a company when you know there is more you could accomplish there. However, I’ve got an exciting opportunity on the horizon that I simply could not say no to.
When appropriate, I will announce what my new opportunity is all about. For now, I wish to simply pause and reflect on all the great things I’ve been fortunate to accomplish as part of my current role. I’m going to enjoy the holidays and as the new year begins dive into something new and thrilling.
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