Daniel Shore, Ph.D., a social-behavioral scientist and co-founder of MultiTeam Solutions, is on a mission to bridge the gap between technical and soft skills for cybersecurity leaders. With a focus on the social science of leadership, Shore will be leading a workshop titled “Hacking Cybersecurity Leadership” at Black Hat 2024 next month.
In a field where leadership positions are often filled based on technical prowess rather than leadership skills, Shore aims to equip cybersecurity leaders with the essential soft skills needed to navigate the complexities of the industry. Drawing from five years of research funded by US and European governments and accredited by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Shore’s workshop offers research-backed strategies to empower leaders to motivate teams and cultivate a sense of value among team members.
Leading in the cybersecurity realm presents unique challenges, particularly in what is known as a “VUCA” environment – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Shore emphasizes the importance of focusing on known elements, such as team dynamics, to provide stability and build confidence in the face of uncertainty.
The workshop delves into building trust within teams, fostering collaboration, and creating a common language and mindset across multi-team systems – an often overlooked aspect in traditional cybersecurity training. Participants will engage in exercises designed to enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation in a psychologically safe environment, allowing leaders to explore new approaches without the constraints of their typical roles.
Cybersecurity leaders frequently grapple with low morale, high turnover rates, and imposter syndrome. Shore’s workshop offers human-centered solutions to these challenges, emphasizing empathy, belonging, and support among participants. By focusing on the human aspect of technology, Shore aims to provide practical strategies that complement the technical solutions typically relied upon by cybersecurity leaders.
Ultimately, Shore hopes that attendees will depart from the workshop with a deeper understanding of the human-centered challenges within cybersecurity and actionable tactics to address them effectively. The specific date and time for Shore’s training at Black Hat 2024 will be announced soon.
In a field where technical expertise often takes precedence, Daniel Shore’s research-based training offers cybersecurity leaders a unique opportunity to enhance their soft skills and lead with confidence. By bridging the gap between technical acumen and social science, Shore’s workshop promises to equip leaders with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.