Achieving Cybersecurity Velocity: The Role of Culture and Leadership for Operational Excellence | A Conversation with Kim Jones | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin

Jul 26, 2024

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Guest: Kim Jones, Director, Intuit [@Intuit]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimjones-cism/

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Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

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Episode Notes

In the latest episode of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin explores the importance of achieving velocity in cybersecurity operations with Kim Jones, a seasoned leader with nearly four decades of experience in intelligence, security, and risk.

Jones, who has served in various roles such as Army Intel Officer, CISO, and most recently, in Performance Acceleration at Intuit, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Jones stresses that cultural alignment is crucial for cybersecurity teams to move faster without compromising security. He highlights the importance of leaders setting clear priorities and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable raising conflicts and collaborating to find solutions. “A good leader is going to push the organization 5 percent beyond what it thinks it can do,” says Jones, emphasizing the necessity of pushing teams beyond their perceived limits while ensuring they work cohesively.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion is Jones' analogy of velocity: “Velocity implies taking that motion in a given appropriate direction,” he explains. For Jones, mere motion is insufficient if it lacks direction. He believes that enterprises must align their resources toward a common goal to achieve true velocity, minimizing internal friction and inefficiencies along the way. Effective leadership, according to Jones, plays a pivotal role in this alignment. He argues that leaders need to create a culture where collaboration and conflict resolution are normalized practices. “Not every leader has to be charismatic, but every leader has to lead and set the tone,” Jones notes, adding that consistent and principled leadership is more impactful than charisma alone. Jones also touches on the real-world repercussions of failing to balance velocity with cultural alignment.

Drawing from his extensive career, he shares that misalignment often leads to burnout and inefficiencies. He underscores the importance of leaders making time for their peers and team members, noting, “Inaction is as reckless as acting without thought.” Jones advises that prioritizing responses and maintaining open communication channels can significantly enhance team effectiveness. For organizations aiming to boost their cybersecurity operations, Jones' insights offer a valuable roadmap. By focusing on cultural alignment, setting clear priorities, and encouraging effective leadership, businesses can achieve the velocity needed to thrive. Jones' approach underscores that achieving velocity isn't about making things move faster in disarray but rather about coordinated and purposeful acceleration toward shared goals.