Women are shaping the future of cybersecurity with resilience, strength, and leadership styles that drive real impact. In our recent Vision & Voice Coffee Chat, we had the pleasure of speaking with Brooke Motta, CEO and Founder of Rad Security, who shared her inspiring journey as a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Brooke offered insights on embracing a growth mindset, building strong networks, and balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being. She also addressed important topics like fundraising, mentorship, and empowering teams. Her experience serves as a powerful guide for both aspiring and established leaders, encouraging us to lead with purpose, uplift our teams, and thrive in both work and life.
Here are some of the key takeaways from our enlightening conversation with Brooke:
Embracing a Growth Mindset
Brooke emphasized the importance of adopting a growth mindset. She described how viewing failures as opportunities to learn and grow is crucial for both personal and professional development. This mindset allows leaders to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability, turning setbacks into valuable lessons.
The Role of Discipline
Discipline, according to Brooke, is a cornerstone of effective leadership. She explained that having a disciplined approach in business helps achieve goals and build a strong organizational foundation. It also fosters a culture where team members understand the importance of focus and commitment, contributing to overall success.”
The Power of Community and Networking
One of the highlights of Brooke's discussion was the value of community and networking. She shared her experiences with Slack channels for cybersecurity CEOs and CMO groups, where she has found support and advice from peers. Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges provides reassurance and valuable insights, making it a critical resource for leaders.
Leadership and Delegation
Brooke addressed a common concern among leaders: the need to master every aspect of their business. She reassured the audience that effective leadership does not require hands-on expertise in every area. Instead, it’s about finding and empowering the right people to excel in their roles. Leaders should focus on setting a strong vision, providing direction, and modeling the behavior they wish to see in their teams.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance was another key topic. Brooke discussed her personal strategies for managing the demands of a high-stakes role while staying connected with her family. She highlighted the importance of creating boundaries, such as phone-free family dinners, to ensure quality time with loved ones. These practices help in maintaining relationships and providing a necessary respite from the pressures of work.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
As we wrapped up the chat, Brooke offered some final pieces of advice:
- Align Goals with Vision: Ensure that your personal and organizational goals are in sync with the broader vision of the company.
- Allow Room for Fast Failure: Embrace failures as learning opportunities and move on quickly to keep progressing.
- Model Desired Behavior: As a leader, demonstrate the values and behaviors you want to see in your team.
