Episode 8 with Helen Patton

Description: When you show up for work, what persona is on display? Can you truly be yourself in your role? For women in historically male-dominated fields and those with non-traditional backgrounds, it’s unfortunately common to have to hide parts of their identity at work. Richard and Helen discuss this systemic problem, how it’s contributing to the resource gap in fields like cybersecurity, and how we can build different paths for success for people with diverse identities and backgrounds.   Key Takeaways: [4:30] Helen shares the career path that led her to cybersecurity and her struggles to fit into the field. [6:55] Are you able to bring your authentic self to your workplace? [11:02] The experience that taught Richard just how hard fitting into an industry can be for underrepresented groups. [13:10] The drivers behind unacceptable behaviors among otherwise really smart people. [15:15] Proof that change is finally happening. [20:01] There is no benefit to alienating any group in any industry, even the “old white guys.” [25:22] Signals that are driving people away from the security industry, and how we can start effecting meaningful change.[31:27] The systemic problems behind the socioeconomic and cultural characteristics that lead to shortages in the industry.[32:52] Helen’s advice for leading as a strong female in any career.   Quotes:

• “My experience with coming into the field as a minority is still commonly shared with a lot of people.”—Helen
• “When you show up to your job, are you able to bring your authentic self to the role? —Helen
• “We seem to have gotten to a point where, as an industry, we can finally have discussions about this.”—Helen
• “You’ve got to start where people are, not where you think they should be.”—Helen
• “Do what you can to be as authentic as possible, and change your environment to enable it.”—Helen

Mentioned in This Episode: The Ohio State Office of Compliance and Integrity