Your Next Chapter: Transitioning from the Intelligence Community to Private Sector as a Senior Leader
For senior leaders in national security, intelligence, cyber, and digital transformation, transitioning from GS-15 and Senior Executive Service (SES) roles to the private sector presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. You have led large-scale programs, advised top decision-makers, and shaped national security policy, but how do you translate that high-level leadership experience into […]
Your Next Move: Career Strategies for Early-Career Intelligence Professionals Leaving Government
For those who recently joined the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and now find themselves leaving government service—perhaps even during their probationary period—this can be a major life disruption. Many of you may have spent years preparing for this role, invested time and energy in obtaining security clearances, relocated across the country, and made personal and […]
Your Next Career: Turning Public Service into Private-Sector Success
For those leaving the national security community, transitioning to the private sector can be both an exciting and daunting process. At this time of dynamic change, I’ll provide a few thoughts for my former colleagues in the CIA and other government officials contemplating the next phase of their professional lives. The skills and experiences you’ve […]
Your Next Advantage: Networking, Resumes, and Personal Branding for Government Professionals Entering the Private Sector
For government professionals transitioning to the private sector, landing the right job is about more than just having an impressive background. Success in the private sector depends in part on how you present yourself, how you connect with the right people, and how you market your expertise. Many government professionals underestimate the role of networking, […]
Your Next Mission: Career Strategies for GS-13/14 Professionals Leaving Government
During my time at the CIA, the GS-13 and GS-14 cadre formed the backbone of the service. They were often our most productive and impactful officers, having the experience and perspective to execute complex operations, while supervising, mentoring, and leading more junior personnel. The answer to so many challenges for our executive leadership team was […]
Dys-tinguished: When neurodivergent minds strengthen the cybersecurity workforce
The rate at which threats are evolving with unimaginable complexity is remarkable. Trusting a method or mindset that was effective once before could now pose as a risk in combatting a rise of asymmetrical threats. This is one of those conversations that we don’t mind having one more time again. Simply because, harnessing the value […]
Journey into Cybersecurity: Reframing the Transition Phase
What you have is worth more than you think. For public servants embarking on“what’s next?“, the future of cybersecurity is rich with opportunities—for those who are equipped with the right strategy. On May 29th, The Cyber Guild welcomed 100+ members of the public service community to start their journey with a focus on cybersecurity roles. […]
Building Inclusive AI: A Call to Action to Cybersecurity Leaders
The Next Frontier of Responsible AI As artificial intelligence transforms corporate and cybersecurity operations and decision-making, there’s a growing imperative that often gets overlooked: inclusivity. AI tools must reflect and respect the full spectrum of human conditions, identities, and lived experiences—not just to be fair, but to be truly effective. Meghan Maneval, a leading voice […]
From Apprentice to Advocate: A Personal Journey at the Uniting Women in Cyber Event
As a woman starting in the field of cybersecurity, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a conference as an apprentice for the Aquia Accelerator program! I credit this program as the reason I can follow my dream of becoming a cybersecurity professional. This was my first time attending a cybersecurity conference, and I was […]
Reading Beyond the Stereotypes: An Insider Perspective
I have ADHD. For some, a diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition is a badge of honor. For others, this admission validates their feelings of deficiency. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with, manage, mentor, and learn from many women in professional roles who were climbing the corporate ladder and flourishing in […]