See It To Be It Spotlight
DataBee®, A Comcast Company
CEO
I got into cybersecurity by…following problems that truly mattered to me. Early in my career, I worked in highly technical, high-stakes environments—including counterterrorism operations for the U.S. government—where I saw firsthand how critical digital systems had become to national security, business operations, and everyday life. What drew me in wasn’t just the technology, but the impact.
Cybersecurity sits at the intersection of trust, data, and real-world consequences. As I transitioned into the private sector, I became especially interested in how fragmented security data made it nearly impossible for teams to understand risk or make confident decisions. Solving that challenge ultimately led me deeper into the cyber industry—and eventually to building DataBee.
For me, a positive cyber mindset is…rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. Cybersecurity is never static—the threats, technologies, and business expectations are constantly evolving.
I believe the healthiest mindset is one that embraces continuous learning, isn’t afraid to challenge assumptions, and understands that complexity can always be simplified with the right data and approach.
Equally important is remembering the “why.” At its core, cybersecurity is about protecting people, organizations, and critical infrastructure. When teams stay grounded in that mission, resilience and creativity follow.
The skill that helped me transition to a cybersecurity career is…the ability to bring structure and clarity to chaos. Long before I held formal cybersecurity titles, I was working on complex, data-heavy problems in fast-moving environments. That experience trained me to quickly understand systems, ask the right questions, and translate technical complexity into actionable insights.
Cybersecurity desperately needs people who can do that—who can connect data, technology, and decision-making. That skill proved invaluable as I moved deeper into the field and ultimately into leadership.
I would tell my younger self…you don’t need to have everything figured out—and you don’t need permission to lead. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career came from leaning into uncertainty and trusting my ability to learn quickly. I’d also remind my younger self that confidence grows through action, not perfection. Speak up earlier. Take a seat at the table. Your perspective matters more than you think.
My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a cybersecurity career path is…don’t fixate on having a “perfect” background. Cybersecurity needs problem-solvers, critical thinkers, communicators, and data-driven decision-makers just as much as it needs deep technical specialists.
Identify the skills you already have, then build targeted cyber knowledge on top of them. And most importantly—talk to people already in the field. Relationships and mentorship accelerate learning faster than any certification alone.
I live by the quote…“Progress, not perfection.” Cybersecurity is an industry where waiting for perfect conditions means falling behind. Progress comes from moving forward thoughtfully, learning in real time, and continuously iterating.
The biggest influencers in my career are…the leaders and mentors who combined intellectual rigor with genuine humanity. The people who challenged me to think bigger while supporting me as a whole person—not just as a contributor. I’ve learned that the most impactful leaders are those who pair vision with empathy and create space for others to grow.
My recommended read is…anything that encourages systems thinking and long-term problem solving. While cybersecurity books are valuable, I’m a big believer in reading broadly: technology, leadership, science, and even behavioral economics. Some of the best insights I’ve brought into cybersecurity came from outside the field entirely.
In an interview with Authority magazine a couple of years ago, I was asked a similar question, and shared that “Surely you’re joking, Mr. Feynman!” written by the legendary physicist Richard Feynman, is one of the books that inspired me to think critically, creatively and positively about how to solve meaningful world problems with novel engineering approaches.
What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up was…a scientist. I’ve always been drawn to discovery, experimentation, and understanding how complex systems work. In many ways, cybersecurity—and building data-driven security platforms—ended up being a natural extension of that curiosity.
My favorite place is…where smart, curious people are working together on hard problems. That might sound abstract, but for me, the energy of collaboration—whether it’s with a team, customers, or fellow leaders—is what I enjoy most.
My inspiration is…people who persist. Especially women and underrepresented leaders who carve paths where none existed and bring others with them. Watching individuals push past doubt, either their own or others’, and grow into confident leaders is endlessly inspiring to me.
Something few people know about me is…most of my career pivots weren’t meticulously planned. They came from saying yes to challenges that felt meaningful, even when the path forward wasn’t obvious. I’ve learned to trust that clarity often comes after action, not before.
What I most want to be remembered for is…building things that matter—and opening doors for others along the way. Whether it’s a company, a platform, or a person’s career trajectory, I want my legacy to be about meaningful impact, integrity, and creating opportunities where there previously were none.
Are you ready to take the next step in your cybersecurity journey?
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