Held annually in October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative that raises awareness about online safety. In recognition of this event, Blue Yonder’s Women’s Interest Network (WIN) recently hosted a special fireside chat featuring our Chief Security Officer Erika Voss. During the session, Erika shared her unique career and leadership journey, as well as her experiences building a successful career in the field of cybersecurity. This initiative reflects WIN’s ongoing commitment to celebrating achievements in leadership roles and the field of technology. Below are some of the valuable takeaways Blue Yonder associates learned from Erika’s intriguing career journey.
Transferable skills from unexpected places
In the session, Erika shared that several valuable lessons have emerged from her non-traditional career journey. First, embracing opportunities outside the expected path—such as working as a nanny and later in several roles within a large prison system—can provide incredibly unique skill sets and perspectives that are highly applicable to leadership roles. For example, Erika compared her experience managing risk as a nanny to managing risk in cybersecurity, showing how transferable skills can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Building a highly versatile career foundation
Intentionally seeking diverse roles and responsibilities can help build a well-rounded foundation, which is crucial for leadership positions. Erika’s choices to move through different areas such as emergency management, business continuity and various corporate cultures enabled her to approach problems strategically and calmly, rather than reacting with alarm.
Leadership is a mindset, not a title
Erika said leadership is a “mindset rather than a title,” and it truly is about how you show up for your team every day. Erika encourages individuals to speak with intention, curiosity and confidence to distinguish themselves, and leadership will naturally follow. Erika shared her own experience of reaching her career goal of becoming a global chief security officer and underscored the importance of authentic leadership and self-advocacy.
Curiosity and lifelong learning
Curiosity is a core value at Blue Yonder and a central theme in Erika’s career. Being a lifelong learner and continually seeking personal and professional growth are primary reasons she was drawn to the multi-faceted and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.