Welcome to the UNLEARN Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Lee Vorthman, Vice President of Strategic Security Initiatives at Oracle. Lee leads a global team to protect and strengthen Oracle’s operations. He is also a Global CISO Advisory Board Member at HMG Strategy and an Advisory Board Member for Phoenix Security.
His career began in the US Navy, and he has since held key roles across defense, technology, cloud, education, and oil & gas industries. Lee’s past roles include Chief Security Officer for Oracle’s Advertising group, leading Global Security Engineering at Pearson Education, and serving as Chief Technology Officer for Federal Civilian Agencies at NetApp.
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In this episode, Lee shares insights on leveraging technology for growth, navigating cultural transformations, and building resilient organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Mastering Security Fundamentals: Lee highlights the importance of staying grounded in foundational security practices while adopting innovative technologies like AI to address evolving challenges.
- Building Trust and Influence: Discover Lee’s techniques for fostering collaboration, psychological safety, and cultural change to drive impactful security initiatives.
- The Power of Diverse Skills: Learn why developing a broad skill set across disciplines like engineering, finance, and HR is essential for empathetic leadership and effective problem-solving.
Additional Insights:
Cultural Change in Security: Lee discusses the critical role of fostering trust and collaboration to implement effective security practices across organizations.
Balancing Speed and Resilience: Insights on how businesses can prioritize innovation while maintaining strong operational fundamentals.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Exploring emerging trends like AI and their implications for addressing new and complex threats.
Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with Lee Vorthman on leadership, innovation, and building resilient organizations!
Episode Highlights:
00:36 – Episode Introduction
“We’re always going to have new technologies. But that doesn’t negate the fact that you still have to master the fundamentals.”
01: 03 – Barry introduces Lee Vorthman as a seasoned cybersecurity expert and VP of Strategic Security Initiatives at Oracle.
02:27 – Personal Background and Military Influence
“I grew up in a military household and started in technology before joining the military.”
05:33 – Evolution of Security Leadership
“Security leadership now touches every aspect of a business, requiring a broad understanding beyond just technology.”
11:15 – Navigating Accountability vs. Ownership
“In the civilian world, I’m accountable for risks I don’t always own, which requires building alliances.”
15:05 – Techniques for Overcoming Resistance
“Two techniques I use to convince people: the switcheroo and Jedi mind trick for breaking resistance.”
22:35 – Challenges in the Security Industry
“The industry tends to chase shiny new technologies while neglecting critical fundamentals.”
28:06 – Excitement About Emerging Technologies
“I love when new technology comes out because it allows security people to put their hats on to make it safe.”
30:25 – Closing Remarks
“It’s been an amazing journey, and I appreciate sharing these stories on the podcast.”
