Build Your Table
“Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer for Mastercard shares her story and the value of building your table.
Dr. Jay was born to a U.S.military family overseas, and at two years old, found her family living on a small military base. At two years, old, new to the base, her birthday party had only immediate family members at the table around her cake. Just two years later, her birthday party had a table surrounded by friends and other families.
Three Things You Can Do To Build Your Own Table:
Gather your tools: In the beginning of my career, I started building technical competencies so that I could build a table with all of the right tools. I gathered credentials, read, listened and learned. Sure, I messed up plenty, but I learned valuable lessons along the way. One great place to start gathering tools is by supporting organizations that focus on exposing females to cybersecurity. By volunteering with groups like CyberPatriot or Girls Who Code, you will not only further someone else’s knowledge but your own as well. Gather the right tools today so that when it is time to build, you are ready.
Look at different designs: Throughout my career I’ve assessed many different table designs. Now at this point, I am being invited to the table. I am being invited to the discussions as an active participant. Let me stop and remind you that an active participant doesn’t always talk. Active listening is an important part of sitting at the table. As I observed various tables where I sat, I noticed some were flawed. Some allowed participation but no one could get a word in edgewise. Some allowed voices but were not inclusive of the ideas presented. Some invited participants just to check the box. No matter what, I was always present and ready. The point is that there is learning in all instances. What are you learning once you get the seat? How does that prepare you when it is time to build your own table?
Build your own great table: You will reach a point in your career when it is time for you to build your own table. These are times when you lead a project, discussion, or activity. Working in a technology related field means there are lots of opportunities to build a table, use it, tear it down, and build again. The technology landscape is always changing, and our voices, thoughts and diverse opinions must evolve with it. Now is the time for you to gather tools, review different designs, and build a table that is worthy of participants.
