CyberWire Daily Podcast Summary

Episode: Teresa Shea: The Challenge of Adapting New Technologies
Host/Author: N2K Networks (CyberWire Daily)
Release Date: November 17, 2024

Introduction to Teresa Shea

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, Teresa Shea, Vice President at Raytheon and leader of the Cyber Offense Defense Experts group, shares her extensive experience in the cybersecurity and intelligence sectors. Teresa delves into her career journey, the evolving challenges of integrating new technologies, and her perspectives on leadership and success.

Early Career and Education

Teresa begins by reflecting on her childhood aspirations and academic pursuits.

"When I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher... I zeroed in on becoming a math teacher." (01:53)

Despite her initial interest in education, Teresa's passion for mathematics led her to explore engineering, a field with few female peers at the time. She credits the Society of Women Engineering for providing her with a scholarship and inspiration to pursue engineering.

Experience at the National Security Agency

Teresa's internship with the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade marked a pivotal moment in her career.

"I got exposed to the mission there and I got exposed to the people there, and it was just awesome." (02:45)

This experience solidified her commitment to electrical engineering and set her on a path toward contributing to national security through technology.

Transition to In-Q-Tel

After her tenure at Raytheon, Teresa transitioned to In-Q-Tel, a strategic investor for the intelligence community.

"When I retired in 2015, the next year I went to work for In-Q-Tel to run a cybersecurity lab there to work on leveraging those startup technologies." (04:10)

At In-Q-Tel, she focused on integrating startup innovations into the intelligence community's operations, aiming to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technologies and governmental needs.

Challenges with Startup Technologies in Intelligence

Teresa identifies significant obstacles in incorporating startup technologies into intelligence operations:

• Security Clearances: Startups often lack personnel with necessary security clearances.
• Investment Constraints: Not all startups receive US investments, limiting their eligibility.
• Acquisition Processes: Government procurement processes are stringent and can deter startups.

"It's really hard to get startup technology into the intelligence community operational side, largely because the startups don't... they certainly don't have security clearances." (05:30)

These challenges underscored the difficulty of fostering innovation within highly regulated environments.

Joining Raytheon and Cyber Offense Defense Experts

Seeking to overcome these barriers, Teresa joined Raytheon to lead the Cyber Offense Defense Experts group.

"I knew they had the best people and worked on the cutting edge capabilities. So that... is why I chose to go to Raytheon." (06:15)

At Raytheon, Teresa focuses on integrating advanced technologies and fostering partnerships that enhance cybersecurity measures within the intelligence community.

Perspectives on Success and Leadership

Teresa shares her philosophy on success and leadership, emphasizing the importance of positively impacting others:

"What matters to me is really about the significance in people's lives. If I can every day encourage people and help them along in their journey... that's how I want to be remembered." (06:50)

She advocates for a leadership style grounded in integrity, compassion, and character, highlighting the value of empowering colleagues and fostering a supportive work environment.

Conclusion

Teresa Shea's journey from aspiring teacher to a key figure in cybersecurity and intelligence exemplifies the challenges and rewards of adapting to new technologies within complex organizations. Her commitment to innovation, coupled with her dedication to meaningful leadership, offers valuable insights for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Notable Quotes:

• "When I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher." (01:53)
• "I got exposed to the mission there and I got exposed to the people there, and it was just awesome." (02:45)
• "It's really hard to get startup technology into the intelligence community operational side..." (05:30)
• "I knew they had the best people and worked on the cutting edge capabilities." (06:15)
• "What matters to me is really about the significance in people's lives." (06:50)

About the Sponsor:

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