Book Report Reviews and Insights

Why Security Leaders Should Rethink Team Performance Directors in managed detection and response (MDR) roles face a balancing act. Some engineers and managers are seasoned experts with deep technical chops. Others are new, still learning the craft. The challenge isn’t just technical—it’s cultural, relational, and operational. That’s where Tim Baker’s Winning Teams: The Eight Characteristics of …

Opening ‘The First 90 Days’ by Michael D. Watkins is a powerful guide for any leader stepping into a new role. Whether you’re the one transitioning into a new job or a manager looking to onboard a new hire effectively, the book offers invaluable insights and a robust framework for success. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if …

High-stakes conversations are an inevitable part of security leadership and operations. Whether you’re navigating a tense incident response, discussing policy changes, or mediating team conflicts, the ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference. In these moments, emotions run high, opinions clash, and the consequences are significant. This post contains affiliate links, which …

Introduction As a security engineering leader with over twenty years of experience in the IT and security space, I’ve encountered numerous challenges in managing teams. From building corporate security and detection programs to leading Security Operations Centers, I’ve seen a fair share of dysfunction in teams. It’s important to acknowledge that team dysfunctions aren’t exclusive to a particular …

In the realm of Information Technology, few books have made as profound an impact as Gene Kim’s “The Phoenix Project.” (Book Link) This novel, draped in the garb of a corporate thriller, introduces us to an IT manager, Bill, who is thrust into the chaotic world of a project – code-named Phoenix – on the brink of disaster. As the book unfolds, Bill battles not only the looming deadline and a myriad …