Darcy Leutzinger, VP, Director of Security, UWM
On 21-22 September 2024, 41 chief security officers (CSOs) and senior security executives from across the globe convened at the GSX conference in Orlando, Florida, for the Secure Horizons event from the CSO Center. This program was designed to provide attendees with fresh perspectives on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership development in the business and security arenas.
Day 1 of the event kicked off with a series of sessions instructed by Risa M. Mish, professor of practice Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business. Her focus during Secure Horizons was on developing critical thinking advantages—a vital skill for security leaders facing complex, fast-paced decision-making environments. Mish emphasized the importance of differentiating between when to take the time to think critically and when immediate action is required. She also highlighted common obstacles to critical thinking and provided tools to help CSOs identify information gaps and make informed decisions.
One of the central learning models introduced during this session was the building out context and leveraging the IDEAL Model. This problem-solving approach encouraged attendees to collaboratively work through real-world business problems, leveraging each other’s insights and experiences. This exercise not only fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the attendees but also highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving.
The second day featured a panel of experienced CSOs who shared case studies and personal experiences, explaining how they developed and implemented solutions to security challenges. This session offered a practical, real-world complement to the theoretical framework introduced on the first day. The diversity of the panelists’ experiences highlighted the various ways security professionals apply their skills in different industries and settings, driving home the point that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to security management. They provided practical tips on media relations, emphasizing how important it is for CSOs to convey their messages clearly and effectively in an industry that is rapidly evolving. Mish moderated the panel, weaving in her theories on how success can be driven by thoughtful, strategic approaches to business challenges within defined parameters.
In a particularly memorable session titled “The Art of the Sale,” Mish challenged attendees to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses and consider how these traits could be used to develop leadership skills and navigate personal progress in the business world. One exercise from this session involved engaging in a discussion with a table partner to identify common interests. This seemingly simple task promoted deeper conversations, helping attendees build the kind of leadership capital necessary for success in business relationships. The exercise reinforced the importance of connection and communication—essential skills for security leaders looking to build strong, collaborative teams.
Overall, the Secure Horizons event offered much more than the standard security-focused content. By concentrating on leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills, the sessions provided CSOs with updated strategies to engage with decision-makers and promote security initiatives within their organizations. Attendees left with a wealth of new knowledge, ready to apply what they had learned in both business and security contexts.