Mike Howard: Leading Security Innovation and Business Growth
“Leadership must also come from the C-Suite to positively influence security’s mission in a holistic manner. Security’s goal is to be viewed as a significant business enabler and partner.”
“Leadership isabout understanding yourself first, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and targeting continuous improvement,” says Mike Howard, Chief Security Officer at Microsoft. “It is an attitude and mindset to focus on the team and organizational goals first. Leaders are able to change focus from subject matter expertise to a focus on their team by setting strategic goals, letting go of the details and steering the team through execution.”
Mike’s view and strength in leadership had everything (almost) to do with his becoming the Global CSO at Microsoft. “My wife and I were both in the CIA. After we retired we wanted to be on the West Coast and near family. I connected with a friend who knew a recruiter who was seeking an executive opportunity protecting Bill Gates and Microsoft’s top executives. I spent a year as Director of Executive Protection.” One year later, Mike earned the Global CSO position and took over all of Microsoft Global Security.