Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q & A is with Shelley Westman the Vice President of Operations & Strategic Initiatives for IBM Security. Shelley is innovating her field of work by in addition to overseeing business operations, serving on several IBM boards and committees that are focused on strategic hiring and skills, and also leads the IBM Security University Programs.
1) What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?
My biggest pivotal moment was when I went from being a practicing lawyer to being an IBMer. I had always wanted to practice law since I was 9 years old, but once I was practicing, I decided it was not the right career for me. I was fortunate to get into IBM where I have held a variety of key roles in various business units.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
I am so fortunate to have had many great mentors and sponsors over the years, far too many to name for fear of leaving someone out. What I have found really helps is to have a mentor who is different than you, so they can give you a different point of view than yours.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
My biggest goal right now is to serve as a mentor, role model and inspiration for young women in high school and college, who want to go into a career in cybersecurity. If young women don’t have female role models, they won’t picture themselves in this type of career and may never gain interest in joining the security space. It is really rewarding for me to have young women come up to me after a speech and tell me that I have inspired them to keep going and not give up.
4) How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?
I knew a lawyer at IBM who referred me to a contracts group at IBM that was hiring people with law degrees. My first job was drafting and negotiating contracts for IBM. Once I was at IBM, I was enthralled by the corporate world and kept seeing different areas I wanted to experience. I have had roles in the supply chain, various operations areas, ran strategy for our hardware group, owned product lines and now cyber security.
5) How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
I unplug by going to the gym and reading. Both of them transport you to another world. At the gym you have to pay full attention and give it your all and reading takes you to another world all together. I try to do some form of unplugging each day, even if it is only for an hour or two. Also, I unplug by laughing with my daughter. We find each other hysterical and laugh often (the funniest part is that my husband doesn’t find either of us very funny ☺)
6) What cause do you most want to advance?
Getting more women into leadership roles and STEM fields, including cybersecurity. The statistics are shocking. Women make up over 50% of college graduates but only 10% of cybersecurity professionals. Women are choosing other career paths and this means that as an industry, we are leaving a lot of great talent on the table.
7) What song can’t you get out of your head?
“Can’t stop the feeling” by Justin Timberlake. For some reason it makes me happy! It’s got a great beat and it is about dancing…what’s not to love?
8) What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
It is a line from a song by Leanne Womack and it really speaks to me… the line says “… and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” To me this means be an active participant in life. Say yes, take risks, put yourself out there. I know that I will only regret the things I didn’t do, didn’t say or didn’t try. I have taken a lot of risks in my career and been in several roles where they were brand new and I had to chart the course… and I always keep that line from the song in mind!
9) What is your “keep me going” quote?
“At 211 degrees…. water is hot, at 212 degrees…. water boils. It’s that ONE extra degree that makes all the difference.” I love this quote, I have a signed copy of a poster from the author on my wall and I look at it every single day. It reminds me to always do a little more to give it that extra degree.
10) What is your secret indulgence?
Not so secret. Chocolate – I eat it every day and can’t live with out it. Very close second is diet coke.
Check out Shelley Westman’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
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