‍

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of security, the ability to filter large amounts of information quickly, often in highly stressful situations and reach decisions is a key for success. Kelly Johnstone, a veteran security professional and former Chief Security Officer (CSO) at The Coca-Cola Company, exemplifies how these skills can be leveraged to bring unique value to the C-suite.

Kelly’s perspective on the distinctive critical thinking abilities of security professionals is rooted in her extensive experience across various agencies and industries. She asserts that the ability to quickly process large amounts of information, make timely decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances sets security professionals apart from their peers in other business functions.

The Importance of Quick Decision-Making

"In security, you don't have the luxury of time," Kelly explains. "You have to take in a lot of information coming at you and then make a decision. Everything's real quick, and I think that's a skill set that we offer."

Kelly's own career is a testament to the value of these skills. As CSO at The Coca-Cola Company, she demonstrated how security professionals can enable business success by providing strategic insights and navigating complex challenges. By leveraging her critical thinking abilities, Johnstone was able to synthesize vast amounts of data, identify potential risks, and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

Proactive Engagement in High-Level Decision-Making

One key aspect of her approach is an emphasis on proactive engagement. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, she advocates for security professionals to be involved in high-level decision-making processes from the outset. “Having a seat at the table before decisions are made helps a company make decisions more informed decisions,” she says, “we provide a unique perspective, ask the right questions, and mitigate potential issues before they escalate. Not just in a crisis but in all decisions as you evaluate risk.”

She also stresses the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the face of evolving risks and challenges. "If you go down a path and it's wrong, then you've got to be able to turn around and go the other way quickly before you make more mistakes," she notes. This ability to pivot quickly and make course corrections is essential in any organization, but particularly in an industry where the landscape is constantly shifting.

The next generation of Security Leaders

Looking to the future, Kelly believes that the critical thinking skills of security professionals will become increasingly valuable as organizations navigate an ever-more complex and interconnected world. She envisions a future where security leaders are not just involved in protecting assets but are also key partners in enabling business growth and innovation.

However, she also recognizes that realizing this vision will require a more diverse and inclusive security industry. She emphasizes the need to attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds, as diverse perspectives are essential for effective problem-solving and decision-making.  

A team with varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds can better understand and identify cyber threats originating from different parts of the world. Risk assessment teams that include individuals with diverse professional backgrounds (e.g., engineering, psychology, economics) can provide a more comprehensive analysis of potential security risks. For instance, engineers might focus on structural vulnerabilities while psychologists might highlight human factors. Security policies need to be inclusive and considerate of all demographics. A diverse policymaking team can ensure that policies do not inadvertently discriminate against or overlook certain groups.

Through her work as a consultant and advisor, Kelly continues to champion the value of critical thinking skills and diversity in the security profession. By sharing her insights and experiences, she hopes to inspire a new generation of security leaders who can bring unique value to their organizations and drive the industry forward.

In a world where the stakes are high and the challenges are complex, Kelly’s story showcases the transformative power of critical thinking in the security industry. By leveraging these skills and embracing a proactive, adaptive approach, security professionals can position themselves as invaluable partners to the C-suite and play a vital role in shaping the future of their organizations.