You Need a Jay-z and a Beyoncé: How Sponsors and Mentors Can Supercharge Your Career in Cybersecurity

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Presented at BSidesLV 2024 by

Anthony Hendricks

At the 2024 Grammys, rapper Jay-Z took the stage to accept the Global Impact Award. Instead of the typical awards speech, Jay-Z spent part of that moment not just talking about himself but also his wife – Beyoncé, amplifying her accomplishments, defending her work, and advocating for her artistry. While met with criticism by some, the speech embodies the elements that experts characterize as sponsorship. Mentors and sponsors are vital for advancing your career in cybersecurity, especially for women and people of color. Without them, employees can be left feeling burnt out, frustrated with career advancements, and ready to leave not just their current company but sometimes the industry as a whole. The roles of mentors and sponsors are often confused and misunderstood – even by mentors and sponsors. This presentation will define the roles of mentors and sponsors and highlight ways they can help accelerate your career. Next, we discuss why you need both by using the examples of Jay-Z and Beyoncé and recent business literature. We will also explore leaders' roles and outline how they can be better mentors and sponsors. Finally, focus on how to get a mentor and sponsor and be a good protégés.