Daniel Sharp sat down with us to discuss his upcoming webinar about transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role. To learn more about the webinar on 29 April or register now, go here.
Q: How did you become interested in the career transition journey?
A: I became interested in the transition from individual contributor to management through my own career journey. Early on, I was focused on executing tasks and excelling in my specific role, but as opportunities for leadership arose, I realized that being a strong individual performer doesn’t automatically translate to being an effective manager. Stepping into management required a shift in mindset, new skills, and learning how to lead a team rather than just focusing on personal performance. Through trial, error, and growth, I developed a passion for helping others navigate this transition successfully. Now, I enjoy sharing insights that can make the process smoother for those stepping into leadership roles.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in transitioning from individual contributors to leadership?
A:
- Think Strategically – Shift from task execution to big-picture planning.
- Communicate Effectively – Clearly convey risks, policies, and strategies.
- Lead, Don’t Just Tell – Empower your team instead of handing everything off.
- Understand Business Goals – Align security with company objectives and risk management.
- Build Influence – Collaborate across departments and gain executive buy-in
Q: Why should security professionals have career transition on their radar?
A:
- Business Alignment – Companies expect security to support strategic goals.
- Cyber & Physical Security Merge – Managers must oversee both.
- Leadership Gaps – Talent shortages create opportunities for growth.
- Regulatory Pressure – Compliance and risk management are key
Daniel Sharp works as Director of Media at American Grit. He is also an OIF and OEF veteran with a diverse career spanning military service, media, and business management.
