Women in NOVA Discuss Risks that Change Careers

In April, Women in Nova (WIN) conducted a panel discussion: The Risk that Changed My Career. In conjunction with Take Your Child to Work Day, attendees were encouraged to bring their high school-aged child (or older) to the event. A few took up the offer, and it was a well-attended, lively group. The speakers were Eileen M. Vidrine, Air Force chief data officer, Headquarters, United States Air Force; Col. Claire Cuccio, USA (Ret.), president and CEO, SNVC. The moderator, Meg Mitcham, vice president, Reingold, introduced the panelists by asking questions regarding risk-taking. Needless to say, both panelists took the risk. Some of the questions for the morning were the following: Are you a natural risk taker? Why do we take risks? How do risks pay off? Neither of the panelists believed they were taking risks in their career and saw everything as an opportunity. The overall message conveyed the following: Since you never know when the next opportunity will present itself, you must seize it! Risks do not necessarily pay off immediately, and it is easy to get bogged down with roadblocks or feel discouraged when doors are shut. Whatever happens, keep on doing your best work. Also, a network is extremely valuable-develop and nurture it. You never know who the person sitting next to you might be someday. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Both of the panelists said they had reached out to others throughout their career. Vidrine's risk was often in the form of a new position that had never been done before. This affords the advantage of being able to define success and how it is measured. Also, with these types of positions one needs to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Vidrine's advice was to be bold and celebrate the small wins. Claire Cuccio reminded the audience that they know more than they think. But it is important to do the homework, be educated, and be the smartest person in the room … or at least ask educated questions. Have the confidence to participate in discussions and never apologize or consider ideas or questions as bad or unwarranted. This was WIN's third program for fiscal year 2019. Mark your calendars for the final FY19 WIN panel discussion: July 18, 2019 | Evening | Topic: Cultivating the Cyber Workforce of Tomorrow

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