Leadership Spotlight: Will Smith
Welcome to RELI Group’s Leadership Spotlight series! In this series, we’ll delve into the background, passions and philosophies of some of Team RELI’s best and brightest minds. Each post includes the same five questions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the folks that make RELI great.
In today’s Leadership Spotlight, get to know Will Smith, RELI’s Director of Business Expansion & Solution Design within our Cybersecurity Sector. Will is a seasoned leader and cybersecurity architect with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. With a comprehensive view of technical operations and in-depth knowledge of the latest industry trends, Will expertly aligns cybersecurity strategies with both short- and long-term organizational goals. He has a proven track record of leading large-scale enterprise teams, overseeing millions in cybersecurity budgets, and managing significant projects and programs that drive change and mitigate risks.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that influenced your path in government contracting?
One pivotal moment in my career occurred in 2017 when I created the Privileged Governance Support Plan for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This plan was part of the Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring effort initiated by the government following the Modernization Act. Its purpose was to help DHS deploy and manage privileged access management tools effectively within its IT budgets. Interestingly, soon after this plan was accepted, I was laid off. This unexpected event drove me to adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on my growth and understanding the interconnected nature of our work within the team and the broader organization.
What drives your passion for working in government contracting?
My passion for government contracting is deeply rooted in my desire to protect those who cannot protect themselves. This commitment to protection and defense has consistently driven my career, influencing every project and initiative I’ve undertaken. Now, as I progress further, I focus on translating this passion into mentorship for the next generation, ensuring they are well-prepared to continue this vital work.
How do you approach leadership and team building?
My approach to leadership and team building is grounded in the philosophy that “Without everyone, we’re no one.” This means recognizing the importance of every team member and ensuring barriers are transformed into opportunities. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize the value of mentors who provide guidance and open doors rather than create obstacles. Whether through my work at RELI with our team of cyber interns or my previous work with SkillBridge transitional employees, I focus on helping them demonstrate and evolve their excellence. This involves creating clear paths for their growth and ensuring they have the support needed to excel.
What innovations or trends in the cyber sector excite you the most?
The advancements in collaborative AI excite me the most in the cyber sector. While I’m not a proponent of AI eliminating jobs, I believe in its potential to enhance our capabilities and make our work more efficient. The transformative power of AI, particularly in the illumination of biases that could prevent inclusivity, holds great promise. As AI continues to evolve, I hope it will address and eradicate barriers, making technology more equitable and effective for all users. This ongoing development is crucial for the future of cybersecurity and many other fields.
Can you discuss a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of?
One project that stands out is our rapid response initiative following a major security threat. While many organizations took weeks to prepare and respond, our team managed to secure the environment within a couple of days. This swift action earned us a letter of appreciation from the Director of the agency, a presidential appointee. This recognition was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the team’s dedication and efficiency. This experience also inspired me to explore AI further, focusing on developing collaborative AI models for cybersecurity teams, which remains a personal ongoing project.
Through these experiences, Will Smith exemplifies leadership, resilience, and innovation in government contracting and cybersecurity. He continues to make significant contributions to the field while preparing the next generation for future challenges. You can read more about Will’s work in this white paper, or learn about RELI’s cybersecurity internship program here