Auld Lang Syne!!

As the new year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the experiences and lessons of the past year. While I strive to learn something new each day, this past year felt like one continuous life lesson.


The year 2024 has given me a deeper understanding of human nature and the various motivations that drive people. I've learned that while taking people at their word is important, it's equally crucial to understand their ultimate objectives. This insight connects to another valuable lesson: the importance of patience. Although I once relied heavily on my initial instincts, I've come to realize that without considering the long-term implications of any given scenario, these gut reactions may be misleading. This kind of long-term thinking has proven vital in both my professional and personal life.

Perhaps most significantly, I've learned the value of contingency planning—the ability to prepare for alternative outcomes. While many of us routinely consider risks and variables when creating roadmaps for professional projects, we often fail to apply the same strategic thinking to our personal lives. I've found that developing contingency plans for our personal endeavors can significantly reduce stress and enhance our overall quality of life.

I wish everyone a wonderful conclusion to 2024 and an even better 2025.

Best regards,
John

2024 LinkedIn Rewind Analysis

Coauthor Studio analyzed my LinkedIn posts, professional profile, audience, and writing style to create a personalized year-in-review post and highlights card. The results are as follows:
2024 wasn’t just another year in cybersecurity — it was a masterclass in organizational resilience. When Anydesk’s massive security breach hit, it wasn’t just a technical problem; it was a wake-up call about how quickly our digital infrastructures can become vulnerable. Throughout 2024 I learned that true security isn’t about perfect systems — it’s about adaptive leadership and continuous learning. Three moments crystallized this year’s lessons: • Anydesk Security Alert: Proactive threat identification saves organizations. “Any organization that has any connection with Anydesk needs to kill all instances of Anydesk and start looking for breach.” https://lnkd.in/eHntmmwY • Mental Health in Security: Our greatest vulnerability isn’t in our networks, but in our people. “Positions in cybersecurity, cyber intelligence, and IT fields are renowned for their demanding and stressful nature.” https://lnkd.in/eAvtZ3qD • Continuous Vigilance: Cybersecurity isn’t a month — it’s a mindset. “Cybersecurity Month is Great, But We Need Vigilance All Year Long!” https://lnkd.in/e_9tG9_v Strategic initiatives like our Help Desk replacement and new imaging platform weren’t just technical upgrades — they were resilience builders. Each project reinforced that technology transforms when human insight guides it. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m seeking a senior technology leadership role where I can continue bridging technical expertise with strategic vision. For my fellow cybersecurity professionals: our greatest asset isn’t our tools, but our ability to adapt, learn, and protect. hashtag#cybersecurity hashtag#infosec hashtag#ITsecurity hashtag#LinkedInRewind hashtag#Coauthor hashtag#2024wrapped https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7278587276664664064-u7wB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop