Perspectives from the Top

From Civil Service to Cyber Security (ft. Ciaran Martin)

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From Civil Service to Cyber Security (ft. Ciaran Martin)

Ciaran Martin on tech’s role in business and leadership

OPENING QUOTE:

It wouldn't be any good if they didn't have the really, really good technological and operational underpinnings of the wider organization. So why aren't you asking to speak to them? Do you have those people? If you don't, it's not your fault, but don't think you can do this without that.

—Ciaran Martin

GUEST BIO:

Ciaran Martin founded the UK's world leading National Cyber Security Centre for the UK government, and headed it for the first four years of its existence. Ciaran has served in government for 23 years, working directly with five prime ministers, having held senior positions in the treasury, the UK prime minister's office, as well as government communications HQ, the UK's secret signals intelligence and security center.

In 2020, Ciaran was honored for his work by the Queen, and has received a range of other awards internationally and in UK, in recognition of his work in cyber security. He's now professor of practice in the management of public organizations at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government, advises several public sector organizations on cyber security strategies, and is one of the leading global authorities in the field of cyber security.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[23:11] - Judgment Over Competency

A hidden marker of success

When Ciaran worked in the Treasury and Cabinet Office, he found that the greatest marker of success wasn’t competency frameworks, but judgment, leadership, and analytic abilities. Politics is complicated, and outcomes may take years while trying to balance public satisfaction. These difficult-to-measure factors require judgment to properly manage, and Ciaran learned that judgment is often a prized commodity to have in your possession in both the private and public sectors.

[27:34] - From Civil Servants to Technical Wizards

A ‘life-changing’ transition

After a career as a traditional civil servant, Ciaran moved into his role as Head of Cyber Security at GCHQ and ultimately an instrumental part of the creation of the National Cyber Security Centre. He described this shift as ‘life-changing,’ detailing his struggles to adapt and then the overall wonderful experience it became— and the change he was able to enact.

[39:32] - Technology as a Foundation, Not an Afterthought

Establishing the underpinnings of a successful organization

From being a traditional civil servant to working in cyber security, Ciaran has seen how too many organizations in the private and public sector push technology to the periphery. He’s found that you must have solid technological and operational foundations of a wide organization, and the right people to put them in place and keep them strong.

[43:49] - How Leaders Get the Best

Lessons on everyday leadership

When asked about what leaders do on a day to day basis to get the best from their people, Ciaran hones in on the importance of focus. “You can choose things that are interesting to do, you can choose things that your partners like you to do, but actually we did try and ask the question— Is this good for UK cyber security?— before we did something.” Developing that focus on the greater good, and instilling it in your people, is central to the role of a great leader.

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