Tatyana Bolton, Senior Security Policy Manager – Google; Executive Advisory Committee Member- Center for Long Term Cybersecurity, University of California Berkeley
Q: You have an extensive background in policy and advocacy in your multiple roles with the Solarium Commission and CISA among others, and the programs you’ve created around inclusion. Tell us about what drives your passion in this area, and why
A: My passion for policy and advocacy around inclusion stems from a deep-seated desire to rectify the inequities I’ve witnessed in this field, across the US and the world, throughout my career. Whether at Google, R Street, CISA, or other roles, I’ve seen how policies can dismantle barriers for marginalized communities. This exposure fueled a fire in me to do something – to leverage my knowledge and skills to create meaningful change.
It’s not enough to simply acknowledge inequities; I feel a responsibility to actively contribute to solutions. Developing inclusive programs like the ‘Making Space’ Pledge and helping support and advocate for programs like the Cyber Clinics has become my way of translating that passion into action. By focusing on equitable access, diverse representation, and dismantling systemic barriers, I aim to create a more just and inclusive environment for everyone, and thereby increase cybersecurity across the ecosystem.
Q: The election is coming up in days, not weeks! You’ve been at CISA for previous election(s??). What is on your radar for election security this year, and what do you look for from a policy perspective?
A: First – I can’t believe how close we are – everyone go out and vote! Second, yes – I was at CISA during the 2018 election and can tell you how hard those professionals work to ensure that there are safe and free elections across the country. I think generally, we need to ensure the security of our elections by working across government and industry to share threat information, providing a safe working environment for our elections workers, supporting agencies like CISA whose role it is to secure elections, and rooting out election interference where we see it. But overall, the evidence is clear – elections are safe, and I hope this election goes smoothly. In my personal time I am volunteering in Pennsylvania this cycle to make sure that everyone comes out to vote. So, go vote!
Q: You have a huge track record for overachieving in your roles. What are some of the leadership lessons you’ve learned over time to drive performance, and how do you deal with unexpected conflict?
A: You’re very kind to say. My “overachieving” really boils down to a deep love for what I do. I’m driven by a desire to make a lasting impact, and that passion fuels my commitment to exceeding expectations. This translates into a leadership approach where I take full accountability for the outcomes of the projects I lead. This means not just overseeing tasks, but truly owning the successes and failures, and learning from both. I also prioritize projects that align with my long-term vision and have the potential for significant, lasting impact – for example in cyber clinics. Last year, as head of cyber workforce policy, I led a project to advance cyber clinics and ultimately Google donated over $50 million dollars across the world to support and establish new clinics – 30 in the United States – to invest in cyber services for community organizations below the ‘cyber poverty’ line. It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding at the end.
This strategic focus helps me channel my energy effectively and avoid getting bogged down in less impactful work. When faced with unexpected conflict, I rely on open and honest communication. I actively listen to all sides to gain a clear understanding of the root cause, and then work to identify shared goals and values to help bridge divides and find mutually agreeable solutions. My goal is to always shift the conversation from blame to collaborative problem-solving, with a focus on moving forward constructively. Ultimately, my passion for my work and my commitment to these principles enable me to drive performance and navigate challenges effectively.
Q: What do you like about working in industry verses non-profit think tanks or government?
A: That’s a great question! I’ve been fortunate enough to experience both worlds, and I truly appreciate the unique advantages each offers.
You know, at the beginning of my career I thought the most policy impact could be had within the halls of government, and so I was deeply drawn to those roles and the sense of mission. There’s truly no other feeling like contributing directly to public policy and serving the greater good. I thrived on the intellectual challenge of tackling complex societal issues and collaborating with incredibly dedicated individuals.
However, working in industry is equally rewarding. I’m excited by the fast-paced environment, the focus on innovation, and the ability to see transformative ideas translate into tangible products and services that directly impact people’s lives. I’ve found that the work I do in industry can have a profound impact on society, sometimes even more swiftly than in other organizations. I also get to work with incredible engineers who are on the cutting edge of cybersecurity like Royal Hansen, Heather Adkins, and Christoph Kern. This year, Christoph published a paper entitled Developer Ecosystems for Software Safety which I think will transform the way the entire software development ecosystem writes code – and will significantly increase cybersecurity.
Ultimately, both sectors offer incredibly rewarding paths to make a difference. It really comes down to finding the right environment that aligns with your individual passions and goals.
Q: You’ve won awards in your developing career, including ‘rising star’ where you’ve demonstrated you’ve already arrived: what advice would you give to those early in their career that will help shape the direction they grow in?
A: It’s incredibly kind to acknowledge those achievements, and I’m truly grateful for the recognition. Looking back, I’d offer this advice to those just starting their careers:
- Trust Your Gut: Don’t be afraid to follow your instincts, even if they lead you down an unconventional path. Your intuition often knows what’s best for you, even if it doesn’t make sense to others at the time.
- Find Your Passion: Seek out work that genuinely excites you. Passion is an incredible fuel that will drive you to go above and beyond, even when facing challenges. When you love what you do, it won’t feel like work.
- Drive with Purpose: Once you’ve found your passion, pursue it relentlessly. Set ambitious goals, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to push yourself outside your comfort zone. The path to success isn’t always easy, but with determination and drive, you can achieve incredible things.
Early in your career, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing external validation or following a prescribed path. But true fulfillment comes from forging your own way, fueled by your passions and guided by your instincts.
