Renata Spinks, CEO of CyberSec International, stands as a formidable force in the cybersecurity landscape. Fueled by a passion for innovation and a commitment to foster talent, she adeptly guides her organization through the complexities of an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Renata’s military background and diverse experience shape her empathetic leadership style, prioritizing teamwork, transparency, and continual learning. Under her guidance, CyberSec International takes on solving cyber challenges while grooming the next generation of industry leaders for greatness.
A Driven Journey of Cybersecurity Leadership
Motivated by a desire to serve others, Renata discovered her passion for leadership early in life. Her path to the executive ranks of cybersecurity leadership is defined by a diverse set of experiences that honed her problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
“I honestly saw myself as a leader very early in my life and career,” she recalls, demonstrating her capacity to lead even from the lower ranks, whether in Patient Administration or assisting the Communications Platoon during her US Army Medical Corps deployment.
Her follow-on tenure at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Investigations at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency while serving in the Office of Acquisition and Procurement further sharpened her leadership abilities, where engaging with high-ranking officials and tackling challenging questions fueled her intellectual curiosity. “These questions became the foundation for the work ethic and curiosity I developed,” she notes.
Witnessing both exemplary and poor leadership inspired Renata to strive for excellence in cybersecurity, particularly as an underrepresented woman in the field. “I wanted to bring greatness to cybersecurity leadership and the IT space,” she asserts, motivated by the potential to pave the way for others.
Her transformational leadership style reflects a revolutionary commitment to making a lasting impact — not for recognition but to create a legacy that transcends institutions. “I always just wanted to make a difference, be impactful, and make things better,” she shares. Now, as CEO of CyberSec International, Renata continues to channel her enthusiasm for leadership, honoring those who pioneered the path for women in technology as well as supported her journey alongside inspiring future generations as cyber needs continue to evolve.
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: A Journey of Leadership and Resilience
Renata’s journey from military service to CEO of CyberSec International began when she exited the comforts of her on her family’s 45-acre estate in Louisiana. At 18, she enlisted in the U.S. Army and thrust into young adulthood through Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Her excitement about technology ignited during her deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she notes, “I quickly made my mark,” crediting those early experiences with shaping her career trajectory.
Starting as an Army Medical Patient Administrator Specialist (E4), Renata advanced to a United States Marine Corps Tier 2 Senior Executive in Cyber, acquiring vital expertise along the way. “It has been a journey,” she reflects, describing her career as anything but linear — filled with detours, roundabouts, stop signs, and green lights that have all guided her to her current role as CEO.
Marked by resilience and adaptability, Renata’s path has led her to serve the nation in significant ways, culminating in her leadership at CyberSec International, where she continues to make a meaningful impact across the world in the cybersecurity field.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Integrity in Cybersecurity Leadership
With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and program management, Renata confronts a range of challenges, from high-stakes decision-making to personal and professional adversity. A central theme in her career is navigating the unpredictable nature of threats. “You can never be sure of what the adversary’s steps are going to be,” she explains.
For Renata, high-risk decision-making and self-accountability are paramount and have defined her and the way she approaches her quest to lead. Among her significant challenges is her deliberate and intentional way of maintaining grace under pressure.
She acknowledges the complexities many women face, such as being doubted, misunderstood, and sometimes the recipient of personal and professional attacks. She acknowledges these situations and submits, “We hear a lot about the male-on-female dynamic, but the conversation about how women need to support each other is just as important.” Renata refers to this as “gender-on-gender discrimination,” highlighting the difficulties women face in the workplace from both sides of the gender. She highlights how it all matters and should not be discounted. We have to all support each other, bonding together to win at this cyberwarfare we experience as a nation.
Leading this and many other efforts of change as a young Black woman in technology and cybersecurity adds another layer of difficulty. Yet, Renata embraces her authentic story, refusing to sugarcoat her experiences. “It’s important to me to use every platform genuinely,” she says.
Renata attributes her resilience to her military background, which yielded her tenacity, quick thinking, and the talent of advanced assessment; equipping her with essential attributes required in high-risk, fast-paced environments. “The military jargon and position of having a ‘battle buddy’ helped me develop an even deeper care for others,” she reflects. Her strong moral compass and commitment to discipline allow her to lead with accountability, build effective teams, and remain grounded in her values.
The perseverance, discipline, and integrity she cultivated in the military are key to her success in cybersecurity leadership. “I never minimize my achievements, no matter how uncomfortable highlighting those accomplishments makes others feel,” Renata asserts, “but I don’t use them for braggadocious reasons. I instead use them as foundational examples; showing others they too can find solutions to any obstacle they face.”
Pride in Perseverance: A Leader’s Most Meaningful Achievement
While Renata’s career is marked by numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, the achievement she holds most dear is her ability to stay the course as a woman in IT and cybersecurity, defying tradition and creating opportunities out of obstacles along the way. “So many times, we focus on the achievements,” she says, “but the real story is what it takes to achieve such levels of success. It’s all in the grit. That is the story that truly helps others.”
For Renata, her accomplishments are not just milestones but symbols of humility, grace, and perseverance. They reflect her unwavering commitment to intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and leading others. “Every award holds a special space in my heart,” she shares, but what stands out most is the journey behind those honors — a testament to her strength and dedication in a demanding field where each day is different and requires up-to-date academia and practicality.
Strategies for Maintaining Work-Life Satisfaction and Avoiding Burnout
Renata creates work life satisfaction in her demanding cybersecurity career with her personal life by selectively choosing projects and delegating responsibilities as needed. “I avoid stretching myself thin,” she emphasizes. To prevent burnout, she prioritizes personal time, scheduling breaks, and engaging in activities outside her professional responsibilities. “I deliberately manage my calendar and schedule ‘my me’ time, and I don’t allow it to be rescheduled/put off unless it is absolutely necessary,” she explains.
Over the years, Renata has incorporated mindfulness techniques to recharge and stay grounded. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledges that neglecting personal care left her drained and “running on fumes,” making it harder to restore her energy and focus. Now, conscious time management, self-care, and self-appreciation are central to her strategy for maintaining a healthy work-life presence.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Diversity and Military Discipline
Renata’s military experience profoundly shapes her leadership style at CyberSec International. Growing up in an interracially diverse family from the parishes of Louisiana instilled in her the value of accepting people for who they are, regardless of their background or differences.
This lesson carried over into her military career, where various assignments and deployment provided her with deeply moving experiences. “My leadership style is based on the experiences of myself and others,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual’s unique greatness that they bring to the team and workplace.
Drawing from her tenure as a senior executive in the Department of Defense and mentorship from exceptional leaders across the services and intelligence community, Renata adopts a personalized approach to leadership. “I don’t approach leadership as a one size fits all,” she asserts.
Instead, she focuses on making a meaningful impact on the lives of her team and everyone she encounters, adapting her methods to the unique dynamics of each person and situation.
Success Through Impact, Growth, and Strategic Decision-Making
For Renata, success is about the lasting impact she has on others, both personally and professionally. “I strive for excellence. I set goals and I achieve them,” she shares, noting that success is not just measured by accomplishments but by giving back and helping others.
She evaluates her success at CyberSec International through both quantitative metrics, such as achieving goals and driving the company’s upward trajectory, and qualitative feedback from customers and team members. “It’s important to continuously evolve and get better,” Renata emphasizes, highlighting how customer acceptance and demand signal positive momentum for the company.
While CyberSec International has yet to face difficult decisions in its first year, Renata looks ahead optimistically. The company is poised to expand into logistics, training, and tool development, with lofty goals set for its second year.
Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity
Renata envisions a dynamic future for cybersecurity, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. “AI will play a critical role in automating tasks, detecting threats, and analyzing data to predict and respond to potential cyber incidents,” she states.
With cybercrime expected to cost the global economy nearly $24 trillion by 2027, the need for innovation and training to address human error and social engineering grows. She actively monitors trends in 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), data privacy, and supply chain security.
CyberSec International positions itself at the forefront of this landscape by modernizing through cloud security, zero-trust architecture, and automated risk management tools. The company plans to enhance data center management and business continuity to ensure strong security across vulnerable sectors.
Renata is confident that these innovative solutions will effectively combat cybercrime and secure the future of critical industries.
Mentorship and Fostering the Next Generation of Cyber Talent
Renata’s leadership philosophy is anchored in a genuine love for people, which fuels her passion for mentorship and talent development. “You can’t lead people unless you love people, and I love people with no judgement,” she emphasizes. For Renata, mentoring is not merely a way to give back; it’s essential to meet the nation’s growing demand for cybersecurity talent.
She actively nurtures the next generation of STEM and cybersecurity professionals through serving as a keynote in several conferences as well as both group and one-on-one mentoring, sharing her insights and expertise. By keeping her website updated with her speaking engagements and utilizing communication platforms, Renata broadens her reach to inspire a wider audience.
Partnering with companies, organizations, and fellow mentors, she creates opportunities for aspiring professionals. Renata also contributes to workforce modernization policies, focusing on recruitment and talent management initiatives that strategically shape the future of cybersecurity talent.
Advice for Veterans Transitioning into Cybersecurity
Transitioning from military service to the tech industry, particularly in cybersecurity, can be rewarding yet challenging. Renata offers essential pieces of advice for veterans considering this path:
- Leverage Available Resources: Utilize programs focused on certifications, academic opportunities, and leadership development tailored for veterans.
- Engage with Technology Organizations: Join tech-based organizations that align with your interests to gain valuable networking, mentorship, and resources.
- Value Internships and Research Projects: Internships and research projects provide practical skills and a deeper industry understanding.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors in your areas of interest to gain valuable guidance and support for your career trajectory.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Stay curious. Be committed to continuous learning and developing critical thinking. Get great at critical thinking not just basing decision making on machine learning and technology. Cybersecurity is ever-evolving, making it crucial to remain informed about trends, past and present.
- Believe in Yourself: Be your own champion. Promote yourself. Every time you walk in the room someone wants and needs you and your contribution. It begins with Mindset. Confidence in your abilities is foundational to success, preparing you to lead when called upon while staying true to your values.
- Prioritize Ethical Decision-Making: Approach tough decisions with wisdom and integrity, balancing good character with ethical considerations.
- Understand the Landscape: Recognize that cybersecurity spans multiple sectors, each with unique risks. Apply your knowledge effectively to address practical challenges.
By following these guidelines, veterans and all professionals will successfully transition into cybersecurity and make meaningful contributions to the industry.
Proactive Strategies and Community Commitment in Cybersecurity
Renata leads CyberSec International with a focus on proactive strategies and community support in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. She underscores the importance of continuous learning, stating, “We support continual education opportunities for internships, training, certifications, and degrees,” ensuring her team stays informed about emerging threats and technologies.
By attending conferences and collaborating with tech firms and startups, CyberSec International remains ahead of industry advancements. “We subscribe to newsletters and work closely with industry leaders,” Renata explains, emphasizing the organization’s vigilance.
Renata is also dedicated to community initiatives, leading her non profit organization, Rising Footsteps and partnering with others to support underserved populations through programs like the Toys for Tots, Rising Footsteps annual ’Winter Prep Donation Drive’ and ‘Cyber Education Blitz’.
Looking ahead, Renata is excited about three key strategic initiatives for her company and its partners: developing a scientific approach to talent management, enhancing support for underserved communities, and advising partners on international cybersecurity opportunities. “Supporting them in this challenging journey is both exciting and rewarding,” she concludes.
Essential Skills for Aspiring Cybersecurity Leaders
Renata emphasizes that aspiring leaders in cybersecurity must cultivate essential qualities and skills for success. “Work ethic, critical thinking and a values based teachable spirit are crucial,” she asserts. Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning are vital, as “doing anything well requires all these attributes and more.” Transparency and care in leadership are equally important, fostering positive team cultures to tackle complexities.
Effective leaders are shaped by both experience and academic knowledge. Renata stresses the importance of openness to diverse perspectives and the ability to apply deep thinking to outsmart adversaries. “These combinations of leadership qualities and technical expertise yield positive results,” she concludes, urging leaders to advocate for themselves and others in the fight against cyber warfare.
Conclusion
As CyberSec International forges ahead under Renata’s visionary leadership, the company stands at the forefront of combating cybercrime and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Her unwavering dedication to mentoring aspiring professionals and promoting diversity of thought reinforces the essential role of strong leadership in cybersecurity. Renata’s holistic approach ensures that CyberSec International remains a vital player in the fight against evolving threats, inspiring confidence in clients and partners alike as they navigate the complexities of a digital world.
