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Cyber Defense, Mental Health, and Hope

In this episode of The Outspoken Podcast, host Shana Cosgrove talks to Capt. Lindsay Dady, Cyber Operations Officer at the United States Air Force working at US Cyber Command. Lindsay shares her journey from studying mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech to becoming a cyber operations officer. She discusses the challenges of her undergraduate years, her experience in ROTC, and how she unexpectedly ended up in cyber. Lindsay provides insights into the world of cyber warfare, the importance of defensive thinking, and the realities of working in classified environments. She also opens up about her experiences with burnout, the importance of mental health, and finding balance in high-stress situations. Lindsay reflects on her proudest career moments and shares her personal mantra for navigating military bureaucracy.

The views expressed by Lindsay on this episode are hers as the author and don’t reflect the official policy or position of The United States Air Force, United States Cyber Command, Department of Defense, or The United States Government.

QUOTES

• "My favorite part is that I don't know what I'm going to walk into that day. It can also be like the negative part, like I have no idea what I'm going to walk into today, but that every day is a surprise. [...] I don’t know what I’m going to walk into each day as part of the fun." - Lindsay Dady [39:02]
• “You both need to somehow balance being assertive but not too assertive because then you're just being bossy. You want to be in touch with your emotions, but you can't be emotional. “Why are you crying at that? You shouldn't cry at that” But then they'll also reverse like “well, why aren't you crying when this happens? Like shouldn't you care?” What do you want from me? Do you want me to do everything?” - Lindsay Dady [47:57]
• "Where there's a will, there's a waiver." - Lindsay Dady [50:34]

TIMESTAMPS

• [01:34] Meet Capt. Lindsay Dady
• [05:24] Studying Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech
• [09:05] The Challenges of Engineering School
• [18:17] Lindsay’s Determination
• [21:37] Current Role as a Cyber Operations Officer
• [29:44] Career Path in Cyber Operations
• [34:25] Thoughts on a Potential Future Cyber Force
• [40:36] Proudest Career Moments
• [44:35] Dealing with Mental Health and Burnout
• [48:21] Book Recommendations
• [49:18] Lindsay’s Surprising Fact
• [50:36] Personal Mantra
• [51:55] Outro

RELEVANT LINKS

• Capt. Lindsay Dady on LinkedIn
• Nyla Technology Solutions

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Live well, Shana