6 Questions with Lisa Max Kimball
CEO
Lisa Max Kimball (she/her) is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in business operations and performance management, data analytics, identity and security management, cyber privacy, and service delivery.
As a strong manager and dedicated coach, she enjoys mentoring staff, volunteers, patients, students, and clients as they strive to attain upward mobility and maintain optimal performance levels.
Lisa is passionate about creating “intentional collisions” by identifying strategic personal and professional opportunities and capitalizing on long-lasting partnerships. She fervently believes that each person deserves every chance to lead their best life; as such, she relishes opportunities to shift mindsets and change hearts as an advocate and community-builder.
1. What do cybersecurity and crypto mean to you?
As a lover of language, I’m delighted by this question — thank you for asking it! “Crypto” is one of those buzzwords that sounds all new and exciting and techno-cool (especially when paired with words like “currency”), but the term — meaning secret or hidden — has been around for millennia.
Similarly, “cyber” is predominantly used as a synonym for “computer”. So, to me, crypto and cybersecurity mean keeping safe data that’s collected, stored, and/or processed on an electronic device.
I share all of that because I think people, especially young students, should know that classes and jobs that contain “crypto” or “cyber” in their descriptions are most effectively filled with students and workers who love language. Yes, of course, mathematics plays an integral role in devising logical solutions and developing algorithms, but computers are incapable of doing much of anything in the absence of someone who “speaks their language”.
2. If you could wave a magic wand and solve one problem in tech, what would it be?
Trust.
We’re a cautious species by nature and by necessity, but the continued lack of trust between attribute providers and relying parties significantly, and ironically, hinders progress.
3. What is a piece of advice that you have found especially useful?
Listen.
Never presuppose an answer, and never predetermine who’s going to have the best answer. Begin with a concise problem statement, then solicit input from those most familiar with the topic — regardless of their educational accomplishments, professional roles, or their place in the proverbial pecking order — and then listen. Truly, deeply, respectfully listen.
4. What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you deal with it?
I am the daughter of one, the ex-wife of one, and the mother of two wonderful humans who live with mental illness and substance use disorders. While a lifetime of personal experiences may not qualify me as an expert in the field, facing the associated challenges have predisposed me to a level of understanding and commitment to bettering the lives of those who live with mental illness, along with those who live with and care for them.
5. What is your favorite source of inspiration?
This can change by the minute. I’m exceptionally curious, and I’m a voracious reader; a few sentences on a cereal box can inspire a whole new line of inquiry for me to follow.
6. What is your favorite book or movie?
I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens than a favorite book. I’ll start with Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, end with The Cyber Effect by Dr. Mary Aiken, and leave it to your imagination, Gentle Reader, to consider all of the in-betweens.
As for favorite movies — the first two answers that come to mind are My Cousin Vinny and The Birdcage.
