We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Taurus Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Taurus below.
Dr. Taurus, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I am known for my unique work ethics, which I attribute to my strong family values and upbringing. I believe that hard work and dedication are essential to achieving success and set sharp standards for myself and those around me. With a sturdy sense of accountability and responsibility, I ensure that every task is concluded to the utmost quality. My persistent drive encourages those around me to be the best version of themselves. The first set of individuals that helped shape my work ethics were my parents. We were considered a middle-class family by societal standards, which afforded me additional opportunities compared to others that grew up with me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an Information System Security Manager (ISSM), I am responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s information security policies, procedures, and protocols to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. One of the exciting aspects about being an ISSM is that I get to be at the front line of shielding organizations against ever-evolving cyber threats and emerging technologies, working closely with management and system owners to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies. Another aspect of this role is the constant challenge of staying ahead of attackers, analyzing complex security incidents, and finding innovative solutions to safeguard sensitive data and ensure business continuity.
As an adjunct instructor, I share my knowledge with students, providing practical hands-on training and theoretical foundations in areas such as basic computer operations to advance computer network security, cloud computing, and data analytics. My ability to close the gap between technical theory and real-world applications makes me an effective instructor, empowering students to succeed in their careers as IT professionals. One exciting aspect of being an adjunct instructor is the occasion to share my enthusiasm for a subject or concept and watch students’ minds evolve as they learn and grow. As an adjunct instructor, I have the independence to develop my teaching style, allowing me to bring my unique proficiency and interest to the classroom. This independence also means I can respond to students’ needs and interests in a more flexible and adaptive way. Additionally, being an adjunct instructor provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives and help shape the next generation of professionals in my field.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were curiosity, communication skills, and resilience. Being curious allowed me to stay open-minded and eager to learn from new experiences and individuals while also urging me explore different perspectives. Curiosity also promotes a sense of excitement, motivating individuals to take risks and try new experiences, which can lead to personal and professional development. Effective communication played a substantial role in building relationships, sharing ideas, and solving problems. Being able to articulate my thoughts clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others helped me succeed in various aspects of my journey. Throughout my journey, the ability to spring back from obstacles, stay focused on my goals, and persevere in the face of challenges was crucial. Developing resilience helped me steer difficult times and continue moving forward towards my objectives.
For those early in their journey, I recommend starting with incremental steps towards developing or improving their skills. Identify areas where they’d like to grow and break them down into manageable tasks. Set reasonable goals and targets for themselves and focus on building a strong foundation of knowledge and habits. Consistency is key, so aim to dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to learning and practicing. Surround themselves with resources, such as online courses, books, or mentors, that align with their goals and provide positive reinforcement. Above all else, commemorate small wins along the way to stay motivated and encouraged and be patient with themselves as you progress – progress takes time and effort!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was always supporting me and encouraging me to pursue my passions and goals. They taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and perseverance, and always believed in me even when I had doubts about myself. Their unwavering support has given me the confidence and motivation to strive for success in all aspects of my life. One of their most impactful quotes was, “if you are doing something with your whole heart, don’t do it at all.” That has stayed with me during my 19+ year career and allowed me to put my whole heart into anything that I attempt to do. If they never spokes those words, I don’t know where I would be or how far my career would have progressed. It is those words and actions that has also allowed me to share that with others I’ve come in across in this thing we call life. It’s one thing to be inspired but it’s another thing to inspire others. Every achievement I’ve obtain in life has not been for me but those around me. That is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. If it wasn’t for the humble beginnings, I wouldn’t have the opportunities to inspire others in the way I’ve been inspired.
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