TheBridge profile: Diana Kelley
Q. Describe how a skill you learned in a previous job helped you in your current job. The ability to write and communicate clearly. Security topics can be difficult to explain to others because security can be scary and very technical. However, computer and cyber security impacts all of us, from consumer citizens to the biggest corporations - being able to explain complex security topics to a wide variety of audiences has helped me very much throughout my career.
Q. Job advice in three words? Resilience, honesty, passion
Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between politics and tech / innovation and regulation? Microsoft has a number of initiatives, with this goal of mind, including the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, Defending Democracy Program, and our approach to artificial intelligence.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? How new technology can have unintended impacts when deployed to national/international populations. It's important to develop innovative solutions that are democratic, ethical, and inclusive.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Tech is moving very quickly - if we don't get ahead of technical policy, we're going to be behind it and that could impact safety.
Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? Homo Deus - Yuval Noah Harari.
Q. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself in the beginning of your career? Don't lose site of the value of your insights - don't get worried you're not "tech enough".
Q. Most underrated virtue in an employee? Empathy and compassion.
Q. Favorite app? Aaptiv - it keeps me moving!
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? La Jolla, CA
Q. Best advice you’ve received? Floss.
Q. Last time you were completely unplugged? Years ago - too long!
Click below to join TheBridge community and, among other resources, receive our bi-weekly updates with featured profiles.