TheBridge profile: Audric Gipson

Name: Audric Gipson

Current city: Denver, CO

Current job: Senior Cybersecurity Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin

Past job: Military

Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? Lockheed Martin is an industry leader in aerospace defense. The company has developed LM Cyber Kill Chain framework which is part of the Intelligence Driven Defense model for identification and prevention of cyber intrusions activity. The model identifies what the adversaries must complete in order to achieve their objectives.

Q. Job advice in three words? Honor Courage and Commitment

Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Policymakers have a holistic view of potential challenges when implementing new technology: the current infrastructure capacity and thinking of the larger picture concerning the public. They are excellent at helping innovators understand how to work within existing constraints to implement new technology successfully.

Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Innovators excel at broadening the mindset and horizons of policymakers: sharing their ideology that just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean it is impossible. They are at the forefront of technology's current capabilities and future possibilities, allowing for a more significant competitive advantage.

Q. Is there a skill you have carried throughout your career that always proves to be valuable? Keeping my mindset of "Always be willing to fail forward" has allowed me to remain innovative and open to change. Your success is solely predicated on your support system and team.

Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? Describe yourself in three adjectives.

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Local coffee spots. I normally defer to the person I am meeting with.

Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? My favorite book: The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? TheBridge provides a platform for like-minded individuals from many diverse backgrounds and a place to collaborate and engage with one another.

Q. Every day is probably different, but are there certain skills that are essential to your job? Communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Q. Do you have any career advice for your former self? I would stress work-life balance and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Q. What skill are you still trying to master? I am still trying to master work-life balance.

Q. What is the most valuable underrated virtue in an employee? Having the courage of your convictions.

Q. How often do you work from home? I work from home once a month.

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