Be Better Today Than You Were Yesterday…
Dr. Daniel Ford, CISO at Jovia Financial Credit Union, isn't just focused on today's threats. He believes in constantly evolving, like competing against your future self. This drives him to cultivate a culture of continuous learning at Jovia, ensuring both the organization and its people stay ahead of the curve.
“If you classify yourself as a lifelong learner, you tend to retain 60% - 70% of the knowledge over time,” says Ford. “Additionally, if you classify yourself as a lifelong teacher, you tend to retain 90%+ of the knowledge.”
Dr. Ford's academic journey began with a BS in Computer Science and blossomed into a Doctor of Science (DSC) in Information Assurance. He further complemented this expertise with an MBA, graduating in the top 20% despite no prior business background. This thirst for knowledge extends beyond academics. He champions lifelong learning within Jovia, mandating training hours and actively seeking talent from underserved communities.
Dr. Ford leads with empathy, fostering an environment that embraces diverse perspectives. His growth mindset extends beyond work. A black belt in another martial art, he's currently a one stripe blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Kroyler Gracie, demonstrating his commitment to stepping outside his comfort zone. When not safeguarding Jovia, he distills award-winning spirits at Dragon’s Mouth Distillery and hosts a popular YouTube show.
Dr. Ford's legacy extends beyond technical expertise, boasting over 20 years of experience at McAfee, Unisys, and other notable organizations. What is Dr. Ford’s greatest achievement? Great question as he doesn't dwell on past accomplishments; as he says, "you are only as good as what you do next." However, he measures success by the number of people he has empowered to grow.