The Mental Wellness Episode

Introduction to the Guest and Topic:

Host Allie Krings sits down with Jackson Widner, an Account Executive at Kirkpatrick Price. Although his role is not traditionally seen as part of cybersecurity’s technical core, Jackson has spent most of his career in the industry, with a background in identity access management and cybersecurity consulting. This episode focuses on an often overlooked but critically important topic in the industry: mental wellness in cybersecurity.

Why Talk About Mental Wellness in Cybersecurity?:

Jackson shares that mental wellness became a topic of interest after noticing its absence in typical cybersecurity conference conversations. While discussions often revolve around AI, threats, and technology, very few address the human pressures facing cybersecurity professionals. He created a group to allow cybersecurity leaders to discuss the psychological stressors of their roles and to connect with others who experience the same challenges.

Building a Community for Mental Wellness:

Jackson launched a LinkedIn group called Cybersecurity Minds of Colorado to give professionals a place to openly talk about mental health. At their first dinner event, participants opened up about their personal struggles, the pressures of leadership, and how they manage burnout. As the night went on, people became more comfortable sharing stories about navigating stress, the emotional weight of cyber incidents, and the importance of connection.

Why Mental Wellness Matters in Cyber Roles:

Cybersecurity professionals often face extreme pressure. Jackson explains that these roles demand near perfection — defenders must get everything right every day, while attackers only need to succeed once. When incidents occur, executives immediately seek answers, and professionals must remain calm, think clearly, and guide the organization through the response. This level of intensity makes mental health a foundational part of long-term success in cyber careers.

Insights from the Community Conversation:

Participants shared stories ranging from handling their first cyberattack to managing high‑stakes roles in critical infrastructure. For some, their past work involved life-or-death consequences, making typical cyber incidents in other industries feel less overwhelming. This shift in perspective helped them manage stress. Others reflected on how inexperienced team members often react emotionally during an attack, and how leaders must stay composed to support them through the incident.

The Emotional Toll of Cybersecurity and Audits:

Mental wellness challenges aren’t limited to incident response. Even routine cybersecurity audits can cause stress, especially for leaders responsible for turning disorganized environments into compliant, audit-ready programs. Jackson highlights that people who repeatedly inherit chaotic security environments at different companies are at especially high risk of burnout.

Preparing New Cybersecurity Professionals for Stress:

One guest at the dinner, Heath O’Keefee, founded a company called Paradigm to help emerging cybersecurity professionals prepare for burnout and develop resilience early in their careers. Heath shared his experience climbing into a leadership role quickly and struggling under the pressure. His story underscored the need for emotional readiness alongside technical training.

Strategies for Managing Stress During Cyber Incidents:

Jackson explains that mindset is everything. Leaders must set the tone for their teams. When a breach occurs, reacting with panic can send the entire team into distress. Instead, effective cybersecurity professionals pause, breathe, and approach the problem methodically. Recognizing what is within your control — and accepting what is not — reduces emotional overload and helps teams respond more effectively.

Approaching Audits with a Healthy Mindset:

Audits often create anxiety because expectations are high and the process can expose gaps. Jackson recommends stepping back, reviewing the organization’s security posture from a high level, and working through the framework slowly and intentionally. A rushed audit increases stress and reduces quality. Patience, clarity, and preparation lead to better outcomes — and healthier teams.

A Helpful Concept for Mental Balance:

One book mentioned during the group discussion was Ikigai, which introduces a Japanese concept meaning “balance” or “reason for being.” The idea suggests fulfillment occurs when four things align: what you enjoy, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. For cybersecurity professionals under pressure, finding this balance can significantly improve mental wellness and job satisfaction.

Closing Thoughts:

Jackson emphasizes that mental wellness must become a larger part of cybersecurity conversations. The field demands high performance, rapid decision‑making, and emotional resilience. By encouraging open dialogue, supporting one another, and adopting healthy strategies, cybersecurity professionals can better manage stress and reduce burnout. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join the ongoing conversation and contribute their own perspectives on mental wellness in cybersecurity.