LSU Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management

We were excited to welcome Kinnaird McQuade and Devin Rudnicki to LSU this week to talk about what cybersecurity leadership really looks like in practice.

Kinnaird shared insights from his role at BeyondTrust, where they serve 75 of the Fortune 500 and focus on privileged access management through the principle of least privilege. He also talked about the importance of being a “T-shaped” professional by building a strong foundation across areas while going deep in one. One of the biggest takeaways was being willing to take on challenges, learn from them, and find mentors who can help guide you along the way.

Devin brought a great perspective on leadership and career growth. She emphasized taking a leap of faith, staying curious, and always being willing to learn. She also highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and thinking in terms of business risk, not just cyber risk. Her advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and leaning into your community really stood out, along with her reminder that the future of cybersecurity is bright.

Thank you both for taking the time to invest in our students and share such honest and practical advice. These conversations are what help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world experience.