Join us for a special episode of the Identity Jedi Show live from Las Vegas, where we kick off our leadership series. Host David and a panel of esteemed guests dive into the complexities of leadership, including the importance of relationships, empathy, and authenticity. They also candidly explore the additional challenges faced by minorities and women in leadership positions, emphasizing the need for transparency, trust, and mentorship. Real stories, honest conversations, and invaluable lessons await. Don't miss this insightful discussion!00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:39 Welcome to the Identity Jedi Show00:51 Leadership Series Kickoff03:05 Panelist Introductions06:46 First Leadership Experiences25:08 Empathy in Leadership29:12 Changing Dynamics in Workplace Relationships30:37 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership31:10 The Timeless Wisdom of Dale Carnegie31:43 Audience Insights on Leadership33:54 The Role of Honesty and Trust in Leadership36:24 Transparency vs. Honesty in Leadership41:17 Challenges of Minority and Female Leaders53:59 Mentorship and Representation in Leadership55:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

On this episode of The Identity Jedi Show, host David welcomes Mohit—security and privacy expert, professor, and startup founder—for a conversation inspired by the theme of “Making an Impact,” a lesson Mohit learned during his teaching days at UT Austin.

Together, they explore:

• How to build secure, privacy-first systems in a rapidly evolving tech landscape
• The critical connection between identity and data in modern security
• The real-world challenges of SaaS, AI, and cloud adoption
• The future of small language models and customer data ownership
• Actionable insights for identity practitioners, CISOs, and tech leaders

If you’re passionate about security, identity, and the future of data, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and forward-thinking ideas.

In this special live edition from Las Vegas, we sit down with Steven Washington, Head of Identity at Cargill, to discuss his 25-year journey in identity management. Steven shares insights on the challenges of app onboarding, the importance of understanding risk appetites, and the evolving demands in IAM, including the emphasis on user experience. Tune in to learn about his unique approach to creating a comprehensive identity program and the importance of adaptability and leadership in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:30 Special Guest Introduction: Steven Washington

01:14 Steven's Journey in Identity

03:04 Building the Perfect Identity Program

07:26 The Importance of User Experience in Security

11:38 Challenges in Identity Management

12:14 Advice for New Leaders in Identity

14:32 The Role of KPIs and Risk Management

19:13 Leadership and Mentorship in Identity

22:09 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts