Part of Foresite’s Lessons in Execution series, exploring how principles forged in service continue to shape modern cybersecurity leadership.
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Service doesn’t stop when the mission ends — it evolves.
For centuries, disciplined effort has formed the bedrock of national security. Today, that same essential discipline is required on a new frontier: cyber defense.
The military experience confirms that the core values of service—discipline, integrity, and teamwork—are the non-negotiable qualities that power effective cybersecurity operations. But as threats evolve, the most valuable trait a defender can possess is the ability to change the operational tempo without losing the mission objective: Adaptability.
My foundation was built in the U.S. Army Active holding the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code of 11B—an Infantryman.
In a combat deploying unit, success relies on immediate, tactical ownership of the mission. However, my perspective on defense—and adaptability—was cemented during my transition to a highly visible role at The Old Guard, serving as Escort to the President and conducting national funeral detail in Arlington National Cemetery.
The shift was profound: moving from the raw intensity of field operations to working alongside politicians, high-ranking officials, and foreign dignitaries. The objective remained the same—mission execution—but the method required complete transformation.
"In order to be successful, I had to alter the way I communicated and presented myself to be the most effective at my role. I learned that if you identify parts in need of changing or improvement, you can adapt to fit any situation."
This is the principle I bring daily to my role as a SOAR Engineer at Foresite. In security operations, we manage dynamic environments where the threat landscape changes hourly. An adversary's next move cannot be anticipated, but our response can be optimized.
U.S. Army Veteran and Foresite SOAR Engineer Scott Anderson (left) pictured during active service, holding an M249 SAW alongside a fellow soldier holding an M4 carbine.
My military experience taught me that adaptability is not about changing your core identity but rather adding to that identity to make you the most effective. As a SOAR Engineer, I channel this mindset into automation. We identify the parts of our security playbook that require improvement—the slow, manual processes—and adapt them through automation to respond to evolving threats with precision and speed.
SOAR Engineer (Cyber)
Adaptability and systematic coordination are central to security automation
Veterans and active service members bring calm under pressure, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to getting the mission right—traits that elevate every team they join. Their versatility is the strategic asset.
My lesson—that adaptability provides room for success in whatever mission lies ahead—reflects what Foresite stands for. We transform cybersecurity from a barrier into a catalyst for business success by embracing change and building automated systems that can adjust to any situation or challenge.
We are committed to spotlighting teammates who embody this clarity of purpose, and who are driving disciplined commitment and strategic execution across our practice.