10-07-2025
Driving Success Through Resilience: How Overcoming Challenges Leads To Exceptional Results
Rizwan Jan is VP and Chief Information Officer of The CNA Corporation. getty
I'll never forget the time I lost 10 years of data. Beyond the pure technical failure, it forced me to confront something deeper: how disconnected I had become from the core purpose of the business I was supporting.
In IT and cybersecurity, it's easy to get wrapped up in the tools and tech solutions. We focus so much on the 'what' and the 'how' that we sometimes forget the reasons behind it all. That moment when I had to face the board and explain what happened to all that data made me stop and think: Why are we doing what we're doing?
That experience inspired me to develop a better backup strategy, of course. But it also realigned my focus with the business itself: goals, people and mission. I started listening more. I started building better relationships. And I started developing strategies that weren't just technically sound, but actually valuable to the business.
Success is a team effort, and you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with. This starts with setting aside ego and insecurity when it comes to hiring. You have to be willing to bring on people who are smarter than you. As they say, if you're always the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.
Even more than intelligence, though, I look for heart. You can always teach skills, but you can't teach integrity, empathy or drive. If you build a team of people who only serve their own interests, who don't care about the bigger picture, it can sink you. When someone truly cares about the mission, their passion and excellence elevate the team's collective potential. Embrace Change Like It's Your Job
In tech and cyber especially, we're constantly chasing the next frontier. Today it's AI; tomorrow it will be quantum. After that, who knows? That's why embracing change is essential. Think of it as a launchpad, an opportunity to grow. You become a sponge, soaking up information from the environment and the people around you, the processes and technologies.
And learning is just the start. You have to take what you've learned and turn it into action. Maybe it means building a new solution or partnering with a firm that solves a problem better than you can internally. Maybe it's just documenting a smarter process. But either way, if you stay still, you'll inevitably fall behind. Lead With Positivity And Purpose
Let's be honest: Not every day is great. But when I walk into the office, I bring my game face. Because as much as anything, leadership is about how you show up. A positive attitude changes the energy in the room. When people feel safe, supported and motivated, they're more likely to speak up, share ideas and challenge the status quo. Without that, people shut down. Learning stalls and complacency creeps in.
Leadership is about creating an environment where people feel they can stretch beyond their comfort zones. If they believe in the mission and know they're valued, they naturally want to grow and contribute. That means resilience needs to be embedded into your organization's culture. Celebrate All The Wins
The relentless pace in tech means there's always a new mountain to climb. But if you don't stop and celebrate the wins, that's a recipe for burnout. People want to feel that their work matters. The long hours, problem-solving and dedication all need to be appreciated.
Celebrating wins builds pride and loyalty. General praise is fine, but specificity can make someone feel deeply seen; not just 'Great brief,' but 'Here's what I learned from it.' When people feel valued, they give more. Sometimes, Just Listen
There's a misconception in leadership that you always need to have the answers. In fact, some of the most important moments I've had as a leader came when I said nothing at all. People don't always need solutions. They need support and the feeling of being heard. Listening creates space for real connection, opening the door for fresh ideas and deeper trust. And trust is the foundation of any high-performing team.
Resilience is about who you surround yourself with, your willingness to embrace change and uncertainty, and the positive energy you bring into a room. It's a choice to celebrate progress and listen closely, even when everything else feels like it needs to happen right now .
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