So you've been in IT for a while. You've done well. You like your job. When is it time to move on? We aren't talking about finding another job doing the same work. We are talking about making the decision that it's time to bite the bullet and make the dreaded transition into management. For most IT folks management is a dirty word, but should it be? In this talk a senior IT professional, a hybrid engineer/manager and a senior director will talk about the paths that brought them to their positions and why they have chosen to either stay in hands on roles or transition in management roles.
Lockheed (@TheLockheed) was the Sr. Goon in charge of the DEF CON Network Operations Group since DEF CON 4. He retired last year - which means he's still involved and has a new role in DEF CON (because you never really retire!). Professionally, Lock has over 25 years of experience in the technology field. He's had jobs ranging from tech writer, mainframe operator, product engineer, product marketing manager, and is currently Sr Director in charge of the Global IT Group for Sony PlayStation Worldwide Studios. He's been in the video game industry for almost 10 years now & already has a PS4 (and thinks it's pretty kick-ass!).
Roamer (@shitroamersays) is the Senior Goon in charge of the Vendor Area. He has been on DEF CON staff since DEF CON 8. He was the founder of the DEF CON WarDriving contest the first 4 years of its existence and has also run the slogan contest in the past. Roamer is one of the guitarists in the Goon Band, Recognize. Although having no actual skills his ability to drink virtually every Goon and attendee under the table has gained him massive prominence in the scene and elevated him to the lofty station you see him in today. When not "working" at DEF CON he is "working" as the Global Information Security Manager and Sr. Enterprise Architect for Sony PlayStation WorldWide Studios.
Naifx is a NOC Goon that has been with the DEF CON outfit for the last 7 CONs. He has been working in the Information Technology for a number of years in both the government and private sector. Naifx's ability to take a situation that has almost zero resources and innovative an elegant solution is inspiring. When not "working" at DEF CON he is "working" as a Staff Systems Engineer for Sony PlayStation WorldWide Studios.