Our "Life at Fortinet" blog series features team members from around the world to discover how each individual's formal and informal education, professional and personal experience, enthusiasm for cybersecurity, and dedication to the company's mission help make Fortinet one of the top cybersecurity companies in the world.

We recently interviewed Fortinet business development representative (BDR) Shakie Doe-Williams. We learned why Shakie believes Fortinet is a great place to work, discussed his role within the organization, and got his unique perspective on the cybersecurity industry and the Fortinet culture, which is built upon three core values: teamwork, innovation, and openness.

Shakie was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, and spent most of his formative years in West Africa. He first visited the United States and family in New Jersey at the age of seven. When he was 10 years old, he immigrated to the U.S. and lived in Georgia. After high school, Shakie pursued his undergraduate degree in marketing at Boise State University, where he played rugby and was a member of the advertising club. After college, he embarked on a career in sales and marketing, gaining valuable experience in sales before he decided to further his education by pursuing a master of public administration degree. Since joining Fortinet in 2023, Shakie has worked successfully on various sales teams.

What's unique about you?

Something that's unique about me is my adaptability. Moving to the U.S. at age 10 and having to adapt to a completely different world prepared me for a life of constant change. My adaptability has enabled me to thrive in multiple environments and industries. Also, what makes me unique is the journey I've taken to get where I am today. It has been exactly 10 years since I gained legal working status in the U.S. I've treated every opportunity with immense gratitude. I have a natural ability to build meaningful relationships, treat people with respect, work hard, and give back whenever possible.

What led you to a career in cybersecurity? 

My decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity was driven by my recognition of its critical importance in today's digital world and its potential for professional growth. At Fortinet, I am constantly engaged with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. The field's dynamic nature and its crucial role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring operational continuity fascinate me. Cybersecurity not only offers a chance to be at the forefront of technological advancement, but it also provides immense opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, making it a compelling and fulfilling career choice.

What do you find most rewarding about your job? 

The tangible impact I make in safeguarding our clients' digital environments. Knowing that the solutions I help provide are instrumental in protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of critical operations gives me a profound sense of purpose. I also find great satisfaction in the continuous learning and professional growth opportunities that Fortinet offers, especially through our Training Institute and Certifications program. The combination of making a meaningful difference, advancing my expertise, and being part of a dynamic team makes my role at Fortinet exceptionally fulfilling.

Can you share a recent project or initiative you've been involved in at Fortinet that you're particularly proud of? 

Certainly! One recent project I've been particularly proud of at Fortinet is the FortiNDR Sales Cloud Initiative. I was entrusted to spearhead this program specifically for our team of enterprise majors strategic accounts.

How do you think cybersecurity contributes to building trust and confidence in the digital world? 

From my experience as a Fortinet BDR, cybersecurity fundamentally underpins trust and confidence in the digital realm. It's not just about protecting data; it's about ensuring that every interaction, transaction, and communication is secure and reliable.

In today's interconnected world, where threats evolve constantly, our role is pivotal. We provide solutions that not only defend against cyberthreats but also empower businesses to operate without fear of compromise. By leveraging Fortinet's advanced technologies and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, we instill confidence in our clients that their critical assets are safe.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to see in terms of advancements or changes in the cybersecurity industry?

I hope to see advancements that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity for everyone. One key aspect would be the development of more user-friendly cybersecurity solutions that are easier to implement and manage, particularly for individuals and smaller organizations with limited resources.

Additionally, I look forward to advancements in education and awareness programs that empower people of all backgrounds to understand and adopt best practices in cybersecurity. This could include initiatives to bridge the digital divide by providing training and resources to underserved communities.

How does your work at Fortinet contribute to our core values of innovation, teamwork, and openness?  

Teamwork is central to my role. I collaborate closely with enterprise account managers and internal teams such as marketing and sales engineering to develop and execute account strategies. This teamwork ensures a unified approach to client engagement and enhances our prospecting efforts, contributing to Fortinet's overall success.

I support openness by maintaining transparent communication with clients and colleagues. I share insights and discuss challenges openly, fostering trust and enabling effective, collaborative solutions.

What are some cybersecurity practices you follow outside of work? 

One key practice is maintaining strong, unique passwords for each of my online accounts and using a reputable password manager to store them securely. I also regularly update software and applications on my devices to protect against vulnerabilities and malware. Practicing caution with email attachments and links, as well as enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible, are additional measures I take to enhance my online security.

How have you grown professionally while in your role? 

In my role, I've experienced significant professional growth through various avenues at Fortinet. Working closely with seasoned account managers and cybersecurity technical experts has deepened my understanding of complex industry challenges and innovative solutions.

Also, I've honed my skills in client engagement, from initial prospecting to nurturing relationships and closing deals, which has expanded my strategic thinking and ability to deliver tailored solutions.

Fortinet's emphasis on continuous learning, supported by training and certification opportunities, has empowered me to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Overall, my time at Fortinet has been instrumental in enhancing my expertise, broadening my professional network, and equipping me with the skills to thrive in the cybersecurity landscape.

Cybersecurity offers a diversity of roles and career pathways to individuals interested in making a positive impact on the world while making a living.Learn more about careers at Fortinet.