I’ve been spending a lot of time lately thinking about the nature of creativity and how it applies to the world of cybersecurity. It might seem like a stretch, but the more I explore this intersection, the more I realize that the principles of creation are deeply relevant to how we approach our work, our businesses, and even our personal lives.
I recently synthesized my takeaways from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act" and found that the lessons are directly applicable to my journey with Cipher Sterling. Here are five of the most powerful principles that have reshaped my perspective:
1. Everyone Is a Creator
Rubin’s core message is that creativity is not a rare gift for the select few, but a fundamental aspect of being human. This idea is a powerful antidote to the imposter syndrome that can plague our field. It has reminded me that my value as a future founder isn’t about being a “rockstar,” but about being a creator who brings new solutions and perspectives into the world.
In my personal life: I try to approach every challenge, from learning a new skill to reimagining my daily routine, as an act of creation. I see myself as an active participant in shaping my reality, which has been a profound shift in my mindset.
For Cipher Sterling & Cipher Sterling Labs: This principle is foundational. Every case study, every tool review, every technical write-up is an act of creation that contributes to our collective knowledge. The importance of creators are now more relevant than ever, in the age of AI.
2. Awareness
The foundation of the creative act is awareness. For Rubin, this means being present and open to the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. In cybersecurity, this translates to situational awareness during an incident or market awareness in business development.
In my personal life: Awareness is about being honest with myself about my strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. By practicing mindfulness when interacting with the world; especially when I feel stuck, I can respond with intention rather than habit.
For Cipher Sterling: I want to build a company that is alert, adaptable, and always learning.
On Cipher Sterling Labs I want to cultivate awareness in my readers by dissecting real-world incidents and encouraging critical thinking. The first step to solving any problem is seeing it clearly, and I want to model that clarity in my future business practices as well.
3. Practice
Mastery is not a product of talent alone, but of consistent, mindful practice. The creative act is a discipline, a daily commitment to showing up and doing the work, regardless of inspiration.
In my personal life: I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth comes from showing up, day after day, even when motivation is low. Whether it’s studying for a certification, building projects or refining my writing, focusing on the process rather than the outcome is where confidence is built.
For Cipher Sterling: I want to create a culture of continuous improvement and self-efficacy, where learning and experimentation are valued over static expertise.
On Cipher Sterling Labs: I document my own practice—the labs I run, the tools I test—to demystify mastery and show that expertise is earned, not bestowed.
4. The Long Game
Sustainable success and meaningful impact come from consistent effort and a willingness to play the long game, rather than chasing quick wins.
In my personal life: I remind myself that real mastery and fulfillment don’t happen overnight. By focusing on the long game, I can be more patient and resilient with my goals, knowing that every small step adds up.
For Cipher Sterling: I’m building with the future in mind, laying the foundations for a business that can grow, adapt, and endure. I want to create value that lasts, not just chase trends.
On Cipher Sterling Labs: I document my ongoing journey to show that expertise and impact are built over years, not weeks.
5. Letting Go
Letting go is about releasing attachment to outcomes, ideas, or even completed work. It allows us to move forward and make space for new growth, avoiding the traps of perfectionism and fear.
In my personal life: I'm learning that release is often the most courageous and necessary step. It frees me from the pressure of perfection and opens me to new opportunities.
For Cipher Sterling: I know I’ll need to let go of plans or business models that no longer serve my vision. I want to create a culture where release is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
On Cipher Sterling Labs: I share the projects I’ve set aside and the pivots I’ve made, to show that letting go is a vital part of the journey.
By embracing these principles, I hope to build a business and a life that are not only successful but also authentic, resilient, and deeply fulfilling. I encourage you to reflect on how these ideas might apply to your own journey. After all, we are all creators, shaping our own digital destinies.