Session: Rising to the Top in Male Dominated Fields
The unique ideas I want to share focus on achieving success in male-dominated fields through authentic leadership. Based on my experiences in the Army, FBI, and Transportation Industry, I highlight the importance of "getting out of your own way" by not taking things personally, embracing imperfections, and believing in your ability to achieve the impossible. My journey taught me that our biggest obstacles are often self-imposed. Overcoming them involves shifting from the traditional "lead from the front" approach, common in male-dominated environments, to one that leverages our personal strengths. By utilizing my superpowers in problem-solving, fostering collaboration, and valuing my team's expertise, I succeeded even without technical expertise in areas like Cyber and Computer Forensics. This talk presents a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasizing the power of authenticity and adaptability in achieving success.
Bio
Gina L. Osborn's journey began in a small town, inspired by a spy novel and a dream of chasing spies in Europe. While in college, a chance encounter led her to join the U.S. Army's Counterintelligence Program. She soon found herself in Germany, investigating high-profile espionage cases, including the arrest of Desert Storm traitor Albert Sombolay.
In 1996, Gina graduated from the FBI Academy and joined the Orange County office, where she was the only woman on a task force tackling Asian organized crime. After 9/11, she became the Counterterrorism Program Coordinator in Los Angeles, overseeing international terrorism investigations. Later, she led the FBI's largest Cyber and Computer Forensics Program, notably investigating the Sony Pictures hack by North Korea.
In 2022, Gina joined LA Metro as Chief Safety Officer, tackling the rise in violent crime and homelessness due to the pandemic. Her leadership resulted in a 34% reduction in violent crime. Gina's commitment to transparency and integrity came at a personal cost when she was unlawfully terminated after making a courageous complaint to the Inspector General as a whistleblower. Despite this setback, she continues to be a staunch advocate for transit workers.
Today, Gina is an official TEDx speaker and thought leader who shares insights on Making Maverick Moves, Leading Through Chaos, Crisis and Change, Authentic Leadership, and Rising to the Top in Male-Dominated Fields. She hosts the podcast "Making Maverick Moves". A consummate storyteller, Gina inspires audiences with her real-life experiences and motivating message to "just accomplish the mission."