Scaling FireEye’s operations and infrastructure to support a rapidly growing customer base was yet another critical priority. But hiring security specialists is no easy feat, especially in Silicon Valley, where competition is keen.
Currently, the demand for cyberspecialists is outstripping supply with competitors offering giant salaries to poach the biggest stars in the industry.
“As CEO, my job is to create a sustainable company,” he says. “We created a global recruiting architecture, embraced diversity and developed a great culture. As a result, we managed to add 1,500 employees and 200 managers over the last two years.”
Embracing diversity is unique in the tech world where firms have come under fire for their homogenous workforces. Ever the contrarian, DeWalt views diversity as an effective vehicle for expanding FireEye’s talent pool and inviting diverse ideas and opinions.
“You tend to get myopic if you only hire from your past or promote from within,” he says. “We reached outside the industry and hired foreign nationals from every country in building our workforce.” “I’m proud to say that we have four, very strong female executives on our staff. Our team resembles the United Nations.”
DeWalt also views diversity as an enabler of expansion since non-diverse companies risk losing touch with their global customer base.
“We now service a large number of the Fortune 500 and most of them have global footprints,” DeWalt says. “We need a globally diverse workforce to offer our clients worldwide service.”
While FireEye provides perks such as free meals and table tennis tournaments, DeWalt says tech companies need the right environment and culture to prevent poaching.
“Catching bad guys is not a bad mission,” he says. “People like working here because we offer a blend of fun, money and career growth, but also because, helping companies survive a crisis is very rewarding.”
How to reach: FireEye, Inc. (877) FIREEYE (877) 347-3393) or www.fireeye.com
Takeaways:
Focus on cutting edge products
Usher in a paradigm shift and new behaviors by educating the marketplac
Create a sustainable infrastructure
The DeWalt File
Name: Dave DeWalt
Title: Chairman and CEO
Company: FireEye Inc.
Birthplace: Reading, Pennsylvania
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Delaware
What was your very first job and what did you learn? My first job was programming a mainframe computer using an ancient language called QBasic. It gave me the opportunity to manage programmers and hone my technical skills by building products from the ground up. It’s a whole lot easier to relate to engineers when you’ve sat in their seat and realize how difficult their jobs really are.
Who do you admire most in business and why? I most admire Joseph Tucci, CEO of EMC Corp. because when he said something, he meant it. Being true to his word has helped him lead a successful public company for more than 15 years.
What is your definition of business success? Creating value for shareholders is the primary measuring stick in a public company. The second benchmark is creating the right culture and atmosphere, one that attracts and retains highly skilled professionals by fostering fun, career growth and financial rewards. Success in the high tech world hinges on talent. As CEO, you need to sponsor an exciting environment to build your staff and spur innovation.
What was the best business advice you ever received? The best advice I ever received came from Jeff Miller, CEO of Documentum. He taught me that transparent and consistent communications promotes honesty and sound decision-making by managers and employees. Transparent practices require full disclosure, especially during a crisis. Don’t be afraid to share good and bad news with your staff because people are empowered by the truth.
How can incoming CEOs get off to a fast start? Having a 100-day plan is essential. You need to quickly assess the situation, create a handful of action items and a vision to get off on the right foot. People will move mountains if they buy into your strategy and they’re looking to you for answers, so there’s no time to lose.
Social Media Info: Blog: http://www.fireeye.com/blog/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireeye
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fireeye
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FireEye
