Conversations with Lee Kim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Kim.

Hi Lee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Until recently, I was perceived as an underdog. That perception always fueled my determination. Instead of doors opening for me, I created the opportunities to excel. Today, I am an attorney, cybersecurity and data privacy expert, and creative. The world is my stage.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life’s journey is like a ship in the middle of the ocean. There may be smooth sailing for awhile but unexpected events happen. How you handle these events can lead to either success or failure. While there is some element of luck, determination is ultimately the propellant. My own journey is deliberate and intentional. This is why I move forward regardless of the circumstance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started out as an IT professional. I rose through the ranks very quickly. But I wanted to take on a challenge. I decided to go to law school to become an intellectual property lawyer. After law school, I became a member of the bar and an attorney in private practice. But, after several years, I became a subject matter expert in cybersecurity and data privacy (and now AI). I now speak to stakeholders around the world about cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence. And, in terms of accolades, here are a few examples. I helped to develop key language for Section 405 of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, a federal law. I am also currently a candidate for the ISC2 board of directors (a prominent global member association for cybersecurity professionals). I believe in helping others to make the world a better place.

What do you think about happiness?
I am happy when I am challenged. Combining my skills and expertise to produce something unique gives me joy. But happiness is about seeing the possibilities. Of course, it is nice for there to be positive outcomes. However, simply having the opportunity to do something can provide the spark to start the journey.

I think we can see more possibilities when our minds are active. That is why I like to read and take a variety of classes. I like to explore a lot of things and think about things in different ways. The more I learn more about the world and the people within it, the more innovative I am in approaching problems and finding solutions. Success is not happenstance, but it is a  deliberate act.

When I feel stuck, I like to create. Whether it’s writing a poem, taking a photo, writing a script or a story, or creating a character, I like to do a lot of things. And happiness is about a lot of things. And, to quote Aristotle, “One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.” Like many things, happiness is a process. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leekim
•  Website: www.leekim.me
• Other: www.imdb.me/leekim

Image Credits
Lee Kim