(Fire)fighting for personal development

February 15, 2023

Barb Williams is a consultant in Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Cyber & Strategic Risk practice. In addition to her “day job,” she is a volunteer firefighter in her community. Here she shares her passion and how she balances it with her work.

What made you decide to become a volunteer firefighter? 
I’ve always been passionate about helping people. It’s who I am and what I feel compelled to do. Before his passing when I was nine years old, my dad raised me, he was a former marine. After he passed, I was adopted by my aunt and uncle because my mother’s mental illness left her unable to care for my brother, who has special needs, and me. Giving back to my community and serving others were efforts instilled in me as a child by my dad, as well as my military uncle. They both taught me so much, and I admired them immensely.

Shortly after I got out of the military in 2017 and moved to a very rural area, my neighbor, a fire department lieutenant, asked if I’d like to join the fire department. As I have always felt called to help people, this seemed like a great opportunity. I graduated from the academy last year and am currently training in special operations and rescue. I am also Awareness Level Certified, and next year I will be seeking Technician Level.

How did you end up at Deloitte, and what attracted you to your role in cyber?
I was drawn to cyber because it enables me to help people, and help organizations. I chose to work at Deloitte because of the culture of camaraderie and work-life integration. I am so grateful that Deloitte provides me with flexibility and supports external pursuits of personal passions so that I can continue my work as a firefighter, as it is such an important part of my life.

How do you balance your volunteer work with your cyber security career at Deloitte?
I feel so fortunate to be able to balance these two incredibly important priorities in my life. Deloitte has helped make it possible for me. My career with Deloitte comes first; but with Deloitte’s support and flexibility, I can make my volunteer work an important part of my life. I go on calls when my pager goes off to the extent my work schedule allows, and then am able to develop a schedule that works for me to finish my work at Deloitte. I have always been encouraged to work on my personal development, and I am so grateful for that.
 

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