Insights from my conversation with Liz Herndon

by Johann Rajadurai

When I sat down to interview Liz Herndon, I had a teeny-tiny idea of what our conversation would entail. In essence – I expected an insightful discussion.

What I gained was something far more profound. An appreciation for Liz’s journey and unwavering dedication to global security.

Liz spoke to our senior seminar course a few weeks prior to our interview when she returned to Baylor for Homecoming. When she spoke, I immediately was made aware how passionate Liz is about global security, and her commitment to the United States, her interests, and the current state of the world. Specifically, I was struck by her blend of academic rigor, professional tenacity, and keen commitment to whatever is in front of her. Her ability to connect academic theory with real-world application and her commitment to protecting democratic values stood out immediately.

Today, Liz is a dedicated security professional at Raytheon Technologies (RTX) and graduate student at Georgetown University. Liz’s journey from her interdisciplinary studies at Baylor University – specifically, studying International Studies – to her current leadership role at RTX reveals not only her ability to adapt, but also her enduring passion for making a meaningful impact.

The Power of an Interdisciplinary Foundation

One of Liz’s key takeaways from her International Studies degree was the importance of an interdisciplinary perspective. Courses that she took with Dr. Jordan, such as Introduction to International Relations and Grand Strategy provided her with a broad understanding of global and domestic dynamics, skills which she was able to apply in her early career during internships at banks, and in security adjacent fields (Cybersecurity, domestic security, etc.)

Liz highlighted how this background allowed her to approach situations with both a bird’s-eye view and on-the-ground precision, especially during her logistical work at RTX. This ability to zoom in and out of complex scenarios became a cornerstone of her problem-solving toolkit.

Career Evolution and Aspirations

As with most International Studies majors – Liz’s career path was destined to not be linear. Her initial aspiration to become an intelligence analyst shifted as she explored opportunities within the defense sector. While her first choice wasn’t RTX, the leadership development program there allowed her to try out diverse roles, from cybersecurity to corporate security initiatives. Despite challenges like navigating a merger between divisions and tackling unfamiliar cybersecurity concepts, Liz persevered, learning to rely on her resilience and adaptability.

When asked to reflect on her role, Liz shared that her commitment to protecting the U.S. and her allies remains unwavering. She takes immense pride in contributing to the mission of upholding democratic values. Her experience, from supporting a U.S. Senate campaign for a Michigan congressman, to testifying on policy issues (at a very young age), and growing up with a mother who was a lobbyist – illustrate her journey to patriotic dedication to serving her country.

Balancing Professional and Academic Demands

Balancing an intense work schedule with her Applied Intelligence studies at Georgetown has been a challenge for Liz, but she approaches it with pragmatic determination. She acknowledged that true work-life balance is elusive, and success often comes down to making the best of available time. Whether it’s working through dinner to meet deadlines or drafting papers during the Super Bowl with friends around her, Liz exemplifies the grit required to juggle demanding commitments. Importantly, her role at RTX complements her studies, as the company’s financial support alleviates the burden of student loans, making her academic pursuits more feasible.

Tacking Global Security Challenges

In discussing critical emerging threats, Liz identified adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as significant concerns. She emphasized the vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the importance of proactive defense strategies. Liz underscored the growing prevalence of irregular attacks and espionage efforts, warning that while security investments may not generate profit, they can save organizations from costly breaches. Her insights into the defense sector reflect a keen awareness of the evolving challenges in global security.

Leadership Lessons

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Liz’s journey is her perspective on leadership. She recounted her experience with daunting projects, like restructuring cybersecurity reporting during a merger. Despite moments of self-doubt, Liz learned to trust her ability to lead, emphasizing that promotions often come not from mastering a skill but from demonstrating a capacity to learn and adapt.

Final Reflections

Liz Herndon’s story is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education, resilience in the face of challenges, and unwavering dedication to a greater mission. Her journey offers a compelling example of how academic foundations and real-world experiences can converge to shape a meaningful career in global security.