Most efforts to address staffing shortages and talent gaps in cyber focus on expanding the pipeline (e.g., education, recruitment, reskilling). There is, however, another critical angle to prioritize: retaining current talent. This interactive workshop, based on a 2025 Dutch Security Cluster study conducted by the Municipality of The Hague, introduces 3 practical leadership strategies to increase talent retention. The 3 specific strategies include: (1) Gaining visibility on sources of pressure, (2) Giving feedback, and (3) Acknowledging progress and successes. These strategies span critical skillsets often missing from cybersecurity leadership training and rarely prioritized in the urgency of high-pressure environments. Yet, by taking time to strengthen their own competence in these 3 areas, leaders will be able to better support those they lead, increase their sense of competence, and, ultimately, improve talent retention. Through structured reflection and peer discussions, participants will leave with actionable ways to apply these strategies.
