1.
Human Vulnerability: Truths & Lessons
Harry McLaren - Managing Consultant @ ECS

2.
Who Am I?
Harry McLaren
• Alumnus of Napier University
• Managing Consultant at ECS [Security]
–Role: Security Engineer, Lead Splunk Consultant for Big Data
• Voluntary Roles:
–Current: Trustee @ Positive Realities
–Former: Training Coordinator @ Edinburgh Nightline

3.
Why Am I Here?
• A Case for Human Vulnerability
–Relevance/Importance?
–Common Default Behaviours & Traits
–Audience Participation via Poll
–A Story of Weakness and [Lack of] Vulnerability
–Root Cause Analysis into Feeling Overwhelmed
–Call to Action
–Resources & Questions
~45mins

4.
Mental Health Awareness Week (W/C 14th of May)
Research by Mental Health Foundation
Felt Overwhelmed by Stress
in Last 12 Months
7.5 of 10
Felt Stress Triggered Suicidal
Feelings in Last 12 Months
3.2 of 10

5.
Cover Up
Mistakes Obscure
Weaknesses
Always Be
“Professional”
Don’t
Discuss
Feelings
Ignore Human
Vulnerability
Strength?
Perfection
?
Common Behaviours & Traits
Not Always, Not Everybody

6.
Here’s a Couple of Questions…
Completely Anonymous!

7.
Poll: Have you ever felt anxious, worried or stressed at work?
• INSERT POLL (Via Mentimeter.com)
–Yes, and it has impacted me at work.
–No, but it has impacted me outside of work.
–No, but I often have to listen/help others who do.
–No, I don’t feel this way.

8.
Poll: Have you ever felt the need to cover up these types of
feelings?
• INSERT POLL (Via Mentimeter.com)
–Yes, often.
–Yes, but rarely.
–No, I can be open at work about these feelings.
–No, as I don’t experience them at work.

9.
Poll: Would you see it as weak to share these types of feelings?
• INSERT POLL (Via Mentimeter.com)
–No, I often share these types of feelings.
–No, but it should be kept to a minimum.
–Yes, I don’t think it’s appropriate at work.
–Yes, these feelings should be kept inside.

10.
In the Nature of Sharing
A Story of Weakness and
[Lack of] Vulnerability
 Failure
 Fatigue
 Doubt
 Fear of Exposure
Imposter Syndrome?

11.
Root Cause Analysis: What
What Caused Me to Get Overwhelmed?
No Self Care
Didn’t take a time-out,
get headspace and
failed to engage
support systems.
Wasn’t
Vulnerable
Chose to ‘go it alone’ and
failed to get help earlier
before imposter feeling
inhibited call for support.
Failure x2
First felt the primary
failure at work, then felt
the failure and shame of
my weakness.

12.
Root Cause Analysis: Lessons Learned
SELF AWARENESS
Be more aware of my weaknesses and be kind to
myself about them.
MINDFULNESS
Check-in with my feelings and allow them to exist
without judgement or angst.
EMPATHY
Listen to what my mind is telling me and allow
myself time to reflect and share.
VULNERABILITY
Be brave and share my thoughts and feelings,
and promote others to do the same.

13.
Root Cause Analysis: Why
Why Did I Behave / Not Behave Like That?
“Feeling like an
imposter is stupid,
you’re awesome and
should just get on with
it and stop being a
<insert sexist remark>!”
”Professionals always
get the job done, no
matter what, that’s
what being a
consultant means!”
“I can’t
believe you
don’t know
that!
It’s simple...”
Examples; not personally experienced quotes!

14.
Kindness
Be kind to yourself, and be
kind to your colleagues.
Self Care
Take the time to learn about your
feelings, and then explore ways of
caring for them better.
Emotional Resilience
Build up emotion resilience, not by
burying feelings, but learning where they
come from and how to release them.
Empathy
Try to connect with what’s going on
under the surface, not just the raw
emotion on top.
Sharing is Caring
Being open and honest about
what you’re feeling helps a lot!
Empowerment
Allow yourself to be ‘weak’ and
trust those around you with your
vulnerability.
Call to Action: Try Vulnerability
#everyinteractioncounts

15.
Resources
Techniques
• Mindfulness
• Wellbeing
Courses
• Mental Health
• School of Life
Helplines
• Samaritans
• Nightline
• SANE
References
• Mental Health
Foundation
• NHS
Learn Practice Be Heard Research

16.
Questions?
@cyberharibu
harry.mclaren@ecs.co.uk
harrymclaren.co.uk
Connect and Say Hello!
Splunk User Group
Cyber Scotland Connect