#7 - From sales to IAM leadership: Building trust & empowering teams (with Clint Hardison)

In this episode of The Identity Heroes, Clint Hardison — AVP of Identity & Access Management at Navy Federal — shares his non-linear journey from international furniture sales to IAM leadership.

Clint reflects on the turning points that shaped his career, from humbling resets to building authentication systems for millions of members. He opens up about the role of listening, vulnerability, and trust in leadership — and why his team lives by the motto “How can we help?”

🎯 This conversation dives into:

• Why IAM careers don’t follow a straight line — and why that’s a good thing
• How communication and listening (WAIT: “Why Am I Talking?”) build stronger leaders
• Why vulnerability creates trust and stronger team culture
• The importance of investing in training and people development
• How to position identity so it resonates across the business

✨ Key Themes & Takeaways

• Careers in identity don’t follow straight lines — and that’s a strength

• Listening and communication are underrated leadership superpowers

• Vulnerability builds trust and team culture

• Investing in training pays off for individuals and organizations

• Identity leaders must translate complexity into business value

• Simple mottos like “How can we help?” transform teams

Whether you’re new to IAM or leading a global team, Clint’s story proves that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

🔗 Explore more Identity Heroes: https://www.strata.io/identityheroes

 🎙️ The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and do not represent the opinions of their employer or family.