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Beyond the Program: The Leaders Among Us

“Leadership is not a position or a title—it is action and example.” This quote perfectly captures the spirit of Trellix’s Emerging Leader Program, which empowers participants to lead through impact. In this final part of our series, we spotlight the graduates who have completed the program and are now flourishing in their careers.

If you missed the first two parts of our series, don't worry! In Part 1, we explored the experiences of current emerging leaders, while Part 2 delved into the ambitions of future program participants. Make sure to check these out to get the complete picture of the journey through the Emerging Leader Program.

These alumni are leveraging the skills, insights, and connections they gained to make a tangible impact across Trellix. From leading initiatives and managing teams to driving innovation and overcoming new challenges, they embody the program’s lasting influence. Their stories are a testament to how the Emerging Leader Program shapes individuals to lead by action and example, leaving a lasting impact on their careers and inspiring those around them. Let’s delve into their journeys to explore how the program has shaped their paths and continues to guide their leadership approach.

Can you tell us about yourself and how you first learned about this program?


Daniel Magidenko (Functional Analyst) “I was born and raised in NYC and now live across the river in Hoboken, New Jersey. After graduating from Syracuse University with a dual degree in marketing and entrepreneurship, I first encountered Trellix through a summer internship at McAfee (now Trellix), where I worked as a digital marketing/SEO intern before my senior year. I made many great connections there and developed a strong interest in cybersecurity. One of my managers referred me to apply for the graduate rotation program, now the Emerging Leader Associate Program. That’s where my career officially began. I rotated across various marketing teams, from Demand Generation, to Channel Marketing, to Competitive Intelligence. Eventually, I joined the Sales team, and now I’m a Strategic Sales Alignment Specialist with the Sales Excellence organization.”



Mario Luevano (Deal Desk Manager) “Howdy! I started as an intern in 2020 after completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating with an Master of Science in Information Technology, I was fortunate enough to join the ELA program in 2021. I quickly fell in love with the organization's culture. Throughout my time in the ELA program, I rotated between Pre-Sales Operations, Central Sales Ops, and Global Sales Enablement, and I joined the Health Watch team leading engagements in LATAM. With that experience and my openness to new challenges, I joined the PubSec Deal Desk team full-time, where I now combine the skills I gained from my prior rotations.”



Jonathan Omakun (Security Researcher) “I'm based in Plano, TX, where I earned my Bachelor's in Cybersecurity from Collin College. My journey with Trellix started as a summer intern back when it was still McAfee, working as a Technical Support Engineer focused on Endpoint Security. The experience was fantastic—I loved the culture and the people—so when a recruiter later reached out about their rotation program, coming back felt like a natural choice. I joined the fifth cohort of the Emerging Leader Program, and it’s been quite the adventure! I'm currently a Security Researcher in the Threat Intelligence Group within Trellix's Advanced Research Center (ARC). But during the rotation, I also gained experience as a Solutions Engineer, Channel Technical Manager, Pre-Sales Strategy and Operations Engineer, and Sales Enablement Training Specialist. It’s been amazing to see so many sides of the company!”



Bhavanna Keepdui (Instructional Designer) “I rotated through Channel Marketing, Global Enablement, and Sales Operations as part of the Emerging Leader Program. I’ve been an instructional designer on the Global Enablement team for the past year and a half. My role involves creating engaging and effective training to help employees understand updates to products, new sales strategies, and more. I collaborate with experts across the company to tailor lessons for various needs, from new hires to experienced reps looking to upskill.”


Looking back, how has the Emerging Leader Program shaped your long-term career outlook and aspirations?


Daniel Magidenko “The ELA Program revealed my true strengths and career passions—a combination of marketing and sales focusing on enablement and excellence. It continues to help me become the best version of myself. The experience laid the groundwork for leadership, and I’ll continue striving toward that goal.”



Mario Luevano “Being exposed to various types of leaders and teams, the ELA program has given me a rare close-up view of how industry-leading teams and leadership execute their visions. I aspire to become a people leader within Trellix, helping shape and mentor the talented young leaders joining this wonderful organization.”



Jonathan Omakun “The program has essentially given me multiple careers. Thanks to the program, I believe I can pivot to any role and excel. In juost a few years, I’ve worked as a Solutions Engineer, Global Enablement Specialist, Pre-Sales Strategy and Operations Engineer, Channel Technical Manager, and now a Security Researcher. The diverse skills I’ve gained fill me with confidence to take on any challenge and open up numerous possibilities for my long-term career.”



Bhavanna Keepdui “Before the program, I didn’t even know what enablement or instructional design was! It opened up a new world, allowing me to explore a career I might not have found otherwise. I’m excited to continue building my skills and leading more cross-functional training initiatives in the future.”


What should participants focus on during the program to maximize their learning, development, and overall experience?


Daniel Magidenko “Participants should focus on learning as much as possible during their rotations because the knowledge gained will always be valuable in future roles. Building relationships with peers and connecting with subject matter experts will maximize your learning and development. Your experience is what you make of it, so take full advantage of the opportunities available and don’t hesitate to ask questions.”



Mario Luevano “The ELA program offers a unique opportunity. Like many things in life, you get out what you put in. Approach the program with enthusiasm and eagerness, and the experience will follow. Being afraid of new challenges is normal, but exposure to them will make you a more well-rounded professional. Also, make use of the Trellix network—meet as many wonderful people as you can!”



Jonathan Omakun “Focus on the ‘what’ and the ‘why.’ Before starting any task, think about what you’re doing and why. Ask yourself how it impacts you, Trellix, the industry, and customers. Understanding the impact motivates you to stick with it and may inspire you to scale your impact further.”



Bhavanna Keepdui “Get out of your comfort zone with the rotations you choose. The more exposure you have to different teams, the more well-rounded you’ll become. Take on projects that challenge you to think strategically and practice leadership skills, even if they feel tough.”


What advice would you give those seeking to join the Emerging Leader Program?


Daniel Magidenko “Be interested, be a student, be a sponge, be well-rounded, have an open mind, and don’t stress about finding the right career path—you’ll discover it along the way.”



Mario Luevano “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—there are no wrong or right questions. Every question will help you gain confidence and better understand the goal”



Jonathan Omakun “Simple: cultivate Trellix’s values—be open, tenacious, curious, and fun. You’ll face many roles and challenges in the program. Be open to new experiences, be tenacious in tackling challenges, stay curious to find innovative ways to add value, and most importantly, have fun!”



Bhavanna Keepdui “Be ready to take on new challenges and learn from every experience. You might discover a passion you hadn’t considered before. And remember, finding a team where you truly fit is crucial—the rotation is a great time to see if the team culture matches what you’re looking for.”


Thank you for following along with our three-part series on the Emerging Leader Program! We hope these stories have given you a deeper understanding of the program’s profound impact on the careers of our Emerging Leaders and how it continues to foster leadership excellence across Trellix. Stay tuned for more updates and success stories as we continue to invest in and celebrate the incredible talent within Trellix!

To learn more about the Emerging Leader Program, read more here.

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