In this episode of The Identity Heroes, David Lee—aka The Identity Jedi—opens up about his unfiltered path into identity and access management, from unexpected beginnings to big entrepreneurial swings.

David shares how adversity shaped his leadership style, how clarity often follows chaos, and why communication is the most overlooked superpower in tech. This isn’t a polished “success story”—it’s a raw, reflective look at identity careers, personal growth, and what it really takes to lead with purpose.

This conversation dives deep into:

• Turning challenges into clarity and growth
• What “representation” really looks like in identity
• Building programs that deliver business value
• How to empower teams when resources are tight
• The future of AI and identity collaboration

Whether you're navigating your own IAM path or coaching others, David’s story is a must-listen.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Identity careers rarely follow a script—but that’s where the magic happens
• Communication is a leadership skill, not a soft skill
• Adversity builds clarity, focus, and grit
• Representation fuels visibility and connection
• Measuring impact matters more than measuring effort
• Creativity drives progress—especially in resource-constrained teams
• The strongest leaders know when to ask for help
• AI is an accelerator—not a replacement—for IAM strategy

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Identity Heroes & David Lee

02:59 David Lee’s Journey into Identity

06:09 Career Evolution: IAM and Beyond

08:57 Entrepreneurship and Lessons Learned

12:01 Communication: The Overlooked IAM Skill

14:59 Navigating Setbacks & Pivotal Moments

18:06 Future of Identity & Growth

31:01 Embracing Reflection in Career Paths

34:40 Finding Clarity Through Adversity

39:58 Representation and Connection in Identity

41:54 Empowering Teams with Limited Resources

45:36 Measuring Success in IAM Programs

49:31 Identity, AI & What’s Next

🔗 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.