Before assuming the position of risk and controls manager at S&A Legal Management Services, Inc., Petri Hyde served as a vendor relations analyst at Scott & Associates, PC, in Carrollton, Texas. He focused on security and compliance matters and mapped and analyzed all data activity, both internal and external, between Scott & Associates and its vendors. His responsibilities included performing information security due diligence, conducting audits, and managing the onboarding and integration of new vendors.
After nearly two years as a vendor relations analyst, Petri Hyde received a promotion to management. As a risk and controls manager at S&A Legal Management Services, Inc., he oversees all risk initiatives related to security and compliance. His responsibilities encompass not only vendor management, data security oversight, and business continuity matters, but also physical security.
Petri Hyde studied government at the University of Texas at Austin. He remains affiliated with his alma mater as a member of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter. In addition to his risk and compliance duties at S&A Legal Management Services, he volunteers at Mission Arlington.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
In the modern era, many people are stretched thin with responsibilities from work, family, chores, and hobbies, and I’m not any different. My weekdays typically include trying my best to wake up before heading into work. The best way to do that I’ve found is with a cup of cup of black coffee and some stretches in the morning. If I’m not awake by then, my cat Charlie demanding his breakfast will do the trick. The rest of the day includes getting into the office and prioritizing the most important tasks for the day. My Dad taught me a trick, passed down from his dad, which is to create a checklist every morning of the most important things needed for that day. It’s quite satisfying to physically cross off each task, which boosts your mood and confirms your productivity for the day. My evenings include taking care of my pets and, if I have time, cook a nice dinner and go to the gym. For the weekends, I try to strike a nice balance between going out to see friends by either grabbing a drink or playing beach volleyball or golf. The second part to that balance is catching up on my new favorite show or book, as I need my alone time to recharge, as well.
How do you bring ideas to life?
By acting as soon as the inspiration hits me. This is true for anything from poetry to policymaking. It’s all about seizing the moment and enjoying the cathartic process of accomplishing what’s on your mind.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I know this is probably a very common answer, but I truly find advancements in AI to be extremely exciting. While there are concerns with every technological breakthrough, the potential advancements in the medical field through AI could be particularly groundbreaking.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My checklist in the morning. I also absolutely cannot log in to my social media accounts in the morning, or it will derail my productivity. There’s too much negativity online and distractions. I could easily spend half the day on pleasant distractions, so it’s an important habit to stay off until later in the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t let others pressure you into doing what they think is the right decision. Intuition is an underrated navigator. Our body and minds often know what the right decision is for us, and we should be careful not to overthink ourselves into paralysis or make the wrong decision.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
“The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” While I think most would agree with this statement at face value, putting it into actual practice can be very difficult. I try to remind myself that a bit of humility is needed when forming an opinion, as its very easy and comfortable to rationalize our own biases.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read a book before bed and then reflect on what’s important before turning off the lights. Reading helps to clear my head and gives me a chance to remind myself of my accomplishments for the day, and more importantly, what is important to accomplish or be appreciative of tomorrow.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Long walks. If there was more time in the day, I would gladly spend a couple hours walking, enjoying nature, and thinking about whatever it is that comes to mind.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Finding a balance between people skills and technical skills. Each skill on its own can take you far, but it’s the balance that gets your further in the long run. There will be some difficulties that come your way that will force you to rely on the skills you’re not most comfortable with, so it’s good to strengthen both until that day comes.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I got overwhelmed while project managing the integration of a new vendor. I was young in my career. Instead of communicating my needs or frustrations, I buried my head a bit in the sand, avoiding the larger problems which only created a worse situation. Luckily, I had an understanding boss. It’s much better to head off the issue instead of kicking it underneath the rug, and it’s important to communicate when there’s a bumpy road ahead.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I’m a big visual person. Microsoft Visio is great for all kinds of different applications. Whether I’m creating data flow diagrams in the office, tracking projects through different charts and layouts, to even brainstorming personal ideas with creative visuals. It can cater to more fields and projects than one would expect.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
One of the best $100 I spent was my ISACA membership. The study groups, mentorship program, and webinars have all supported my personal and professional development and have advanced my education faster than I expected.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I know it’s a children’s book, but I have such a soft spot for The Hobbit. Each read brings back so much lighthearted fun, wise words of wisdom, and nostalgia. I also love the Hardcore History Series podcast by Dan Carlin. Sometimes life is truly stranger than fiction, and it’s a great podcast that scratches that history nerd within me.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I have revisited the show Succession three times now. The acting, business intrigue, Shakespearean betrayals, and dark humour make it such a great watch. I haven’t seen as good of a show since Breaking Bad.