Embarking on a new journey as an Identity and Access Management (IAM) Executive involves a strategic blend of leadership, technical understanding, and stakeholder engagement. Your first 90 days are crucial for laying a solid foundation, understanding the organization’s IAM landscape, and setting a clear direction. Here’s a detailed outline to guide you through this period:

Phase 1: Onboarding and Assessment (Days 1-30)

Understanding the Organization

  • Objective: Acquaint yourself with the company’s culture, values, and business model.
  • Actions:
    • Attend introductory meetings with key stakeholders.
    • Review organizational structure and key business processes.
    • Familiarize yourself with the company’s products, services, and customer base.

IAM Landscape Evaluation

  • Objective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current IAM infrastructure, policies, and practices.
  • Actions:
    • Conduct meetings with the IAM team and IT department to understand existing systems, tools, and processes.
    • Review current IAM policies, procedures, and standards.
    • Assess the maturity of the IAM program using industry frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO).

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Objective: Build relationships with key stakeholders across the organization.
  • Actions:
    • Identify and meet department heads to understand their IAM needs and challenges.
    • Establish a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.

Phase 2: Strategic Planning (Days 31-60)

Gap Analysis

  • Objective: Identify gaps in the current IAM strategy, processes, and technology.
  • Actions:
    • Analyze findings from the assessment phase to pinpoint weaknesses and areas for improvement.
    • Benchmark against industry best practices and compliance requirements.

Vision and Strategy Development

  • Objective: Develop a clear IAM vision and strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Actions:
    • Define strategic IAM goals and objectives.
    • Prioritize initiatives based on impact and feasibility.
    • Create a roadmap for short-term and long-term IAM enhancements.

Team and Resource Planning

  • Objective: Ensure the IAM team is well-equipped and structured to implement the strategy.
  • Actions:
    • Assess the current team’s skills, roles, and responsibilities.
    • Identify staffing needs and initiate recruitment if necessary.
    • Plan for training and development to enhance team capabilities.

Phase 3: Implementation and Execution (Days 61-90)

Quick Wins Implementation

  • Objective: Implement quick wins to demonstrate value and gain momentum.
  • Actions:
    • Select initiatives that can be delivered quickly and have a visible impact.
    • Deploy pilot projects or proof of concepts for critical solutions.

Process Optimization

  • Objective: Streamline IAM processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Actions:
    • Implement best practices for IAM processes, such as user provisioning, de-provisioning, and access reviews.
    • Automate manual processes where possible to improve accuracy and speed.

Stakeholder Communication

  • Objective: Keep stakeholders informed about progress and successes.
  • Actions:
    • Provide regular updates through meetings, reports, or dashboards.
    • Solicit feedback to adjust plans and strategies as needed.

Review and Adjust

  • Objective: Evaluate the progress of the IAM program and make necessary adjustments.
  • Actions:
    • Conduct a review of the initiatives implemented during the first 90 days.
    • Adjust the IAM strategy and roadmap based on feedback and results.

Deliverables:

  • IAM Program Assessment Report
  • IAM Strategic Plan, including vision, goals, and roadmap
  • Implementation Plan for Quick Wins
  • Process Optimization Report
  • Stakeholder Communication Plan
  • 90-Day Review Report with Adjustments

This plan is designed to help you establish a strong footing in your new role, align IAM initiatives with business goals, and build the foundation for a robust, strategic IAM program.