“Security is not a cost of doing business. It is the cost of staying in business.”
This powerful mantra defines the leadership philosophy of Amir Vashkover, the Head of Data Security at Philips. With a career shaped by military discipline, global corporate complexity, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility, Amir has navigated a challenging but purposeful path to the forefront of healthcare innovation.

From his military roots to leading data security for a global tech giant, Amir’s leadership reflects a rare blend of strategic foresight, operational agility, and human empathy. At Philips, he champions a culture of collaboration, psychological safety, and innovation rooted in a shared mission to improve lives through meaningful technology.

The Company

Navigating Complexity at Philips

Upon joining Philips, Amir was immediately faced with the complexities of a global organization steeped in legacy but rapidly transforming toward a connected, AI-powered healthcare ecosystem. The challenge was twofold: technologically advancing the organization and culturally unifying global teams under a singular vision.

Relocating to the Netherlands added another layer by requiring him to earn trust across functions and geographies while introducing more adaptive, forward-thinking leadership models. Amir prioritized agility in a highly regulated space, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decisions, and innovation without compromising responsibility.

The Leadership Lens

Challenges of Modern Leadership and Strategic Clarity

Amir identifies the biggest challenge for today’s leaders as maintaining clarity amid disruption. The rapid pace of technological advancement, economic uncertainty, and rising societal expectations demand leaders anchor their decisions in purpose.

For Philips, that anchor is a commitment to improving lives through meaningful innovation. In an age of generative AI, Amir also warns of the growing anxiety among employees, what he calls “Generative AI FOMO” Fear Of Missing Opportunity. He believes emotional intelligence must balance artificial intelligence in modern leadership.

Leaders today must also act as ethical stewards. Innovation must be responsible, Amir stresses, respecting privacy, aligning with regulation, and operating with integrity.

A Culture of Innovation and Learning

At Philips, Amir fosters innovation by creating psychological safety where team members are encouraged to take initiative, speak up, and learn from failure.

His approach to continuous learning includes technical upskilling, leadership development, and knowledge-sharing across teams. From mentorship to interdisciplinary collaboration, Amir emphasizes the philosophy that “stronger together” drives better outcomes.

Innovation is not for its own sake. Every initiative must tie back to a measurable outcome: better patient care, improved operational efficiency, or enhanced user experience. This purposeful innovation model helps Philips maintain market leadership and attract top talent.

The MORE Philosophy: Amir’s Leadership Model

Amir’s leadership is grounded in a personal model he calls MORE:

• Meaning – Helping teams understand how their work contributes to the greater good
• Opportunity – Viewing challenges as gateways for growth
• Responsibility – Acting with integrity and intentionality
• Empathy – Always stepping into others’ shoes before making decisions

Leadership, he reflects, is hard to define but easy to recognize. When I lead by MORE, I create high-performing, resilient teams driven by purpose.

Security as a Business Imperative

Drawing on his extensive experience in cybersecurity, Amir sees data security not as an expense, but as a strategic necessity. At Philips, he ensures security is seamlessly integrated into the company’s operations in a way that is practical, intuitive, and efficient.

Security should be as simple and essential as locking your front door, Amir explains. No training, no business cases, just common sense applied consistently. His goal is to simplify security so it becomes second nature rather than an operational burden.

Driving Change in the Security Industry

If given the chance to reshape the security industry, Amir would focus on intuition and simplicity. He envisions an ecosystem where security is instinctive, essential, and effortlessly aligned with how businesses operate.

It’s time to stop treating security as a checklist, he asserts. It must become a natural part of how we work, just like driving safely without needing to hit the guardrails.

Cultivating Team Culture

Amir brings a refreshing take on team building. He never refers to “my team,” only “the team I’m part of.” This mindset promotes shared ownership and mutual respect.

He emphasizes the importance of open communication, individual accountability, and ethical leadership. Trust your people and give them every reason to trust you. That’s how high-performing teams are built.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Security

Amir offers two powerful pieces of advice:

1. Think Like Your Customers
   Understand their mindset, challenges, and decision-making process. Don’t just solve today’s problems, anticipate tomorrow’s.
2. Master Risk Management
   Know how your customers define and handle risk. Align your solutions accordingly for maximum relevance and impact.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cybersecurity

Amir believes the most impactful shift in cybersecurity will be cultural, not technical. Security awareness, personal responsibility, and understanding consequences will drive better results than any single technology.

He draws on a personal analogy. When you drive on the highway, there are guardrails on both sides to protect you. But if you’re a safe driver, staying within the speed limit, avoiding distractions, staying alert, you rarely need them. That’s how cybersecurity should feel: natural, mindful, and proactive.

Conclusion: Leading with Clarity in a Complex World

Amir Vashkover exemplifies a modern, values-driven leader, balancing innovation with simplicity, technology with empathy, and responsibility with purpose. At Philips, he continues to elevate data security as a pillar of trust and business continuity, while inspiring teams to lead with meaning.

In a world filled with complexity, Amir’s message is refreshingly clear: leadership and security should be grounded in clarity, collaboration, and common sense.