As a founding security engineer at Authentik Security, an open-source Identity Provider, you're likely inheriting established security practices and high stakes, with the SolarWinds story serving as a cautionary tale. To prove your value, focus on getting the lay of the land by assessing the current state of security, understanding the company's security stack, and identifying areas for improvement. Start with what you're good at, such as phishing awareness training and access management, and build your knowledge in other areas as you go. Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) can automate onboarding and offboarding, improve workflows, and reduce friction. Documenting processes and building relationships with teammates are also crucial. Don't be afraid to dig into code and challenge developers to ensure security is prioritized. Finally, pick the hill you want to die on, focusing on activities that have an impact without generating excessive work for others.