As federal agencies work to implement zero trust (ZT) cybersecurity measures as mandated by a White House Executive Order, challenges arise in balancing robust security with user-friendly experiences. While ZT principles like "trust nothing, verify everything, and enforce least privilege" are essential for protecting against cyber threats, the implementation often complicates interactions for both citizens and federal employees, as illustrated by a cumbersome experience with multi-factor authentication (MFA). This tension was a focal point of a panel discussion at the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center, where experts emphasized the need to integrate user experience considerations from the start of ZT initiatives. The discussion highlighted best practices such as simplifying authentication processes and leveraging advancements in biometrics and behavioral biometrics to make security seamless and unobtrusive. Additionally, agencies are encouraged to employ full-stack observability to monitor performance and ensure ZT policies do not impede user experiences. The panelists, including representatives from Dynatrace, underscored the importance of marrying security with positive user experiences to prevent users from turning away due to overly complex security protocols, advocating for a holistic approach that enriches federal IT systems while maintaining robust cybersecurity.