Where Are You?
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole challenges the common misconception that cybersecurity is an anchor holding organizations back. Instead, he reframes cybersecurity as a stabilizing force—much like how an anchor steadies a boat during rough waters. Just as a well-placed anchor ensures balance and security, effective cybersecurity empowers businesses to grow and succeed in the face of evolving threats. Dr. Cole also dives into the importance of understanding where you are in your career journey. Using a boat analogy, he categorizes cybersecurity professionals into three stages:...
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The Mission
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole challenges cybersecurity leaders to think beyond immediate threats and short-term fixes. Using the famous Mission Impossible phrase, "Your mission, if you choose to accept it," he urges CISOs to define their long-term vision—both for their careers and for the cybersecurity landscape. While businesses like Google and Tesla plan 5 to 10 years ahead, many CISOs remain focused on putting out daily fires, failing to develop a strategic roadmap for their future. Dr. Cole shares insights on the power of long-term goal-setting, emphasizing that most...
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Who is in CONTROL
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives into the power of asking the right questions and the importance of letting data—not emotions—drive decisions. He emphasizes the need to focus on solving root causes rather than just treating symptoms, using cybersecurity as an analogy for how we approach problems in life and leadership. By shifting from reactive thinking to a strategic mindset, CISOs can avoid merely "putting out fires" and instead create long-term, sustainable security solutions. Dr. Cole also highlights the crucial role of self-awareness in leadership, encouraging...
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Having a Clear Strategy and Plan
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
Are You Thinking Like a True CISO? Or Just Reacting to Cybersecurity? In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole challenges cybersecurity leaders to rethink their approach, shifting from a reactive, firefighting mindset to a long-term, strategic vision. He highlights how most CISOs operate in a short-term, tactical manner—responding to incidents rather than proactively shaping security strategies for the future. He points out a critical disconnect: while CISOs hold a "chief officer" title, they are rarely treated as true corporate officers, lacking the authority and influence that...
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AI and Cyber
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives into one of the most pressing topics in cybersecurity today—Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). He emphasizes that the key to being an effective CISO is thinking ahead, looking beyond the daily firefighting that many security leaders get caught up in. He shares insights from working with top CISOs, noting that a significant number of them find themselves overwhelmed with reactive tasks rather than focusing on long-term strategy. The best CISOs, he argues, are those who...
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The Role of Cybersecurity
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into a critical question every cybersecurity professional must ask themselves: What is your real role? It’s easy to hide behind job titles like “CISO” or “cybersecurity professional,” but understanding the true essence of your responsibilities can make or break your success. Dr. Cole shares a personal story from his early career, highlighting the costly mistakes he made when transitioning from the CIA to a commercial startup. He candidly discusses how focusing solely on technical security without considering business goals...
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Let Data Drive Decisions, Not Emotions
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
Being a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is not only stressful, but it can also feel isolating, especially as you move up in leadership. In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole discusses the unique challenges CISOs face as they transition from a technical role into executive leadership. He highlights how this shift often removes CISOs from their familiar environments—surrounded by other cybersecurity professionals—and places them in a world where decision-making is driven by business priorities rather than technical considerations. Dr. Cole emphasizes the importance of...
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CISOs Must Focus on Root Causes
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In the latest episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole addresses a critical issue faced by many Chief Information Security Officers: the tendency to focus on treating symptoms rather than identifying and addressing the root causes of security problems. He emphasizes that many CISOs find themselves merely reacting to incidents rather than proactively preventing them, resulting in a reactive cybersecurity culture. Dr. Cole discusses how executives often view CISOs more as Chief Incident Response Officers, content with existing security measures and waiting for issues to arise, so...
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Career Paths in Cyber
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into the journey of becoming a world-class Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). He emphasizes that this podcast goes beyond the role of a CISO—it’s about helping cybersecurity professionals unlock their full potential and discover the best version of themselves. Whether you’re a current CISO seeking to refine your leadership skills, a security engineer aspiring to transition into the role, or someone still exploring your career path in cybersecurity, this episode provides valuable guidance. Dr. Cole challenges the...
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What is a CISO?
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this compelling new episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole reflects on the transformative power of words and how they shape our lives and relationships. Kicking off the new year with a fresh outlook (and even a wardrobe change!), Dr. Cole emphasizes that words carry lasting impact, whether spoken to ourselves or others. Drawing from personal experiences of bullying and the age-old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," Dr. Cole dismantles this myth, highlighting how words often leave deeper scars than physical wounds. He delves into the importance of...
info_outlineIn the second part of The Balanced CISO series, Dr. Eric Cole emphasizes the importance of emotional control and mindset in a CISO's journey. He explores how seemingly small triggers, like an unpleasant email, can snowball into larger issues, affecting productivity and emotional well-being. Dr. Cole advises CISOs to adopt "pattern interrupts"—simple, sometimes silly actions like dancing or stepping away briefly—to reset their mindset and prevent negativity from escalating. He stresses that this self-awareness and proactive approach are essential for maintaining balance and showing up as an effective leader.
Dr. Cole also delves into the structural imbalance in many organizations where CISOs are often excluded from the executive suite. He highlights a striking example of a Fortune 50 company where the CISO's office is physically and symbolically isolated from the other C-suite leaders. To truly act as a chief, Dr. Cole argues, CISOs must align themselves with the executive team and advocate for their inclusion in strategic conversations. The episode blends practical advice with visionary thinking, inspiring current and aspiring CISOs to take ownership of their roles, emotions, and professional standing.