Cybersecurity Metrics
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole explores the often-overlooked path of consulting within the cybersecurity field. While many professionals transition from security engineering to management and eventually to a CISO role, he emphasizes that consulting can be an invaluable step in that journey. Consulting sharpens essential skills like communication, presentation, and business strategy—skills that are often underdeveloped in technical roles. Dr. Cole highlights how working in isolation, especially in remote environments, has negatively impacted workplace communication, making...
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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...
info_outlineIn this special year-in-review episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into the importance of regular self-assessment and the pitfalls of waiting for a single moment—like New Year’s resolutions—to address critical issues. Highlighting the flawed mindset behind delayed action, Dr. Cole emphasizes that if a problem takes 12 months to identify, it might already be beyond repair, requiring a complete overhaul rather than a quick fix. He challenges both individuals and organizations to adopt a continuous improvement mindset, focusing on consistent, actionable changes instead of relying on ineffective, short-term resolutions.
Dr. Cole further explores the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), clarifying that their primary responsibility is not technical expertise but acting as business leaders who align information security with organizational growth and profitability. By reimagining the CISO as a "Chief Officer with a focus on information security," he underscores the necessity of redefining one's role, building strong relationships with executive peers, and demonstrating value in business terms.
Whether you’re a seasoned CISO, aspiring to the role, or looking for broader career insights, this episode offers actionable strategies for reflection and growth. Dr. Cole’s candid advice on understanding your true career aspirations—whether technical or managerial—serves as a powerful reminder that success comes from clarity, alignment, and commitment to the right path. Tune in to discover how to approach your personal and professional year-in-review effectively, and prepare to achieve new heights in the year ahead.