How Are You Showing Up?

In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole challenges the conventional definitions of success by inviting us to rethink what it means to have a great or awesome day. Many of us, especially CISOs, fall into the trap of setting unrealistic standards—reserving happiness for rare moments of significant achievement like a promotion or major milestone. This mindset results in spending most days frustrated and dissatisfied. Dr. Cole shares practical strategies, like redefining a good day as simply being productive with tasks like clearing emails and setting achievable goals. By managing expectations, we can transform our perspective and experience more fulfillment in our daily work, making great days a regular occurrence and awesome days something to celebrate a few times a month.

Additionally, Dr. Cole emphasizes the importance of how we show up—not only in attitude but also in appearance. In a professional environment, every detail sends a message about respect and seriousness. The way you dress, the energy you bring, and even your consistency in showing up communicate your dedication to your role. He stresses that CISOs need to be intentional about presenting themselves in a way that commands respect while blending into their environment. Whether it’s maintaining a clean inbox, setting clear communication boundaries, or dressing appropriately, small actions can make a significant difference in how others perceive you—and ultimately, in your success.