The #1 Skill CISOs Need for Career Acceleration (And How to Master It)
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
Release Date: 08/14/2025
Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Attila Torok, CISO at GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), to unpack what it really takes to move from security engineer to strategic leader. Attila shares his journey, the advice that shaped his career, and why “relationships matter more than engineering skills.” From mastering executive communication in three bullet points to building your personal brand and navigating AI in the enterprise, this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone aspiring to the C-suite in cybersecurity.
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Relationships Over Firewalls with Attila Torok
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Attila Torok, CISO at GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), to unpack what it really takes to move from security engineer to strategic leader. Attila shares his journey, the advice that shaped his career, and why “relationships matter more than engineering skills.” From mastering executive communication in three bullet points to building your personal brand and navigating AI in the enterprise, this conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone aspiring to the C-suite in cybersecurity.
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When the Cyber Alarms Go Silent
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this urgent and eye-opening episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives into one of the most consequential moments in U.S. cybersecurity history: the expiration of the Information Sharing Act of 2015, which quietly lapsed the same day the government shut down. Dr. Cole explains how this coincidence has effectively cut off the flow of critical cyber threat intelligence between the U.S. government and private sector, leaving organizations blind to emerging attacks and operating at a major disadvantage. He breaks down the data-driven realities every CISO must communicate to their executive...
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Lessons in Trust, Training, and Threat Intelligence with Michael Centrella
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Michael Centrella, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service turned cybersecurity executive, to discuss how lessons from protecting presidents translate into protecting digital infrastructure. Centrella shares his journey from investigating counterfeit currency to leading global cyber investigations, emphasizing how human error remains the biggest security vulnerability despite technological advances. Together, they explore the evolving ransomware landscape, the challenges of balancing security with business friction, and the...
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From Good to World-Class: Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Success
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole breaks down what truly separates good CISOs from world-class ones — the ability to align cybersecurity strategy with the core business mission. He explains that understanding what business your organization is really in is the foundation of effective security leadership. Using real-world examples, Dr. Cole highlights how CISOs must adapt their security priorities based on organizational goals, whether it’s stabilizing growth, driving acquisitions, or enhancing customer experience. He challenges the outdated view that security and business...
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From Race Cars to Risk: Dual CISO-CTO Leadership with Ben Wilcox
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this high-speed episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes Ben Wilcox, a rare dual-role executive serving as both CISO and CTO at ProArch — and a race car driver to boot. Ben shares his 30-year journey from building websites in the early internet days to leading enterprise security and technology strategy today. Dr. Cole and Ben dive into the challenges and opportunities of balancing technical innovation with cybersecurity, how to win executive support for security investments, and how to leverage AI for productivity. Ben also drops valuable advice for aspiring CISOs, emphasizing...
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The Essential Guide to Becoming a CISO
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this solo episode, Dr. Eric Cole steps back into the spotlight after several interview-focused sessions, responding to listeners’ requests to hear directly from him. The result is a powerful, insightful, and foundational deep dive into what it truly means to be a CISO—not just in title, but in mindset, skillset, and strategic execution. This episode isn’t just about definitions—it’s a wake-up call to the cybersecurity industry and professionals aspiring to leadership roles. Dr. Cole challenges conventional thinking, dismantles industry myths, and offers a battle-tested blueprint...
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Satellite Communications, AI, and the Future of Secure Connectivity with Guest Brett Miller
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with Brett Miller, a Marine Corps veteran, former Hollywood creative, and now a leader at Galileo, a cutting-edge satellite communications company. Together, they explore the critical role of secure communications in cybersecurity, disaster response, and everyday life. Brett shares his fascinating journey from running encrypted radio systems in the military to building an app that seamlessly bridges satellite, cellular, and AI-powered emergency planning—all designed to provide redundancy, reliability, and privacy when traditional...
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The Journey to Becoming a CISO: Lessons Learned with Azunna Anyanwu
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole interviews Azunna Anyanwu, a fractional CIO, discussing his career journey, the importance of soft skills in cybersecurity leadership, and the challenges of managing budgets and risk. They delve into the complexities of ransomware, the evolving roles of CIOs and CISOs, and the impact of AI on the cybersecurity workforce. Azunna shares valuable insights on training employees to recognize threats and the necessity of establishing a risk tolerance with the board. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and setting goals for aspiring...
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Cybersecurity, AI, and Communication: Dr. Eric Cole with Dr. Jill Schiefelbein
Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with communication strategist and tech-human behavior expert Dr. Jill Schiefelbein. Together, they explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity, leadership, and communication—diving into why technical solutions alone aren’t enough without clear messaging to executives, employees, and end users. From making the case for two-factor authentication to understanding how AI is transforming daily workflows, Dr. Jill shares powerful insights on bridging the gap between technical experts and business leaders. Whether you’re a CISO,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives deep into one of the most important yet often overlooked success principles for security leaders: simplicity. Drawing from decades of experience as one of the first CISOs before the title even existed, Dr. Cole explains why going back to the basics is critical for both personal growth and organizational success.
He explores the growing demand for skilled CISOs, how to position yourself for top leadership roles, and why communication and rapport—not just technical skills—are the true differentiators for advancement. Using powerful real-world examples, career planning strategies, and a practical exercise to strengthen executive relationships, this episode equips you to not only accelerate your career but also make cybersecurity a business enabler.