Player / Coach Leadership: Insights from Public Sector CIO, Ricardo Suarez

In this episode of the Professional CISO Podcast, host David Malicoat interviews Ricardo Suarez, a seasoned technology leader who has served in local government for over 21 years. Ricardo shares his journey from being a sysadmin and teacher to becoming the CIO of Hialeah. The conversation delves into the early influences on Ricardo’s interest in technology, the importance of professionalizing the role of the CISO, and the evolving challenges of cybersecurity. They also discuss the significance of conferences for networking and innovation, as well as the complexities of leadership and relationship-building in the public sector.

Accelerating Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity: Insights from Edison Humphries at Secure Miami

Join host David Malicoat on the Professional CISO Podcast as he interviews Edison Humphries, VP and CISO of MasTec. They discuss Edison’s journey from Jamaica to executive leadership, his passion for Formula One, and his views on professionalizing the CISO role. Live from the Secure Miami Conference, the conversation also covers talent development, leadership challenges, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving demands on CISOs.

The Next Chapter: Life After CISO with Justin Somaini, Partner YL Ventures

Join David Malicoat on the Professional CISO Podcast as he dives into an insightful conversation with Justin Somaini, a security leader in the venture capital space and partner at YL Ventures. Discover Justin’s journey from his roots as a military brat to an experienced penetration tester, and learn why he believes in the need to professionalize the role of the CISO. The episode covers the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the importance of NIST CSF, and offers essential advice for current and aspiring CISOs navigating the industry’s challenges. Don’t miss out on this engaging discussion that highlights the passion and dedication of cybersecurity professionals.

Episode 13

Strategic Leadership in Cybersecurity: A Conversation with Benjamin Dulieu

Welcome to The Professional CISO Podcast, hosted by David Malicoat. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Benjamin Dulieu, the CISO at Duck Creek Technologies, to explore his incredible journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a top cybersecurity leader. Ben shares invaluable insights on leadership, the importance of structured processes, and how CISOs can earn their seat at the executive table.

Key Takeaways:

Leadership and Trust: Effective leadership in cybersecurity hinges on building trust and understanding team dynamics. Business Integration: CISOs must align their objectives with business goals and think like a COO with a tech focus. Structured Processes: Turning complex challenges into manageable, repeatable processes is crucial for efficiency and improvement. Professionalizing the Role: The CISO role is evolving to become more integrated with business strategy and operations. Notable Quotes: “If human beings in a war zone can be turned into a process, you’re kidding yourself if you think technology can’t be.” “You’re running your own business as a CISO within the company. Start thinking like a COO with a technological mindset.”

Episode 12

CISO Interview Chronicles: One CISO’s Path to the Final Three at a Fortune 500

In this exclusive episode of the Professional CISO Podcast, the script is flipped as David Malicoat, our usual host, becomes the guest. With his mentor, Robert Pace, taking over the hosting duties, David opens up about his recent experience interviewing for a CISO position at a Fortune 500 company. From the initial approach to making it to the final three candidates, David shares his mental state throughout the process and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. This episode is a must-listen for both seasoned CISOs and those aspiring to make the jump to high-level positions.

Key Takeaways:

Initial Interest: David discusses how he was first approached for the position and his initial thoughts and feelings about the opportunity. Application Process: Insights into the preparation of his resume and the mindset of staying calm and collected while waiting for responses. Interview Stages: Detailed breakdown of the multiple interview stages, including virtual screenings, leadership evaluations, and the importance of stakeholder management. Emotional Regulation: Techniques David used to manage stress and maintain focus during the high-stakes process, emphasizing the role of support from friends, family, and mentors. Learnings and Reflections: The importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and staying true to oneself throughout the interview process. Final Thoughts: Reflections on reaching the final three candidates, handling the outcome, and maintaining a positive outlook for future opportunities.