For the past four years, I’ve been a dedicated listener of Life of a CISO, hosted by none other than Dr. Eric Cole—a legend in the cybersecurity world and author of one of my all-time favorite cybersecurity books, Cyber Crisis. His practical insights, blunt wisdom, and real-world experiences have helped shape how I approach leadership in cybersecurity. So you can imagine how surreal it was to go from fan to guest on his podcast.
The episode was a deep, candid discussion about what it really means to lead security in today’s environment. We talked through how I balance the roles of CIO and CISO, why cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology, and what higher education institutions need to start doing differently when it comes to cyber risk.
The best part? It wasn’t a one-and-done conversation. The chemistry and energy were so strong that Dr. Cole invited me back for a follow-up in January.
Why This Matters to Me
Getting to have this conversation with someone who’s shaped my thinking from afar was both humbling and energizing. Being on Life of a CISO felt like stepping into a room I’ve admired for years, and realizing you’ve got something valuable to contribute too.
What’s Next
January can’t come fast enough. Until then, I’ll keep pushing for smart, sustainable cybersecurity practices in higher ed—and continuing to learn from the best in the field.
Big thanks to Dr. Cole for the opportunity. And if you haven’t read Cyber Crisis, consider this your reminder.