In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with cybersecurity expert and fellow podcaster Christophe Foulon to dive deep into the evolving role of the Chief Information Security Officer. From breaking into cybersecurity to leading organizations through strategic risk decisions, Christophe shares real-world insights on how to transition from technical roles to executive leadership.
They explore the challenges of balancing hands-on work with high-level strategy, how to communicate with business leaders without getting lost in technical jargon, and how to manage burnout while building organizational resilience. Christophe also tackles major topics like AI, zero trust, cyberwarfare, and BYOD policies, offering practical advice for today’s and tomorrow’s CISOs.
If you’re aiming to elevate your cybersecurity career or want to understand how top leaders think, this episode is packed with guidance, clarity, and perspective.
In this episode:
- 1:00 – Introducing Christophe Foulon and his cybersecurity journey
- 02:10 – Helping businesses understand risk and bridging the tech-business gap
- 03:30 – Breaking out of the technical mindset and leading with strategy
- 04:40 – How to speak the language of executives 06:00 – Who should the CISO report to? Organizational structure insights
- 07:35 – Managing burnout and balancing growing responsibilities
- 09:10 – The future of the CISO role in uncertain economies
- 10:40 – Director vs. CISO: Which path gets you to the top faster?
- 12:10 – Work-life balance tips and building shared responsibility models
- 13:35 – The real impact of AI on cyber strategy and operations
- 15:05 – Zero Trust: What it is and how to apply it effectively
- 16:45 – TikTok, social media, and acceptable use policies
- 18:15 – The future of BYOD vs. company-issued devices
- 19:30 – Cyberwarfare, nation-state threats, and digital vulnerability
- 20:45 – Who defines risk: The CISO or the business?
- 22:00 – Why we need global cyber laws—and what’s standing in the way
- 23:05 – Final tips: Thinking beyond today, anticipating tomorrow’s compliance challenges
