In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole dives into the power of asking the right questions and the importance of letting data—not emotions—drive decisions. He emphasizes the need to focus on solving root causes rather than just treating symptoms, using cybersecurity as an analogy for how we approach problems in life and leadership. By shifting from reactive thinking to a strategic mindset, CISOs can avoid merely “putting out fires” and instead create long-term, sustainable security solutions. Dr. Cole also highlights the crucial role of self-awareness in leadership, encouraging CISOs to evaluate how much of their time is truly dedicated to impactful, high-quality work that moves the needle forward.
A key theme of the episode is the question: Who is in control? Dr. Cole challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are actively driving their career and decisions or simply reacting to circumstances. He explains that world-class CISOs, like great quarterbacks, don’t just follow plays—they develop their own strategies and make critical decisions in real time. Success, he argues, isn’t about waiting for someone else to provide answers; it’s about cultivating awareness, asking better questions, and taking ownership of one’s path. By embracing this mindset, CISOs can elevate their leadership and make a real impact in their organizations.
In this episode:
- 1:00 – Introduction of Today’s Focus
- 3:00 – Root Cause vs. Band-Aid Solutions
- 7:00 – The Power of Awareness
- 11:00 – Quality of Questions Determines Success
- 14:00 – Who is in Control of Your Work?
- 17:00 – Uninterrupted Time and Focus
- 23:00 – Control in the Workplace
- 26:00 – Scoring vs. Defending
- 28:00 – Attacker Control
