Sponsor: Netskope (www.netskope.com)

EP62 | Building Real Cybersecurity Communities + AI Clarity with Dr. Anand Singh (Live from CISO XC ATX)

Sponsored by Netskope

What happens when a CISO-led community takes root in a new city — and how do you cut through the noise around AI in cybersecurity?

In this special episode recorded live from the inaugural CISO XC ATX event in Austin, host David Malicoat sits down with Randy Potts, co-founder of CISO XC, and Dr. Anand Singh, veteran CISO and AI thought leader, for two candid conversations on the future of cybersecurity leadership.

🎤 Randy shares how CISO XC is scaling its “community-first” model across cities while staying true to local ownership and peer connection.

🤖 Anand breaks down the intersection of AI and cybersecurity into actionable concepts — from AI for security tools to risks around data poisoning and agent-based automation.

Whether you’re a seasoned CISO or a rising security leader, this episode offers a front-row seat to where the cybersecurity profession is going — and who’s driving the change.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Why local cybersecurity communities matter more than ever
• Lessons from 3 years of CISO XC and what’s next
• AI for cybersecurity vs. security for AI — what CISOs need to know
• Data governance, regulation, and the risks of “AI hype”
• The importance of peer-driven content and practitioner-led learning
• Preview of Dr. Singh’s upcoming book on AI and security

🎧 The Professional CISO Show is your front-row seat to the conversations shaping modern cybersecurity leadership — hosted by veteran CISO David Malicoat.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Show Website: www.thpc.co
• YouTube Channel: @TheProfessionalCISO
• Follow on LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show
• Guest: Dr. Anand Singh | Randy Potts
• Sponsor: Netskope

#CISO #CybersecurityLeadership #AIandSecurity #Netskope #CISOXC #AustinCyber #CybersecurityCommunity #InfosecPodcast #TheProfessionalCISOShow

🎙️ The Professional CISO Show – Episode 61

Guest: Nathan Wright, CISO at Textron

Host: David Malicoat

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat sits down with Nathan Wright, CISO at Textron, to explore one of the most unconventional — and inspiring — journeys to cybersecurity leadership. From Russian linguist at the FBI to overseeing IT security across a global enterprise, Nathan shares why being open to pivots across functions (including supply chain, engineering, and product security) can supercharge a CISO’s ability to lead.

Nathan unpacks the value of translating technical risk into business strategy, why “protecting the revenue” should be at the heart of every cybersecurity program, and how to bridge the ever-present tension between infrastructure and security.

🧠 Key Highlights:

• From linguistics to leadership: Nathan’s unexpected route to CISO.
• The role of curiosity and discomfort in professional growth.
• What it really means to professionalize cybersecurity.
• Why “protect the revenue” should be every CISO’s north star.
• Advice for early- and mid-career professionals hesitant to pivot.
• Risk, regulation, and when frameworks help vs. hinder.
• How translating “cyberese” into business terms creates influence.

🛠️ Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast platform, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a colleague who’s ready to take their cybersecurity journey to the next level.

🔗 Follow The Professional CISO Show:

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🧵 Hashtags:

#CybersecurityLeadership #CISOCareer #ProfessionalCISO #CyberResilience #RiskManagement #TranslateCyber #InfosecJourney #Cyberstrategy #SecurityLeadership

Guests: Ryan Renee Rosado & Chris Boykin | Sponsor: Infoblox (www.infoblox.com)

Recorded live at CISO XC Austin

In this special on-location episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat brings you powerful conversations recorded at CISO XC in Austin, where cybersecurity leaders gathered to tackle today’s most pressing challenges—from career transitions to DNS-layer security.

👩‍💼 First, we hear from Ryan Renee Rosado, a dynamic cybersecurity leader, Air Force veteran, and Harvard Extension School TA. Ryan shares candid reflections on consulting vs. in-house security work, why AI isn’t the true endgame, and how job seekers—and employers—need to shift their mindset. Her voice is an authentic, timely perspective for CISOs and aspiring leaders alike.

🛡️ Then, we go deep with Chris Boykin, Product Security Specialist at Infoblox, on the power of DNS in security architecture. He breaks down real-world attacker tactics, exfiltration methods, and how Infoblox’s Protective DNS and Universal DDI solutions are helping organizations stop threats before they launch. The episode closes with insights on their AI-powered threat intel, interoperability with other platforms, and where DNS security is heading next.

🔑 Key Highlights

• Why Ryan compares consulting to cosmetic surgery—and working in-house to being a primary care physician
• Lessons from transitioning out of the military into cybersecurity leadership
• The real reason organizations chase AI (hint: it’s not AI)
• How attackers weaponize DNS queries and domain lookalikes
• What Infoblox is doing to push DNS-based threat detection into the future
• Why collaboration in the cybersecurity ecosystem matters more than ever

🎧 Listen Now on Your Favorite Platform

🔗 Spotify

🔗 Apple Podcasts

🌐 Learn more at: www.thpc.co

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#TheProfessionalCISOShow #CISOXC #CybersecurityLeadership #WomenInCybersecurity #Infoblox #ProtectiveDNS #CyberThreatIntel #CISOcareer #AIsecurity #DNSsecurity #GRC #CyberNetworking

🎙️ Live from Austin: Conversations from the Inaugural CISO XC ATX | Sponsored by Netskope

In this special event episode, The Professional CISO Show hits the road to Austin, Texas for the inaugural CISO XC ATX Conference, where community, innovation, and leadership take center stage.

Host David Malicoat sits down with Rich McCrohan of Andromeda Security and David Elcock, advisor to Netskope, for a candid discussion on the evolving security landscape—from AI-driven identity management to the business-first philosophy behind modern Zero Trust architecture.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The future of cloud identity and non-human access provisioning
• Why Austin’s cyber leadership scene is distinct from DFW
• How Netskope combines speed and security without compromise
• The critical role of human behavior, internal threat visibility, and behavioral context
• Diversity, veterans, and the “shaved sidewalk” analogy for building inclusive security communities

🧠 Whether you’re a CISO, aspiring leader, or part of the cyber vendor ecosystem, this episode delivers powerful insights on technology, culture, and connection—all from the heart of Texas.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us as we continue to professionalize the CISO role, one conversation at a time.

🔗 Links & Resources

Website: www.thpc.co

LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show

YouTube: Watch More Episodes

Hashtags:

#Cybersecurity #CISOXC #ZeroTrust #Netskope #CloudSecurity #AustinTech #CyberLeadership #DiversityInTech #VeteransInCyber #AIinSecurity #SASE #TheProfessionalCISO

In this special Industry Series kickoff episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat is joined by Mohit Tiwari (CEO & Co-Founder) and Anand Singh (Chief Security and Strategy Officer) of Symmetry Systems for a compelling conversation on the future of data security, the rise of DSPM (Data Security Posture Management), and the emerging intersection of AI, identity, and access.

Learn how Symmetry Systems evolved from academic research into a cutting-edge security platform, why Anand made the leap from enterprise CISO to startup executive, and what every security leader needs to understand about managing data in today’s AI-driven world.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Why past data security initiatives failed—and how DSPM changes the game
• The “three-axis” model of modern cybersecurity: Data, Identity, Access
• How AI copilots and agent models reshape the threat landscape
• Practical use cases: risk reduction, visibility, and compliance
• Why CISOs can finally become enablers of business value
• How 2025 is shaping up to be the year of data-centric security

👥 Guests:

• Mohit Tiwari – CEO & Co-Founder, Symmetry Systems
• Anand Singh – Chief Security & Strategy Officer, Symmetry Systems | Former CISO at Alkami Technology

🔗 Resources & Links:

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheProfessionalCISO

🌐 Visit our website: www.thpc.co

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show

📖 Confused Pilot Website: http://confusedpilot.info/

📽️ Confused Pilot Presentation: https://confusedpilot.info/ConfusedPilot_Site.pdf

👍 Like what you hear? Follow the show, rate the episode, and share it with your network. Let’s professionalize the CISO role—together.

#TheProfessionalCISO #DSPM #DataSecurity #CybersecurityLeadership #CISO #AIsecurity #SymmetrySystems #CloudSecurity #IdentitySecurity #AnandSingh #MohitTiwari #IndustrySeries #CybersecurityPodcast

🙄 Stop Rolling Your Eyes: AI Is Your CISO Leadership Opportunity

The Professional CISO Show – Episode 57

Hosted by David Malicoat

This episode is brought to you by Symmetry Systems, The Data+AI Security Company. (www.symmetry-systems.com)

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this solo commentary episode, David Malicoat issues a direct challenge to security leaders everywhere: stop rolling your eyes at AI—it’s your leadership opportunity.

Too many CISOs are brushing off artificial intelligence as just another tech trend. But as AI continues to reshape cybersecurity and business strategy in real time, this is the moment for CISOs to lead the charge—not get left behind. David breaks down why AI governance is the new boardroom battleground, how CISOs can build strategic influence, and why now is the time to speak up, show up, and step into a broader leadership role.

Whether you’re leading a security program today or preparing for tomorrow, this episode will help you rethink your approach to AI and your value as a cybersecurity executive.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why AI isn’t “just another hype cycle” for cybersecurity

• How to take the lead on AI governance in your organization

• Translating AI’s risk and value into business terms

• How CISOs can communicate more effectively with non-technical stakeholders

• Why sharing your voice publicly is now a leadership expectation

📌 Connect & Follow:

🌐 Website: www.thpc.co

🔗 LinkedIn: The Professional CISO Show

🎥 YouTube: @TheProfessionalCISO

🎧 Spotify: The Professional CISO on Spotify

🍏 Apple: The Professional CISO on Apple Podcasts

💬 Let’s Connect:

Have feedback or want to be a guest on the show? Reach out via LinkedIn or the website. And don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the podcast to help professionalize the CISO role across the industry.

🔖 Tags & Topics:

CISO, Cybersecurity Leadership, AI Governance, Boardroom Communication, Risk Management, Strategic Security, Artificial Intelligence, Executive Presence, Infosec Strategy, The Professional CISO

This episode is brought to you by Symmetry Systems (www.symmetry-systems.com)
Innovate with Confidence.
The Data+AI Security Company
Discover, classify, and safeguard data at scale with our leading Data Security Posture Management Platform. Detect and respond to data focused concerns before they impact your business.

🎙️ Description:

In this powerful episode, host David Malicoat sits down with cybersecurity advisor and former CISO Russell Okoth to explore his remarkable journey—from growing up in Kenya to building award-winning security programs in the U.S. corporate world.

Russell shares valuable lessons on leadership, mentorship, the responsible use of AI, and why CISOs must evolve from technical experts into business risk translators. He also opens up about transitioning from a high-level CISO role to running his own cybersecurity advisory firm, Cyber Diligent.

Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional or a seasoned CISO, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Russell’s early tech roots in Kenya and his global cybersecurity journey

• Lessons from building security programs at Mr. Cooper and Pacific Premier Bank

• The pivot from CISO to cybersecurity consultant

• Responsible AI usage and the critical role of data governance

• What most leaders get wrong about developing cybersecurity talent

• Communicating cybersecurity as business risk, not just technical debt

• Leadership, legacy, and staying rooted in purpose

👤 Guest:

Russell Okoth

Cybersecurity Advisor | Former CISO at Pacific Premier Bank

Founder, Cyber Diligent

Connect: linkedin.com/in/russellokoth

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

• Website: www.thpc.co

• Spotify: The Professional CISO

• Apple Podcasts: The Professional CISO

📲 Follow Us:

• YouTube: @TheProfessionalCISO

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#Cybersecurity #CISO #ProfessionalCISO #RussellOkoth #CyberLeadership #AIinSecurity #TalentDevelopment #CyberRisk #TheProfessionalCISO #LeadershipInTech