In this episode of Lock It Down with Security Magazine, I dive into the topic of what makes a security leader outstanding by hearing from Scott McHugh, Program Executive, Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University, about his observations of highly successful CSOs and CISOs. 

This year, I've enjoyed delving into security leadership strategy on the podcast, talking with experts about the value of hiring non-traditional cybersecurity workers as well as how leaders can strategically maneuver skill shortage challenges. Following these episodes up with a conversation about what qualities make a CSO or CISO great felt like the perfect way to add on to the growing conversation. 

In our conversation, McHugh and I discuss IHS - Thought Leaders Conference, which led to the creation of CSO-CISO Hall of Fame, highlighting a select number of outstanding security leaders. In light of the most recent conference and CSO-CISO Hall of Fame awardees, McHugh reveals he discovered something intriguing about the selected winners — 40% of the honorees did not come from a government background, but instead, started their careers in the private sector.

What does this shift indicate for the future of security leadership? Are the parameters for a successful and effective security leader shifting? Listen to my conversation with McHugh here to learn more: 

What Does It Take to Be an Outstanding CSO or CISO?

Scott McHugh, Program Executive, Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University, discusses what it takes to be a great CSO or CISO in the modern age.

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