Root To CISO
Do you aspire to become a Chief Information Security Officer?
The Root to CISO podcast provides firsthand career stories from experienced CISOs on their journey to success in the cybersecurity industry. Offering valuable guidance for aspiring professionals in the field through personal experiences and practical advice.
Episodes
41 episodes
Discovering Cybersecurity and Owning It: With CISO Melina Scotto | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, Melina Scotto shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity and how she transformed early career uncertainty into executive leadership. From discovering cybersecurity later in life to leading lar...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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37:57
The Realities of Building a Career in Cybersecurity with Melina Scotto | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of the Root to CISO Podcast, Melina Scotto shares her powerful story of breaking into cybersecurity, growing her career through persistence, and eventually becoming a CISO. From her early days as a network engineer to navigating...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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34:18
Advice for Future Cybersecurity Leaders: Andrew Wilder's Guide | Root To CISO Podcast
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with cybersecurity executive Andrew Wilder on The Root to CISO Podcast. In this episode, Andrew reflects on his 18-year tenure at Nestlé and shares what kept him there, how strong leadership and succession ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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38:09
Breaking into Cybersecurity: Leadership and Lessons with Andrew Wilder | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of the Root to CISO Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Wilder — Top Global CISO, CCISO Hall of Famer, and LinkedIn Top Information Security Voice — to explore his journey from warehouse work to the boardroom. Now the first-ever CI...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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36:27
Career Tips from a Cybersecurity Leader | Kristina Belnap | Root To CISO Podcast
In this follow-up episode, Kristina dives deeper into breaking into cybersecurity, gaining certifications, and the importance of having a mentor. She emphasizes the need for effective communication at all levels, especially when influencing ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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41:54
Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Why Experience Beats Perfect Timing | Root To CISO Podcast
Kristina Belnap, teacher-turned-technologist, and cybersecurity leader joins the Root to CISO Podcast to share her nontraditional career journey. In this episode, Kristina breaks down how her early experience in educat...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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33:17
Risk-Averse to Risk Leader: Lori Anello on Cybersecurity Leadership | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with Lori Anello, she opens up about the emotional and professional transition from a specialized threat role into the CISO seat. Lori talks candidly about being “on the back nine” of her career—no longer chasin...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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37:27
Creating Opportunities: Lori Anello on Hustle, Hard Work and Leadership | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, Lori Anello shares her incredible journey — starting work at just 17, discovering a passion for computing by accident, and forging a cybersecurity career long before the wor...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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38:03
Leveling Up in Cybersecurity: Certifications and Career Growth | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with Margarita Rivera, Global CISO at Carnival Corporation, we dive into the certifications that helped shape her cybersecurity career. Margarita shares why the CISSP was both the hardest and most rewarding certifi...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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33:29
How to Become a CISO Without a Tech Background | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, Kris chats with Margarita Rivera, Global CISO at Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company. Margarita shares her incredible journey — from starting her career...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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41:51
Cybersecurity Hiring Tips: Degrees, Resumes & What Actually Matters | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with Nick Bruno, CISO at SHL, we dive straight into the hiring side of cybersecurity—what hiring managers actually look for, and how to stand out in a crowded job market. Nick breaks down ...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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43:57
Transitioning to Cybersecurity | CISO Nick Bruno's Path | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, we sit down with Nick Bruno, CISO at SHL, to uncover how a foundation in customer service, a military upbringing, and a moment of serendipity post-9/11 launched his career in cybersecurity. Nick shar...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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35:30
What Skills Does a Cybersecurity Leader Need? | CISO Johann Balaguer | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with Johann Balaguer, Global CISO and former Marine, we dig deeper into the mindset and leadership approach that’s guided his impressive cybersecurity career. Johann shares how staying hungry, investing in relation...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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36:59
Career Tips from a Cybersecurity Executive | Chris Carter | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with cybersecurity executive Chris Carter, we dive into the keys to building a strong foundation in your cyber career. Chris shares why mentorship can be a game-changer, what hiring managers are actually looking...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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35:29
What Is it Really Like to Work in Cybersecurity? With CISO Chris Carter | Root To CISO Podcast
What does it take to be a successful CISO in today’s cybersecurity landscape? Chris Carter shares his unique path from finance to cybersecurity leadership, revealing how understanding business and financial principles can elevate security pr...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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35:42
The Cybersecurity Mindset: Will Gregorian on Thriving in Security | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, Will Gregorian shares his insights on what it really takes to succeed in cybersecurity. We dive into the different types of CISOs, the evolving threat of phishing, and the i...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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44:41
No Degree, No Problem: Will Gregorian’s Cybersecurity Journey | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, we sit down with Will Gregorian, a cybersecurity leader with a unique and unconventional journey into the field. Will shares how his early days as a script kiddie, passion f...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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43:05
How Volunteering & Personal Projects Can Launch Your Cybersecurity Career | Root To CISO Podcast
Want to break into cybersecurity? 🚀 In this clip, Gary Hayslip, CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisers, shares how volunteering, hands-on projects, and relentless practice helped him build a successful career. From working on cyber projects in hi...
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Season 2
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4:13
The CISO Grind: Scaling Your Career with Gary Hayslip | Root To CISO Podcast
In Part 2 of our conversation with Gary Hayslip, CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisers, we dive into the essential skills and mindset needed to succeed in cybersecurity leadership. 🔐💻 Gary shares why technical expertise is crucial for career ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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38:32
The Road to CISO: Lessons from Gary Hayslip’s Career | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, we sit down with Gary Hayslip, CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisers, to discuss his journey from the military to cybersecurity leadership. Gary shares insights on the evolving role of the CISO, build...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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43:59
Building a Cybersecurity Career: Kim Jones’ Journey to CISO | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, CISO Kim Jones shares his journey in cybersecurity leadership and his approach to building high-performing teams. Kim discusses the evolving role of a CISO, the importance of scaling security alongsi...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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41:43
The Key Qualities of a Cybersecurity Leader with Yaron Levi | Root To CISO Podcast
What does it take to transition from an individual contributor to a leadership role in cybersecurity? In this highlight from The Root to CISO Podcast, Yaron Levi, CISO at Dolby, shares his journey—from military leadership to building his own co...
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5:15
Cybersecurity Leadership & Career Growth with Kim Jones | Root To CISO Podcast
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, we sit down with Kim Jones, CISO at High Wire Networks, to explore his unique journey into cybersecurity. From his early days working in a library to becoming a seasoned sec...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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32:33
Breaking Into Cybersecurity With Jake Bernardes | Root To CISO Podcast
Part 2 of our conversation with Jake Bernardes is here, and you don’t want to miss it! In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, we go beyond the basics and dive into what really makes a cybersecurity professional stand out. Jake shares his ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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36:10
What makes a good CISO? With Jake Bernardes | Root To CISO Podcast
Welcome to Season Two of the Root To CISO Podcast! What does it really take to be a great CISO? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Jake Bernardes, CISO at Anecdotes AI, dives into the realities of cybersecurity leadership—beyond just the title...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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31:33