Breaking into the Cyber C-suite one day is an ambition that many security individuals share, yet unfortunately, many find that vision hard to achieve. Before we spend time discussing practical ways to move the needle a bit more toward this goal, there are a few things to think about.

Firstly, having a clear answer to the “why do you want to join the C-suite” is vital. Are you aiming for the title? Do you think you will have a stronger platform for change? Spend sometime thinking about this - understanding your motivation and defining the ‘why’ will help you inform and tailor your search so you can understand the type of company you are ultimately seeking in the long term.

Secondly, do your due diligence on what exactly a CISO is and what a CISO does - talk to individuals in your network, reverse engineer profiles to understand how other people have stepped up into this particular role, and ask yourself if this is truly your passion. While being a CISO is indeed a well-esteemed role, it is also a calling. You will be THE go to executive who is responsible and accountable for all the security needs of the organization and you will be the person that other people look to for guidance and strategic thinking. So - what are some tangible things you can think about as you start pursuing your next career shift?

Know your values

You will be the go-to leader for security in both a technical and professional sense. By understanding both your core personal and security values, decision-making will flow much easier and you will be able to help steer the company and the people within it, toward success. That being said, by being too rigid in your stance you can close yourself off to new ways of working or conducting security practices. The field changes fast, so while it is important to understand team values and work towards a common goal, remember to be willing to listen to those around you and be open to change.

Have a business mindset

Typically, by being at a C-level you will no longer be the most technical person in the room. You need to understand how security impacts the wider business and be able to speak to a CFO or other members of the board with clarity and ease. To do this you should engage business leaders in discussions surrounding risk - this way, it ignites an ongoing discussion and helps work toward the “security first” mindset. If you feel you are lacking in understanding the business side of security, there are lots of ways to improve. Take business classes, read books, listen to podcasts - some individuals even decide to secure their MBA as this will help fast track your knowledge and set you on the right path. Finally, understand the business in which you are working and build a security program to meet the needs of that specific business. Don’t bend the business to security - it’s hard to get things done this way!

Cultivate your leadership skills

Work hard to learn more about the leadership and management of teams. Nobody is ever “finished” learning about leadership, so spend some time reflecting on areas you can improve and start listening to podcasts, ted talks, and reading books on the subject. We have produced a guide to help kickstart your leadership transition which includes several resources to help you on this journey that we know you will find useful, please reach out to us for your copy. Feedback is vital to nurture your leadership skills. Discussing ways to improve with your team, leaders, or peers will help highlight gaps in your knowledge that you may not have noticed. Remember - feedback is a gift so it should always be treated as such!

Be Patient

Just like you aren’t born an adult, you aren’t starting your career at the top of the ladder as a CISO. These leadership roles take time to achieve, and for a good reason. To build or maintain the strongest security program, you will need all the experience and confidence todo so. Nurture your skills and prepare yourself over time for this level of responsibility.

Have a mentor. Having someone in your corner to guide you through your career growth is crucial. If you don’t have anyone who immediately comes to mind, there are other ways to find a mentor, you could try:

• CISO networking groups

• Asking for a referral from your current CISO/CIO

• Ask us!

• Find someone on LinkedIn and message them for an introduction (make sure you build a rapport with them first, before you directly ask for mentorship - their time is very valuable!)

These are all key aspects to start thinking about as you begin your exploration of the C-suite. The last piece of advice I'll leave you with is to ensure that you prioritize other things that are meaningful to you outside of work. A balance of work and life is imperative for long-term success.