Root To CISO

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 by accident in "data security" to leading global cybersecurity programs for major brands like Princess, Holland America, and Carnival Cruise Line. She talks about br...

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 what makes a resume rise to the top (hint: it’s not just technical skills), why two-year degrees and non-traditional paths can still lead to security leadership, and how business-min...

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 shares how early roles in call centers and help desks gave him a people-first mindset—something he still carries as a security leader today. We explore the impo...

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 relationships, and avoiding the “brilliant jerk” trap helped him build trust and drive impact at every stage—from military missions to high-growth startups. We also...

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 for, and practical resume tips to help you stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this episode is packed with...

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 professionals. In this episode, Chris discusses the importance of speaking the CFO’s language, securing budget approvals, navigating private equity, and the evol...

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 importance of developing the right mindset for leadership. Will also discusses the challenges of breaking into the industry, why experience matters more than titles, and how persiste...

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 for digital health, and hands-on experience in web hosting and system administration shaped his cybersecurity career. From self-teaching Flash and JavaScript to building his own host...

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 his garage to turning his passion for IT into an executive role, Gary's journey proves that dedication and self-learning are key to career growth. Conne...

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 growth, how to stand out and work your way up to executive roles, and strategies for managing the intense stress and workload that comes with being a CISO. D...

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, building resilient security programs, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. He also provides advice for aspiring security leaders and reflects on the...

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 alongside business growth, and the strategies he’s implemented to manage cyber risk and ensure resilience. He also dives into the balance of technical expertise an...

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 company and leading security teams at top organizations. He discusses the importance of self-awareness, seizing opportunities, and the key skills that help pr...

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 security leader, Kim shares valuable insights on leadership, career growth, and transforming security programs into business enablers. He discusses the challenges of stepping into high...

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 no-nonsense advice on crafting a resume that grabs attention, making a lasting impression in interviews, and positioning yourself for long-term career growt...

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. We discuss the true value of the CISO role and why it’s as much about perception as responsibility, how stepping outside your comfort zone builds resilien...

Thank you for an incredible Season 1 of The Root to CISO Podcast!🎉We appreciate every one of our viewers! We're diving straight into Season 2 with even more exciting episodes. Stay tuned for fresh stories, insights, and all things cybersecurity. Let’s make this season even bigger! 🔐

  In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast , Justin Somani, a seasoned cybersecurity leader, reflects on his career journey and shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals. Justin talks about the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, the importance of mentorship and empathy in leadership, and how to stand out in today’s competitive cybersecurity job market. He also offers unique insight...

In this episode of the Root to CISO Podcast , we sit down with Yaron Levi, CISO at Dolby and a seasoned cybersecurity leader. With experience spanning two CISO roles, board memberships, and Boardroom Certified Qualified credentials, Yaron shares his journey through the world of cybersecurity. Discover how Yaron approaches leadership, builds high-performing teams, and drives innovation in the ever-...

In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast , we sit down with Chris Bates, the CISO of Cyberhaven. With extensive experience leading security and business strategies for organizations ranging from Series B start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, Chris shares his insights into building and scaling successful teams. Discover how Chris developed his leadership skills, scaled teams through mentorship,...

Welcome back to the Root To CISO Podcast ! In this episode, host Kris Rides sits down with Ray Espinoza, a cybersecurity leader whose path to success is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Ray’s journey began at eBay in 2000, where he transitioned from IT to leading incident response and building security programs. Through mentorship, self-learning, and a drive to solve complex problems, Ray cra...

Welcome back to the Root To CISO Podcast! Join host Kris Rides as he chats with Jason Woloz, a cybersecurity veteran who shares his inspiring journey from software engineer to CISO. In this episode, Jason dives into the nuances of leadership development, highlighting how thought leadership and incremental growth pave the way to success. Discover how he leveraged networking to build impactful conne...

In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast , we sit down with Jameeka Aaron, the CISO of Headspace and a Navy veteran with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. Jameeka shares her inspiring journey from enlisting in the Navy to leading digital transformation and securing organizations across aerospace, retail, manufacturing, and beyond. Learn how her military ba...

In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast , we sit down with Greg Rogers, State Chief Information Security Officer at the Maryland Department of Information Technology. Greg shares his unique career journey, from avoiding management roles to discovering a passion for leadership and eventually becoming a state-level CISO. He offers candid insights into the diverse responsibilities of CISOs, the e...

In this episode of The Root To CISO Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Jaffe, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Lemonade, a high-tech, cloud-native insurance and AI company. Jonathan shares his incredible journey from studying architecture to becoming a leading voice in cybersecurity. From learning Unix in a pre-firewall era to honing his skills in Japan and navigating a diverse career...