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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.
50 Episodes
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In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, we dive into the lessons she’s learned leading across industries — from healthcare and technology to financial services. Dr. Jay shares how relationships, curiosity, and communication have been the keys to her career growth, why likability matters in leadership, and how to build trust with stakeholders even when you have to say “no.” She also reflects on pivotal moments in her journe...
In the Season 2 finale of Root to CISO, we sit down with Dr. Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard and former Deputy CIO of the White House under President Obama. Her path to cybersecurity was anything but traditional, pivoting into mathematics, cryptography, and ultimately some of the most high-profile technology and security leadership roles in the world. Dr. Jay shares how her foundation in public service shaped her leadership style, why moving between publ...
In Part Two of our conversation with Barbee Mooneyhan, CISO at Uplight, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in cybersecurity—and beyond: breaking into the industry and advancing your career. Barbee shares practical advice on how to translate transferable skills, tailor resumes for each stage of your career, and approach interviews with confidence and authenticity. She also opens up about perseverance, offering her most personal piece of career advice: why sometimes the most impor...
In this episode of Root to CISO, we sit down with Don Baham, President of Kraft Technology Group and a seasoned security leader, for an open and insightful conversation about the road to executive leadership. Don shares his approach to building strong relationships, maintaining composure under pressure, and leading with clarity and trust. Whether you're growing into leadership or already managing teams, Don’s calm, candid perspective offers valuable lessons for anyone shaping a long-term care...
In this episode of Root to CISO, Amanda Hartle, Chief Information Security Officer, reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped her career—from early ambitions to executive decision-making. She shares the pivotal advice she’d give her younger self, emphasizing the power of humility, accountability, and authentic leadership. Whether you're in cybersecurity or simply on your own leadership path, Amanda’s wisdom is both accessible and inspiring. For more cyber-related career insights, connec...
In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, Amanda Fennell (Hartle)—Chief Security Officer and CIO at Prove Identity—shares her journey from digital forensics to leading enterprise security and technology strategy. Amanda discusses the pivotal moments that helped her find her voice in high-pressure environments, why curiosity is still her most powerful tool, and how a mission-driven mindset shapes the best cybersecurity teams. From leading investigations in freezing server rooms to sitting a...
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 large-scale federal programs, Melina talks about the importance of saying “yes” to new challenges, building cross-functional relationships, and making security everyone’s responsibility. She also shares how she launched weekly cybersecurity sessions that e...
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 federal cybersecurity contracts, Melina offers a candid look at the challenges and wins that shaped her path. She talks about earning her CISSP as a single mom, the role certifications played in opening doors, and how one conversation over wine unexpec...
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 planning shaped his career, and why creating a safe space for team growth is a cornerstone of his leadership style. He discusses his transition into his first official CISO role, what it takes to move from senior leadership to executive leadership, and ...
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 CISO at Vetcor, Andrew shares what it’s like to build a cybersecurity program from the ground up across 900+ veterinary hospitals. He also dives into his passion for mentorship, education, and innovation, offering valuable lessons from decades of experien...
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 others. Kristina shares her insights into hiring practices, stressing the importance of a candidate's attitude and team fit over just technical skills. She also highlights the value of networking and leveraging recommendations when applying for jobs in the...
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 education helped shape her leadership style in cybersecurity. She reflects on the power of soft skills, the importance of curiosity, and how getting out of your comfort zone can accelerate career growth. Kristina also dives into what CISOs really need to understand about working with ...
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 chasing titles, but focused on impact and alignment. She shares how trust, mentorship, and empathy have defined her leadership approach, from supporting others to finding her own voice at the executive table. Plus, we discuss the importance of “mourning” the rol...
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 word even existed. Lori talks about how professional experiences, night classes, mentorship, and resilience shaped her path to becoming a security leader. She dives into how early setbacks fueled her drive, how she navigated her non-traditional path to success, and why she’s passio...
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 certification she pursued, how continuous learning played a critical role in her journey, and her advice for balancing a busy life with professional development. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for leadership, Margarita’s story is a masterclass in h...
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 breaking into cybersecurity without a traditional tech background, building programs from scratch, leading through ...
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-minded candidates often bring surprising value to cyber roles. Whether you’re looking to land your f...
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 importance of emotional intelligence, why relationship management is three-quarters of the job, and h...
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