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
49 episodes
What Makes a Successful Cybersecurity Leader? More Than You Think | Root To CISO Podcast
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 shar...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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37:26
From Public Service to Global Security: A CISO’s Journey | Root to CISO Podcast
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 tradi...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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34:31
Resumes, Interviews, and Resilience: Career Lessons from a CISO | Root To CISO Podcast
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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45:58
Finding Your Path in Cybersecurity with Barbee Mooneyhan | Root To CISO Podcast
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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38:10
Navigating the Cybersecurity World with CISO Don Baham | Root To CISO Podcast
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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45:07
Cybersecurity Careers: Building Leadership and Credibility | Root To CISO Podcast
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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38:04
Leading with Accountability and Authenticity in Cybersecurity | Root To CISO Podcast
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 younge...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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56:26
How to Grow In Cybersecurity By Asking the Right Questions | Amanda Hartle | Root To CISO Podcast
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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47:15
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