
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
36 episodes
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

Season One Wrap Up! | Root To CISO Podcast
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...
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2:28

How to Stand Out in Cybersecurity Hiring: Insights from CISO Justin Somaini | Root To CISO Podcast
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 les...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:08:13

Yaron Levi on Creative Leadership and Cybersecurity Success | Root to CISO Podcast
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:13:57

Scaling Teams and Strategies with Cyberhaven CSO Chris Bates | Root To CISO Podcast
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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54:55

Building Security Foundations: Ray Espinoza’s Journey to Cybersecurity | Root To CISO Podcast
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:18:45
