Please enjoy this encore of CISO Perspectives.

In the season finale of CISOP, Kim Jones is joined by N2K’s own Ethan Cook to reflect on the conversations that shaped this season. Together, they revisit standout moments from Kim’s interviews, unpacking their significance and getting Ethan’s fresh perspective on the cybersecurity workforce challenge—as someone viewing the industry from the outside.

Since the mid-season reflection, Kim has explored a wide range of workforce issues, including skills mapping, talent identification, and the evolving strategies needed to close cybersecurity’s talent gap.

As the emphasis on improving cybersecurity has continued to grow, so has the number of vendors offering a range of cybersecurity services. However, despite the value many of these vendors bring, the relationship between vendors and clients has become strained. In this episode, Kim explores this relationship, offering his thoughts on this relationship and what both sides can do to better to improve this dynamic.

Want more CISO Perspectives?

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Despite being adopted and prioritized by many organizations, cybersecurity still faces a significant challenge where leaders still cannot articulate their needs, and find and develop talent. Rather, organizations oftentimes follow the same strategy many others are utilizing, which involves poaching talent with enticing salaries.

In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host ⁠Kim Jones⁠ sits down with Ed Vasko, the CEO at High Wire Networks, to discuss this approach and the impacts it is having on the cyber talent ecosystem. Throughout the conversation, Ed and Kim discuss their experience when assessing talent and some of the mistakes made by the industry, and what can be done to begin correcting this approach.

Want more CISO Perspectives?

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Even as cybersecurity has grown and become universially accepted, the field has continued to struggle when attempting to assess and aquire talent. Oftentimes, there is a disconnect between what organizations need and what they interview for leading vague job postings and ineffective hirings.

In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host ⁠Kim Jones⁠ sits down with Jeff Welgan, the Chief Strategist and CEO at SkillRex, to discuss how we assess talent. Throughout the conversation, Jeff and Kim will discuss the problems associated with traditional workforce management and how modernizing this approach can provide a strategic advantage.

Want more CISO Perspectives?

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

In this mid-season episode, Kim takes a step back to reflect on the journey so far—revisiting key conversations, standout moments, and recurring themes that have shaped the season. During the episode, Kim sits down with N2K's own Ethan Cook to connect the dots across episodes, uncovering deeper patterns and takeaways. Whether you're catching up or tuning in weekly, this episode offers a thoughtful recap and fresh perspective on where we've been—and what's still to come.

Show Notes:

As cybersecurity has matured, the field has become more formalized within businesses with CISOs leading the way. However, despite the value of the CISO and its widespread adoption, the role has continued to lose agency with other board members. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host ⁠Kim Jones⁠ sits down with Patty Ryan, the CISO at QuidelOrtho, to assess the value of the role. Throughout the conversation, Patty and Kim will discuss the challenges facing CISOs, why the role has lost its agency, and what can be done to reverse the current trajectory.

Want more CISO Perspectives?:

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Show Notes:

Cybersecurity has continued to grow and mature as a field over the past decade which has given rise to numerous degree pathways across dozens of collegiate institutions; however, the value of these degrees has continued to be a topic of debate. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host ⁠Kim Jones⁠ sits down with Dr. Lara Ferry, the Vice President of Research at Arizona State University, to explore higher education's role in cyber. Throughout the conversation, Lara and Kim will discuss the challenges facing degree programs, the disconnects between organizations and institutions, and how the gap can be better addressed.

Want more CISO Perspectives?

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Show Notes:

As the cybersecurity industry has grown, the field has struggled to answer the question: do certifications matter? In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host ⁠Kim Jones⁠ sits down with N2K's own, ⁠Simone Petrella, to answer this question and discuss why the value of certifications continue to be debated. Throughout the conversation, Simone and Kim will discuss the challenges associated with certifications, and how the industry can adjust the ways it sees and utilizes them.

Got cybersecurity, IT, or project management certification goals?Want more CISO Perspectives?:

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Want more CISO Perspectives?

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Show Notes:

As cybersecurity matures, one area still lags: diversity. In this thought-provoking episode of CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones takes the mic solo to address a topic that remains both critical and controversial. Kim explores the current state of diversity in the cybersecurity field, why progress has been slow, and how inclusive teams drive greater innovation and resilience. Tune in for an honest conversation that challenges the status quo and pushes the industry forward.

Want more CISO Perspectives?:

Check out a companion ⁠⁠blog post⁠⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Please enjoy this encore of CISO Perspectives.

Show Notes:

While the cybersecurity industry has expanded and grown in recent years, newcomers still struggle to gain relevant "experience" before officially beginning their cyber careers. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones sits down with Kathleen Smith, the Chief Outreach Officer at clearedjobs.net and the co-host of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How, to discuss this dilemma and what new entrants can do to account for these difficulties. Throughout the conversation, Kathleen and Kim will discuss the challenges associated with entry-level cyber positions, how to gain meaningful experience, and how the industry as a whole contributes to this problem.

Want more CISO Perspectives?:

Check out a companion ⁠blog post⁠ by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.

Please enjoy this encore of CISO Perspectives.

Show Notes:

Cybersecurity has an identity problem where the industry as a whole is struggling to determine whether it is a trade or a profession. In this episode of CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones sits down with Larry Whiteside Jr., the Chief Advisory Officer for The CISO Society, to discuss this identity crisis and how the industry as a whole connects to both of these labels. Throughout the conversation, Larry and Kim will discuss the merits and drawbacks of both labels and how cybersecurity does not solely fall into one category or the other.

Want more CISO Perspectives?:

Check out a companion blog post by our very own Ethan Cook, where he breaks down key insights, shares behind-the-scenes context, and highlights research that complements this episode. It’s the perfect follow-up if you’re curious about the cyber talent crunch and how we can reshape the ecosystem for future professionals.