CISO Tradecraft® #244 - Breaking into Cybersecurity (with Christophe Foulon)
Aug 4, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Christophe Foulon, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and podcast host, shares his journey from the help desk to becoming an expert in the field. He discusses the allure and challenges of the CISO role, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and aligning team strengths. Christophe offers insights into transitioning to virtual CISO positions and navigating career paths in cybersecurity. He highlights the need for inclusive recruitment and the vital role of cyber insurance in mitigating risks.
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Episode notes
From Help Desk to Cybersecurity
- Christophe transitioned from help desk to cybersecurity over seven years by coaching and mentoring others on security best practices.
- He co-hosted a podcast and authored books to help others break into cybersecurity at any level.
The Real CISO Challenge
- The CISO role comes with allure but also long hours, burnout, and high stress due to accountability.
- True effectiveness requires shared responsibility with business stakeholders on risk decisions.
Career Choices and Emotional Rewards
- Choose your career path based on emotional rewards; not everyone needs to aspire to CISO or political roles.
- Different roles like technical experts and directors all contribute uniquely to cybersecurity success.
