Mastering the CISO Journey with Guest Christophe Foulon
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with cybersecurity expert and fellow podcaster Christophe Foulon to dive deep into the evolving role of the Chief Information Security Officer. From breaking into cybersecurity to leading organizations through strategic risk decisions, Christophe shares real-world insights on how to transition from technical roles to executive leadership. They explore the challenges of balancing hands-on work with high-level strategy, how to communicate with business leaders without getting lost in technical jargon, and how to manage burnout while building organizational resilience. Christophe also tackles major topics like AI, zero trust, cyberwarfare, and BYOD policies, offering practical advice for today’s and tomorrow’s CISOs. If you're aiming to elevate your cybersecurity career or want to understand how top leaders think, this episode is packed with guidance, clarity, and perspective.
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How a Hacker Became Twitter’s First CISO | Michael Coates on Cybersecurity’s Future
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes Michael Coates, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience. Michael shares his journey from working as a legal hacker to becoming Twitter’s first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and later founding his own data security company. They discuss how core cybersecurity principles remain constant despite evolving technologies and threats, emphasizing the importance of mastering fundamentals while adapting to new contexts like cloud and AI. Michael offers practical advice for aspiring CISOs, highlighting the value of diverse security experience, business acumen—such as understanding finance and sales—and the ability to balance risk with business needs. He stresses the importance of building strong teams, effective communication with executives, and partnering closely with legal to manage liability. The conversation also touches on optimal reporting structures for CISOs and reframing security as a business enabler rather than a roadblock. Ultimately, Michael advocates for transparent risk communication and thoughtful preparation as keys to successful security leadership.
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The Cyber War Has Already Started – Are You Ready?
You’re living in a time where science fiction is quickly becoming your reality. In this high-impact episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole breaks down the current state of cybersecurity—from nation-state attacks and massive password breaches to the hidden threats living on your mobile device. You’ll hear Dr. Cole’s unfiltered take on a breach that exposed billions of credentials, why changing your password isn’t enough, and how an old app could be your biggest risk. Dr. Cole challenges you to see yourself not just as a security expert, but as a business leader with the power to make lives better. That mindset shift is everything. From the practical impact of multi-factor authentication to his radical but simple “delete an app a day” campaign, Dr. Cole shares tools you can implement right now. This episode isn’t just about defense—it’s about stepping up, thinking strategically, and leading the way forward.
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CISO Leadership, Trust & Non-Negotiables with Dan Lohrmann
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes a true cybersecurity trailblazer: Dan Lohrmann. With a career that spans the NSA, Lockheed Martin, the State of Michigan, and now Presidio, Dan brings a rare depth of experience in both government and the private sector. As the first Chief Security Officer for an entire U.S. state and now a Field CISO advising public sector clients across the country, Dan shares practical wisdom and compelling stories about navigating the evolving CISO landscape. Together, Dr. Cole and Dan explore what it takes to build lasting trust as a security leader, the importance of strengthening your personal brand, and how to overcome barriers when leadership resists public visibility. Dan emphasizes the power of public speaking, blogging, and storytelling—not just to elevate your own profile, but to position cybersecurity as a strategic business enabler. They also dive into the value of setting clear non-negotiables when evaluating job opportunities, the role of culture and leadership alignment in long-term success, and tactical advice for those trying to land their first CISO role. Whether you’re in government, the private sector, or somewhere in between, this episode is a masterclass in influence, resilience, and leadership at the highest level.
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From Pen Testing to Purpose: Jane Frankland on Cyber, Burnout, & Reinvention
In this special episode of Life of a CISO, I sit down with the brilliant Jane Frankland, MBE—an internationally recognized thought leader in cybersecurity with over 28 years of experience. Jane shares her unexpected journey into the field, starting not from a tech background but from art and design. Her curiosity and drive led her to co-found one of the earliest penetration testing consultancies, long before the term "cybersecurity" became mainstream. Together, we dive into how the industry has evolved, why penetration testing has become commoditized, and why it's no longer enough to offer just technical solutions—true value now comes from insight, strategy, and resilience. Jane also offers powerful reflections on the burnout many CISOs face today and why so many are leaving traditional roles to launch their own consultancies or step into virtual CISO models. We discuss what it really means to build a business in today’s climate, the importance of defining your unique value, and why small businesses are an underrated opportunity in the cyber space. From vendor strategy to shifting away from limiting beliefs, Jane brings a fresh, honest, and empowering perspective that challenges the status quo. Whether you're building your career or launching your own venture, this episode is full of clarity and inspiration for the next step in your cyber journey.
The biggest threat to you and this country today is a cyber attack. Are you protected? Find out now with Dr. Eric Cole, former special agent for the CIA and current CEO of Secure Anchor.
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