What can CISOs do if they’re lacking support from the CEO or others on the executive leadership team? And how do you know if it’s time for you to move on to a new role?
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Aligning yourself with strategic partners like general counsel, customer services support, and others who have a play on revenue can be beneficial. If the company doesn't seem to care or listen, don't be afraid to walk away.
Building a bridge of communication with new members of the executive team can be helpful. However, if they still don't understand the importance of your role and see it as an expense, it might be time to move on.
Alignment with the business is key. However, even with alignment, there may be instances where there's a disconnect with the executive team. If you feel that the executives in your organization are mischaracterizing the risk, and you're a public company, you have a duty to report and inform. If you've done everything you can and there's still no change, it might be time to move on
CISOs need to be able to speak the language of the business. They have to translate digital technical risk into terms that the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team can understand in the context of enterprise risk management. If there is a lack of support or understanding, it may be time to consider moving on.
By the time you're a CISO, you should be able to evaluate whether it's a miscommunication issue or if you're being set up as a scapegoat. If it's the latter, it's time to move on. If it's a miscommunication, it can be evaluated and possibly resolved. If you're not getting the support, funding, or training you need, it could be a sign that it's time to leave.