Root To CISO

Kris Rides
  • 5.0 (2)
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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. 

  1. 2d ago

    You Don’t Need Another Cybersecurity Certification…Do This Instead | Root To CISO Podcast

    Certifications feel like progress… but this episode shows why they’re often not what actually moves your career forward. In part 2 of our conversation with Adam Robertson, VP of Enterprise Technology & Information Security at Virgin Galactic, he unpacks what really creates momentum in a cybersecurity career and why relying on certifications alone can leave people feeling stuck.  As he reflects on his own journey, from early roles through to leadership, it becomes obvious that the biggest opportunities didn’t come from what was on his CV, they came from being in the right environments, building relationships, and putting himself in positions where things could happen. We get into:  Why certifications help you get started, but won’t move your career on their own  How the “learn, certify, apply” model is becoming less effective  The role networking and proximity play in unlocking real opportunities  The value of broad experience across cybersecurity domains  Why specializing too early can limit your long-term growth  Why fundamentals matter more than chasing the next certification or trend If you’re trying to break into cybersecurity or figure out why your progress feels slower than expected, this episode offers a more honest perspective on what actually makes the difference. Certifications aren’t the problem, but they’re not the solution either. 🎧 If you haven’t watched Part 1 yet, go back and start there, it sets the foundation for everything discussed in this episode. #RootToCISO #CyberSecurity #CISO #CareerGrowth #CybersecurityCertifications  #Leadership #Hiring #CyberSecurityTips

    36 min

  2. Jun 30

    The Cybersecurity Advice That Seems Obvious But Most People Ignore | Root To CISO Podcast

    If you want to grow fast in cybersecurity, put yourself in situations where you’re forced to learn. In this episode of Root to CISO, Kris sits down with Adam Robertson, VP of Enterprise Technology & Information Security at Virgin Galactic, to break down what his cybersecurity career journey looks like. He had no perfect roadmap, no textbook progression, just real decisions, real risks, and real growth. From starting out as an apprentice and getting made redundant during the dot-com crash… to breaking into cybersecurity through certifications, landing a SOC role, moving across industries, and eventually stepping into executive leadership — Adam’s journey is anything but linear. They get into: How he broke into cybersecurity without a degreeHow certifications opened doors for him early onThe real role networking plays in landing leadership opportunitiesWhy “luck” sometimes matters, and how to create your ownWhat consulting teaches you that full-time roles don’tWhy mastering the basics matters more than chasing trendsIf you’re trying to get into cybersecurity, grow into leadership, or eventually become a CISO, this episode gives you a real-world perspective on what it actually takes. No shortcuts. No perfect plans. Just consistent learning, smart moves, and putting yourself in the right rooms. 🎧 Part 2 drops next week — make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it. #RootToCISO #CyberSecurity #CISO #CyberSecurityCareer #InfoSec #CareerGrowth #TechCareers #CyberSecurityJobs #Leadership #CyberSecurityTips

    33 min

  3. Jun 23

    Unconventional Journeys to Cybersecurity Leadership | Root To CISO Podcast

    Want to become a CISO? Sometimes things don't go as planned and it's oka In this bite-sized episode of Root to CISO Byte Size, we recap the career journeys of some cybersecurity leaders. They share their real career journeys, from finance, helpdesk, government, and consulting into senior security leadership roles. You’ll learn why there’s no single path into cybersecurity leadership, and what actually matters if you want to stand out and progress. The episode covers: * How these CISOs actually started their careers (it’s rarely cyber first) * How sideways and backwards career moves are shape your career * Learning by doing, figuring things out before feeling “ready” *  Taking opportunities others would hesitate to take (even without full experience) * Treating every role like ownership, not just a job Whether you're starting out in cybersecurity or aiming for leadership, this episode breaks down the mindset, decisions, and experiences that shape top CISOs. Subscribe for more insights from real cybersecurity leaders. #CISO #CyberSecurityCareer #InfoSec #CyberSecurityLeadership #GRC #TechCareers

    14 min

  4. Jun 16

    The Leadership Lessons No One Teaches You in Cybersecurity | Root To CISO Podcast

    What does it really take to become a great leader in cybersecurity? In this episode of the Root to CISO Podcast, Kris Rides sits down for part 2 with Jenai Marinkovic to break down more of her career and the real traits, habits, and mindset that separate average professionals from exceptional leaders in cybersecurity. From building side projects and leading without authority to thinking differently and creating your own opportunities, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to step into leadership roles like CISO. 💡 One of the biggest takeaways:  Great leaders aren’t given opportunities, they create them. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to stand out in a highly competitive cybersecurity job market  Why side projects are critical for leadership growth  The mindset shift required to move into leadership roles  How to lead even when you don’t have the title  Why networking and visibility matter more than your CV  The real impact of AI on cybersecurity careers and entry-level roles 🎯 Who this is for:  Aspiring CISOs  Cybersecurity professionals looking to level up  Anyone looking to level up in their career and climb up the ladder Leaders wanting practical, real-world advice 📢 Call to Action: If you’re serious about growing your career in cybersecurity, make sure to subscribe and follow the Root to CISO podcast for more real conversations with top industry leaders. #RootToCISO #Podcast #CISO #CareerAdvise #Leadership

    36 min

  5. Jun 9

    This Career Mistake Slows Many Cybersecurity Professionals Down | Root To CISO Podcast

    What does it really take to become a CISO? In this episode of the Root to CISO Podcast (Season 3), we sit down with Jenai Marinkovic, a cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience, vCISO at our company, Tiro Security & CEO, GRCIE. Jenai, breaks down the reality behind building a career in cybersecurity leadership. She shares how she entered cybersecurity in the early days of the internet and worked her way through nearly every role in the industry, from engineering and architecture to investigations, leadership, and eventually CISO-level responsibility. We dive into:  How to transition from individual contributor → team lead → manager → director The biggest mistakes leaders make (and what it actually takes to grow)  Why understanding the business matters more than technical skills The challenge of letting go and leading through others Why linear career paths can limit your growthIf you're trying to break into cybersecurity, move into leadership, or become a CISO, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look at the journey. 🎧 Part 1 of 2 — Part 2 coming next week #RootToCISO #Cybersecurity #Leadership #CareerSuccess

    32 min

  6. Jun 2

    How To Become A CISO & What Top CISOs Actually Look For | Root To CISO Podcast

    In this episode, we speak to leading Chief Information Security Officers and we ask them to break down the real skills, mindset, and strategies behind successful cybersecurity careers from their personal experience. If you're aiming for a CISO role or growing in cybersecurity, this episode covers:  The top skills every CISO needs (beyond technical knowledge)  Why communication, curiosity, and likability matter more than you think  How to build trust and influence stakeholders across a business  The truth about networking and getting hired as a CISO How great leaders develop teams and remove roadblocks Why continuous learning is critical in cybersecurity You’ll hear real-world advice from experienced CISOs on leadership, career growth, and navigating complex organizations. If you are looking to become a CISO or grow in your career, this is for you!

    19 min

  7. May 26

    How To Advance And Get Promoted In Cybersecurity | Root To CISO Podcast

    Relying solely on technical skills and certifications is no longer enough to scale your career. In this episode of Root to CISO, top security executives break down the mindset, attitude, and connections needed to advance into cybersecurity leadership. Melina Scotto shares her personal journey, explaining why saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities is a major career catalyst. She narrates how a close professional connection opened the door to a major job opportunity—proving that relationships often matter more than resumes. Nicholas DeMeo delivers a powerful reality check: technical skills can be taught and mentored, but the right attitude cannot, and Nick Bruno dives into the importance of tackling hard challenges head-on, even when you don't feel 100% ready. Watch now to learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace uncomfortable career steps, and build a reputation that forces executive opportunities to find you.

    8 min

  8. May 19

    Having Skills Is No Longer Enough, You Need To Be Visible | Root To CISO Podcast

    In today’s competitive market, having top-tier technical skills and certifications is no longer enough to get you hired or promoted. If nobody knows who you are, your talent goes to waste. In this episode, top cybersecurity leaders and CISOs break down why technical expertise is just the baseline, and why mastering "visibility" through networking and authentic branding is the ultimate career accelerator.  Learn how to stop hiding behind your screen, step out of your comfort zone, and build a reputation that makes opportunities come to you.   #Cybersecurity #CareerAdvice #CISO #TechJobs #Networking #PersonalBranding #RootToCISO

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kris Rides
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root To CISO
  • Show Website
    Root To CISO