How empathy helps decision-makers connect the dots

It’s almost impossible to build a culture where security is central to big decisions without someone leading the way – someone who cares so deeply that they’re able to gain the board’s trust and support. How? Building a shared vocabulary, a shared understanding of complex challenges, and by creating a safe space to discuss them. These are all fundamental factors to making cybersecurity a priority for C-level executives. Today I’m joined by Claire Pales, the director of the security consultancy company The Security Collective and one of the people who knows this problem space best and is spearheading change with a unique approach. Claire also does the long-running The Security Collective podcast, which is currently in its 9th season. She’s also authored two books – “The Secure CIO” and “The Secure Board” – which guide leaders through the complex world of cybersecurity and its myriad of implications. In this episode, you’ll learn about the main points that company boards consider while developing their plans to invest in cybersecurity. You’ll also hear about the most effective approach while communicating the need for increased effort and focus in this direction. Lastly, you’ll understand why fear has repeatedly failed as a tool for pushing the field of cybersecurity ahead and delivering better outcomes. Claire is our thoughtful, incredibly experienced guide into the complex world of high-impact decision-making and we can all learn from her nuances and compassionate methods. In this episode, you will learn:How Claire practices empathy in her work as as an Interim Chief Information Security Officer (05:23)How she aligns her message with leaders’ priorities to keep cybersecurity at the heart of their decisions (10:35)How she channels her listeners' needs to make her podcast helpful and compelling (17:31)What keeps her motivated as she continuously pushes ahead in the face of repetitive challenges (20:21)What principle has been used for a long time in cybersecurity without positive long-term results (24:56)Resources: Security Collective PodcastSecure by Choice not by ChanceConnect with Claire:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterLet’s connect!WebsiteLinkedInTwitter