Scaling to $100M: From CISO to CEO to Investor (Pen Testing to CTEM)

Most technical experts hit a ceiling at the C-suite, but very few understand the blueprint to transcend from protector to builder and investor. In an era where "check-the-box" compliance is dead, this episode reveals the exact strategies used to scale cybersecurity services to $100M+ and what global private equity firms are actually looking for in the "irresistible" security assets of 2026. We are thrilled to be joined by Mark Carney, a U.S. cyber pioneer who has successfully navigated the rare path from technical practitioner to high-stakes CEO and Investor. Mark currently serves as the CEO of Evolve Security, a leading tech-enabled offensive security solution that delivers Continuous Penetration Testing through an optimal blend of AI and human expertise. He is also the CEO and Founder of DURO Advisors, where he collaborates with Global 100 private equity firms - managing a minimum of $20B AUM- to inspect cybersecurity platform assets entering the market. Mark previously led Coalfire’s revenue growth past the $100M+ mark as COO/Executive VP. With experience leading nine M&A transactions and holding executive roles at industry giants like FireMon and FishNet Security (now Optiv), Mark’s insights are the definitive guide for scaling cybersecurity into a high-valuation enterprise asset. 🎁 Exclusive Access For Our Community Members: Evolve Security's NEW Continuous Penetration Testing (CPT) Offering, Powered by the new Darwin Attck 3.0 platform: https://www.evolvesecurity.com/platform What You’ll Discover 🚀 The $100M Blueprint: Tactical leadership lessons from scaling service firms to nine-figure revenues and leading 9 successful M&A integrations. 🎯 The "4T" Investor Framework: What $20B PE firms look for: Tam, Timing, Team, and Tech. 🛡️ From Pen Testing to CTEM: Why compliance-driven audits are dead and why Continuous Threat Exposure Management is the new driver of enterprise value. 🤖 AI & Autonomous Agents: A look at the future where AI agents manage ransomware negotiations and automated red teaming. 🧠 The "Blue-Collar" Mindset: Why a "nose-down" work ethic and a 2026 Personal Vision Board are Mark's secrets to peak performance. ⚖️ Healthy vs. Toxic Pressure: How to manage high-pressure leadership without the "toxic load" that breaks modern CISOs. 📈 The 12 Key KPIs: Beyond ARR - why metrics like NRR, GRR, and Utilization are the true measures of a platform's worth. 👇 CHALLENGE In the comments below, share ONE non-business goal you are laser-focused on for 2026. Whether it’s hitting a new fitness PR or mastering a hobby, we want to hear how you're fueling your energy outside the office? 👋 Jay Adamson and Warren Atkinson thank you for joining us in the fight to make cyber security accessible to everyone. We encourage you to check out our Community and Growth Platform where you can access a wealth of Tools, Resource and Opportunity – It’s Free. ✅ Join Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiJ3kC2UDadnnLfP91u2K18XEiwV9n7J-l_-Dt8icUzP00bA/viewform 📺 WATCH MORE: https://www.youtube.com/@SECURECyberConnectCommunity/videos 🗓️ NEW EPISODES available every week. 🔔 We appreciate your support - Please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and SHARE to encourage diverse and inclusive knowledge sharing.