Artificial intelligence’s impact on security operations, new demands of SEC cybersecurity laws holding CISOs and executives personally liable for breaches, and the widening skills gap are all contributing to the mounting pressure CISOs face. In fact, nearly 25% of CISOs in the US and UK are actively considering leaving their positions, and 77% fear that the next major breach could cost them their jobs.
As a current CISO, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures and complexities that define this role. In my 25 years in cybersecurity, including 15 years as a CISO, I can say that today’s pressures are ones like I've never seen before. But they’re manageable.
Luckily, I’m no stranger to pressure. My experience working on high-profile cases at the FBI and serving as CISO for major enterprises has shaped my ability to navigate stress and maintain resilience—both for myself and my team. Over the years, I’ve honed strategies to combat burnout by fostering engagement, boosting productivity, and building a resilient team dynamic. Here are some of the key approaches I’ve found effective:
Building a Resilient Team
A CISO’s responsibilities extend far beyond managing technology. We are entrusted with defining the security vision of our organizations, leading teams under intense pressure, and shouldering legal accountability for breaches. These responsibilities can create significant stress, not just for CISOs but for their entire teams.
Effective security is inherently a team effort, and having the right resources in place is critical. The foundation of this success lies in:
1. Developing a Resilient Team: Putting together a group of skilled professionals capable of effectively managing threats is a priority.
2. Upskilling Team Members: Continuous learning is not just possible; it’s vital. By investing in training opportunities, CISOs will strengthen teams and alleviate some of their own burdens.
3. Securing Resources Through Strategic Communication: Demonstrating how security investments align with business outcomes has been instrumental in gaining the support needed for CISOs to protect organizations effectively.
Leading with Confidence and Poise
Cybersecurity is often a rollercoaster of high-stress situations, and a CISO’s role as a leader is to smooth those ups and downs. By maintaining a steady and consistent approach, they’ll create an environment of predictability and control, even in times of uncertainty.
As an example, a CISO’s work ethic is only a piece of the work it takes to smooth the ups and downs. Their demeanor, tone, and everyday actions also set the foundation for their team’s mindset. I’ve observed how my posture, tone of voice, and even subtle facial expressions can influence how my team perceives and responds to challenges. By staying calm and composed, even in the face of crises, CISOs enable their team to approach situations with clarity and focus.
Combating Burnout
Burnout is felt through every industry, but its impact on the cybersecurity sector has profound implications. Most often, when employees feel burned out, they begin peeking at job search sites in their free time—or they quit the industry entirely. The constant churn is detrimental to the security of sensitive data.
To reduce employee exits, organizations can deploy methods such as regular one-on-one discussions. Since scheduling individual meetings with each member of my security team, the results have been invaluable. These conversations help me understand my employees’ workloads and challenges, creating opportunities for mentorship and empowerment. By fostering a supportive environment, security leaders will ensure that that team feels valued and ready to rise to any challenge.
Promoting the use of mental health resources and maintaining manageable workloads are integral to the strategy. However, supporting the well-being of my team goes beyond just balancing their workloads. It’s equally important to understand their individual aspirations within the company and their broader career goals. By actively listening to their team’s ambitions, CISOs can align their responsibilities with tasks they find meaningful and engaging. This approach fosters a deeper sense of purpose and enthusiasm, creating a win-win scenario: employees feel more fulfilled, and the team’s overall productivity thrives.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Cybersecurity demands collaboration. Investing in people, processes, and technology is fundamental to building a resilient team and strong defenses. A practical focus on mutual support and continuous learning helps address challenges like burnout effectively.
