11 Learnings From 8 Hours With 75 CISOs | CISO Circuit Series: Episode 2 with Omar Khawaja | With Michael Piacente and Sean Martin on the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast
12/21/23 • 56 min
About the CISO Circuit Series
Sean Martin and Michael Piacente will join forces roughly once per month to discuss everything from looking for a new job, entering the field, finding the right work/life balance, examining the risks and rewards in the role, building and supporting your team, the value of the community, relevant newsworthy items, and so much more. Join us to help us understand the role of the CISO so that we can collectively find a path to Redefining CyberSecurity. If you have a topic idea or a comment on an episode, feel free to contact Sean Martin.
____________________________
Guests:
Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Hitch Partners
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/michael-piacente
Omar Khawaja, VP Security, Field CISO at Databricks [@databricks]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/smallersecurity/
On Twitter | https://twitter.com/smallersecurity
____________________________
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin
____________________________
This Episode’s Sponsors
Imperva | https://itspm.ag/imperva277117988
Pentera | https://itspm.ag/penteri67a
___________________________
Episode Notes
In this special CISO Circuit Series edition of the Redefining CyberSecurity podcast episode, Sean Martin and Michael Piacente engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Omar Khawaja, VP of Security and Field CISO at Databricks. Driven by a conversation with 75 of his CISO peers, Omar brings his unique perspective to the table, discussing the evolving role of a CISO and the importance of aligning security efforts with business needs.
Drawing on his experiences transitioning from a CISO at a large healthcare organization to a Field CISO, Omar shares insights on how he assists other CISOs, particularly in managing their data and implementing AI. He emphasizes the necessity of effective communication, audience awareness, and collaboration. Using the metaphor of a plane journey, Omar illustrates the importance of delivering a clear, simplified view of security efforts to stakeholders.
A significant part of the conversation revolves around the importance of building strong relationships with other executives and being open about vulnerabilities. Omar stresses the value of maintaining a relentless curiosity and refraining from judgment to foster better relationships and collaboration. He also shares some practical techniques for CISOs, encouraging them to continuously work on the craft of asking the right questions and demonstrating curiosity.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ever-changing role of the CISO and the critical task of aligning security efforts with business needs. With its blend of practical advice, insightful metaphors, and real-world experiences, it's a must-listen for those looking to understand the complexities and challenges in the world of cybersecurity.
____________________________
Watch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube Channel
Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast with Sean Martin, CISSP playlist:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq
ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine
Be sure to share and subscribe!
____________________________
Resources
Omar's LinkedIn Post:
About the CISO Circuit Series
Sean Martin and Michael Piacente will join forces roughly once per month to discuss everything from looking for a new job, entering the field, finding the right work/life balance, examining the risks and rewards in the role, building and supporting your team, the value of the community, relevant newsworthy items, and so much more. Join us to help us understand the role of the CISO so that we can collectively find a path to Redefining CyberSecurity. If you have a topic idea or a comment on an episode, feel free to contact Sean Martin.
____________________________
Guests:
Michael Piacente, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Hitch Partners
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/michael-piacente
Omar Khawaja, VP Security, Field CISO at Databricks [@databricks]
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/smallersecurity/
On Twitter | https://twitter.com/smallersecurity
____________________________
Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/sean-martin
____________________________
This Episode’s Sponsors
Imperva | https://itspm.ag/imperva277117988
Pentera | https://itspm.ag/penteri67a
___________________________
Episode Notes
In this special CISO Circuit Series edition of the Redefining CyberSecurity podcast episode, Sean Martin and Michael Piacente engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Omar Khawaja, VP of Security and Field CISO at Databricks. Driven by a conversation with 75 of his CISO peers, Omar brings his unique perspective to the table, discussing the evolving role of a CISO and the importance of aligning security efforts with business needs.
Drawing on his experiences transitioning from a CISO at a large healthcare organization to a Field CISO, Omar shares insights on how he assists other CISOs, particularly in managing their data and implementing AI. He emphasizes the necessity of effective communication, audience awareness, and collaboration. Using the metaphor of a plane journey, Omar illustrates the importance of delivering a clear, simplified view of security efforts to stakeholders.
A significant part of the conversation revolves around the importance of building strong relationships with other executives and being open about vulnerabilities. Omar stresses the value of maintaining a relentless curiosity and refraining from judgment to foster better relationships and collaboration. He also shares some practical techniques for CISOs, encouraging them to continuously work on the craft of asking the right questions and demonstrating curiosity.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ever-changing role of the CISO and the critical task of aligning security efforts with business needs. With its blend of practical advice, insightful metaphors, and real-world experiences, it's a must-listen for those looking to understand the complexities and challenges in the world of cybersecurity.
____________________________
Watch this and other videos on ITSPmagazine's YouTube Channel
Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast with Sean Martin, CISSP playlist:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq
ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine
Be sure to share and subscribe!
____________________________
Resources
Omar's LinkedIn Post:
Previous Episode
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In the neon-buzzing kitchen of the bustling Data Dumpling District in Techno Tostada Town, Bolteezer, the AI chef, faces his sauciest challenge yet: thwarting the mischievous Ragu Ransomware with the help of Synthia and Snorton. Get ready for a culinary caper where cheese flies, firewalls flare, and a quantum quiche holds the key to digital delight!
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This fictional story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.
Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Future of Cybersecurity" newsletter on LinkedIn.
Sincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE3
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Sean Martin is the host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, part of the ITSPmagazine Podcast Network—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli—where you may just find some of these topics being discussed. Visit Sean on his personal website.
TAPE3 is the Artificial Intelligence for ITSPmagazine, created to function as a guide, writing assistant, researcher, and brainstorming partner to those who adventure at and beyond the Intersection Of Technology, Cybersecurity, And Society. Visit TAPE3 on ITSPmagazine.
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The Battle of the Bad Bots in Santa's Security Operations Center | A Musing On the Future of Cybersecurity and Humanity with Sean Martin and TAPE3 | Read by TAPE3
Join TAPE3 for a tale where Mrs. Claus engages in an epic cyber showdown against the Grinch, as they duel with 'Grinch Bots' and 'Gift Ghost Bots' in a whimsical, festive cyber battle. Witness this unique old-school, stop-motion styled confrontation, where holiday spirit meets digital defense at the North Pole.
________
This fictional story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.
Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Future of Cybersecurity" newsletter on LinkedIn.
Sincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE3
________
Sean Martin is the host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, part of the ITSPmagazine Podcast Network—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli—where you may just find some of these topics being discussed. Visit Sean on his personal website.
TAPE3 is the Artificial Intelligence for ITSPmagazine, created to function as a guide, writing assistant, researcher, and brainstorming partner to those who adventure at and beyond the Intersection Of Technology, Cybersecurity, And Society. Visit TAPE3 on ITSPmagazine.
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