
THEOS Cybernova - Craig Johnson: Cracking the Code to Cyber Talent and Recruitment
01/14/25 • 37 min
THEOS Cybernova Ep.3 - Craig Johnson: Cracking the Code to Cyber Talent and Recruitment.
How do you find the right cybersecurity talent in a competitive and evolving market? In this insightful episode of THEOS Cybernova, host Paul Jackson chats with Craig Johnson, founder of Root 5 Consulting and one of the most respected recruiters in the cybersecurity industry.
Craig shares his journey from Singapore to the UK and dives deep into the art of hiring for cybersecurity. From the complexities of the Asia-Pacific talent market to the challenges of finding the right balance between skill, culture, and leadership, Craig provides a masterclass in recruitment strategies. They also discuss the rise of external experts in the hiring process, how to nurture emerging talent, and the impact of evolving regulations on the industry.
Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional, a hiring manager, or just curious about what it takes to build a world-class team, this episode offers practical insights and candid advice from one of the best in the business.
About Craig Johnson:
Craig Johnson
Founder and Managing Partner, Root 5 Consulting
Craig Johnson is the founder and managing partner of Root 5 Consulting, a strategic executive search firm specializing in the cybersecurity ecosystem. With over a decade of global experience in cybersecurity leadership recruitment, Craig has successfully placed more than 250 candidates into roles across the USA, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. His clients range from startups to Fortune 500 companies, reflecting his expertise in aligning top talent with diverse organizational needs.
Production Credits:
Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Roy D'Monte
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and W4 Podcast Studio
THEOS Cybernova Ep.3 - Craig Johnson: Cracking the Code to Cyber Talent and Recruitment.
How do you find the right cybersecurity talent in a competitive and evolving market? In this insightful episode of THEOS Cybernova, host Paul Jackson chats with Craig Johnson, founder of Root 5 Consulting and one of the most respected recruiters in the cybersecurity industry.
Craig shares his journey from Singapore to the UK and dives deep into the art of hiring for cybersecurity. From the complexities of the Asia-Pacific talent market to the challenges of finding the right balance between skill, culture, and leadership, Craig provides a masterclass in recruitment strategies. They also discuss the rise of external experts in the hiring process, how to nurture emerging talent, and the impact of evolving regulations on the industry.
Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional, a hiring manager, or just curious about what it takes to build a world-class team, this episode offers practical insights and candid advice from one of the best in the business.
About Craig Johnson:
Craig Johnson
Founder and Managing Partner, Root 5 Consulting
Craig Johnson is the founder and managing partner of Root 5 Consulting, a strategic executive search firm specializing in the cybersecurity ecosystem. With over a decade of global experience in cybersecurity leadership recruitment, Craig has successfully placed more than 250 candidates into roles across the USA, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. His clients range from startups to Fortune 500 companies, reflecting his expertise in aligning top talent with diverse organizational needs.
Production Credits:
Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Roy D'Monte
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and W4 Podcast Studio
Next Episode

THEOS Cybernova - Nigel Phair: The View from Down Under
THEOS Cybernova Ep.4 - Nigel Phair: The View from Down Under
What makes Australia's cybersecurity landscape unique? In this thought-provoking episode of THEOS Cybernova, host Paul Jackson sits down with Nigel Phair, a former law enforcement professional turned academic, industry advisor, and bestselling author of five books.
Paul and Nigel explore their shared beginnings in law enforcement, spanning 22 years in vastly different jurisdictions, before delving into Nigel's transition to academia and his work helping industry leaders understand and address cyber risks. Together, they unpack the cultural and operational differences between Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, including surprising insights into why Australia experiences a perceived higher incidence of cyber breaches.
The conversation also tackles the complex topic of cyber governance, examining the roles and responsibilities of Boards and Executive Committees in managing cybersecurity. Candid, sometimes controversial, and packed with regional insights, this episode sets the stage for future discussions with Nigel as they contrast the cybersecurity challenges in Australia with those across the region.
This is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss!
Production Credits:
Presented by: Paul Jackson
Studio Engineer & Editor: Roy D'Monte
Executive Producers: Paul Jackson and Ian Carless
Co-produced by: Theos Cyber and W4 Podcast Studio
THEOS Cybernova - THEOS Cybernova - Craig Johnson: Cracking the Code to Cyber Talent and Recruitment
Transcript
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