In this episode of the Candid CISO, Co-Host John Donovan sits down with Jason Elrod, CISO of MultiCare Health Systems, who shares how getting lost on a trail run and running barefoot for 19 miles became a metaphor for leadership in cybersecurity. Jason dives into the tough realities of protecting critical infrastructure, balancing security and compliance, and tackling imposter syndrome head-on. He also reveals why being fiercely dangerous (ethically, of course) is essential for a successful cybersecurity career. From personal lessons on resilience to high-candor takes on navigating boardrooms, Jason keeps it real—and a bit ironic—by showing how getting off track can sometimes lead to the best insights. Follow along for an unexpected and entertaining ride!
Key topics include
How getting lost on a trail run turned into a lesson on leadership and staying present.
Why facing your fears and doing what scares you leads to growth—both on trails and in cybersecurity
The power of fierce, mission-driven cybersecurity professionals and why being 'ethically dangerous' matters
How imposter syndrome is universal—and why accepting it can make you a more confident leader
Balancing security and compliance: How to prioritize safety without getting lost in the checkbox mentality
Jason's candid take on communicating cybersecurity risks to executives and boards in a way they’ll understand
How ultra-running teaches resilience, focus, and mindfulness—and how that applies to a high-stress CISO role
The importance of finding a restorative practice to reset and thrive in high-pressure leadership positions
Why being both the smartest and 'dumbest' in the room drives better teamwork and collaboration
How showing vulnerability and high candor can help you lead more authentically and inspire your team
Thanks to our season sponsors
IdRamp is a sponsor of the Candid CISO podcast. Visit their website at: https://www.idramp.com/candidciso
TrustLogix is a sponsor of the Candid CISO podcast. Visit their website at: https://www.trustlogix.io/candidciso
For show notes, transcripts, links, and more episodes visit https://www.candidciso.com
The Candid CISO podcast is produced by Nonconformist Innovation Media.
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