Life of a CISO with Dr. Eric Cole

Ransomware isn't a technical problem—it's a leadership test.
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole welcomes back bestselling author and cybersecurity leader Zachary Lewis to break down the real-world realities of responding to a ransomware attack. Drawing from firsthand experience, they discuss why executive relationships, preparation, and credibility matter more than tools, how CISOs survive high-pressure incidents, and what separates leaders who thrive after a breach from those who don't.
If you're a CISO, security leader, or aspiring executive, this episode offers practical insight into what ransomware response really looks like when everything is on the line.

In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole sits down with cybersecurity leader Matthew Webster to explore what it really takes to succeed in the modern CISO role. Matthew shares his journey from IT into federal and commercial cybersecurity, the lessons that shaped his leadership approach, and why technical skills alone aren't enough at the executive level.
Together, they discuss the importance of communication, influence, and business alignment, how CISOs can navigate compliance and legal challenges, and why building strong relationships with executives and legal teams is critical. This conversation offers practical insights for current and aspiring CISOs on translating cyber risk into business value, earning a seat at the table, and leading with clarity in an increasingly complex security landscape.

In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole explains why intellectual property is becoming the most important cybersecurity priority for organizations as artificial intelligence accelerates innovation and imitation. As AI makes products, services, and content easier to replicate, traditional approaches to data security are no longer enough. Dr. Cole breaks down why trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets are now the true differentiators in the market and how failing to protect them directly impacts company valuation and competitiveness.
Looking toward 2030 and beyond, this episode challenges outdated security models and shows how cybersecurity, AI, cloud, and IT must align around protecting intellectual property as a unified strategy. Dr. Cole shares practical guidance on identifying an organization's most valuable IP, closing gaps between legal policy and technical controls, and using AI defensively to stay ahead of competitors and emerging threats. This episode is essential listening for CISOs, executives, and board leaders focused on long term growth, security, and business value.

In this New Year's episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Eric Cole reflects on the challenges of 2025 and delivers a powerful reset framework for CISOs entering 2026. Drawing from real-world coaching, executive leadership principles, and personal experience, Dr. Cole challenges security leaders to stop thinking like technologists and start acting like true chief officers.
This episode breaks down three essential pillars every world-class CISO must define: who you need to become, your single top priority, and your North Star. Dr. Cole explains why consistency, discipline, and executive alignment matter more than tools, why most CISOs struggle with focus, and how habits, planning, and accountability can rapidly transform your impact and credibility.
From redefining the CISO role as a future CEO pipeline, to practical strategies like executive one-on-ones, time blocking, and choosing a guiding North Star such as Zero Trust or data protection, this episode provides a clear roadmap to leadership growth. If you want to reset your mindset, elevate your influence, and lead cybersecurity as a business function in 2026, this episode is a must-listen.

As we close out 2025 and prepare for 2026, Dr. Eric Cole breaks down what it truly takes to be a world-class CISO in the year ahead.
In this episode of Life of a CISO, Dr. Cole shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, health, resilience, and why taking care of yourself is foundational to protecting your organization. From personal reflection to executive-level strategy, this episode goes far beyond technical controls.
Dr. Cole then dives deep into the three forces reshaping cybersecurity in 2026: artificial intelligence, cloud reliability, and ransomware, all centered around one core principle that too many organizations ignore: data protection.
You will learn why AI is an augmentation tool, not a replacement for humans, how unrestricted AI use is creating massive new risks, why recent cloud outages are a warning sign for every executive, and how CISOs can regain trust, influence, and a permanent seat at the boardroom table.
This episode is essential listening for CISOs, security leaders, executives, and anyone responsible for protecting critical data in an increasingly unstable digital world.
Part two of this series continues next week.