Your WHY of Being a CISO

Summary

In this episode of 'Life of a CISO,' Dr. Eric Cole discusses how to create a successful career as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) by taking personal responsibility, clarifying your true motivations, and effectively managing time. He emphasizes that life isn't about balance but about navigating different seasons with shifting priorities. The key to success is understanding your 'why,' setting clear goals, and making sacrifices. Dr. Cole also highlights the importance of time allocation, urging listeners to consciously manage their 168 hours a week to achieve long-term success in both career and personal life.

Takeaways

• 😀 You are the creator of your life; it’s not the other way around. Internal belief leads to external results.
• 😀 Achieving your goals starts with having a clear blueprint for your life, especially if you're aiming for a top leadership role like a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• 😀 Success in coaching or career progression requires a blueprint that reflects *your* true desires, not just external expectations or assumptions.
• 😀 Life isn’t balanced—it’s made up of seasons. You’ll be out of balance at times, but that’s okay as long as it aligns with your priorities and goals.
• 😀 Prioritize what matters most in your current season, whether it’s family, career, health, or personal growth. Time allocation must reflect your top priorities.
• 😀 It’s crucial to allocate your time wisely. The use of your time must align with your priorities and purpose to achieve true fulfillment.
• 😀 Managing your time starts with understanding the 168 hours in a week and planning accordingly. Sleep, health, work, and relationships must be balanced based on your current goals.
• 😀 Set realistic expectations. You can't overestimate what you can achieve in the short term, but long-term progress is often underestimated.
• 😀 A strong 'why' is essential for achieving your career goals. If your motivations are misaligned with your desired outcomes, it will lead to frustration.
• 😀 The right ‘why’ for becoming a CISO should be rooted in a passion for building effective security strategies and making a meaningful impact on organizations, not just external rewards like money or free time.

Q & A

What does Dr. Eric Cole mean by 'you create your life'?

Dr. Eric Cole emphasizes that individuals must take control of their lives by believing in their own power to shape their future, rather than waiting for external factors to change first. The idea is to believe internally before seeing external results.

What is the problem with the 'seeing is believing' mindset?

The 'seeing is believing' mindset traps individuals in a hamster wheel, where they wait for external validation before believing in their potential. Dr. Cole suggests that true success comes from believing in yourself and your vision before seeing the results externally.

What does Dr. Cole say about creating a blueprint for one's career?

Dr. Cole stresses the importance of having a personalized blueprint for your career, particularly when aiming for a role like a CISO. He explains that as a coach, he can offer support and guidance, but the blueprint must come from the individual, based on their true desires and goals.

Why does Dr. Cole believe balance in life is an illusion?

Dr. Cole argues that balance doesn't exist in life because priorities shift based on the season you're in. For example, during a major life event like a newborn, one's focus may be on family, but later, the focus may shift back to work or health. Life is about managing these shifts and making conscious decisions, not achieving a perfect balance.

How does Dr. Cole suggest people manage their time effectively?

Dr. Cole recommends using a 168-hour framework to allocate time effectively. By subtracting the hours needed for sleep, individuals can then break down their time into categories such as health, mindset, relationships, and business. This ensures that time is spent in alignment with personal priorities.

What is the significance of sleep in Dr. Cole's routine?

Dr. Cole emphasizes that sleep is crucial for physical and mental recovery. He believes that adequate sleep, approximately 8 hours per day, is necessary to optimize health and performance. He also advises against working on little sleep, as it negatively impacts the body and overall productivity.

How does Dr. Cole recommend people set realistic expectations for their goals?

Dr. Cole suggests that people often overestimate what they can achieve in a short period but underestimate what they can accomplish in a long period. He encourages individuals to align their time allocation with their priorities and set realistic expectations based on available time and effort.

What role does a strong 'why' play in achieving career goals?

A strong 'why' is critical for achieving long-term career goals, particularly in demanding roles like a CISO. Dr. Cole warns that pursuing a CISO position for external rewards like more free time or money is misaligned and unlikely to be successful. The 'why' must be rooted in a genuine passion for security and helping organizations prevent breaches.

Why does Dr. Cole say that some people may be better off choosing a different career path instead of becoming a CISO?

Dr. Cole explains that if someone is primarily motivated by goals like spending more time with family or earning more money, they might be better off exploring other career options. Becoming a CISO often requires sacrifices and is not ideal for those whose main motivations are external rewards.

What advice does Dr. Cole give to those aspiring to become a CISO?

Dr. Cole advises aspiring CISOs to get very clear on their personal goals and desires, allocate their time based on these priorities, and ensure their 'why' aligns with the CISO role. He stresses that success comes when time and priorities are aligned, and when individuals are driven by a deep passion for security leadership.