The New CISO Podcast Episode 83: Be the One Who Gets the Call – The Keys to Landing New Opportunities with Mark Weatherford
Podcast Transcript | Air Date December 29, 2022
Listen to Steve and Mark discuss when to put the fear aside and embrace the possibility of failure when it comes to new opportunities:
Meet Mark (1:51)
Host Steve Moore introduces his guest Mark Weatherford, the Chief Security Officer at AlertEnterprise specializing in IT and OT security.
Before starting his career in technology, Mark wanted to build dams and roads in the U.S. Navy. Instead, the Navy had other ideas — they placed Mark in the advanced electronics program, leading him to a career in cyber security.
Measuring Your Day (7:21)
Unlike construction work, Mark sees day-to-day progress in the field of cyber security as much more intangible. He measures his workday by the goals his team achieves and the projects they complete.
Life After The Navy (9:08)
At the time Mark started his job at Raytheon, the Navy had just signed a contract with them to complete a security project. Raytheon called Mark about a position that fit his skillset: building a security operations center from the ground up.
Relying On Your Team (14:14)
Steve presses Mark on what he learned from managing the start of the security operations center. Mark gathered that no one can do everything, and that it’s essential to have a reliable core group of leaders.
Good leadership comes from delegating authority to people without micro-managing, thus empowering them to excel at their jobs.
Working With Fear (22:07)
“That’s all part of learning. Things are going to break now and then,” Marks explains when expanding on his leadership philosophy.
Reflecting on his own experience with gaining new skills, Mark advises that mistakes happen as part of the learning process. One may be uncomfortable when things are unfamiliar, but, as long as you’re not doing anything malicious, most problems can be solved.
What Happens Next (24:14)
One day Mark received a call from his boss about a project with the Federal Government in Colorado. A year later, Mark got another call from his next job, leading him to a cabinet position.
Through his impressive work experience, Mark was considered for exciting political opportunities impacting our country.
That’s Politics (28:53)
Mark discovered quickly that, in politics, people aren’t always truthful. Unfortunately, he understands that this is the nature of the industry. As a result, it’s natural to become wary and not take everything at face value, although Mark still gives people the benefit of the doubt.
Working With The Legislature (31:13)
Mark’s work in government allowed him to influence policy as well. During this experience, Mark learned about the trade-offs in politics, and why opposition can create barriers to security policy.
Becoming The Terminator’s CISO (34:58)
After leaving Colorado, Mark was called for the opportunity to work for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in California.
Mark recognizes that the secret to his success derives from being prepared for new positions when they arise. Mark rarely interacted directly with Governor Schwarzenegger, but having this role earned him respect in the security world.
Having Pride (38:06)
Mark is very proud of his time in California. He worked with over 160 departments, agencies, and organizations to find solutions to their diverse security needs. This level of collaboration and relationship-building was an incredible experience with lasting, positive results today.
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