EPISODE 25: SUPERCONNECTORS: UNLEASHING PURPOSE BEYOND METRICS IN YOUR CYBERSECURITY FUNCTION

Compromising Positions - A Cyber Security Podcast

This week we are joined by Dr David Burkus, one of the world’s leading business thinkers and best-selling author of five books on the topic of business and leadership. Dr Burkus has worked with the leadership teams of some internationally known names such as PepsiCo, Adobe and NASA.
In this episode, “Storytelling Superconnectors: Unleashing Purpose Beyond Metrics in Your Cybersecurity Function”, Dr Burkus challenges the concept of Dunbar’s Number as we discuss the power of human networks, and how finding the superconnectors in your organisation will help you get your cybersecurity agenda in front of the right people.

Indulging in a bit of schadenfreude, Dr Burkus shows us how we can use the hacks and breaches of our competitors to demonstrate our value and purpose offering to the c-suite and he also shares his unique insights on breaking down siloes, and harnessing the power of positive engagement in the workplace.
And as if that wasn’t enough (!) how to move away from just metrics to make your security function shine! If you want to change the way your organisation sees your security team, this is the episode for you!

This is a two part episode (this is part one!) so don’t forget to check back in next week to hear the whole interview!

Key Takeaways:

Find your Superconnectors: Superconnectors are individuals who have lots of powerful connections and can help you expand your network quickly. By networking with superconnectors, you can find new opportunities and build purpose-driven teams in the cybersecurity function.

Embrace the Power of Storytelling: Facts and figures are important, but stories resonate on a deeper level. Security teams can leverage storytelling to educate employees about cybersecurity threats, celebrate successes, and foster a sense of shared purpose.

Break Down Silos: Challenge the stereotype of security as the "office police." Focus on collaboration and highlight the positive contributions your team makes in protecting the organization. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of positive interactions to negative ones to build trust and rapport.

Learn from Your Competitors' Misfortunes: While celebrating wins is important, so is learning from failures. Use competitor breaches as a springboard for threat intelligence exercises, demonstrating the value your team brings in proactively preventing such attacks.

Links to everything we discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes and if you liked the show, please do leave us a review.

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We hope you enjoyed this episode - See you next time, keep secure, and don’t forget to ask yourself, ‘Am I the compromising position here?’

Keywords: cybersecurity, storytelling, psychology, networking, silos, purpose

SHOW NOTES

Dr Burkus has an awe-inspiring career as an author. You can check out his books onAmazon

Dunbar's number: Why we can only maintain 150 relationships. BBC

Wham, Bam, That’s a Scam Series by Atomic Shrimps

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

MGM Ransomware Attack. A write up by Bleeping Computer

Nominate us in the European Cybersecurity Blogger Awards (we’re going for ‘Best Newcomer’ Google Form Here (it’s safe, promise)

ABOUT DR DAVID BURKUS

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, Dr. David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders build their best team ever.

LINKS FOR DR DAVID BURKUS

Dr Burkus’ Linkedin

Dr Burkus’ Website

Dr Burkus’ TikTok (No dancing unfortunately)