How One Job Taught Five Important Leadership Lessons

The New CISO

In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is kicking off the first part of a three-part series with guest Chris Fredrick, Deputy CISO at Baxter International.

Chris began his career as a technician and met Steve on a small security team managing a large network. Now, Chris joins today to share key lessons from his early career and set the stage for the next upcoming episodes. Listen to the episode to learn more about Steve and Chris’ time working together, the process of changing companies, and learning to be a better leader.

Listen to Steve and Chris discuss how to deliver the news you’re leaving a company and how managers should accept said news:

Meet Chris (1:46)

Chris has worked in IT security for over twenty years and knew since college that this area of the industry was his passion. Since starting a leadership role, he has found his new calling: becoming the best leader he can be.

Infosec Memory Lane (5:04)

Chris shares the memories of his time working with Steve on their small infosec security team. Chris remembers feeling overwhelmed initially but learned to handle the scope of his many responsibilities.

Steve and Chris reminisce about the positives of this experience and the challenges. The best part was the camaraderie they felt as a team.

Lessons Learned (9:43)

Steve presses Chris on the lessons he learned during their time on the infosec team. This experience taught Chris the importance of curiosity and building credibility.

Another valuable lesson was learning to have respectful conversations when colleagues disagree.

Changing Companies (18:23)

While working together, Steve and Chris had the opportunity to change companies after their CISO left.

Chris walks through what occurred and the communication lessons it taught him. He wishes he had done some things differently since multiple people leaving put his manager in a tough spot, but he also learned valuable leadership skills.

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