Leadership and Time Management: Ben Field's Journey to Becoming a Successful CISO - Cybersecurity Leadership

Ben Field, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Florida Crystals, shared valuable insights into his journey from a hands-on security engineer to a strategic leader during a recent fireside chat with Achim Nowak. From time management lessons to mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Ben’s experiences highlight the dynamic nature of the CISO role and the importance of strategic thinking in today's cybersecurity landscape.

A Career Built on Cybersecurity Leadership

Ben’s journey into the cybersecurity field began over 13 years ago as an intern. His passion for understanding the offensive side of security led him to become a penetration tester, where he gained hands-on experience breaking into systems and identifying vulnerabilities. He recalls being involved in high-profile incidents, such as the Sony hack, which opened his eyes to the growing sophistication of cyber threats.

Throughout his career, Ben moved through various roles, gaining leadership experience at companies like Citi Group and TransUnion. Ultimately, he transitioned to a CISO role at Florida Crystals, where his focus shifted from the technical aspects of security to strategic leadership, guiding his team through the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Transitioning from Tactical to Strategic

As Ben moved into leadership, he discovered that one of the hardest transitions was moving from a tactical mindset to a strategic one. In the earlier stages of his career, Ben was deeply involved in technical work, from penetration testing to solving security issues hands-on. However, as a CISO, he found himself leading people, shaping strategic decisions, and focusing on long-term security goals.

While Ben still enjoys diving into technical challenges when necessary, he acknowledges that leadership requires him to think three to five years ahead, guiding his team through emerging threats and ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.

Mentorship and Developing Talent

One of the most rewarding aspects of Ben’s career has been mentoring others. He shared that he takes great pride in promoting from within and helping individuals, often from entry-level positions like help desk roles, grow into cybersecurity professionals. Ben emphasizes the importance of hiring people with the "hunger" to learn and grow, as cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. This hunger, combined with a willingness to adapt to new technologies, is essential for success.

He recalls how one of his team members took the initiative to learn about the security implications of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has gained prominence in the cybersecurity field. This proactive approach to learning and adapting is something Ben looks for in his team, as it shows a drive to stay ahead of potential threats.

The Importance of Time Management

Ben’s experience also highlights a crucial aspect of leadership: time management. Reflecting on his earlier career, he shared a valuable lesson learned from trying to take on too much at once. Early on, he struggled with deadlines and was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work. It wasn’t until he learned to prioritize tasks and say "no" when necessary that he became more effective in his role. He stressed that saying "no" isn't about rejecting others but about ensuring that the most critical tasks get done first, ultimately delivering more value to the business.

For CISOs, who often juggle multiple priorities, effective time management is essential. Ben advises aspiring leaders in cybersecurity to focus on what matters most, and not be afraid to delegate or push less critical tasks down the line.

Embracing Strategic Leadership in Security

One of the most exciting aspects of Ben’s role is the opportunity to influence the broader business strategy. At Florida Crystals, Ben has played a key role in driving the company’s security initiatives, ensuring that security is integrated into new business ventures from the very beginning. For example, when the company plans to build new facilities, Ben’s team is involved from the outset to ensure that security considerations are built into the technology stack.

As the security landscape evolves, Ben has also seen a shift in how the role of CISO is perceived within organizations. Once seen as a cost center, cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a critical business function that directly impacts a company’s ability to operate securely and efficiently.

Closing Thoughts

Ben Field’s journey to becoming a CISO illustrates the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and mentorship in the cybersecurity field. His leadership style emphasizes the need for continuous learning, fostering talent within the team, and maintaining a clear vision for the future of security.

For those pursuing careers in cybersecurity, Ben’s story serves as a reminder that success in this field requires a combination of technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to think long-term. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, CISOs will play a crucial role in guiding their organizations through an increasingly complex digital world.

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