Leading with Curiosity and Innovation: Chris Knauer's Approach to Cybersecurity Leadership

Chris Knauer, Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Foundever, shared his unique approach to leadership, storytelling, and fostering innovation in the cybersecurity field during a candid discussion with Achim Nowak. From his background in broadcasting to his leadership in cybersecurity, Chris emphasized the power of curiosity, team dynamics, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.

Leading with Curiosity and Innovation

A Journey from Broadcasting to Cybersecurity Leadership

Chris’s career journey is as dynamic as the field he now leads. Before stepping into the world of cybersecurity, Chris worked in broadcasting, where he honed his skills in simplifying complex ideas for mass audiences. This background gave him the ability to communicate complex security concepts in digestible, relatable ways — a skill he continues to apply in his current role.

In broadcasting, Chris learned the importance of relatability. He explained, “If you don’t make it relatable to the listener, that message won’t get across.” In cybersecurity, this skill proves invaluable, especially when presenting security strategies to non-experts like executives and financial officers. It’s not enough to have the technical knowledge; Chris’s role is to translate that into business value, ensuring that cybersecurity is not seen as an obstacle but a critical element of company success.

Storytelling as a Tool for Security Leadership

Chris views his role as “Chief Storytelling Officer” as much as a “Chief Security Officer.” He believes that cybersecurity is about telling a story that engages everyone in the company. Whether speaking with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) about the ROI of new technologies or explaining complex risks to the board, storytelling is central to Chris’s leadership approach.

By framing security not just as a corporate necessity but as a personal one—protecting families, income, and futures—Chris makes the importance of cybersecurity resonate on a deeper level. He emphasized that conveying security in a relatable way helps bridge the gap between technical details and the broader organizational goals.

Creating a Culture of Respectful Collaboration

A strong proponent of collaboration, Chris leads by example by fostering an environment where his team is empowered to make decisions. He stresses the importance of getting out of the way and trusting his team to execute. “If I jump in and start micromanaging, that’s a morale buster,” he explained, drawing a parallel with his broadcasting days, where talent thrived when left to perform without interference.

At Foundever, Chris oversees a robust security team of 150 people, with 50 dedicated to business information security. He believes that empowering his team to communicate with internal stakeholders and clients is key to the company’s success. His role isn’t just about overseeing security; it’s about enabling his team to engage with the organization and clients in meaningful ways that drive security and business outcomes.

The Power of Curiosity and Innovation

One of the most important traits Chris looks for in his team is curiosity. “If you’re not curious, you’re not going to solve the problem,” he remarked. This mentality shapes how Foundever’s security team approaches challenges. Chris seeks individuals who are not just reactive but proactive problem-solvers, eager to dig into the "how" and "why" of every situation.

Chris has embedded this curiosity into his hiring process, making it the first question asked in every interview: “Are you curious?” His team members are expected to go beyond just executing tasks—they must think critically, look behind the surface, and seek out new solutions to emerging problems. This commitment to curiosity helps the team stay adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements, such as the rise of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity.

Navigating the Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape

Chris acknowledged that the cybersecurity field is constantly changing, especially with the introduction of technologies like ChatGPT and other AI models. While these technologies open up new opportunities for innovation, they also bring new risks. Chris’s team has had to adapt by establishing protocols for safely using these technologies, ensuring that sensitive data isn’t exposed through unapproved channels.

Looking ahead, Chris predicts that the future of cybersecurity will involve greater reliance on AI for identifying threats, but he also emphasized the ongoing need for human oversight. He sees a shift toward more advanced security operations centers that leverage AI to detect and address initial threats. However, Chris believes that human involvement will remain crucial for triaging these threats and ensuring that the right responses are in place.

Leading Through Relationships and Listening

Building relationships is a core tenet of Chris’s leadership style. Whether working with his team, stakeholders, or clients, Chris prioritizes understanding and respect. His mantra is simple: “Listen twice as much as you speak.” He encourages his team to approach each situation with an open mind, making sure that they listen and understand the needs and concerns of others before offering solutions.

This principle applies to every aspect of his role. Chris believes that, by listening to others and engaging in meaningful conversations, he can build stronger relationships that contribute to long-term success.

The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

When asked about the role of mentorship in his career, Chris highlighted its importance in shaping his leadership journey. While he’s had formal mentorship relationships, Chris emphasized that much of his growth came from observing others and learning from their actions. His advice to younger CISOs is simple but powerful: don’t walk into a meeting with a preconceived answer. By remaining open and receptive, leaders can uncover the best solutions to complex problems.

Chris is committed to passing on his knowledge by mentoring others in the cybersecurity field. He sees mentorship as a two-way street, where both parties benefit from shared experiences and insights.

A Vision for the Future of Cybersecurity Leadership

As cybersecurity continues to evolve, Chris remains focused on the growth of his team and the impact they can make. He is less concerned with moving into higher executive roles and more passionate about nurturing his team’s success. He finds fulfillment in watching his team members develop new solutions that exceed his expectations and help solve problems that others in the industry are still grappling with.

In conclusion, Chris Knauer’s leadership philosophy centers on building strong relationships, fostering curiosity and innovation, and using storytelling to make security accessible to all. His journey from broadcasting to cybersecurity leadership exemplifies the importance of adaptability, listening, and empowering others. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Chris’s emphasis on team collaboration and mentorship ensures that Foundever’s security function remains ahead of the curve.

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