In this insightful episode, join Chirag as he sits down with Jeff Whitton, a seasoned Board Director and Government Councillor to discuss the pivotal role of cyber security leadership at the highest level. This is one of a kind inside view into working of the Boardroom. Jeff shares his leadership philosophy, grounded in leading by example, surrounding himself with experts, and balancing strategic vision with technical know-how. He recounts his journey through the evolving layers of the OSI model and how his early industry exposure enabled him to master the nuances of cybersecurity. Their conversation delves into the increased regulatory expectations and the growing involvement of board members in managing cyber security. Jeff and Chirag highlight the crucial shift in board responsibilities, emphasising how effective communication between CISOs and board members can shape strategic risk management decisions. They explore practical frameworks for managing cyber security risks, building resilience, and implementing compliance-focused governance. Jeff provides expert advice on how CISOs can become influential leaders, clarifying their evolving roles and responsibilities, and advocating for a direct reporting line to the CEO. He underscores the importance of clear distinctions between business and technical roles, as well as maintaining a security team's independence within the technical landscape. Tune in to gain valuable insights into elevating cyber security from a board-level perspective, and learning how CISOs can speak the language of leadership while navigating the intricate world of cyber security regulation and governance. About Jeff Whitton: Jeff Whitton is an accomplished and highly respected leader with a diverse background in telecommunications, digital technology, cyber security, and information intelligence. With over 40 years of experience in his profession, Jeff has established himself as a subject matter expert across these disciplines. One notable aspect of Jeff's leadership is his commitment to diversity and inclusivity. He is an active advocate for better outcomes for all Australians, including First Nations peoples.
He holds several leadership roles and board positions, including Australian Country President of the Economic Council of India, Ambassador for NSW Cyber Security Hub, Orange City Councillor, Independent Chair of the Board of OCTEC Limited, Founding Independent Board Director of Marathon Health, Founding Board Director of Yirigaa, Advisor to the Board of Western Sydney University, and Advisor to the Board of Critical Infrastructure - Information Sharing and Analysis Centre, Australia. Jeff's extensive experience and expertise in the field have made him a sought-after advisor, consultant, speaker, and leader not only in Australia but also in Asia. In addition to his leadership roles, Jeff also shares his knowledge and expertise through teaching and mentoring at several higher educational institutions, including the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University. About Chirag: Chirag Joshi is the Founder and CISO of 7 Rules Cyber - a cyber security company focused on enabling businesses to be secure in a cost-effective and efficient manner. He is a multi-award winning cyber executive and is featured in prestigious CSO30 list of top cyber executives in the region. Chirag has experience leading cyber programs in multiple countries across various industries. He has experience in both IT and OT environments and leading cyber security through mergers and acquisitions. He is the author of two best-selling books “7 Rules to Influence Behaviour and Win at Cyber Security Awareness” and "7 Rules to Become Exceptional at Cyber Security" which have been purchased in multiple countries across the world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiragdjoshi/
