S2E1: Michael Baker - VP/CISO at GDIT - Business Acumen, Leadership & the Evolution of the CISO

In the Season 2 premiere of the Resilient Cyber podcast, hosts Chris Hughes and Dr. Nikki Robinson welcome Michael Baker, Vice President and CISO at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). This episode delves into the evolving role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the increasing importance of leadership and business acumen in cybersecurity. Michael shares insights from his extensive experience, discussing how understanding the business, effective communication, and emotional intelligence are critical for success in the CISO role.

Highlights:

1. Introduction to Michael Baker and GDIT:

   • Michael discusses his role as VP and CISO at GDIT, a major government contractor specializing in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud services.

   • He shares his professional journey from consulting at EY to leading cybersecurity at GDIT.

2. The Evolving Role of the CISO:

   • Michael emphasizes the importance of CISOs having business acumen and the ability to communicate cyber risks in the language of business and risk management.

   • He discusses the need for CISOs to be enablers of business, not just guardians of security.

3. Leadership and Emotional Intelligence:

   • The episode explores how emotional intelligence and empathy are vital for building strong cybersecurity teams and fostering a positive security culture.

   • Michael highlights the significance of mentorship and developing soft skills for career advancement in cybersecurity.

4. Communicating Cyber Risk:

   • Michael provides advice on how to effectively communicate cyber risks to executive leadership, stressing the importance of simplicity and avoiding overly technical jargon.

   • He discusses the value of transparency in risk management and the challenges of quantifying cyber risks.

5. Team Building and Retention:

   • The conversation touches on strategies for building and retaining strong cybersecurity teams, particularly in a competitive job market.

   • Michael shares his approach to career development and the importance of aligning team members' career paths with their passions.

6. The Importance of Continuous Learning:

   • Michael advocates for a commitment to continuous learning and personal development, whether through formal education or self-directed study in areas like leadership and emotional intelligence.