Oct. 25, 2024

Resilience On The Trails And In Cybersecurity: A Journey with Jason Elrod

In this episode of the Candid CISO, Co-Host John Donovan sits down with Jason Elrod, CISO of MultiCare Health Systems, who shares how getting lost on a trail run and running barefoot for 19 miles became a metaphor for leadership in cybersecurity....

Show Notes
Guest Profile

In this episode of the Candid CISO, Co-Host John Donovan sits down with Jason Elrod, CISO of MultiCare Health Systems, who shares how getting lost on a trail run and running barefoot for 19 miles became a metaphor for leadership in cybersecurity. Jason dives into the tough realities of protecting critical infrastructure, balancing security and compliance, and tackling imposter syndrome head-on. He also reveals why being fiercely dangerous (ethically, of course) is essential for a successful cybersecurity career. From personal lessons on resilience to high-candor takes on navigating boardrooms, Jason keeps it real—and a bit ironic—by showing how getting off track can sometimes lead to the best insights. Follow along for an unexpected and entertaining ride!

Key topics include

How getting lost on a trail run turned into a lesson on leadership and staying present.
Why facing your fears and doing what scares you leads to growth—both on trails and in cybersecurity
The power of fierce, mission-driven cybersecurity professionals and why being 'ethically dangerous' matters
How imposter syndrome is universal—and why accepting it can make you a more confident leader
Balancing security and compliance: How to prioritize safety without getting lost in the checkbox mentality
Jason's candid take on communicating cybersecurity risks to executives and boards in a way they’ll understand
How ultra-running teaches resilience, focus, and mindfulness—and how that applies to a high-stress CISO role
The importance of finding a restorative practice to reset and thrive in high-pressure leadership positions
Why being both the smartest and 'dumbest' in the room drives better teamwork and collaboration
How showing vulnerability and high candor can help you lead more authentically and inspire your team

Thanks to our season sponsors

IdRamp is a sponsor of the Candid CISO podcast. Visit their website at: https://www.idramp.com/candidciso

TrustLogix is a sponsor of the Candid CISO podcast. Visit their website at: https://www.trustlogix.io/candidciso

For show notes, transcripts, links, and more episodes visit https://www.candidciso.com

The Candid CISO podcast is produced by Nonconformist Innovation Media.

Jason Elrod

CISO | Security & Risk Strategist | Author, Speaker, Advisor

Jason Elrod is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at MultiCare Health System, where he leads the charge in protecting critical healthcare infrastructure and guiding the organization’s cybersecurity strategy. With over 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Jason is a recognized authority on building resilient security programs that align with business growth and innovation. He is also the Founder and Principal Advisor at Hanging Rose Research LLC, an advisory firm focused on executive leadership, cybersecurity innovation, and strategic consulting.

Jason’s leadership extends beyond technical proficiency. He is passionate about fostering collaboration across teams and bridging the gap between cybersecurity and business strategy. His work emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity as an enabler of business objectives, ensuring that security is integrated seamlessly into the fabric of organizational growth.

In addition to his leadership roles, Jason is a speaker and author, with his latest book, Cyber CISO Marksmanship, set for release in December 2024. The book, co-authored with several industry leaders, offers practical insights for CISOs navigating today’s threat landscape.