Julie Fitton didn't take the usual path to becoming a CISO. She started as a mainframe programmer, spent a decade at EMC navigating the hardware-to-cloud transition, and has since led security across some of the most complex environments in enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, IoT, healthcare, and manufacturing.

In this episode of Growth Talks, Shruti talks with Julie about what actually shifted cybersecurity from an IT concern to a boardroom conversation, how AI is simultaneously empowering attackers and defenders, and why the "office of no" framing for security teams is both wrong and avoidable.

Julie also teaches cybersecurity at Boston College, which shapes how she thinks about the next generation of talent, especially as automation changes what an analyst's first few years on the job looks like.

If you work in technology leadership, sit on a board, or are building a career in security, this one is worth your time.