In this episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat is joined by Sonja Hammond, the Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of IT Architecture and Engineering at National Veterinary Associates. Sonja shares her remarkable journey from land administration to becoming a cybersecurity leader, offering valuable insights on the evolution of the CISO role. The conversation delves into the importance of professionalizing the role, building strong stakeholder relationships, managing career growth amidst technological changes, and strategies to prevent burnout in high-pressure roles. Whether you're an experienced CISO or an aspiring security professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights.

Key Takeaways:

• The need for professionalizing the CISO role and moving it into risk management.
• Strategies for gaining and maintaining stakeholder support.
• How to manage a cybersecurity career amidst rapid technological changes.
• Preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a CISO.
• The importance of adaptability and continuous learning in cybersecurity leadership.

Guest Information:

• Name: Sonja Hammond
• Position: Chief Information Security Officer & VP of IT Architecture and Engineering, National Veterinary Associates
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjahammond/

Links & Resources:

• Episode Transcript: [Link to Transcript] (if available)
• Related Articles/Resources: [Link to any additional resources mentioned]
• Subscribe to the Podcast: [Spotify Link] | [Apple Podcasts Link]
• Visit our Website: www.thpc.co
• Follow us on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile Link]

Episode Chapters:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Sonja Hammond's Career Journey (02:00)
3. Professionalizing the CISO Role (10:00)
4. Building Stakeholder Support (13:00)
5. Managing Career Growth and Preventing Burnout (18:00)
6. Final Thoughts and Advice for CISOs (24:00)
7. 10 Rapid-Fire Questions with Sonja Hammond (26:00)

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