🔥 Episode Summary

In this St. Louis tour-stop episode, David Malicoat sits down with cybersecurity leader Moses Bulus to explore what it truly means to evolve into a professional CISO.

Moses shares his journey from early developer to building security programs from scratch, and ultimately into executive leadership — showing how business acumen, networking, and intentional mentorship shape the future of the CISO role.

Together they dive deep into the accelerating impact of AI, the rising urgency of data security, the realities of hybrid cloud environments, and how CISOs can better prepare both themselves and the next generation for what’s coming.  

🎙️ What You’ll Learn

• Why CISOs must be intentional about developing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders
• How AI is exposing long-standing data governance gaps inside every organization
• The importance of returning to “Security 101” with access management and visibility
• Why hybrid IT + multi-cloud have expanded the attack surface beyond traditional models
• How to build influence, trust, and presence across the business — not just IT
• The power of networking and why it’s not optional for early-career professionals
• Moses’ doctoral research in phishing attacks targeting the manufacturing sector
• The limitations of traditional cybersecurity education and how leaders can fill the gap
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💡 Key Quotes from This Episode

• “It’s not about cybersecurity. It’s about the business.” — Moses Bulus
• “You cannot protect what you don’t know or what you don’t understand.” — Moses Bulus
• “CISOs must be intentional — not just about their own growth, but about developing the role itself.” — David Malicoat
• “Networking is your future. Think of it like calling your brother when you need help.” — Moses Bulus
• “AI has introduced new advantages, but it’s also exposed vulnerabilities we’ve ignored for years.” — Moses Bulus

🧠 Episode Highlights

• Moses’ origin story: developer → network engineer → first cybersecurity hire
• The executive leap: presenting to leadership early and building business fluency
• Why business conferences can matter more than technical ones
• AI’s dual nature: opportunity + internal risk amplifier
• Cloud governance challenges and API-driven risk
• Why security leaders must be present, approachable, and embedded in the business
• Rethinking hiring: degrees are helpful, but curiosity and problem-solving matter more
• Moses’ personal story of pursuing a doctorate for his mother — and how research changes thinking

🤝 Episode Sponsors

Premier Sponsor: Check Point (www.checkpoint.com)

Associate Sponsors: Armis (www.armis.com), GuidePoint Security (www.guidepointsecurity.com)

📌 Call to Action

Follow the show, share this episode with a colleague, and join us as we continue the mission to professionalize the role of the CISO.

🔗 Links & Resources

Website:https://www.thpc.co

YouTube Channel:http://www.youtube.com/@TheProfessionalCISO

LinkedIn Page:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-professional-ciso-show

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2C7JojNZPdg1g6AXvpKDfn?si=a7ac3172bb414673

Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-professional-ciso/id1731138021

🏷️ Keywords

CISO, Cybersecurity Leadership, AI Security, Data Security, Cloud Security, Hybrid IT, Cyber Careers, Cyber Education, Moses Bulus, Professional CISO, Cyber Podcast, Cyber Risk Management, CISO Development