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Magic, Mentalism, and the Modern CISO – with Gary Chan
Episode Summary
In this episode, host David Malicoat sits down in St. Louis, Missouri with Gary Chan, Chief Information Security Officer at SSM Health — and a professional Security Mentalist. Gary blends his background in cybersecurity, engineering, and mentalism to bring a refreshingly human and creative approach to leadership, awareness, and influence in the world of cyber.
From performing mind-reading demonstrations to explaining how storytelling drives executive buy-in, Gary shows us how creativity and communication can transform a CISO’s impact inside and outside the organization.
They dive deep into how CISOs can become better leaders, storytellers, and advocates for security — and why selling the “why” is far more powerful than explaining the “how.”
Key Takeaways
- 🎩 Magic Meets Cybersecurity: How Gary uses mentalism and showmanship to make security awareness engaging and unforgettable.
- 🧭 The Future of the CISO: Why tomorrow’s security leaders must master storytelling, influence, and emotional intelligence — not just technology.
- 💼 Selling the Business Case: How to translate “reduce risk” into tangible stories that matter to the CFO, board, and business leaders.
- 🧠 Leadership Lessons from the Stage: What performing magic taught Gary about persuasion, empathy, and audience connection.
- 💡 From VAR to Healthcare CISO: Gary’s career journey through consulting, sales, and healthcare leadership — and the lessons he carried forward.
Notable Quotes
“When you’re a senior leader, it’s all about storytelling — people need to understand how security ties back to why the organization exists.”“Nobody cares about reducing risk. They care about the impact to them — their goals, their reputation, their mission.”“Magic and cybersecurity aren’t that different — both are about understanding people’s perceptions and guiding them toward the right conclusion.”
Listener Benefits
- Learn how to communicate cybersecurity’s value through stories, not stats
- Discover practical ways to make security awareness fun and memorable
- Gain insight into leadership and influence beyond the technical realm
- Hear real-world lessons on career growth from consulting to the CISO seat
Call to Action
✅ Follow The Professional CISO Show on LinkedIn
🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
🌐 Visit THPC.co for show updates and events
Guest Information
Gary Chan
Chief Information Security Officer, SSM Health
Security Mentalist & Speaker
🔗 Website: gschan2000.com
🔗 Search “Gary Chan Security Mentalist” for more information
Sponsors
This episode is made possible by:
- Check Point – 2025 Workspace Security Insights Roadshow (www.checkpoint.com)
- Armis – 2025 Cyber Warfare Report (www.armis.com)
- GuidePoint Security – Trusted cybersecurity expertise across Fortune 500 and government agencies (www.guidepointsecurity.com)
Hashtags
#TheProfessionalCISO #CybersecurityLeadership #CISO #GaryChan #SecurityAwareness #CyberCulture #SecurityMentalist #LeadershipDevelopment #StorytellingInSecurity #CISOShow #THPCShow
View all episodes
By David MalicoatEpisode Summary
In this episode, host David Malicoat sits down in St. Louis, Missouri with Gary Chan, Chief Information Security Officer at SSM Health — and a professional Security Mentalist. Gary blends his background in cybersecurity, engineering, and mentalism to bring a refreshingly human and creative approach to leadership, awareness, and influence in the world of cyber.
From performing mind-reading demonstrations to explaining how storytelling drives executive buy-in, Gary shows us how creativity and communication can transform a CISO’s impact inside and outside the organization.
They dive deep into how CISOs can become better leaders, storytellers, and advocates for security — and why selling the “why” is far more powerful than explaining the “how.”
Key Takeaways
- 🎩 Magic Meets Cybersecurity: How Gary uses mentalism and showmanship to make security awareness engaging and unforgettable.
- 🧭 The Future of the CISO: Why tomorrow’s security leaders must master storytelling, influence, and emotional intelligence — not just technology.
- 💼 Selling the Business Case: How to translate “reduce risk” into tangible stories that matter to the CFO, board, and business leaders.
- 🧠 Leadership Lessons from the Stage: What performing magic taught Gary about persuasion, empathy, and audience connection.
- 💡 From VAR to Healthcare CISO: Gary’s career journey through consulting, sales, and healthcare leadership — and the lessons he carried forward.
Notable Quotes
“When you’re a senior leader, it’s all about storytelling — people need to understand how security ties back to why the organization exists.”“Nobody cares about reducing risk. They care about the impact to them — their goals, their reputation, their mission.”“Magic and cybersecurity aren’t that different — both are about understanding people’s perceptions and guiding them toward the right conclusion.”
Listener Benefits
- Learn how to communicate cybersecurity’s value through stories, not stats
- Discover practical ways to make security awareness fun and memorable
- Gain insight into leadership and influence beyond the technical realm
- Hear real-world lessons on career growth from consulting to the CISO seat
Call to Action
✅ Follow The Professional CISO Show on LinkedIn
🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
🌐 Visit THPC.co for show updates and events
Guest Information
Gary Chan
Chief Information Security Officer, SSM Health
Security Mentalist & Speaker
🔗 Website: gschan2000.com
🔗 Search “Gary Chan Security Mentalist” for more information
Sponsors
This episode is made possible by:
- Check Point – 2025 Workspace Security Insights Roadshow (www.checkpoint.com)
- Armis – 2025 Cyber Warfare Report (www.armis.com)
- GuidePoint Security – Trusted cybersecurity expertise across Fortune 500 and government agencies (www.guidepointsecurity.com)
Hashtags
#TheProfessionalCISO #CybersecurityLeadership #CISO #GaryChan #SecurityAwareness #CyberCulture #SecurityMentalist #LeadershipDevelopment #StorytellingInSecurity #CISOShow #THPCShow