In this episode of The Root to CISO Podcast, host Kris Rides sits down with Andrew Wilder, cybersecurity leader and former CISO at Nestlé, to discuss how he made the leap from enterprise security to his first CISO role. Andrew shares how moving from a global company to a mid-sized organization gave him hands-on experience reporting directly to the board, building a security program from scratch, and learning what it truly means to lead.

He also opens up about the importance of work-life balance, the value of trust in cybersecurity, and why good recruiters and strong relationships can shape a career as much as technical expertise.

CISO Barbee Mooneyhan joins The Root to CISO Podcast to discuss what truly matters when building a cybersecurity career — and it’s not just degrees or certifications. 

Barbee explains why hands-on experience, community involvement, and the ability to apply knowledge often outweigh a long list of credentials. She shares why certifications like the CISSP or GPEN can be valuable tools for learning, but warns that memorizing material without real-world application won’t get you far.

Whether you’re breaking into cybersecurity or advancing toward leadership, this clip is a must-listen for anyone wondering: Do I really need more certifications, or just more experience?

In this highlight clip, CISO Don Baham shares why soft skills are just as critical as technical expertise in cybersecurity hiring. From problem-solving and emotional intelligence to learning how to “figure things out,” Don explains what truly makes candidates stand out in today’s market.
He also reflects on what he’d tell his younger self — the power of being intentional with your time, setting clear priorities, and knowing when to say no.
For more cyber-related career insights, connect with us on LinkedIn and visit www.roottociso.com!

In this highlight from The Root to CISO Podcast, Global CISO of Carnival Cruises, Margarita Rivera, shares how she transitioned into cybersecurity without a technical background — and how transferable skills, a strong business mindset, and continuous learning helped shape her success. She discusses the growing challenges of breaking into cybersecurity today, why hiring managers need to rethink how they view career changers, and how certifications and education can help bridge technical gaps.

In this Root to CISO highlight, Lori Anello shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger self: don’t let fear hold you back. From taking risks to embracing opportunities, Lori explains why careers in cybersecurity are never a straight line—and how each job, even the ones that aren’t perfect, can help you move forward toward leadership roles like CISO.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard, we dive into the lessons she’s learned leading across industries — from healthcare and technology to financial services. Dr. Jay shares how relationships, curiosity, and communication have been the keys to her career growth, why likability matters in leadership, and how to build trust with stakeholders even when you have to say “no.” She also reflects on pivotal moments in her journey, from becoming Xerox’s Chief Security Officer to transitioning into her current role, and the importance of framing, connection, and playing the long game in leadership.

In the Season 2 finale of Root to CISO, we sit down with Dr. Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Deputy Chief Security Officer at Mastercard and former Deputy CIO of the White House under President Obama. Her path to cybersecurity was anything but traditional, pivoting into mathematics, cryptography, and ultimately some of the most high-profile technology and security leadership roles in the world. Dr. Jay shares how her foundation in public service shaped her leadership style, why moving between public and private sectors strengthened her perspective, and the common thread that has guided her career: a passion for technology and cybersecurity.

 In Part Two of our conversation with Barbee Mooneyhan, CISO at Uplight, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in cybersecurity—and beyond: breaking into the industry and advancing your career. Barbee shares practical advice on how to translate transferable skills, tailor resumes for each stage of your career, and approach interviews with confidence and authenticity. She also opens up about perseverance, offering her most personal piece of career advice: why sometimes the most important step is simply to keep going. 

For more cyber-related career insights, connect with us on LinkedIn and visit www.roottociso.com!