In this episode of The New CISO, Steve is joined by guest Mike Melo, CISO and VP of IT Shared Services with LifeLabs.

After switching his studies from human viruses to computer viruses, Mike dedicated his career to technology and the people who use it. Today, he shares his methodologies for post-breach cyber-security transformations and leading remote teams. Listen to the episode to learn more about Mike’s career journey, the importance of the customer mindset, and the three tenets of his Zelda-inspired CISO Triforce.

Listen to Steve and Mike discuss how to build human connections in a remote environment:

Meet Mike (1:40)

Mike has worked at LifeLabs for over five years and balances two positions.

Although Mike faces many challenges, he has created synergy between the two teams.

Getting His Start (4:02)

When Mike was a teenager, he originally wanted to be a musician. Instead, he went into computer studies and studied human viruses. At the end of the day, he realized he didn’t want to be in a lab and instead wanted to explore his love for cybersecurity.

The Customer Mindset (7:02)

Mike recommends new security professionals go and see how businesses work. Learning the customer mindset early in your career will have great benefits later because you will understand what users need.

Ultimately, security professionals must better interact with their customers and understand how humans behave daily. You must find ways to show up to the business and show you are here, especially in remote work environments. 

Socializing And Remote Work (16:42)

Mike feels we’ve lost social currency with remote work because people are social beings. 

However, there are pros and cons to being in remote environments. As a leader, Mike developed a team charter to ensure better communication and created opportunities for positive socialization.

Going Back In Time (27:28)

Steve presses Mike on his time in university when he also worked as a security analyst. A double major as well, Mike had to balance a lot while he learned.

However, Mike wouldn’t change anything because it allowed him to push his capabilities in the classroom and set him apart from his peers.

Modern Learning (31:08)

As a mentor, Mike recommends new professionals talk to many people. When you put yourself out there, you’ll find that people are receptive to teaching you about their experiences.

Being Successful During a Breach (35:02)

Steve asks Mike about his presentation on “Being Successful During a Breach.” From that presentation, Mike discusses his CISO Triforce, which he based on Zelda.

You must have a wish list, an effective execution strategy, and assurance with your stakeholders. When you have those three pieces, you will be prepared to get through a breach.

The Coaching Experience (44:46)

Mike has found that mentoring has always come easy to him. He has always been passionate about it since he tutored other students in his youth and has found helping others incredibly fulfilling.

The New CISO (49:43)

To Mike, being a CISO means being agile and having a customer mindset. It’s essential to improve yourself constantly as a security professional and leader.

Quote: “Just because you get a bucket of money doesn't mean that solves your problems. And one of the biggest challenges of the post-breach world is the actual transformation. You got this, okay, you get this money, you have this wishlist. Cool, now you have to find, hire onboard, ramp up, transition, ramp down, and then sustain, right? Those are such complicated stages in the whole process, and you have to start giving some of that thought.”

Links mentioned:

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