In this episode of The New CISO (Episode 137), host Steve Moore speaks with Gideon Knocke, CISO at Visage Imaging, about rethinking how we grow in our careers and why learning to “think outside the job” is key to long-term success.

From studying cybersecurity when the field was still new to leading security for millions of patient records in healthcare, Gideon shares how his early curiosity and “career accidents” helped shape his mindset as a modern CISO. He reflects on shifting from technical problem-solving to people-centric leadership, learning how visibility and credibility shape opportunity, and why networking—inside and outside your company—is essential for resilience and growth. Gideon also explains why risk quantification isn’t just about numbers, but about decision-making, communication, and understanding what your organization truly values.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early lessons from studying cybersecurity before it went mainstream
• Why some of the best careers evolve through “happy accidents” and curiosity
• How to build visibility and relevance beyond doing good work
• The difference between being seen as an asset versus a person
• How networking and outreach can transform your mindset and open new doors
• Turning fear of public speaking into confidence through preparation and iteration
• The leadership balance between taking accountability and fostering team candor
• Why large-organization politics can hinder honest communication
• The art of quantifying risk for better decision-making, not just reporting
• Why the new CISO must start with company beliefs and build security on shared values

Gideon’s journey reveals that career success often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone—whether that’s reaching out to 100 strangers on LinkedIn, giving your first talk, or reframing how you communicate risk. His insights remind leaders that growth begins when you stop thinking only about your job and start thinking about your impact.