Are you a Leader who aspires for a Global CTO,CIO,CISO, CPO, CDO,COO or any other CXO/CSuite position ?

If you are just exploring options join our webinar Global CXO launchpad to get started on your journey.

If you are serious about your career and are prepared to invest in your journey book a personalised call for the Global CXO Program

If you are already a CXO and wish to explore a career transition, improve your Executive Presence, Executive Communication or for any other need kindly book a Discovery Call

3 Steps to Transforming an IT security  manager  into a Global CISO

Meet Sanjay Sharma, a mid-career IT Security Leader with 15 years of experience, who was ambitious to transition into a Global CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) role. Despite his technical expertise, Sanjay struggled with the soft skills, strategic thinking, and global exposure required to make this leap. Here’s how my Global CXO Coaching Program helped him break through those barriers and accelerate his path to success.

When Sanjay first joined my Global CXO  program, he was deeply entrenched in the technical aspects of cybersecurity, with little exposure to the broader leadership and business dimensions needed at the C-level. His challenge was clear: while he had mastered technical execution, he lacked the strategic perspective, influence, and executive presence necessary to transition into a CISO role.

Key Insights:

• Technical Mastery ≠ Leadership: Sanjay was focused on operational execution rather than long-term strategic thinking.
• He lacked visibility with key stakeholders, making it difficult to demonstrate his value outside of the IT department.
• Mindset Shift: He needed to move from a “security specialist” mindset to a global business leader who could align cybersecurity strategies with business goals.

The Program Focus: In the first phase, we concentrated on executive presence, communication, and influence. Sanjay learned to position himself as a leader who can articulate security strategies in the context of business objectives, making the transition from a hands-on technologist to a trusted advisor for business leaders.

Step 2: Expanding Influence & Building Global Perspective

With foundational skills in place, Sanjay's next challenge was to expand his influence beyond his local team and develop a global perspective. His goal was to be seen not just as an IT leader in India but as someone who could lead security initiatives globally.

Key Insights:

• Sanjay needed to establish cross-functional relationships across the organisation, influencing decision-makers at various levels.
• Global Exposure was essential. He needed to understand security regulations, compliance, and risk management across multiple regions.
• Networking was a blind spot. He hadn’t yet built a strong, global network of peers, mentors, or stakeholders who could support his growth.

The Program Focus: In the second phase, we worked on:

• Cross-functional Influence: Helping Sanjay to engage with non-technical teams such as finance, HR, and operations to align security initiatives with overall business strategy.
• Global Exposure: Sanjay started attending international conferences and roundtables to understand the global security landscape, gaining insights into the complexities of managing cybersecurity on a global scale.
• Strategic Networking: We emphasised building relationships with global security leaders, board members, and external stakeholders to broaden his professional network. 

Step 3: Executive Mindset & Career Growth – Positioning as a Global CISO

By the final stage of the program, Sanjay was ready to position himself for a CISO role. He had significantly enhanced his executive presence and influence within the organisation, and now it was time to shift his focus to career growth strategies.

Key Insights:

• Sanjay needed to learn how to navigate corporate politics and position himself as a candidate for global roles.
• He had to prepare for C-suite interviews, mastering the art of discussing security at the strategic level rather than the technical level.
• He needed to demonstrate leadership in crisis management, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure security breaches or incidents at the executive level.

The Program Focus: In the final phase, we concentrated on:

• C-suite Interview Prep: Coaching Sanjay to speak the language of the boardroom, focusing on how cybersecurity drives business value and risk management.
• Crisis Leadership: We simulated high-stakes security incidents where Sanjay would act as the global point person, preparing him to handle crisis situations that demand swift and decisive leadership.
• Career Positioning: Together, we created a career growth plan for Sanjay, positioning him for the Global CISO role by demonstrating his ability to lead cybersecurity strategy across diverse geographies.

Results: Sanjay’s Transformation

Within 12 months in the Global CXO Coaching Program, Sanjay achieved the following:

• Promotion to a Regional CISO role with a global asset management company, managing security for APAC and EMEA regions.
• Increased Influence: He became a trusted advisor to the board and senior leadership, speaking confidently about how cybersecurity aligns with business strategy.
• Global Recognition: Sanjay was invited to speak at international cybersecurity conferences, establishing himself as a thought leader in his field.

Today, Sanjay is on the fast track to achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a Global CISO, with the confidence, skills, and strategic vision to lead at the highest levels.

Sanjay’s story is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a global perspective. If you’re an IT security leader aspiring to reach the C-suite, the Global CXO Coaching Program can help you unlock your full potential and guide you on your journey to becoming a Global CISO.

Are you ready to take the next step ?

If you are just exploring options join our webinar Global CXO launchpad to get started on your journey.

If you are serious about your career and are prepared to invest in your journey book a personalised call for the Global CXO Program

If you are already a CXO and wish to explore a career transition, improve your Executive Presence, Executive Communication or for any other need kindly book a Discovery Call

Mudit Saxena

Global CXO Leadership Coach 🌍

Mudit@cxohive.com

• Tedx Talk
• Outstanding  leadership Award
• Interview as a Global Leadership Coach
• Education Conference Awards

You may enjoy some of our earlier issues of the newsletter.

1. "Unspoken rules" to reach a Global CXO/CSuite role
2. How to "Manage Upwards" to get a CXO/CSuite role.
3. Learn the qualities of successful CEO's on your global CXO journey
4. How to engage stakeholders to get the CXO/CSuite
5. Are u skilled at "career welfare" to get the CXO/CSuite