The CISO X-Factor: What Today’s Boards Look for in a Cybersecurity Leader

1. Exhibits a Business-First Mindset

Effective cybersecurity leadership requires a business-first mindset. As well as implementing policies and controls that reduce risk, it’s a CISOs job to ensure that cybersecurity practices are proportionate to the business need. To do this effectively, CISOs must be meticulous in how they allocate resources and ensure that their teams are able to protect the enterprise against breaches while simultaneously helping the business gain a competitive edge. We find that a good indicator of a CISO’s effectiveness and enterprise value is their level of involvement in commercial decisions.  For example: one manufacturer's CISO created enough capacity in the program to proactively engage with product teams and help embed cybersecurity into connected devices. This not only reduced long-term risk but also became a major competitive differentiator and selling point in contracts.

2. Engages All Levels of the Organization

Today’s CISO needs to engage and educate at all levels of the organization. We find that best CISOs ask great questions to constantly calibrate gaps between perceived and real risks and identify whether controls remain adequate or have become unnecessary. They understand business processes and customer pain points, allowing them to see risks and opportunities through the eyes of others.

When working with the board, effective CISOs translate cyber controls into simple language, always in the context of business strategy. Signs of a strong CISO include willingness to get out of headquarters and spend time at all levels and layers of the organization: building relationships, understanding operations firsthand, and identifying new risks, opportunities, and barriers to implementation. This hands-on approach creates trust and ensures security practices align with business realities.

3. Personifies Calmness Under Pressure

Cyber incidents unfold fast. They can happen day or night, in any part of the business, with little or no warning. In the early stages of an incident, leaders are usually processing large amounts of incomplete information and simultaneously managing anxious stakeholders. It is therefore imperative that the CISO not only remains calm under pressure but is also able to reassure and create a sense of confidence in others.

We do not believe it a coincidence that many of the best CISOs have been exposed to high-pressure environments throughout their careers. Some may have served in military positions where disciplined decision-making under duress is essential. Others might have competed at high levels in demanding, often dangerous team sports where split-second choices affect the entire team. It's not unusual for a CISO to "unwind" by pursuing a hobby that others may consider high-stakes or stressful. CISOs are used to a life on the edge and know how to engage effectively when pressure mounts. They slow down when there's a temptation to speed up, think systematically, and give clear instructions that steer an organization down the right path and instill confidence in others.

4. Builds Resilient Teams

Good CISOs are resilient. Great CISOs build resilient teams. CISOs who build resilience take a hands-on approach to people management, providing timely, clear, and unfiltered feedback that is actionable, not personal, and serves to build trust, not to assign blame. The strongest CISOs create stretch opportunities that push individuals out of their comfort zones, especially early in careers, teaching them to operate under pressure, trust their training, and build credibility with business leaders.

We have noted another aspect of teams that work under the best CISOs.  Due to built up resilience they are less prone to turnover and burnout, two factors that are unfortunately far too common in cybersecurity today.  Teams working for a great CISO recover quickly from setbacks, often demonstrating "I've got your back" behaviors, which reduces individual stress and creates a stronger sense of purpose.

5. Has Eyes on the Road Ahead

Technology evolves at breakneck speed, with AI exemplifying how quickly cyber threats transform. The best CISOs don't just solve yesterday's problems; they anticipate tomorrow's risks and opportunities.

We have observed that the strongest leaders have a clear point of view on the current and future cybersecurity landscape. They regularly engage beyond their own organizations through industry forums, advisory boards, or as part of an extensive network of thought leaders. By being an active part of a wider community, they are able to bring collective points of view into the boardroom, educate and mobilize with greater levels of authority, and develop new capabilities in anticipation, rather than in response to emerging cyber threats.

Our Key Takeaway

As cyber threats continue to evolve and digital trust becomes intertwined with business success, selecting the right cybersecurity leader is a critical board priority. In a fast-moving and disruptive technology environment, CISOs who exhibit these X-factor capabilities are best positioned to deliver long-term sustainable results for their organizations.   

To find out more about Boyden’s Technology Practice and how we support clients place CISOs and other technology leaders, please contact us.