In this episode of the Professional CISO Podcast, host David Malicoat interviews Ricardo Suarez, a seasoned technology leader who has served in local government for over 21 years. Ricardo shares his journey from being a sysadmin and teacher to becoming the CIO of Hialeah. The conversation delves into the early influences on Ricardo's interest in technology, the importance of professionalizing the role of the CISO, and the evolving challenges of cybersecurity. They also discuss the significance of conferences for networking and innovation, as well as the complexities of leadership and relationship-building in the public sector.
00:00 Introduction to the Professional CISO Podcast
00:09 Meet Our Guest: Ricardo Suarez
01:32 Personal Background and Early Career
02:28 Transition to Cybersecurity
04:01 The Role of a CISO
06:28 Challenges and Insights in Leadership
07:33 The Value of Conferences
09:49 Innovation in Cybersecurity
11:26 Leadership Style and Development
14:03 Rapid-Fire Questions
16:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts