The Heller Report: Nick Kathmann on How CISOs Should Talk to the Board About Risk

The most effective CISOs frame cybersecurity in terms that boards already understand: risk, business strategy, and measurable outcomes, says Nick Kathmann in our latest Cyber Means Business interview. Kathmann, former chief information security officer at governance, risk and compliance provider LogicGate, says boards are responsible for defining risk appetite, and CISOs should frame security discussions around how current risk levels compare to that appetite.

Even in the best development cultures, leaders who excel often get promoted and left to navigate the next level largely on their own, writes Jessica Kral, a former Fortune 100 CIO who is a certified executive coach. “The unstated assumption is that success means you've figured it out and don't need additional investment. For high-performing leaders, however, coaching isn't remediation. It's the highest-value development available,” Kral writes.

With AI investment and expectations growing rapidly, CIOs are under pressure to transform technology into a competitive engine that delivers clear business outcomes. At the May 12 TBM's Board Invitational in Phoenix, Heller CEO Martha Heller is scheduled to present how today’s best CIOs are approaching their job – and the leadership qualities that set great IT leaders apart.

Heller was recently retained by Horizon Services to recruit a Chief Information Officer. Horizon is a consumer services company based in the Northeast, specializing in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical solutions for both commercial and residential properties. For this role, we placed John Souther who most recently served as Chief Information Officer, HVAC Americas for Carrier Corporation. Souther holds B.A. and MBA degrees from Harvard. Congratulations, John!