Don’t Chase Titles — Build These 3 Things Instead (CISO Advice) with Nathan Wright

The Professional CISO

🎙️ The Professional CISO Show – Episode 61

Guest: Nathan Wright, CISO at Textron

Host: David Malicoat

Sponsor: Armis
Check out the Armis 2025 Cyberwarfare Report: www.armis.com/cyberwarfare
Visit Armis at RSAC, North Hall, Booth N-5457: www. armis.com/rsac2025

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Professional CISO Show, host David Malicoat sits down with Nathan Wright, CISO at Textron, to explore one of the most unconventional — and inspiring — journeys to cybersecurity leadership. From Russian linguist at the FBI to overseeing IT security across a global enterprise, Nathan shares why being open to pivots across functions (including supply chain, engineering, and product security) can supercharge a CISO’s ability to lead.

Nathan unpacks the value of translating technical risk into business strategy, why “protecting the revenue” should be at the heart of every cybersecurity program, and how to bridge the ever-present tension between infrastructure and security.

🧠 Key Highlights:

• From linguistics to leadership: Nathan’s unexpected route to CISO.
• The role of curiosity and discomfort in professional growth.
• What it really means to professionalize cybersecurity.
• Why “protect the revenue” should be every CISO’s north star.
• Advice for early- and mid-career professionals hesitant to pivot.
• Risk, regulation, and when frameworks help vs. hinder.
• How translating “cyberese” into business terms creates influence.

🛠️ Call to Action:

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