Lunch and Learn with Joe Sullivan | Dallas 2024

At the CISO XC Lunch & Learn event in Dallas, I had the chance to connect with a room full of CISOs and security leaders, sharing insights from my journey across companies like eBay, PayPal, Facebook, Uber, and Cloudflare. We explored the real challenges and rewards of a career in cybersecurity — how the field has evolved over the years and how these experiences have shaped my own life, both professionally and personally.

I spoke about what it’s like to build and lead security teams from scratch in environments that are always changing and the balancing act required to protect companies in an increasingly complex threat landscape. We also discussed the impact of these demanding roles on family life and the importance of finding ways to stay resilient in a field that never seems to slow down.

The presentation led into a lively Q&A session, moderated by David Malicoat and Shawn Tuma, where we took a deeper dive into the issues CISOs are facing today. It was an open, honest exchange, and it was refreshing to see leaders so committed to making a positive impact in their organizations.

The event wrapped up with some great conversations and new connections, and it was a reminder of the strength and insight this community brings to the table every day.