Career Limiting mistakes CISOs need to avoid--Focusing on Being “Good” Rather Than Getting Better.

The Comfort Zone Trap

We’ve all been there. You’ve built a skill set over the years, earned your stripes, and now you’re the go-to expert in certain areas. It feels good, right? We like being the person with all the answers that people turn to in a crisis.

?But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the moment you stop pushing yourself to learn more, to get better, you’ve already started falling behind.

I’ve seen it happen.

?Colleagues who once led the charge in cutting-edge cybersecurity practices become stagnant because they’re focused on being “good” at what they already know. They stop taking risks, avoid stepping out of their comfort zone, and, before they know it, they’re outpaced by those hungry to learn and evolve. And let’s be honest — the cyber landscape is unforgiving. There’s no room for complacency.

Staying Good Is Risky

Here’s something I constantly remind myself of the bad actors we’re up against aren’t getting comfortable. They’re evolving every day, finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and new tools to break through defenses. If we’re standing still—even if we’re “good” at what we do—we’re going to get caught off guard.

?I’ve learned, especially in the last decade, that cybersecurity is less about what you know and more about how adaptable you are. Sure, your years of experience are invaluable. But if we aren’t making an effort to improve or take on new challenges, we risk becoming obsolete.

Be a Lifelong Learner

It’s easy to say, “Stay sharp,” but what does that mean in practice? For me, it’s about a commitment to lifelong learning. It’s about being open to challenges, even when they make me uncomfortable. Honestly, especially when they make me uncomfortable.

?I regularly attend conferences, earn new certifications, and experiment with unfamiliar tools. I don’t do this just because it’s expected; I want to keep pushing my boundaries. I can’t afford to be comfortable with my current expertise. None of us can.

Embrace Uncertainty and Failure

One of the biggest hurdles we face as security leaders is the fear of failure. We’re in a profession where mistakes can be costly, but avoiding new challenges just to avoid mistakes is even riskier. I’ve learned that growth often comes from leaning into uncertainty and being willing to fail. Through failure, we refine our skills, discover gaps, and come back stronger.

?If you’re unwilling to embrace uncertainty, you will stay exactly where you are. And in this field, staying put isn’t safe.

Focus on Learning Over Proving

I’ll admit it — there was a time when I was more focused on proving how smart and capable I was than improving. It’s easy to fall into that trap, especially when you’ve been in leadership for a while. However, shifting to a mindset where the goal is constant improvement rather than proving yourself has been game-changing.

?In a growth mindset, failure is not something to avoid but something to learn from. It’s easy for us to feel like we have to have all the answers, especially as leaders in our field. But I’ve found that admitting what you don’t know and committing to learning is far more powerful than trying to prove what you already do.

?Lead by Example

As a CISO, it’s not just about my own growth. It’s also about leading by example. If my team sees me investing in new skills, asking questions, and exploring unfamiliar technologies, it sets the tone for them to do the same. They’re more likely to take on challenges if they see me doing it, too.

?It’s important to create a culture that encourages continuous improvement. We should challenge ourselves and each other to stay curious, ask the tough questions, and never settle for “good enough.” The best teams I’ve worked with are the ones that aren’t afraid to push each other—and themselves—to get better.

??The Bottom Line--So, what’s the takeaway?

If we’re not constantly learning, we’re falling behind. Cybersecurity is dynamic, complex, and ever-changing. The professionals who thrive in this industry aren’t simply “good” at what they do. They’re the ones who are committed to getting better, day in and day out.

?Don’t settle for being good. Push yourself to learn, grow, and evolve. Take on the uncomfortable difficulties. Because the truth is, in cybersecurity, getting better is the only way to stay ahead.

?Three Things You Can Do Right Now

Attend a conference or webinar you usually wouldn’t– Pick something slightly outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s on an unfamiliar topic or a new tool or strategy. Expanding your horizons helps keep you sharp.

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Invest in a certification you’ve been putting off– Whether it’s cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, or ethical hacking, picking up a new accreditation not only boosts your resume but forces you to engage with emerging trends.

?Experiment with new tools – Pick a tool you’re not comfortable with yet, and start learning it. Whether it’s a new SIEM platform or a vulnerability scanning tool, getting hands-on with new technology is essential for staying relevant.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep getting better. It’s the only way we’ll survive — and thrive — in this field.

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