Mastering C-Suite Transformation: A Journey through High-Level Leadership with Steve Swick

We are honored to sit with Steve Swick on Quick Tips From the C-Suite Podcast , a trailblazer in the realm of cybersecurity and high-level leadership. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from one of the nation's foremost cybersecurity professionals, and we will unravel the strategies and insights that have propelled Steve to the forefront of cybersecurity leadership. Learn how he navigated the evolving landscape of information security, from being the CSO of AEP for 26 years, testifying before Congress, to now being an independent consultant.

Listen to Quick Tips From the C-Suite Podcast with Steve Swick

Episode Outline And Highlights

[00:50] The journey of high level cybersecurity leadership: Steve's career journey and experience in information security and cybersecurity leadership.

[01:56] Testifying before Congress: Steve's experience and preparation for testifying before Congress and the types of questions directed at industry practitioners.

[05:39] Evolution of cybersecurity practices and threats: Steve's perspective on the evolution of cybersecurity practices and threats from the 1980s to 2024.

[07:33] Early best practices in cybersecurity: The establishment of a 24/7 internal staffed cyber operations center and merging with physical security at American Electric Power (AEP).

[08:49] Challenges faced by energy companies in cybersecurity: The cybersecurity challenges faced by energy companies include protecting against cyber threats to the electric grid.

[12:30] Role of mentorship in advancing cybersecurity profession: Steve's perspective on mentorship and advancing the cybersecurity profession, including the importance of passion and ambition.

[14:21] Diversity, equity, and inclusion in cybersecurity: The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in cybersecurity and the efforts made by companies like AEP in education and hiring practices.

[17:18] The future of cybersecurity and the role of AI: The potential impact of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity and the evolving nature of cyber threats.

[18:02] Transition from military cybersecurity roles to leading enterprise security: Steve's experience transitioning from military cybersecurity roles to leading enterprise physical and cyber security at American Electric Power.

[19:04] Success factors for a CSO at American Electric Power: Constraints and variable items affecting the success of a CSO at AEP, including relationship transparency, trust, and continuous evolution in capabilities and measurements.

[24:40] Succession Planning and Leadership Development: The importance of succession planning, creating multiple successors, and mentoring programs in developing future cybersecurity leaders.

[25:17] Fostering Relationships and Transparency: Effective strategies for CSOs to maintain a balance between fostering relationships, transparency, and trust with business and executive teams while addressing evolving threats and risks in cybersecurity.

[27:10] Team Well-being and Development: Steve emphasizes the importance of positive culture, servant leadership, and taking care of the cybersecurity team for ensuring success.

[31:34] Strategies for Organizational Culture: The strategies employed by top-performing CSOs to prioritize organizational culture while navigating the evolution and maturity of security threats.

[32:50] Work-Life Balance and Legacy: Steve reflects on maintaining work-life balance and the importance of family while leading a large organization.

[35:49] Conscious Leadership and Team Collaboration: Steve ends with invaluable advice for emerging cyber leaders on incorporating conscious leadership and the significance of team collaboration.

"The people are the most important part of any security program. No matter how busy I was, I did my best to have an open door to every level of the organization." -Steve Swick [27:10]

Read more or tune in to the full podcast on Quick Tips From the C-Suite Website or on your preferred podcast platform. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.)

More about Steve Swick

Steve Swick, an independent consultant with a remarkable 26-year tenure at American Electric Power (AEP), the largest energy company in the US, joins us to share his insights into C-suite transformation. As the former Chief Security Officer at AEP, Steve held the reins of Enterprise Aviation, Physical, and Cyber Security, navigating the company through the complex landscape of security risks and preparedness.

With over 30 years of experience in Information Security, Steve's journey began monitoring phone calls and fax transmissions for the U.S. Air Force Intelligence in the 1980s. His pivotal role as one of the original members of the U.S. Air Force Computer Emergency Response Team in the mid-90s set the stage for his illustrious career in cybersecurity. Steve's expertise and dedication propelled him into the forefront of national security discussions, where he testified before Congress, addressed Senate Committees, and shared his insights with esteemed media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Associated Press.

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