Norman Kromberg - Vice President Information Security at SouthernCarlson, a Kyocera Company

Today’s CyAlliance Birds of a Feather Spotlight interview is with Norman Kromberg. Norman is a security, technology audit, controls, governance, risk management, quality and compliance subject matter expert. With over 25 years of professional experience.  He has helped companies of any size implement effective and efficient technology control management processes. Norman is also a senior level IT Executive with extensive experience in creating and delivering technology management solutions to include data controls, transaction processing, quality, operations, network support, regulatory compliance and project management. Effective team builder and leader with a proven track record in establishing a strategic vision and gaining buy-in from all levels of the organization. He is skilled in developing customer-driven teams that contribute to successful organizational performance.

Thanks Norm for your time today - let's get this quick fire Q&A started!

Q:     Whether you are working virtually or at the office, what time do you go to work each day?

A:     I am an early riser - I normally get to my desk around 6 am.  

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Q:    How do you personalize your office?

A:   It seems that, overtime, I have become more of a minimalist.  So, there is not much personalized items in my office.

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Q:     Would you describe yourself as creative?

A:     No.

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Q:     Do you have any quirky daily rituals? 

A:     Yes.  I have a set “daily ritual” I follow in the mornings.  The ritual includes working out, meditation, reading, journaling, planning the day, review of tasks/to-dos, wishing happy birthday on LinkedIn / Facebook and skimming the news.

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Q:     What keeps you up at night? 

A:     Right now, mostly the dogs when they must go out or want back in bed.

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Q:    What is the characteristic you most look for and admire in those that work with you? Most dislike? 

A:     I look for admire people who embrace collaboration and contrarian thinking.  My dislike would be people who are not open to alternative views and do not seek views of others.  Stated another way, they tend to be people who are closed and “know it alls.”

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Q:     Do you use social media much – personally? for work?  

A:     Yes, I do.  LinkedIn for work.  Facebook for personal.

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Q:     What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

A:     Professionally, the building of business aligned security programs.  Personally, being a volunteer leader in Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business organization which prompts the affiliation of the college students with professionals.  

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Q:     What is your greatest extravagance? 

A:     My extravagance is Wine.  My wine cellar has over 1700 bottles and many of my close friends are “Cork Dorks” like me.

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Q:     What is the most overrated security technology? Most underrated? 

A:     The most overrated is SIEM.  The most underrate - Security Awareness.

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Q:     What is the soundtrack for your career? 

A:     I have decided to not select a single soundtrack, frankly, it would vary by day and genera.

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Q:     What book are you currently reading? 

A:     How Hard Are You Knocking by Tim Augustine.

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Q:     Are there any things, through your career, you’ve been especially glad to no longer do? 

A:     Timesheets.

Tammy: Me too...

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Q:     How do you like to relax after work? 

A:     There are several ways I relax - I enjoy Wine, Food, Broadway Shows, Movies, Play with the Dogs, Travel, Working out, Hang with neighbors and friends, Volunteer.  Also – leverage the couch.

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Q:     How do you create Work/Life Balance? 

A:     I journal on most days.  As part of the journal, I remind myself about balancing my life.  Also, I believe the balance is defined for each person, thus I can judge it for myself.  

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Q:     Which words or phrases do you use too often? 

A:     Interesting.  Hmmmm.  Ok.  

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Q:     If you could try out any job for a day, what would you choose? 

A:     President of the United States

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Q:     What would you say to your 18-year old self? 

A:     Get ready for one heck of a ride.  There will be ups, there will be downs.  It will not go as you predict, but if you are a good person in the end, it is all worth it.

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Q:     What is your Superpower? 

A:     Conceptual thinking.

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Q:     If you could share one tip with the world, what would it be? 

A:     Treat people with respect and dignity.  

Thank you so much Norm for your time and candor! As always - it is great to learn more about those we work with! Your career and dedication to the security community has been absolutely awesome and I want to thank you personally for all you do.

If you want to know more about Norm - here is his Linkedin page!

Iff you want to be part of the CyAlliance Birds of a Feather Series - now with some new quickfire questions - just let me know! You don't have to be a CISO to be apart of this series! :)

Cheers!

#DoWhatYouLove #LoveWhatYouDo

Tammy Moskites, CEO/Founder CyAlliance

#BringingCyAlliancesTogether