Take a Preemptive Strike on Your Career

The New CISO

In this insightful episode of The New CISO, host Steve Moore reconnects with Azzam Zahir to explore his career evolution, from cybersecurity leadership to his recent role as a vertical CIO at General Motors. Azzam shares candid reflections on his conscious decision to leave his 12-year tenure, embracing change, and navigating personal growth in leadership roles.

Dive into Azzam’s inspiring journey as he discusses:

• Overcoming Career Burnout: How to recognize signs of exhaustion and take proactive steps toward rejuvenation.
• Navigating Career Pivots: The importance of calculated risks and stepping beyond the traditional boundaries of cybersecurity.
• Building Trust Through Relationships: Insights on fostering trust and credibility within organizations to facilitate career growth.
• Maintaining Mental Health: Practical tips on incorporating wellness into demanding careers, from mental health check-ins to daily habits for balance.
• The Gartner Hype Cycle of Careers: Azzam's unique perspective on managing career highs and lows and knowing when to make a change.

This episode is a must-listen for IT and security professionals considering career transitions, aspiring leaders seeking inspiration, or anyone looking to balance professional growth with personal well-being. Tune in to gain actionable advice and deep reflections from a leader who’s successfully embraced transformation.

0:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

1:43 Announcing a Career Change

5:54 Transitioning from Cybersecurity to CIO

13:03 The Emotional Impact of Cybersecurity Careers

22:36 Prioritizing Health and Wellness

30:10 The Power of Non-Traditional Thinking

35:34 The Gartner Hype Cycle of Careers

41:55 Advice for Career Transitions

Links: LinkedIn