Resilience On The Trails And In Cybersecurity: A Journey with Jason Elrod

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In this episode of the Candid CISO, Co-Host John Donovan sits down with Jason Elrod, CISO of MultiCare Health Systems, who shares how getting lost on a trail run and running barefoot for 19 miles became a metaphor for leadership in cybersecurity. Jason dives into the tough realities of protecting critical infrastructure, balancing security and compliance, and tackling imposter syndrome head-on. He also reveals why being fiercely dangerous (ethically, of course) is essential for a successful cybersecurity career. From personal lessons on resilience to high-candor takes on navigating boardrooms, Jason keeps it real—and a bit ironic—by showing how getting off track can sometimes lead to the best insights. Follow along for an unexpected and entertaining ride!

 

Key topics include 

• How getting lost on a trail run turned into a lesson on leadership and staying present.
• Why facing your fears and doing what scares you leads to growth—both on trails and in cybersecurity
• The power of fierce, mission-driven cybersecurity professionals and why being 'ethically dangerous' matters
• How imposter syndrome is universal—and why accepting it can make you a more confident leader
• Balancing security and compliance: How to prioritize safety without getting lost in the checkbox mentality
• Jason's candid take on communicating cybersecurity risks to executives and boards in a way they’ll understand
• How ultra-running teaches resilience, focus, and mindfulness—and how that applies to a high-stress CISO role
• The importance of finding a restorative practice to reset and thrive in high-pressure leadership positions
• Why being both the smartest and 'dumbest' in the room drives better teamwork and collaboration
• How showing vulnerability and high candor can help you lead more authentically and inspire your team

 

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