Episode #48 The value of a great boss with Vijay Krishnan
“Look internally for security candidates. I’m sure there are people in your organisation who have a passion for infosec and want to make a break into the area”
— Vijay Krishnan
Vijay leads UniSuper's Security Program and Strategy including Security Operations, Security Governance, Risk & Compliance, Security Architecture & Design and Identity & Access Management. In his role, he leads a multi-year security roadmap to reduce UniSuper security risk thus protecting UniSuper members.
Vijay has extensive experience in negotiating clear and concise security and technology outcomes in regulatory, policy and outsourcing agreements delivering value creation opportunities. He has large, diverse national and international organisational experience with extensive executive and Board level exposure. Previously he was leading the Information security practise at Transurban, accountable for IT and OT security including accountability for PCIDSS compliance.
Join me as I chat with Vijay as he shares his learnings on why having a great boss, who provides you with the right opportunities, can improve your career progression. We discuss why you should strive to join a company with aligning values, and how to hire differently during a pandemic.
Links:
Time Stamps
01:12 Transitioning from network security leadership to the Head of Information Security
02:23 Acquiring soft skills
03:42 Advice for transitioning from a technical role to a CISO or Head of Security
04:48 “you have to combine your technical skills, with soft skills, with business acumen and strong stakeholder relationship skills.”
05:11 When your boss provides you with the right opportunities
06:27 “you need to show that interest and the passion for it, and then the opportunities will come”
08:12 What to consider when joining a new organisation, in regards to strategy, team and op model
10:22 “finding a candidate who is a cultural fit for the organisation is far more important and valuable than the most impressive qualifications”
11:59 How recruitment differed during the pandemic
16:16 “look internally within the organisation, I'm sure there will be people within your organisation that have (a) passion for security”
17:17 How to help people make that internal transition to security
19:48 What would you say to your 20 year old self about building teams and leading teams?
20:16 “tune in to your gut and trust it”
20:24 “if you have a passion for something…go in with your full heart”
20:39 “your strong network becomes your extended support for future jobs”
21:28 “the no word is also very important skill that we need to learn in this role”
21:34 “just treat everyone with respect, it pays”