People simply trust other people
This excellent November piece from McKinsey on cyber security deserves a comment (“A Framework for Improving Cybersecurity discussions within Organizations” – Jason Choi / Harrison Lung / James Kaplan).
Cutting corners is nothing new, yet many companies continue to try and save money at any cost, without really considering the risk.
At the end of a keynote speech I gave at the excellent CIOWaterCooler LIVE! Event in London on 28th September 2017 on security organisation, governance and creating the dynamics for change around cyber security, I was asked a challenging question on which I would like to elaborate:
It’s a well-worn phrase from Heraclitus:
“Everything changes and nothing stands still”
or otherwise translated: the only constant is change.
If that’s the case, change should be no surprise to anyone. It’s an everyday, ordinary thing – one could go so far as to say it’s the nature of life - so why do so many teams (and entire organisations) struggle to implement change smoothly?
Digital transformation starts with a change in mindset. How much time and resource should an organisation commit to making that mind shift?
It’s said that “strategy is where we create our competitive advantage”. How much money, how much time and how many people are dedicated to finding a new competitive advantage?
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” according to Peter Drucker. How much of your business resource is invested in changing that culture?
I have been involved with information security matters for almost 20 years and started writing regularly on the topic in 2015.
I have had a few requests from people asking to contribute to this blog. This is the first time that I have accepted though. I think JB (who wishes to remain anonymous) has a strong understanding of what is required to be a great leader and I am happy to have her contribute. Enjoy.
Social, political, technological and economic conditions may never in recent history have been as influx as they are today.
Neutered leaders lacking popular support to effect change (May, Merkel) and a few who seem intent on rocking the boat (Trump, Putin, Kim Jong-un) are themselves struggling to navigate the choppy waters they have helped create. Trumps’ shameless promotion of America, his apparent disregard for Asia and his radically different approach to politics has many nervous and the uncertainty is unnerving markets.