Kush SharmaEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin ___________________________ Episode Notes In the third and final installment of the series titled "Building a CISO Office: Mastering Enterprise Risk Management and Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Goals," Sean Martin continues his compelling conversation with Kush Sharma. This episode focuses on the critical aspects of team dynamics, project management, and stakeholder engagement in the realm of cybersecurity. Kush Sharma elaborates on the importance of establishing a well-structured and communicated vision for security operations within an organization. He emphasizes the necessity of setting expectations with security teams before any major project initiation. According to Sharma, transparency is vital. Security leaders must candidly discuss with their teams that not every decision will tip in their favor, but their role is to advocate for security while being adaptable to business needs. He stresses the importance of documenting and following up on risk mitigation measures even if they aren't implemented immediately. Sharma also sheds light on the concept of integrating business and security functions more seamlessly. He proposes not just embedding security into business but also bringing business personnel into the security fold. By having business unit members work within security teams temporarily, organizations can build a robust line of communication and mutual understanding. This cross-functional approach creates internal champions for security measures and helps significantly cut costs as internal personnel generally have lower operational costs compared to external consultants. A significant portion of the episode revolves around the nuanced engagement with different stakeholders, particularly at the executive level. Sharma advises CISOs to view themselves as peers to other C-suite executives, prepared to defend their positions and decisions vigorously. It's crucial for CISOs to maintain this executive-level mindset and openly communicate the broader business implications of security decisions. Sharma highlights that making a business case for security and showing tangible returns on investment can secure better funding and support from the executive team, leading to more substantial investments in long-term security measures. Sean Martin wraps up the episode by touching on the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity. By translating technical achievements and risk mitigation efforts into relatable stories, CISOs can effectively communicate the value of their work across the organization. These narratives help ensure security remains a priority in business strategies and operations, fostering an environment where security considerations are integral to planning and executing new initiatives. In conclusion, the episode provides essential insights for current and aspiring CISOs on navigating the complexities of internal communications, leadership, and strategic planning in cybersecurity. Both Kush Sharma and Sean Martin offer practical advice and strategies that can help elevate the role of security within any organization, thereby protecting its infrastructure and supporting its growth objectives. _____

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin ___________________________ Episode Notes In the third and final installment of the series titled "Building a CISO Office: Mastering Enterprise Risk Management and Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Goals," Sean Martin continues his compelling conversation with Kush Sharma. This episode focuses on the critical aspects of team dynamics, project management, and stakeholder engagement in the realm of cybersecurity. Kush Sharma elaborates on the importance of establishing a well-structured and communicated vision for security operations within an organization. He emphasizes the necessity of setting expectations with security teams before any major project initiation. According to Sharma, transparency is vital. Security leaders must candidly discuss with their teams that not every decision will tip in their favor, but their role is to advocate for security while being adaptable to business needs. He stresses the importance of documenting and following up on risk mitigation measures even if they aren't implemented immediately. Sharma also sheds light on the concept of integrating business and security functions more seamlessly. He proposes not just embedding security into business but also bringing business personnel into the security fold. By having business unit members work within security teams temporarily, organizations can build a robust line of communication and mutual understanding. This cross-functional approach creates internal champions for security measures and helps significantly cut costs as internal personnel generally have lower operational costs compared to external consultants. A significant portion of the episode revolves around the nuanced engagement with different stakeholders, particularly at the executive level. Sharma advises CISOs to view themselves as peers to other C-suite executives, prepared to defend their positions and decisions vigorously. It's crucial for CISOs to maintain this executive-level mindset and openly communicate the broader business implications of security decisions. Sharma highlights that making a business case for security and showing tangible returns on investment can secure better funding and support from the executive team, leading to more substantial investments in long-term security measures. Sean Martin wraps up the episode by touching on the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity. By translating technical achievements and risk mitigation efforts into relatable stories, CISOs can effectively communicate the value of their work across the organization. These narratives help ensure security remains a priority in business strategies and operations, fostering an environment where security considerations are integral to planning and executing new initiatives. In conclusion, the episode provides essential insights for current and aspiring CISOs on navigating the complexities of internal communications, leadership, and strategic planning in cybersecurity. Both Kush Sharma and Sean Martin offer practical advice and strategies that can help elevate the role of security within any organization, thereby protecting its infrastructure and supporting its growth objectives. _____

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin ___________________________ Episode Notes In this part two of the three-part series on The Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin is joined by Kush Sharma to discuss the critical topic of building a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) office from the ground up. Both speakers bring invaluable insights from their extensive experiences, illustrating key points and real-world scenarios to help organizations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and business transformation. Sean kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the strategic role of the CISO in business transformation. He explains that a successful CISO not only secures what the business wants to create but also contributes to developing a powerful and secure business. He points out that CISOs often have a unique perspective, experience, and data that can significantly impact the way business processes are transformed and managed. Kush expands on this by highlighting the need for adaptability and a mindset of continuous change. He shares that CISOs should view their organization as a business function solely dedicated to protecting assets. He uses examples to demonstrate how missions change every few years due to the rapid evolution of technology and processes, making it essential for security teams to pivot and adjust their strategies accordingly. Kush stresses the importance of collaboration across different teams—from digital to physical—and notes that a key to successful security management is building a culture that is adaptable and aligned with the business's changing objectives. One of the most interesting points brought up is the significance of involving security from the outset of any new project. Sean and Kush discuss the importance of integrating the CISO into discussions around business requirements, system architecture, and technology selection. By being involved early, CISOs can help ensure that the organization makes informed decisions that can save time, reduce risks, and ultimately contribute to a more secure business environment. Another critical aspect discussed is the approach to risk management. Kush describes a structured method where security teams provide options and recommendations rather than outright saying 'no' to business requests. He mentions the use of risk acceptance forms, which require high-level sign-offs, thus ensuring that decision-makers are fully aware of the risks involved and are accountable for them. This transparency fosters a sense of shared responsibility and encourages more informed decision-making. Both Sean and Kush provide a comprehensive look at the evolving role of the CISO. They make it clear that today's CISOs need to be strategic thinkers, skilled negotiators, and effective communicators to successfully lead their organizations through the complexities of modern cybersecurity challenges. The insights shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted responsibilities of a CISO and the indispensable contributions they make to business success. ___________________________ Sponsors Imperva: <a href="http

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin ___________________________ Episode Notes In this part two of the three-part series on The Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast, host Sean Martin is joined by Kush Sharma to discuss the critical topic of building a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) office from the ground up. Both speakers bring invaluable insights from their extensive experiences, illustrating key points and real-world scenarios to help organizations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and business transformation. Sean kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the strategic role of the CISO in business transformation. He explains that a successful CISO not only secures what the business wants to create but also contributes to developing a powerful and secure business. He points out that CISOs often have a unique perspective, experience, and data that can significantly impact the way business processes are transformed and managed. Kush expands on this by highlighting the need for adaptability and a mindset of continuous change. He shares that CISOs should view their organization as a business function solely dedicated to protecting assets. He uses examples to demonstrate how missions change every few years due to the rapid evolution of technology and processes, making it essential for security teams to pivot and adjust their strategies accordingly. Kush stresses the importance of collaboration across different teams—from digital to physical—and notes that a key to successful security management is building a culture that is adaptable and aligned with the business's changing objectives. One of the most interesting points brought up is the significance of involving security from the outset of any new project. Sean and Kush discuss the importance of integrating the CISO into discussions around business requirements, system architecture, and technology selection. By being involved early, CISOs can help ensure that the organization makes informed decisions that can save time, reduce risks, and ultimately contribute to a more secure business environment. Another critical aspect discussed is the approach to risk management. Kush describes a structured method where security teams provide options and recommendations rather than outright saying 'no' to business requests. He mentions the use of risk acceptance forms, which require high-level sign-offs, thus ensuring that decision-makers are fully aware of the risks involved and are accountable for them. This transparency fosters a sense of shared responsibility and encourages more informed decision-making. Both Sean and Kush provide a comprehensive look at the evolving role of the CISO. They make it clear that today's CISOs need to be strategic thinkers, skilled negotiators, and effective communicators to successfully lead their organizations through the complexities of modern cybersecurity challenges. The insights shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted responsibilities of a CISO and the indispensable contributions they make to business success. ___________________________ Sponsors Imperva: <a href="http

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin View This Show's Sponsors ___________________________ Episode Notes In the latest episode — Part 1 of 3 Parts — of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on ITSPmagazine, host Sean Martin dives into a comprehensive discussion with Kush Sharma, a distinguished leader with vast experience across Accenture, Deloitte, the City of Toronto, and CP Rail. The conversation explores the intricacies of building a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) office from the ground up, offering invaluable insights for current and aspiring CISOs. Kush Sharma emphasizes the multifaceted role of a CISO, particularly the distinct challenges faced when establishing a cybersecurity program in various organizational contexts—government, private sector, and consulting firms. He points out that in governmental environments, the focus is typically on how to benefit citizens or internal staff while operating under tight scrutiny and budget constraints. In contrast, consulting and private sectors prioritize efficiency, quick deployment, and direct benefits to the organization. A significant part of the discussion centers on enterprise risk management. Sharma highlights the importance of aligning cybersecurity initiatives with organizational objectives. From mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to digital transformations, CISOs must ensure that their strategies mitigate risk while supporting the broader business goals. Kush Sharma advises that during such major projects, security measures need to be integrated from the ground up, focusing on things like role-based access and the segmentation of business processes. Additionally, the challenges of engaging with governmental bodies are explored in depth. Sharma explains the extensive bureaucratic processes and the need for consensus-building, which often lead to significant delays. Understanding these processes allows for better navigation and more efficient outcomes. Sharma also brings out the importance of understanding and acting upon business processes when integrating cybersecurity measures. For instance, in large-scale ERP implementations, it is crucial to map out detailed roles and ensure that security provisions are applied consistently across all integrated systems. By focusing on the distinct roles within these processes, such as AP clerks or accounting managers, CISOs can develop more granular and effective security measures. The episode underscores that success in building a CISO office lies in strategic alignment, efficient resource allocation, and thorough understanding of both technical and business processes. For cybersecurity leaders, this conversation with Kush Sharma offers crucial guidance and real-world examples to help navigate their complex roles effectively. Be sure to listen to the episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more. And, stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 for even more goodness from Sean and Kush. Top Questions Addressed What are the complexities of establishing a CISO office from scratch? How do the requirements and focus differ when establishing a cybersecurity pr

Guest: Kush Sharma , Director Municipal Modernization & Partnerships, Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario (MISA Ontario) On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kush-sharma-9bb875a/ ____________________________ Host: Sean Martin , Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [ @ITSPmagazine ] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [ @RedefiningCyber ] On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin View This Show's Sponsors ___________________________ Episode Notes In the latest episode — Part 1 of 3 Parts — of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on ITSPmagazine, host Sean Martin dives into a comprehensive discussion with Kush Sharma, a distinguished leader with vast experience across Accenture, Deloitte, the City of Toronto, and CP Rail. The conversation explores the intricacies of building a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) office from the ground up, offering invaluable insights for current and aspiring CISOs. Kush Sharma emphasizes the multifaceted role of a CISO, particularly the distinct challenges faced when establishing a cybersecurity program in various organizational contexts—government, private sector, and consulting firms. He points out that in governmental environments, the focus is typically on how to benefit citizens or internal staff while operating under tight scrutiny and budget constraints. In contrast, consulting and private sectors prioritize efficiency, quick deployment, and direct benefits to the organization. A significant part of the discussion centers on enterprise risk management. Sharma highlights the importance of aligning cybersecurity initiatives with organizational objectives. From mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to digital transformations, CISOs must ensure that their strategies mitigate risk while supporting the broader business goals. Kush Sharma advises that during such major projects, security measures need to be integrated from the ground up, focusing on things like role-based access and the segmentation of business processes. Additionally, the challenges of engaging with governmental bodies are explored in depth. Sharma explains the extensive bureaucratic processes and the need for consensus-building, which often lead to significant delays. Understanding these processes allows for better navigation and more efficient outcomes. Sharma also brings out the importance of understanding and acting upon business processes when integrating cybersecurity measures. For instance, in large-scale ERP implementations, it is crucial to map out detailed roles and ensure that security provisions are applied consistently across all integrated systems. By focusing on the distinct roles within these processes, such as AP clerks or accounting managers, CISOs can develop more granular and effective security measures. The episode underscores that success in building a CISO office lies in strategic alignment, efficient resource allocation, and thorough understanding of both technical and business processes. For cybersecurity leaders, this conversation with Kush Sharma offers crucial guidance and real-world examples to help navigate their complex roles effectively. Be sure to listen to the episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more. And, stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 for even more goodness from Sean and Kush. Top Questions Addressed What are the complexities of establishing a CISO office from scratch? How do the requirements and focus differ when establishing a cybersecurity pr

In this podcast, I have interviewed Mr. Kush Sharma, He is an entrepreneur for 9 years and helping people to start their journey as an online coach. Link to enroll in course: Click to enroll

In episode 25 of the Impact India podcast, I chat with Kush Sharma of Rural Odyssey. This incredible social enterprise promotes sustainable tourism as an additional livelihood opportunity for rural communities, by building community-owned and community-lead tourism models. Kush is a naturalist at heart with a passion for promoting and preserving the Indigenous cultures of India using sustainable tourism as his platform. Kush is a firm believer of learning from native wisdom and nature, and works actively with young children as an Outdoor Educator. Rural Odyssey handpicks culturally rich villages in India and brings the community together to open up their houses for travelers and open a gateway to mutual learning. While travelers get to learn from the native wisdom of various indigenous communities of India, locals get to acquire new skills from the travelers, while generating an additional livelihood for themselves. Aligning his work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Rural Odyssey is using tourism as a tool to connect the rural and urban economies and help in preserving India's rich culture, craft, and ecology. “There are two sides to sustainable tourism: business and ethics” Connecting on our mutual love for experiential education through travel, Kush and I dive into: The need for more knowledge exchange between urban and rural communities The impacts of “Instagram” travelers on vulnerable destinations Why small group travel is best for exploring culturally rich destinations Plus, learn about Rural Odyssey’s incredible geology and astronomy travel programs for youth in India. Connect with Kush at ruralodyssey.com and on Instagram and Facebook . Listen to more Causeartist podcast here. We are powered by: Impact Recipe – Affordable Software Development for Nonprofits and Social Enterprises