CISO Tradecraft® #271 - A Life of Service (with Chris Inglis)
Feb 16, 2026
Chris Inglis, former U.S. National Cyber Director and long-time public servant with Air Force and NSA roots. He recounts a life of service and leadership. Topics include shaping organizational culture, integrating security with business strategy, detecting insider threats, and the governance and risks of AI. He also reflects on purpose, accountability, and building institutions under constraint.
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Episode notes
Purpose Of Power
- Public service is a calling where power exists to serve the people, not advance personal aims.
- Chris Inglis says deploying power back to citizens is deeply fulfilling and central to leadership.
Hiring For Purpose Over Skill
- Chris Inglis asked every recruit, "What's the purpose of your power?" when building three organizations from scratch.
- A pediatric dentist without cyber experience joined because she understood power must be deployed for others and succeeded brilliantly.
Lead With The Business Plan
- Do stop using the word "cyber" and instead link security to the business plan and promises made to customers.
- Chris Inglis says this frames digital dependence as an existential business issue and gains board support.
