Episode 25

full
Published on:

23rd Jun 2025

Appreciation for cyber officers: How the role of the CISO has changed

Expand your digital security knowledge with Cybersecurity shall be C-level priority!

In this episode of Cybersecurity ist Chefsache, host Nico Freitag welcomes Malte Vollandt for a candid discussion on what true appreciation in cybersecurity really means—and why it matters more than ever.

🚨 What You’ll Learn:

  • CISO Evolution: From IT-focused technician to cross-functional leader. Learn how the role has matured and expanded into the boardroom.
  • More Responsibility, Less Power? Why many CISOs are held accountable without having the authority to act—and what must change.
  • The Burnout Factor: How long hours, constant pressure, and lack of clarity contribute to CISO mental strain and turnover.
  • Real Recognition vs Lip Service: Why CISOs don’t need applause—they need support, budget, and team resources.
  • The 2-Year Problem: Why so many CISOs quit within two years—and how to create roles people want to stay in.
  • It’s About Communication: From finance to operations—why CISOs must build bridges instead of just saying “no.”
  • Rethinking Security Leadership: The difference between being the blocker and being the enabler—through business alignment and dialogue.

This episode is a powerful reminder that cybersecurity leadership isn't just about defense—it's about connection, clarity, and culture.

____________________________________________

👤 More Information

Malte Vollandt - LinkedIn-Profile

____________________________________________


🚨 This Podcast is translated from the original content Cybersecurity ist Chefsache using AI technology to make them accessible to a broader audience.  🚨

____________________________________________


🎧 Take a look!

🎙Podcast - Cybersecurity ist Chefsache: @cybersec_ist_chefsache

🎙Podcast - Cybersecurity shall be C-Level priority: @cybersec_clevel_priority

🎙Podcast - Die Zwei Auftrag: Cybersicherheit: @diezweicyber


Join us as we dive deeper into the world of digital security.


____________________________________________


You can find me on these social media channels:

📸 Instagram: cybersec_clevel_priority

🕺 TikTok: cybersec_clevel_priority

🤝 LinkedIn: nicowerner

📌 Getting in touch - Podcast: Cybersecurity shall be C-level priority


____________________________________________


Your journey into the world of cybersecurity starts here – I’m looking forward to connecting with you!

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Cybersecurity shall be C-level priority

About the Podcast

Cybersecurity shall be C-level priority
Security begins with a click
The weekly podcast "Cybersecurity shall be C-level priority" serves as a platform where various experts from the world of digitalization and cybersecurity come together to discuss current topics, trends, and practical applications.

Host Nico Freitag invites friends, colleagues, or like-minded individuals from different industries to share their experiences and opinions, engaging in discussions on topics such as digitalization, cybersecurity, OT security, data protection, information security, and hands-on solutions.

This Podcast is translated from the original content Cybersecurity ist Chefsache using AI technology to make them accessible to a broader audience.

About your host

Profile picture for Nico Werner

Nico Werner

Moin! Ich bin Nico Werner, ein erfahrener Experte für Digitalisierung & Cybersecurity.
Seit meiner Kindheit begeistere ich mich für die Welt der Technologie und habe diese Leidenschaft durch meine Ausbildung zum Fachinformatiker vertieft. Besonders interessiert mich die Absicherung von OT-Systemen in industriellen Anlagen.

Seit 2012 habe ich in verschiedenen Firmen als Consultant, Projektleiter, Pre-Sales und im Management im Bereich Cybersecurity gearbeitet und wichtige Erfahrungen gesammelt.

Ich verfolge das Ziel, die Bedeutung der Cybersecurity den entscheidenden Stellen zu vermitteln und sicherzustellen, dass die Umsetzung und stetige Verbesserung dieser vorangetrieben wird. Dabei stehen für mich Menschen, Technologien, Prozesse und Organisationen im Mittelpunkt meiner Arbeit, um einen 360° Ansatz zu gewährleisten. Ich bin zusätzlich in diversen Gremien: UP KRITIS, VDI und IHK aktiv an der Verbesserung unserer Cybersicherheit beteiligt. Getreu meinem Motto "Cybersecurity ist Chefsache" bin ich davon überzeugt, dass die Absicherung von OT-Systemen von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Ich unterstütze Unternehmen bei den Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung und helfe ihnen, ihre Organisationen, Prozesse und Technologien auf eine sichere Zukunft auszurichten.

---

Hello there! I'm Nico Werner, an experienced expert in Digitalization & Cybersecurity. Since my childhood, I've been passionate about the world of technology, and I have deepened this interest through my education as an IT specialist. I'm particularly fascinated by securing OT systems in industrial plants.

Since 2012, I have worked in various companies as a consultant, project manager, in pre-sales, and in cybersecurity management, gaining valuable experience along the way.

My goal is to convey the significance of cybersecurity to key stakeholders and ensure the continuous implementation and improvement of it. People, technologies, processes, and organizations take center stage in my work, aiming for a 360° approach. Additionally, I actively participate in various committees such as UP KRITIS, VDI, and IHK to contribute to the enhancement of our cybersecurity. True to my motto "Cybersecurity shall be C-Level Priority," I firmly believe in the critical importance of securing OT systems. I assist companies in facing the challenges of digitization, helping them align their organizations, processes, and technologies for a secure future.