From Naval Officer to CISO: Why Trust Is the Real Job in Cybersecurity Leadership

In a recent conversation with SecurityWeek, Chris Wheeler, Chief Information Security Officer at insurance and risk management firm Resilience, discussed his unusual career path from the U.S. Navy to the cybersecurity C-suite. Wheeler explained that the core skills he developed in military service—accountability, clear communication, and building trust under pressure—translate directly into effective security leadership today.

Wheeler's central message is that being a CISO isn't just about technical expertise; it's fundamentally about earning and maintaining trust across an organisation. Security leaders must convince executives, employees, and boards that they are making sound decisions to protect the business, often without those stakeholders fully understanding the technical details involved. This trust-building mindset, Wheeler suggests, is as critical to cybersecurity success as any technical skill.

For small and medium businesses without a dedicated CISO, the interview is a useful reminder that cybersecurity leadership is as much about relationships and communication as it is about technology. Whoever manages security within a smaller organisation—whether an IT manager, owner, or outsourced provider—needs to build the same kind of trust with staff and leadership to ensure security decisions are understood and followed.