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Optiv’s Rising CISO Program Is Transforming Cyber Leaders Breadcrumb Home Insights Blog Optiv’s Rising CISO Program is Transforming Cyber Leaders October 19, 2026 The way Daniel DeSantis sees it, chief information security officers (CISOs) are some of the smartest, most competent technical experts within an organization, people adept at warding off nation-state attacks or mitigating cyber risks that can tank a business. Where CISOs often struggle is building bridges. "That’s something a CISO must do within their organization,’’ says DeSantis, Vice President, Office of the Field CISO at Optiv. "It comes down to executive presence and communication skills. They need to sell the value of cybersecurity to other stakeholders – the Board included.’’ Moving beyond the computer screen High-stake leadership moments don’t happen hiding behind laptop computer screens. That’s why the Rising CISO Leadership Development Program being offered by Optiv is attracting scores of applicants and making a tangible impact on leaders overseeing cyber operations at some of the nation’s largest companies and institutions. Over the course of two days, participants put away their devices and dive into creative, hands-on experiences with peers, working through real-world scenarios designed to help them grow as leaders, disrupt comfort zones, guide teams and communicate with confidence. The sessions are headed up by Jason Weiss, an actor, director and executive coach. A transformational two days "When our participants show up, they're standing off to the sides, looking at their phone, not really sure what to expect,’’ said Courtenay Fraitzl, an Optiv program manager who co-developed the workshop with DeSantis. "By lunchtime on Day One, you see them opening up. By lunchtime Day Two, there is almost never anyone in the room that isn't in with both feet, and it's a beautiful thing." Optiv has hosted eight workshops across the country, limiting each cohort to 14 to 16 participants to preserve an intimate environment. A committee that includes DeSantis, Fraitzl, Optiv partners and others screens and selects applicants from a highly competitive, diverse pool. Optiv underwrites the cost of the program for attendees. "Optiv has truly leaned in, bringing our vendor ecosystem along on the belief that developing future security leaders is work worth investing in,’’ DeSantis said. Building lasting networks The program’s ROI is clear, with compelling alumni testimonials, relationship building that leads to business outcomes and an active signal community of nearly 200 CISOs and aspiring CISOs who use the protected space to share challenges, swap advice, and navigate their careers together. Corinna Taylor, CISO at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, said the Rising CISO workshop she participated in recently that included only women was "interactive, practical and deeply personal.’’ "Cybersecurity leadership can sometimes feel isolating, especially as a woman in a field where we are still often underrepresented,’’ she wrote on LinkedIn. "Spending two days surrounded by such an accomplished, thoughtful, and supportive group of women was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me how valuable it is to have spaces where we can be honest about both the opportunities and challenges that come with leadership.’’ Elevating the profession As demand grows, discussions are underway to expand the workshop model into new formats and specialized peer groups, while duplicating the transformational and intimate environments of the Rising CISO workshop. "The workshop sessions are cathartic and therapeutic,’’ DeSantis said. "These are folks that are in the crucible. They have really hard jobs, work really long hours, get calls on weekends and holidays, while defending against nation state attackers and other threats. At the end of the day, the CISOs that are most successful are the ones that can convince the lines of business, the CFO, the Board and others that cyber is an enabler, the clearest pathway to mitigating risk.’’ For more information about the Rising CISO Leadership Development Workshop, contact Courtenay Fraitzl and Daniel DeSantis. By: Optiv Share: Optiv cybersecurity leadership cyber leaders Rising CISO executive leadership cyber risk leadership cybersecurity mentorship security leadership training Optiv impact About Optiv Security: Secure greatness.® Optiv is the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity company. With unmatched technology partnerships and deep technical expertise, Optiv securely enables the AI era for more than 6,000 clients. From financial services and health care, to government, energy and retail, organizations trust Optiv to advise, deploy and operate cybersecurity programs that reduce risk and deliver real results. Learn why Optiv is the most trusted brand in cyber at optiv.com.
About Optiv Security: Secure greatness.® Optiv is the world’s largest pure-play cybersecurity company. With unmatched technology partnerships and deep technical expertise, Optiv securely enables the AI era for more than 6,000 clients. From financial services and health care, to government, energy and retail, organizations trust Optiv to advise, deploy and operate cybersecurity programs that reduce risk and deliver real results. Learn why Optiv is the most trusted brand in cyber at optiv.com.