In this episode of re-invent security, we sit down with Patric Versteeg, European CISO of the Year 2024, to unpack the “inner game” of cybersecurity leadership. Patric argues that real change isn’t about putting on a new mask—it’s about returning to your core values and installing “compensating controls” for your own behaviors under stress. From building mixed, high-trust teams to shaping board-level narratives that actually land, he shares pragmatic tools you can use tomorrow.
You’ll hear how Patric:
- Builds resilient teams using a diverse mix of working styles (not clones), clear outcomes over micromanagement, and a “beekeeper” approach that lets experts do their best work.
- Protects team energy by addressing brilliant-but-low-trust outliers—even when they’re top individual performers.
- Wins the boardroom without needing a board seat, by fitting the message to culture: financial exposure, reputational stakes, or license-to-operate.
- Quantifies risk simply (people × internal hourly rate × downtime days) to make funding decisions straightforward.
- Manages himself in a crisis, using quick breathing resets when meditation isn’t practical, and embracing mentors/coaches for sustained growth.
- Frames board reporting around three questions: Are we compliant? Are we at risk? Did we have any material breaches?—and shows risk trends visually over time.
Chapters:
00:00 - 02:55 Introduction
02:56 - 05:34 The \"Inner Game\" of Leadership
05:35 - 13:32 The Definition of Personal Leadership in Cyber Security
13:33 -15:54 Building the Right Team: Diversity is Key
15:55 - 19:05 Leadership Style: Trust and Result-Oriented
19:06 - 25:54 The \"Beekeeper\" Philosophy and Hiring Smarter People
25:55 - 26:56 Definition of a \"High-Performance Team\"
26:57 - 31:16 Boardroom Communication: From Fear-Mongering to Business Risk
31:17 - 39:51 What the Board Truly Wants to Know (3 Core Questions)
39:52 - 41:10 Cybersecurity as a Feeling: The Human Connection
41:11 - 46:20 Advice for Aspiring CISOs & Leadership Development
46:21 - 52:01 Wrap-up
Resources & Mentions:
Book: True North — Bill George https://billgeorge.org/book/true-north/
Book: Surrounded by Idiots — Thomas Erikson (red/yellow/blue/green styles)
Metaphor/Book (Dutch): De Bijherder (The Beekeeper)
Community: NextGen CISO Network (mentoring/coaching): https://nextgenciso.nl/Home/
Inspiration: Man in the Mirror — Michael Jackson (self-reflection theme)
Thinkers: Simon Sinek; Brené Brown (trust, courage, vulnerability)
Practice: Visual risk-trend infographics for board updates (quarterly)
Connect with Patric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmversteeg/
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Listen on:
Spotify: https://ap.lc/SzTrY
Apple Podcasts: https://ap.lc/HmXhf
FOLLOW ►
Jeroen Prinse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jprinse/
Irfaan Santoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irfaansantoe/
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