This month, we are honored to feature Betsy Brady, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at IBM Cloud. IBM has been at the forefront of technology innovation for over a century as a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. IBM Cloud is the division of IBM that delivers cloud computing services to enterprise clients around the globe, especially those in highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications. With a focus on resiliency, performance, security, and compliance, IBM Cloud aims to help clients mitigate risk and meet the unique regulatory requirements of their industry.

As IBM Cloud CISO, Betsy implements solutions that balance cybersecurity risk and business goals. She has built this experience throughout her career, including in her previous roles as Cybersecurity Risk Executive and Business Information Security Officer at Bank of America, where she oversaw cybersecurity technology, strategy, and operational risk management. Notably, Betsy started her career as a commercial real estate lawyer.

Betsy’s career stands out with her unique blend of cybersecurity expertise, risk management, and strategic leadership. Thank you, Betsy, for sharing lessons from your cybersecurity leadership journey!

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1. You recently stepped into the role of IBM Cloud CISO. What is a day-in-the-life like for you as CISO? What has surprised you about serving as IBM Cloud CISO at a large technology organization like IBM?

Day to day, my job is to keep IBM Cloud and its customers safe from cyber threats by building secure technology, responding to security incidents, working with clients, and making sure we comply with regulations. What I love most about my job is that every day is different - there's always something new to do! I get to be creative by bringing teams together, designing new security solutions, or helping customers feel confident in our technology. When I was figuring out my career path, I wanted a job where I could use my creativity, and this role gives me that in ways I never expected! 

One surprise about working at IBM is how friendly and welcoming everyone is. Even though it's a big company, it’s easy to meet people, work together, and share ideas.‍

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2. You started your career in real estate law and ended up a cybersecurity executive. What inspired the big shifts along your career path, and what experiences or traits helped you succeed through big transitions? What advice would you give to others who find themselves at a major career change?

Sometimes, big changes happen when you least expect them - like losing a job or having to switch roles. At first, these moments might seem like setbacks, but I’ve learned they can actually be new opportunities in disguise. One of my favorite quotes is, “Change is nature’s delight.” Change is normal, and instead of fearing it, we should welcome it! 

17 years ago, I was laid off from my legal career. Instead of staying in law, I took a chance on something new—cybersecurity. A lot of people, even my own family, thought I was crazy for leaving a career I had spent years studying for. But deep down, I knew I wanted something more creative, so I trusted myself and made the jump. I took my first job in cybersecurity and the rest is history. 

Now, looking back, it was the best career decision I ever made. If you ever find yourself at a crossroads in your life or career, don’t be afraid to take a risk - especially if it feels right to you. Listen to yourself. Other people may doubt you, but only you know what’s best for your future.

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3. Careers often take unexpected turns, and adaptability is key to growth. How has embracing change rather than sticking to preconceived career expectations shaped your journey? 

Looking back, I realize my expectations were shaped by what I thought was possible - but in reality, my options were far greater than I ever imagined. Now, I embrace the unknown, adapting to unexpected changes like layoffs, reorganizations, roadblocks, or shifts in strategy. Each twist has led to outcomes that are more exciting, fulfilling, and impactful than I could have planned.

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4. What key lessons from your past transitions have helped you navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity?  

Even though I don’t work as a lawyer anymore, I use my legal training every day. Cybersecurity is full of challenges that don’t always have clear answers. I have to think carefully about what’s most important for the company and our clients and quickly make decisions based on constantly shifting factors. Sometimes, things get really stressful - but in those moments, I rely on my legal training to stay calm, think logically, and make decisions without letting emotions take over. Being able to stay focused under pressure is a huge part of working in cybersecurity!

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5. Leadership in cybersecurity often means stepping up to solve high-stakes problems, even if you don't have a leadership job title. Can you share an example of when you demonstrated leadership in a challenging situation? What key lessons did you learn from that experience, and how has it influenced your career growth?  

Early in my career in a junior role, I worked on a project where I had to coordinate with teammates who were more experienced than me. At one point, there was a big disagreement about how to move forward, and since no one was making a decision, the project stalled. I knew we couldn’t wait forever, so I decided to take charge. I put together a plan and told the team how we were going to move forward. To my surprise, everyone followed my lead; not just for that moment, but for the remainder of the project! 

That’s when I learned something important: you don’t need a management job title to be a leader. When you behave like a leader, people will treat you as one. Being a leader isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about stepping up when things are uncertain. It can feel scary because you might make the wrong choice. But a leader’s job is to make the best decision possible with the information they have at that point in time. It’s always worse waiting for the perfect moment or perfect set of data to make a decision. 

As a leader (with or without the title), your job is to make decisions in complex, unclear circumstances—it will never be perfect and you will make mistakes, but that is ok. 

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6. Networking is an enabler to career advancement and knowledge-sharing. What strategies have you used to build and maintain strong professional connections, and how has your network influenced your journey? 

Over the years, my network has grown by staying in touch with people I genuinely feel a connection with. I’ve never been the type to network just for the sake of knowing more people - I like to keep in touch because I enjoy catching up and hearing how people are doing. And, if we end up helping each other in our careers, that’s a great bonus! 

The real reason I stay connected is because I value relationships. The best networks aren’t just about business - they’re about real connections with people you respect and enjoy talking to.