Chris Brown

About Chris Brown

From technical leader to influential business executive, and shaping the conversation once you’re there.I am Chris Brown, an executive coach for CISOs and senior cyber leaders, drawing on my experience as a former CISO, years of coaching CISOs, and research with hundreds of CISOs and their peer executives. My work has been featured in BoardIQ, Fast Company, Financial Times, SHRM, and Directors & Boards.Who I Work WithYou are already accomplished. You have built programs, led teams, and made a difference in organizations you believe in. You know your craft and do not need someone telling you how to do your job.What You Are Looking ForYou are ready to stretch beyond current successes. Past experience has taken you far, but the next step requires operating in new arenas, expanding your leadership footprint, and shaping outcomes across the business. Training has its place, but adding to your knowledge is not the transformation you seek. You want to think differently for growth that lasts.How I WorkNo lectures. No pre‑packaged solutions. No one‑size‑fits‑all.You are the expert in your situation and the leader of your own future. I am here as an experienced guide to help surface blind spots, sharpen your vision, and expand your impact.Reach out if:Executive growth is a priority.Broadening the reach of your role and accelerating your career is on the horizon.You want more than training, you want transformation.

Experience

1. CEO and Executive Coach

   New Cyber Executive

   Feb 2021 — Present · US

   I coach CISOs to move beyond leading cybersecurity programs to shaping the company’s future, transforming technical expertise into enterprise-shaping influence grounded in their values, vision, and unique perspective. My work positions CISOs to connect the worlds of technical mastery and business leadership, equipping clients to navigate the complexities of influence, strategy, and enterprise impact in high-stakes environments. The result is CISOs who hold the room with authority and credibility, secure the right investments, and guide decisions that define the business.Common client challenges: Limited recognition of cybersecurity’s role in de-risking business opportunity Long-term strategy sidelined by constant firefighting Ambiguity around role, value, and positioning across the organization Sustained pressure of carrying sole responsibility for security leading to fatigue and burnout Feeling apart from executive peers and struggling to connect on shared priorities Orchestrating discussions on security versus agility without owning the final callCoaching outcomes: Lasting influence and impact at the executive table Clarity of purpose with organization-wide recognition of value delivered Business-grounded strategies that drive both security and growth Applying cyber-honed thinking to solve enterprise challenges beyond security Resilient teams with greater focus and reduced stressResults in practice: Reclaimed up to 30% of executive time for strategic initiatives within months. Increased executive sponsorship for cybersecurity-led initiatives. Expanded CISO influence beyond security into enterprise-level decision-making. Resolved persistent role clarity issues, leading to smoother collaboration with other executives Reduced stress, isolation, and burnout risk through targeted leadership development Enabled faster, more confident executive decisions on complex security–business trade-offs

Education

• Leadership Buffalo

  Community Leadership

  2003 — 2003

• University at Buffalo

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Science

  1992 — 1997

Skills

• Risk Management
• Strategy
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Network Security
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Privacy
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Security
• Enterprise Software
• Iso 27001
• Information Security
• IT Governance
• Process Improvement
• Governance
• Business Process Improvement
• Information Technology
• Penetration Testing
• Healthcare Information Technology
• Fashion Photography
• Program Management
• Pci Dss
• Fine Art Photography
• Computer Security
• Security Policy
• Security Management
• Risk Assessment
• Leadership
• Infrastructure
• Computer Forensics
• Management Consulting
• Supplier Risk Management
• Project Planning
• Firewalls
• Information Assurance
• Management
• Information Security Governance
• IT Strategy
• Disaster Recovery
• Cissp