The most underrated leadership skill in cybersecurity

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Exclusive interviews and industry-shifting insights from the global Black Hat MEA community – in your inbox every week. 

This week we’re focused on…

Not being (or pretending to be) flawless. 

Let us explain…

As a security leader (or as a cybersecurity practitioner at any level, really) your instinct might be to project certainty. You feel pressure to be technically flawless, decisive, and unshakeable.

But when we spoke to Jerich Beason (CISO at WM) for the blog, we found out that one of the most important leadership lessons he’s learned came from doing the opposite.

Why saying sorry matters more than being right

Early in his career, Beason apologised to his team after a funding decision didn’t land as intended. Not as a formality – but as an act of accountability.

“I have always believed that leadership is not about being flawless. It is about being human and trustworthy. By admitting where I got it wrong, I showed that accountability is not just something I demand from them. It is something I model myself.”

For CISOs operating under constant pressure, that kind of openness can feel risky. But Beason argued the opposite: teams quickly sense when leaders deflect or spin – and trust erodes fast.

Transparency, he said, isn't a weakness. It’s how you build durable teams.

Stop trying to win arguments, and start building consensus

Another turning point came when Beason realised that technical brilliance doesn’t automatically translate into leadership impact.

“I had presented a technically flawless case for a security investment, but I walked out of the room with no buy-in. I realised that I had won the argument but lost the room.”

That moment forced a rethink. Leadership, he learned, is about alignment – not about proving intelligence. 

“Success was creating consensus so that the team and business moved forward together.”

It also helped reframe imposter syndrome – not as something to overcome by “tech flexing”, but as a reminder to focus on service, collaboration, and shared outcomes.

Trust, transparency, and diversity in cyber

Beason was equally clear that trust and transparency play a critical role in making cybersecurity a more inclusive industry.

“Transparency about decisions like why budgets are cut, why someone was promoted, and how risks are prioritised helps eliminate the hidden rules that often disadvantage underrepresented groups.”

Psychological safety, he argued, is foundational to resilience – and to ensuring diverse voices can contribute meaningfully.

So how can you shift your mindset in 2026? 

In Beason’s words: 

“Shift your mindset from being the smartest person in the room to being the connector in the room.”

Technical expertise is important. But leadership is about translation and influence; and most importantly, trust. Especially when outcomes sit outside your direct control. 

You don’t have to be flawless this year.

But the way you lead (especially when things go wrong) will matter more than ever.

Become a confident leader with Black Hat MEA 

If you want to learn directly from cybersecurity leaders who’ve already overcome the challenges you’re facing today, join us at Black Hat MEA 2026. You’ll be inspired to lead with confidence. 

Until then – read the full interview with Jerich Beason. 

We’ll see you back in your inbox next week.