Mumbai, 16th December, 2024: In a world where technology and leadership converge, the personal experiences and insights of industry leaders offer invaluable lessons for aspiring professionals. From cybersecurity strategies to career reflections and personal growth, each leader’s journey is unique yet resonates with common themes of adaptability, learning, and resilience. In this article, we explore candid perspectives on books that shape mind-sets, the sports that fuel creativity, financial lessons worth sharing, career decisions, and even the podcasts that spark inspiration.
Join Mr. Ashok Kumar, CISO at Acko in an engaging and interesting conversation with Mr. Marquis Fernandes, who leads the India Business at Quantic India as they explore Ashok’s 15-year journey in cybersecurity, touching upon the books that have shaped his strategies, the sports that fuel his creativity, and his personal financial lessons.
Can you recommend a book that has significantly influenced your approach to cybersecurity or leadership, and what key insights from that book have shaped your strategies or mind-set?
Well, there are a few books that come to mind, but one that really stands out is “Cybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know” by P.W. Singer and Allan Friedman. It’s not just about the technical side of cybersecurity—it dives into how it connects.
What stuck with me the most is the importance of looking at the bigger picture. Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems; it’s about understanding its impact on society and organizations as a whole. The case studies, especially about managing crises and effective communication during incidents, have been super valuable.
What is your favourite sport to play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
It used to be cricket for the longest time, but now my favourite sport is indoor football, especially when I play it with my kid. There’s something incredibly fun and refreshing about the energy and laughter we share during those games. It’s not just about the sport anymore—it’s about bonding and making memories together.
If you could give one piece of financial advice to your younger self, what would it be and why?
If I could give one piece of financial advice to my younger self, it would be to step out of my comfort zone when it comes to investments. I’ve always been a bit conservative, focusing on safety rather than taking calculated risks. Looking back, I realize that my younger years were the perfect time to experiment and let compounding or bold moves work in my favour. A balanced approach could have opened up more opportunities for growth.
If you had the chance to start your career all over again, what would you do differently, and why?
No regrets and no looking back, to be honest. If you look at my career, I’ve had the privilege of working across various industries—Service & Product companies, FinTechs, and InsurTechs—while also practically exploring diverse domains within the cybersecurity space, including On-prem Network Security, Application Security, Cloud Security, Audit & Compliance, to name a few.
Looking back, I feel I’ve covered a good spectrum of domains and industries. Of course, there are learnings at every stage, and there are things I could have improved if given a chance to start again. But overall, I don’t think there’s a major change I would make—it’s been a journey of growth and discovery.
If you weren’t a CISO, what other career path do you think you would have pursued and why?
If not a CISO, I’d still see myself somewhere within the same industry. Cybersecurity is such a dynamic and ever-growing field with plenty of roles and opportunities, so I’m certain I’d be contributing in a different capacity. To be honest, during my college days, I didn’t set out with a specific plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity—it just happened for me. But from the moment my journey began, I’ve truly enjoyed every step of it over the last 15 years. So, while the role might have been different, I know I’d still be thriving in the world of cybersecurity.
What kind of podcasts do you enjoy listening to, and is there a particular one you’d recommend to others?
Not a big fan of podcasts, to be honest. However, if it’s about technology, cybersecurity, or leadership, then I’m all in. I’m sure many would agree that “Dark net Diaries” is a must-listen—it shares real-life stories from the world of hacking and cybercrime, which I find fascinating. I’ve also recently started listening to “The Tim Ferriss Show”, where leaders share their insights and strategies, and I’m really enjoying it so far.
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