Nadja El Fertasi joined Dr. Rebecca Wynn on the Soulful CXO. Nadja is the Founder of Thrive with EQ, where she is renowned worldwide for being a Human Resilience Expert. She has over 20 years of experience working with STEM (science – technology – engineering – mathematics) professionals from more than 40 nationalities across public, private, and government sectors, fostering trust and understanding among diverse global stakeholders.
Prior roles included being a NATO senior executive. She has led several flagship projects, including regional cyber leadership approach webinars for the World Savings Banking Institute, which were part of a worldwide initiative with partners such as Global Cyber Alliance and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Cyber Fin Project. She is also an alum of the German Marshall Fund, Marshall Memorial Fellowship program and co-chaired the GLOBSEC 2019 Bratislava Forum.
Cyber Resilience Requires a Deeper Understanding of Human Behavior and Emotional Intelligence
Cyber resilience has become critical to organizational success in today's digital age. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and attacks, businesses must be prepared to withstand and bounce back from disruptions. However, achieving cyber resilience goes beyond technical measures and requires a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotional intelligence.
They emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in building cyber resilience. El Fertasi distinguishes between technical cyber strength, which focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, and human cyber stability, which involves understanding and managing the human factors contributing to cyber risks.
Several challenges faced by organizations in building cyber resilience are identified within the discussion . One challenge is the evolving role of cybersecurity professionals, such as Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief People Officers (CPOs). CISOs, traditionally focused on technical aspects, now have to navigate a more complex business landscape with liability issues, data breaches, and cyber hygiene. Conversely, CPOs are responsible for bridging the cybersecurity skills gap and managing high turnover rates in the industry.
Another challenge they highlight is the disconnect between cybersecurity professionals and top-level executives, such as CEOs and board members. While it is often said that CEOs and boards don't understand cyber, Nadja argues that their primary focus is on business continuity and disruption. They have multiple portfolios and risks to manage, making it challenging for them to grasp the technical details of cybersecurity fully.
Human error prevails in cybersecurity when individuals are under pressure or experiencing chronic stress. This is where emotional intelligence plays a crucial role. Emotional intelligence enables individuals to understand and manage their emotions and those of others, making them more resilient to cyber threats. Organizations can create a more resilient workforce by addressing the root causes of stress and building security cultures.
To integrate emotional intelligence into cyber resilience efforts, El Fertasi introduces the concept of the Cyber Resilience Triangle, comprising the CEO, CISO, and CPO. The CEO is at the top of the triangle, driving cyber resilience from a business continuity perspective. The CISO focuses on security cultures and stress management, while the CPO leverages stakeholder engagement and employee value proposition expertise to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. Organizations can enhance cyber resilience by aligning these three roles and integrating emotional intelligence practices.
The show highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in building cyber resilience. Technical measures alone are insufficient in protecting organizations from cyber threats. Organizations can create a more resilient workforce by understanding and managing the human factors contributing to cyber risks. Ultimately, prioritizing emotional intelligence is essential for organizations to navigate the complex and ever-evolving cyber landscape effectively, starting with the Cyber Resilience Triangle framework.
Listen to the full episode for insights on leadership skills, embracing resiliency, and bridging the gap between technology and business. Additionally, please tune in to hear El Fertasi share her journey from starting as a 21-year-old at a NATO capability agency to becoming a senior executive and eventually leaving NATO to pursue her consultancy business. She discusses her challenges, including breaking walls and overcoming biases, and how she overcame them to achieve her goals. This episode is a must-listen. It is packed with inspiration, guidance, and practical tips on building resilience and thriving against all odds. You'll walk away with a renewed sense of determination and the belief that you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.
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