From the Situation Room to the Boardroom
Translating Cyber Risk
Into Business Value
Assaf Keren. CSO at Qualtrics. Former PayPal CISO. Author of “Lessons from the Frontlines.”
The Problem
The Technician Market
Is Saturated
Boards don't need another vendor pitch. Executives don't want more technical jargon. Your audience craves a rare voice—someone who has lived the crisis, led the response, and can translate that experience into strategic insight.
From military intelligence to Fortune 500 boardrooms, from founding and selling two cybersecurity companies to leading security at PayPal and Qualtrics, Assaf brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between security operations and business imperatives. He serves on corporate boards including the prestigious WSJ Technology Council.
Security
Founded
Patents
Speaking Tracks
Tailored for Your Audience
Whether addressing boards, HR leaders, or executive teams, each track delivers actionable insights customized to your audience's specific challenges.
Leadership Journey
From Battlefield to Boardroom
Drawing from 25+ years of experience, this keynote explores the human challenges of cybersecurity leadership—from military service to Fortune 500 CISO roles. Learn practical frameworks for building security culture and making tough decisions under pressure.
Balancing Security, Business & People
The CISO's Dilemma
Tackling the core challenges every security leader faces: communicating risk to executives, building cross-functional partnerships, and creating lasting security culture change. Real stories from the frontlines of cybersecurity leadership.
Scaling Security Programs
Startup to Enterprise
From early-stage security to enterprise-scale programs, learn how to build security capabilities that grow with your organization. Practical insights on team building, technology selection, and maintaining security posture during rapid growth.
Additional Speaking Topics
The Book
Leadership in Cyber
Lessons from the Frontlines
After 25 years in cybersecurity—from startup founder to Fortune 500 CISO—this book focuses on the human challenges of security leadership. Real experiences, honest failures, and hard-won lessons. Learn practical frameworks like “State Reality, Inspire Hope” and discover people-first approaches that sustain performance without burnout.
“Building and sustaining security in major enterprises is much more than a technical discipline. Rather, it's an intense leadership challenge balancing influence, grit and team building. Assaf's personal journey revealed in this book contains lessons for all security professionals - whether you are starting out or an established leader you will love this.”Phil Venables
Former CISO Goldman Sachs, Google Cloud, VC Partner
Praise for the Book
What Leaders Are Saying
“Assaf's writing style is immediately engaging. Readers will delight in his humble real life experiences and lessons learned on his way to earning a top executive seat in the thrillingly dynamic field of CyberSecurity.”
Kate Abrams
Senior Director, People Partner, Google
Media & Appearances
See Assaf in Action
From global stages to intimate podcasts, experience the energy and insight that Assaf brings to every engagement.
Speaker Reel
Watch the Highlights
Featured Media
The Defender's Journal
PodcastWhy do cars have brakes? So they can go faster.
Fortune Magazine
ArticleWhy a CSO spent $20 to create a deepfake of his boss
PodChats for FutureCISO
PodcastCSO Insights to Building Trust in AI
TechDogs
VideoBuilding Digital Trust in the Age of AI
Cyber Daily Australia
ArticleAttackers are faster technology innovators than companies
Frontier Enterprise
ArticleAI resistance more harmful than good: Qualtrics CSO
VentureBeat
ArticleHow attackers hit 700 organizations through CX platforms your SOC already approved
From the Blog
Latest Insights
Frameworks and lessons from the frontlines of cybersecurity leadership.
Book Assaf
Let's Start a
Conversation
Whether you're planning a global conference, an executive retreat, or a board education session, I'd love to discuss how we can create an impactful experience for your audience.
Keynote Speaking
High-energy presentations for conferences and corporate events
Executive Workshops
Intimate sessions for boards and leadership teams
Advisory & Consulting
Strategic guidance for security transformation
1:1 Executive Mentoring
Personalized coaching for CISOs, board members, and senior leaders
Inquire for Speaking
Reach out and my team will respond within 48 hours with availability and details.
Get in Touch