Spotlight on Carlos De La Uz

Carlos De la Uz is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer and Certified Cybersecurity professional with 20+ years of experience in enterprise IT operations, networking, and security. A visionary leader, he is shaping and executing enterprise security strategies across complex, regulated public sector environments.

Carlos has a proven track record of aligning security with organizational objectives, leading cross-functional teams, and advising senior stakeholders on emerging risk landscapes; with deep expertise in driving security governance, building organizational resilience, and cultivating a culture of cyber accountability. Carlos is also known for transforming fragmented security programs into strategic assets that protect operations, reputation, and public trust.

Learn more about the Florida CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I progressed from hands-on IT roles into leadership positions, developing strong expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and governance. This experience led to my current role as Information Security Officer/Manager, where I align security strategy with business objectives and regulatory requirements while leading enterprise-wide security initiatives.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is to lead by example through integrity, accountability, and continuous growth. I believe in being hands-on when needed, supporting my team’s development, and maintaining a strong sense of ownership over both successes and challenges. By staying approachable and results-driven, I aim to build trust and motivate others to perform at their best.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

One challenge I have faced as an Information Security Officer is balancing strong security controls with business needs and user experience. Implementing security measures can sometimes be seen as restrictive, which can create resistance across the organization.

I addressed this by taking a more collaborative and risk based approach, engaging stakeholders early, clearly communicating the why behind security decisions, and aligning controls with business objectives and regulatory requirements. By focusing on practical, risk informed solutions and building relationships across departments, I was able to gain buy-in and implement effective security controls without disrupting operations.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

The key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO is building trust and credibility early. This comes from understanding the business, communicating risk in clear business terms, and delivering quick, meaningful wins that show value.

It is important to focus on relationships with executives, align security initiatives with organizational goals, and prioritize efforts based on risk rather than trying to fix everything at once. A successful CISO also listens, learns the environment, and establishes a strong foundation in governance, visibility, and incident readiness from the start
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader, when I create and develop other leaders. As a leader, you don't just lead, you're supposed to create other leaders and pave the way for those leaders. 
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

The value of being a Gartner C-level Communities member is access to trusted insights, peer networking, and strategic guidance that supports executive decision making. It provides me direct access to Gartner analysts, industry research, and best practices that help validate strategies and stay ahead of emerging risks and trends. Equally important, it offers me the opportunity to connect with other C-level leaders facing similar challenges, allowing for knowledge sharing, benchmarking, and real world perspectives that strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational outcomes.

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.