Governing Body Spotlight

Jean-Paul Calabio has worked in IT and Information Security for over 20 years, currently serving as VP, CISO at Grainger.  He has led security teams across manufacturing, aerospace and defense, retail, and consumer goods industries. 

A fun fact about Jean-Paul, he previously worked in the movie industry and even has a film credit.

Learn more about the Chicago CISO community here.
 

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

My career has always centered around technology. I’ve worked as a developer, systems administrator, application administrator, and as a consultant. I was doing information security before it was even called that. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors who helped shape my path. Their guidance, paired with hands-on experience, led me to where I am today.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my core leadership principles is Acting with Intent, a key part of the Grainger Edge, and one of the reasons I chose to be at Grainger. These principles shape how we operate and collaborate as an organization. Acting with Intent means focusing on what truly matters, continuously improving it, and staying aligned with our purpose and strategy. It’s about being deliberate in how we lead and drive impact.
 

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

A major challenge in my role is keeping up with how quickly the business is evolving through technology, especially with the rise of AI. The drive to move faster can sometimes outpace traditional security practices. We address this by staying engaged early, working closely with business partners to understand their goals and embed security into the process. Whether it’s managing risk or enabling secure innovation, we need to be proactive partners, not roadblocks.
 

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

The key to success is starting with active listening, understanding the challenges your business, peers, and teams are facing, and the context behind past decisions. Don’t rush to fix everything at once, focus on small, meaningful wins that build credibility and momentum. Equally important is learning to tailor your communication to different audiences so your message resonates clearly at every level. Patience, empathy, and adaptability go a long way in gaining trust and making an impact.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success by the progress I make toward both personal and professional goals, the growth and achievements of the people I have led or mentored, and the impact I have beyond the workplace. Seeing others succeed because of guidance I’ve provided is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Equally important is giving back to the community and using my experience to help others thrive.
 

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

The value of being part of the Gartner CISO Community lies in the opportunity to connect with peers and learn from their experiences. It’s also a chance to give back by sharing your own insights and lessons learned. Like any peer-driven community, the more you invest, the more you gain. I’ve been involved with Gartner in multiple regions over the years, and there’s always something new to take away.
 

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