Governing Body Spotlight

Marc Crudgington has a 30-year career in technology and cybersecurity that includes companies that were startups through companies that are F100 and varied in their business profiles and industries. Marc has been nominated for and won several national technology awards, has several advanced degrees and certifications including an MBA from a top-tier US university, business, technology, and cyber certifications, and is an alum of the FBI's CISO Academy. 

Currently, Marc is pursuing his Masters in Technology Commercialization at UT Austin, McCombs School of Business. Marc is also an avid speaker at conferences from keynotes to panels to fireside chats, and he has authored two books, both Amazon #1 New Releases and the second was an Amazon #1 Bestseller and featured on the NASDAQ billboard.

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

My path to my current role as VP of IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity at Crane Worldwide Logistics began with a foundational experience right out of college, helping the USAF transform to a more modern infrastructure including data centers, networking, and threat intelligence initiatives. Over the years, I have held various technology leadership positions, consistently focusing on leveraging innovative technologies to drive transformations from modern architectures, digitizing, building robust cyber programs, and now utilizing AI for efficiencies and innovation. This journey has equipped me with extensive expertise at startups to F100 companies in strategic leadership, innovation, global infrastructure, cloud enablement, cybersecurity, IT governance, and more, ultimately leading to my current position at Crane Worldwide Logistics.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is fostering a culture of innovation through collaborating with other business leaders and honing in on the question of “what value will this provide the business,” then conveying that value all the way down to staff level colleagues. By encouraging my teams to embrace new technologies and methodologies, we can drive transformative changes, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth whether that is a digital, cyber, infrastructure, or AI transformation. 

My motto is “Technology and innovation, specifically cybersecurity, are like the brakes on a Ferrari, they are not there so you can stop, but there so you can drive 180 mph safely.”
 

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

The greatest challenge in my role as VP of IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity for Crane Worldwide Logistics is to ensure a resilient business (infrastructure and cyber) while helping to drive innovation and transformation across our global practices. We leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance our efficiencies in business operation and modernize our cyber defenses ensuring that our digital transformation initiatives do not compromise data integrity and security. 

The proliferation of all technologies, including AI, has increased the sophistication of cyber threats that demand constant vigilance and proactive measures. We address this by ensuring we can measure the value and ROI, implementing advanced security protocols, conducting regular program assessments, and fostering a culture of innovation and cybersecurity awareness.
 

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

The key to success for someone just starting out is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. It's essential to understand both the technological landscape and the business objectives. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, and maintaining a strategic vision are crucial. Additionally, focusing on effective communication, risk management, and leading by example will help navigate challenges and drive the organization forward. Prioritizing innovation with a keen sense of the appropriate cybersecurity posture and staying updated with emerging technologies are also vital for long-term success.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader through stakeholder and team engagement and satisfaction, achieving strategic goals, fostering innovation, and receiving positive executive leadership feedback. Additionally, I look at operational efficiency and the professional development of my team members. These metrics collectively indicate the effectiveness of my leadership and the overall growth and success of the organization.  Lastly, and I would say most importantly, is reviewing myself – from my health (both physical and mental capacity), my growth intellectually and an EQ perspective, and then how much am I enjoying all that these types of roles have to offer.  It is important that as leaders we take back time, time that we can often lose sight of when being pulled in so many directions; it comes down to priorities.
 

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

Being a member of the community provides invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration with other C-level executives. It offers access to exclusive events, peer-driven insights, and best practices that can help leaders stay ahead in their industries. Additionally, the community fosters a collaborative environment where members can share challenges and solutions, driving innovation and strategic growth. This collective knowledge and support network enhances professional development and contributes to the success of its members and their organizations.
 

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.
 

By CISOs, For CISOs®
 

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