Governing Body Spotlight

Paweł Dobrychłop is a seasoned information security leader with over two decades of experience in information security. He currently heads the multinational cybersecurity team at Lyreco Group, a leading European provider of workplace supplies and personal protective equipment. Throughout his career, Paweł has worked across diverse industries – including education, telecommunications, and media – gaining valuable experience in both Polish and Dutch enterprises.

Paweł is a co-founder of the Polish chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), reflecting his long-standing commitment to advancing the cybersecurity profession. He earned his CISSP and CISM certifications in 2010 and 2012, respectively, and continues to contribute to the field by speaking at cybersecurity events and conferences. Paweł holds two Master of Science degrees: one from Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland) and another from De Montfort University in Leicester (UK). Outside of work, Paweł is passionate about alpine skiing, mountain trekking, travel, and fine wine.Learn more about the France CISO community here.
 

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

My journey into cybersecurity began with my first role as an Information Technology teacher. Faced with a classroom full of curious and inventive students – each eager to test the limits of the workstations I had prepared – I quickly realized the need to challenge them with more advanced and meaningful tasks. This experience sparked my interest in protecting IT systems from threats and laid the foundation for my passion in the field.

Later, I transitioned into the Polish telecommunications industry, where the skills I had developed as a teacher opened the door to a role within the cybersecurity team. After several years of successful collaboration, I was entrusted with leading the team.

Driven by a desire to continuously grow both technically and as a leader, I embraced a new opportunity at Staples Europe, where I was tasked with building and developing the cybersecurity engineering team. This experience further strengthened my expertise and leadership capabilities.

In 2021, following the successful acquisition of Staples Europe by Lyreco, I became part of the Lyreco Group, taking on the role of Head of Cyber Security. This allowed me to continue my mission of safeguarding and empowering the business through comprehensive, forward-thinking cybersecurity strategies.

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Rather than choosing a single guiding principle, I highlight three that together form a powerful framework of “what, why, and how”: listening, curiosity, and courage.

• Listening enables us to truly understand the needs of others – whether they are team members, stakeholders, or partners.
• Curiosity drives us to explore the reasons behind actions and reactions, deepening our understanding of people and situations.
• Courage empowers us to speak openly, address difficult topics transparently, and implement bold, innovative solutions.

Together, these principles form the foundation of effective leadership – grounded in empathy, driven by insight, and strengthened by integrity.
 

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

One of the greatest challenges facing CISOs today is ensuring organizational cyber resilience without compromising business opportunities. This must be achieved despite a shortage of skilled professionals in the market, the rapid evolution of cyber threats, and the complexity of protecting increasingly dispersed IT environments.

We address this challenge by embedding cybersecurity into the culture of the organization, making it a shared responsibility across all employees. This is supported by comprehensive awareness programs, a well-defined governance framework, and regular risk assessments.

The second pillar of our strategy is investing in fit-for-purpose solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence and automation, to enhance our cybersecurity defence capabilities and stay ahead of emerging threats.

And finally, the successful internship and internal talent development programs help bridge the gap between our evolving needs and the capabilities available in the market.

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

For those stepping into the role of CISO, I would offer three key pieces of advice that can pave the way to success: have a vision, build trust, and seek out opportunities.

1. A clear vision defines your ultimate goal and guides the actions needed to achieve it. Ensure that your vision aligns with the business needs of your organization – it should enable, not hinder, growth and innovation.
2. Trust is the foundation for effective leadership. It allows you to unite people around a common purpose and move forward together. Build trust with all your allies: the business, your peers, your team, and external partners.
3. Opportunities are everywhere. Cybersecurity doesn’t operate in isolation – there’s always a new project, a change initiative, or a business challenge underway. Use these moments to embed and advance your cybersecurity agenda. If you do, you’ll find they become powerful drivers of progress.
    

How do you measure success as a leader?

Beyond meeting strategic goals and expected KPIs, I consider myself a successful leader when my team is thriving – when team members feel proud of their achievements, are motivated to pursue new challenges, and actively seek opportunities for growth. Success also means earning the trust and appreciation of stakeholders who value our guidance in driving the business forward.
 

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

Being a member of Gartner C-level Communities offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers across diverse industries, share challenges and solutions in a confidential environment, and gain access to exclusive events and insights. It’s a space designed to inspire professional growth and support strategic business development.
 

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.