Classroom to Boardroom: How Teaching Makes Leaders Better

In this episode of The New CISO, host Steve Moore talks with Nithin Reddy, Global VP of Cybersecurity at Dayforce, about how his dual roles in cybersecurity leadership and education shape his approach to building stronger, smarter teams.

Nithin reveals how teaching cybersecurity not only amplifies his impact but also sharpens his communication and leadership skills. From protecting millions of users’ data to mentoring students and influencing curriculum design, he shares why simplifying complex ideas is the key to inspiring both executives and future security professionals.

The conversation explores:

• The link between teaching and leadership growth
• How to manage stress in high-stakes security operations—and tell the difference between “good” and “bad” stress
• Dayforce’s in-house employee risk scoring model and the power of just-in-time access controls
• The impact of generative AI on phishing threats and how awareness training must evolve
• A real-life story of using a fake $200 gift card to teach conference-goers a lesson on social engineering

Whether you’re leading a SOC or standing at the front of a classroom, this episode is a masterclass in turning knowledge into influence—and purpose into performance.