Walt Powell is a cybersecurity thought leader, ethical hacker, and executive coach dedicated to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leadership. As the Lead Field CISO and a founding member of the Global Security Strategy Office at CDW, Walt leads a team of seasoned former CISOs, offering strategic guidance to organizations worldwide.
With a career spanning executive advisory, risk management, governance, and compliance, Walt has worked alongside hundreds of CISOs and CIOs across industries, providing insights that take decades to cultivate. Before joining CDW, he founded Left Brain Security, serving as a vCISO and cybersecurity strategist. He has also made an impact as an award-winning cybersecurity leader, professor, and industry mentor, dedicating time to educating professionals through CISSP and CISM boot camps and contributing to certification exam development committees.
A Mensa member and futurist, Walt is deeply invested in the implications of emerging technologies on cybersecurity. He actively shares his insights through industry talks, white papers, and publications, including his forthcoming book, “The CISO 3.0 – A Guide to Next-Generation Cybersecurity Leadership.” This book serves as a modern handbook for CISOs, equipping security leaders with the tools and frameworks needed to excel in an evolving digital world.
Beyond cybersecurity, Walt is a former professional musician and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys traveling, spending time with his children, and learning new languages.
A graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University CISO program and the Stanford Advanced Cybersecurity certification program, Powell has built a strong foundation in executive-level security leadership.
Whether leading executive-level discussions, advising on risk strategy, or mentoring cybersecurity professionals, he remains committed to strengthening the global security landscape. Beyond leadership, Powell actively contributes to the cybersecurity community as a Cybersecurity Canon Committee Member and a trusted advisor to security-focused initiatives.
His extensive list of industry-recognized certifications includes:
For more insights on cybersecurity leadership, risk quantification, and the evolving role of CISOs, connect with Walt Powell. Walt’s thought leadership can help you stay ahead in today’s digital landscape.
