The cybersecurity field is a robust battleground that attracts both sophisticated defenders and relentless attackers. In this digital frontier, cybersecurity-savvy leaders are critical. Their expertise is critical to addressing continuously improving threats, implementing strong defenses, and fostering a culture of security awareness within your organization. Rafał Jaczynski—Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity in huawei– Act as guardians of the digital realm, ensuring the safety and integrity of critical data and infrastructure.
Rafau's journey into cybersecurity began with a combination of curiosity and camaraderie, a desire to push boundaries shared by creative and unconventional minds. From an early stage, he was drawn to the challenge of strengthening rather than tearing down mobile communications networks, from his security role as an engineer tasked with securing mobile communications networks to the top information at a major telecommunications company with 70,000 employees. I moved into the extremely important position of security officer.
His tenure as CISO was truly exemplary, featuring the daunting task of building a cyber defense infrastructure from scratch. But with his combination of boldness and adaptability, Rafau calmly navigated the turbulent landscape of cyber threats and turned challenges into victories. This is a story reminiscent of a roller coaster.
Transitioning from the executive ranks of telecommunications giants, Mr. Raffau embarked on a new chapter as a cybersecurity consultant, where he earned a reputation as a quintessential “corporate man.”Mission ImpossibleCISOs tackle security challenges across industries with unparalleled determination. It was this reputation as a strategic problem solver that ultimately led him to Huawei. Huawei is a company that overcomes the rough waters of the high-tech industry with unwavering determination.
At Huawei, Rafau stepped into a non-traditional role, serving as SVP of Cybersecurity for Europe. Apart from the traditional responsibilities of a CISO, his duties include working with stakeholders across markets, regulators, and the public sphere to address questions and concerns about Huawei's security practices. . In an era where transparency and accountability are critical, Mr. Raffau champions a new paradigm for his leadership in cybersecurity, characterized by proactive communication and firm determination.
Rafau is a visionary leader with tireless determination to navigate the complex intersection of technology, security, and public trust. His accomplishments, which continue to blaze new trails in the field of cybersecurity, reflect the tenacity of innovation and integrity that define Huawei's spirit.
Driving Value Rafau embodies strategic acumen and unwavering determination. Summarizing the essence of his approach to cybersecurity leadership, Raffau argues that it's all about the value proposition. Rafau elucidates the sophisticated nature of cybersecurity missions while drawing parallels to the world of sports. “Companies need to understand their value proposition” he likens the role of cybersecurity to a player on a soccer field. “Sometimes he plays as a goalkeeper, sometimes as a midfielder, sometimes as a forward…doing whatever it takes to win competitive matches.”
Rafau's role goes beyond traditional cybersecurity duties at Huawei, which is grappling with the challenge of building trust in a market often viewed with skepticism. “Our cybersecurity value proposition includes explaining to the market why and how we do security.” he emphasizes. “This is a real accomplishment and a value recognized by my colleagues who need to meet sales quotas.”
authentic leadership
Rafau's vision and inspiration form the basis of his leadership philosophy. In his own words, “Vision and inspiration are my specialties. I can paint a picture of the future that enhances people's vision and thereby lifts their spirits.”
A lover of innovative ideas, Rafau values efficiency above all else and is quick to support even the most unconventional solutions to pressing problems. But he remains steadfast in his aversion to pretense, eschewing empty rhetoric in favor of truth and substance. “I don't like to be on the receiving end of trouble, and I don't offer it to others.” he declares.
From his childhood experience, Rafau knows that it is very important to develop a team of individuals who exceed their own abilities. For him, leadership does not mean hierarchical superiority, but rather a commitment to serve and protect those under his leadership.
remain vigilant
In the field of cybersecurity, focus is paramount. This depends not only on the execution method, but also on the underlying threat itself. Rafał emphasizes the importance of addressing core vulnerabilities rather than getting hung up on the latest delivery mechanism. “Focus on the ball, focus on the threat, not how the threat is executed.” he advises.
For Rafau, the key is understanding the fundamental nature of threats such as human manipulation that exploit cognitive weaknesses. Whether it occurs through phishing emails, smishing SMS, deepfake calls, etc., the goal is consistent: to neutralize the threat through robust processes and technology. “Even one person being manipulated should not easily lead to loss of business or infrastructure.” he emphasizes.
Today, everything is undergoing rapid technological advancement, and it is essential to maintain focus and avoid being swayed by superficial things.threat“or flashy”solution. ” Rafau warns against losing sight of the ball, as doing so leaves organizations open to abuse without effectively mitigating his risks. “If you take your eye off the ball, you will always be behind.” he warns, emphasizing the need for determined vigilance in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges.
bridge the cultural gap
Rafau, who has extensive experience working with Chinese multinational companies, emphasizes the importance of cultural context in the decision-making process. “Cultural background is important.a lot” he emphasizes, highlighting the Eastern approach to consensus-building and the Western tendency for quick decisions.
In Eastern cultures, decision-making requires great care to reach consensus before reaching a conclusion. This is in stark contrast to the rapid decision-making often seen in the West. The difference, Rafau explains, is in achieving consensus and securing buy-in.
Eastern cultures prioritize buy-in as an integral part of the decision-making process, rather than treating it as an afterthought. “What is being adopted is what has already been considered and subscribed to, not the other way around” he explains. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances can make the difference between success and stagnation.
lead with vision
Rafau's professional journey took an unconventional turn when he found inspiration not from literary works, poetry, or books, but from attractive commercials. “think different” became his mantra, a philosophy he instilled in his team and embodied in his actions. One of his notable efforts was pioneering his breakthrough security service for broadband residential customers, an innovation that was ahead of its time. “My team started working on the design ahead of the rest of the world.', Rafau recalled.
Their goal was clear. The goal is to create solutions that are more user-friendly, yet more effective than traditional endpoint antivirus products. After careful development, the service was successfully launched on the market and received high praise from satisfied customers. Rafau's commitment to thinking outside the box and challenging conventional norms underscores his dedication to driving impactful change in the cybersecurity field.
Understand risks and mitigations
Avoiding cybersecurity risks is an essential part of traveling in the realm of business. Rafau emphasizes the importance of understanding the magnitude of risk and making informed decisions to ensure organizational resilience. “Accepting risks, especially temporary ones, is not something you should avoid at all costs” he declares.
As a CISO, Raffau believes in advising against risks that could jeopardize a company's security posture and taking a firm stand when necessary. To effectively assess risk, he focuses on two key elements: It's about understanding the business impact and ensuring the ability to detect and respond in a timely manner.
While Raffau recognizes the role of probabilities in risk assessment, probabilities are still unpredictable and cannot be immediately controlled, so he prioritizes factors within his sphere of influence. By emphasizing a pragmatic approach to risk management, Raffau emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making to protect an organization's interests amid evolving cybersecurity threats.
constructive conflict
Rafau values diverse perspectives and welcomes healthy disagreement as a catalyst for progress. “I actually like it when opinions differ.” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in the decision-making process. For him, constructive conflict fosters innovation and ensures thorough consideration of all angles. “I like to bring these conflicting interests to the table and consider whether there are ways to satisfy them that have not been thought of before.,” he explains.
Rafau believes that by embracing debate and disagreement, organizations can mobilize the expertise of their teams to drive meaningful progress. He sees conflict as a stepping stone to holistic solutions and continuous improvement.
Nurturing the next generation
At the core of Rafau's leadership philosophy is a strong commitment to fostering curiosity in his team. Recognizing the essential link between curiosity and continuous learning, he emphasizes:Curiosity…curiosity about how things work created this profession” He champions an inquisitive spirit that reminds us of our original meaning. hacker— Someone who digs deep into the inner workings of a system. He believes that fostering curiosity fosters personal growth and fosters innovation in the cybersecurity field.
Leadership comes with the responsibility of developing the next generation of talent. Rafał and his colleagues are taking proactive steps to address the cybersecurity talent shortage by participating as mentors and lecturers in a Huawei-sponsored cybersecurity management program at a top Polish university. . The program has shown promising results, with approximately 400 graduates making significant contributions to the local cyber community. Rafau sees this initiative as a stepping stone to the transformative power of mentorship and the ability to shape the future of cybersecurity.
reject ruthlessness
Rafau recalls the advice he received when he was first promoted to manager. ”I guess I'll have to be more ruthless now.” However, he decided not to listen to this recommendation. “As a 26-year-old and as a leader with 26 years of experience, I believe you don't have to be ruthless to be competent, respected, and followed.” he declares.
In his view, leadership effectiveness comes from qualities such as empathy, integrity, and cooperation. By avoiding the concept of ruthless leadership, he emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy and respect, regardless of level of experience or seniority.
Rafau's stance emphasizes a belief in the power of caring leadership, a philosophy that prioritizes people over process and fosters a culture of mutual respect and trust within the organization.