WiCyS Rising CISO Leadership Development Program

As a senior-career WiCyS member, you are uniquely positioned to join the Rising CISO Leadership Development Program, a bold commitment in partnership with Optiv to shape the next generation of cybersecurity executives. This is not a typical leadership course. Leave the slides, lectures, and screen time behind. You will be fully immersed in a transformative environment built on hands-on, creative experiences that challenge your thinking and push you beyond habitual ways of operating. It is an exclusive opportunity to discover your true leadership capabilities through action, reflection, and genuine human connection, guided by Jason Weiss’s philosophy of challenging the status quo and embracing ambitious dreams.

The program is an exclusive, in-person event, designed for highly focused group of 14 hand-selected security leaders. Past participants have been selected from top-tier organizations, including VISA, ADP, Merck, Comcast, and Amgen. If you are ready to disrupt your comfort zone and master the influence required to step into a CISO-level role, apply today to secure your place among the cybersecurity industry’s elite rising decision makers.

Available to:

• 14 senior-career WiCyS members
• Security leader-level professionals are encouraged to apply (e.g., VPs, Directors, Deputy CISOs, new CISOs, or those on track for these roles in the next 3-5 years)
• Application restricted to WiCyS members living/working in North America
• Members willing to commit fully to attending all sessions in person
• Members willing to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses

What you get:

• A transformative, 2-day in-person, hands-on, creative learning experience in Chicago
• Clarity, challenge, and connection are necessary for emerging cybersecurity leaders
• Exploration of authentic leadership, understanding your ‘why’, mastering influence, and building confidence
• A rare opportunity for authentic one-on-one relationship building, collaborative learning, and early influence with future leaders
• Practical tools and insights to help lead and strengthen cross-functional partnerships

Important to know:

• Location & Dates: The program will take place in Chicago, IL, on July 20 – 21, 2026 (specific location to be determined)
• Travel & Lodging: Members accepted will be responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations.
• Meals: Will include breakfast, lunch, and refreshments on both days. The group dinner on July 20th is also included.
• Participation: Members selected are required to fully attend this in-person event in Chicago

Rising Ciso LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Timeline

April 21: Applications open at 8 am CT

May 11: Applications close at 5 pm CT

May 19: Acceptance status notifications emailed by end of day

May 27: Deadline to complete commitment forms by 1 pm CT

May 29: Location details and digital badges emailed to selected participants by end of day

July 7: “Meet the Participants” Launch Webinar (invite only)

July 20 – July 21: In-person program runs (invite only)