Cyber Risk Is a Myth. Are You Framing Risk in Business Terms? with Kayne McGladrey
In this episode of My GRC POV, host Monica Reagor engages with Kayne McGladrey, a seasoned cybersecurity advisor, to discuss the intersection of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) with cybersecurity and AI. They explore the importance of effective communication between cybersecurity leaders and business executives, the evolving landscape of cyber risk as a business condition, and the necessity of data classification in AI governance. Kayne shares insights on the execution gaps in defense and GRC environments, the impact of regulatory pressures, and the importance of building relationships within organizations. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and curiosity in the GRC space, as well as the upcoming challenges in 2026.
Author, Two-Time CISO
I'm a CISSP‑certified cybersecurity advisor, author of the GRC Maturity Model, and senior IEEE member. My first CISO role was in the DiB, my second CISO role was at a leading GRC startup.
Over nearly three decades I’ve helped Fortune 500 and Global 1000 firms align governance, risk, and compliance with business strategy, reduce incident‑response times by up to 45%, and avoid $10 M+ in potential losses. I have a book coming out later this year from a major publisher on why cyber risk is a fiction.
My work focuses on:
- Enabling CISOs, internal‑audit teams, and executives to translate technical risk into clear business outcomes.
- Designing GRC frameworks that turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
- Guiding organizations through emerging regulations such as the EU AI Act, SEC disclosure rules, and DORA.
I’m also a frequent keynote speaker and guest speaker on multiple podcasts, where I distill complex security topics into actionable insights for boardrooms and broader audiences.
