The Human Side of Cybersecurity with John Scrimsher, CISO at Kontoor Brands

Episode notes

In this episode of The Human Side of Cybersecurity, Dan Desko, Founder & CEO of Echelon Risk + Cyber, sits down with John Scrimsher, CISO at Kontoor Brands, to explore how security leadership evolves over decades of change. John reflects on a career that began before modern security programs existed, shaped by early malware outbreaks, large-scale incidents, and the need to innovate when tools didn’t yet scale. The discussion focuses on how experience, adaptability, and community shape long-term effectiveness in the role. The conversation moves beyond technology into leadership, communication, and resilience. John shares lessons learned from professional missteps, cultural adaptation, and managing pressure over time, while also challenging misconceptions about what senior security leadership actually entails. For current and aspiring leaders, the discussion offers a grounded perspective on why security is as much about people, trust, and persistence as it is about controls. Leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts! Want first access to future interviews? ⁠