MICKEY DISABATO
CIO/CISO at Fidus Cyber Solutions
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
I am currently based in Flower Mound, Texas, just north of Dallas. I am currently serving as the CIO and CISO of Fidus Cyber, a cyber solutions company.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
I started back in the 90s supporting production systems we used in the printing industry. Eventually, I decided to take a legitimate job performing desktop support for a newspaper company in Chicago. I spent 19 years there in support, project management, compliance and security.
There was a time when an executive leader was brought in from the outside, so he did not have any alliances. He looked at what people were doing and not doing. It sounds harsh, but he removed a number of leaders who were not productive and promoted those who were doing well for the company.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
No, I did not pursue my roles with the intent to be a leader or a teacher. I have always just immersed myself in whatever role I was in. When you're invested in whatever you're doing, you learn it. It could be Security, Compliance, or auto mechanics.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
Yes, there have been a few. Kathy Beiriger, Ghalib Kassam, Jeff Dorsey, David Giambruno, and Mike Makowka have all impacted me in a positive way. I have learned from and taken bits and pieces from the leadership styles to incorporate into my own.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
Technology Leadership needs to be on the edge of change. Too often, we are playing catch-up to those changes. Technology leaders need to anticipate how change will affect the business and prepare for it. Incorporate it into their processes.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
A thorough understanding of the business and a vast knowledge of technology solutions.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
I love a hard-working, trusting company. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm still trying to climb as much as I am trying to do the smart thing and foster relationships. This is with all people in the company, our vendors, as well as those in our community. Being in Dallas, it's easy to be involved in our community.
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers?
Continue to be curious. What next? What's above? What am I not seeing? Keep asking questions.
"Continue to be curious."
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Change. Plain and simple. Technology, business strategy, and People. Everything changes. I think the work change is that companies are not keeping their talent long enough. It's very difficult to maintain continuity with leaders and employees constantly moving in and out.
What has been your most significant achievement or proudest moment as a technology leader?
I don't have a single moment. Mine are repetitive. I like the feeling of accomplishment. Small or large efforts, I'm just looking to make sure these are completed and completed successfully.
Other details that you'd like to add:
I enjoy Mountain Bike Riding and any kind of home repair.
How do you ensure that you and your team stay updated with the latest technology trends and industry best practices?
Get involved with the community and the vendor community. Look at their products and the improvements of those products. Take their products for a test drive.
Can you share a book that has the most profound impact on shaping your professional journey and approach as a leader?
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
If I had to pick a book that has had a significant impact on shaping how I think about leadership and how I approach guiding others, it would be Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. The core idea of the book is that great leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams, creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated. Sinek explores how trust and cooperation are foundational to effective leadership, which is something that resonates deeply in both personal and professional settings. The most profound takeaway is how leadership is less about personal gain and more about fostering a culture of care and mutual respect.
A big thank you to Mickey Disabato from Fidus Cyber Solutions for sharing his journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.