The Identity Heroes

The Identity Heroes
Podcast Description
The Identity Heroes brings real stories from the frontlines of identity to life. Hear from architects, CISOs, and practitioners as they share authentic insights and tactical lessons. Curious, smart, and a little rebellious, this series celebrates the people solving today’s toughest identity challenges. Because no one goes to school for IAM.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on essential topics within identity and access management, featuring episodes that explore the non-linear paths of industry professionals, practical lessons learned from setbacks, and the interplay between technology and leadership, exemplified by discussions on the future of AI in IAM, networking dynamics, and the multifaceted nature of identity careers.

The Identity Heroes brings real stories from the frontlines of identity to life. Hear from architects, CISOs, and practitioners as they share authentic insights and tactical lessons. Curious, smart, and a little rebellious, this series celebrates the people solving today’s toughest identity challenges. Because no one goes to school for IAM.
In this episode of The Identity Heroes, Chris Rich, the Business Information Security Officer at MassMutual, joins Aldo Pietropaolo for an insightful discussion on modern identity and cybersecurity leadership.
Chris shares his unique career journey—from sales and theater to leading IAM at a Fortune 100 financial firm—and explores the difference between customer and workforce identity, the importance of stakeholder trust, and the balance between risk and user experience. This conversation is full of real-world wisdom for those navigating the identity space.
Key Takeaways:
- IAM can transform organizations when aligned with business outcomes
- Security must enable—not obstruct—the user journey
- Prioritization is critical in cybersecurity decision-making
- Customer identity requires a different approach from workforce identity
- Courage and listening are vital leadership skills
This conversation dives into:
- The evolving role of a BISO
- The tension between security and friction
- How IAM supports customer trust in financial services
- Measuring success and prioritizing initiatives
- The future of cybersecurity in the age of AI
🎙 The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and do not represent the opinions of their employer or family.
🔗 Explore more episodes:https://www.strata.io/identityheroes

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