Certified Cybersecurity Leadership Strategist (CCLS) program prepares senior cyber leaders for the executive suite

For today’s senior cybersecurity leaders, engaging with executives on risk, investment, and priorities is a core part of the role. Yet security leaders often struggle to consistently translate cyber risk into clear business risk in ways the C‑suite can understand, prioritize, and – importantly – fund.

At the 2026 CyberBay Summit, the Certified Cybersecurity Leadership Strategist (CCLS) program will be highlighted to address this gap. The three‑day, in‑person leadership course, offered March 11–13, is designed to help CISOs, vCISOs, and Managed Service Providers, earn a true “seat at the table” by reframing cybersecurity from a technical function into a business and leadership capability. The workshop equips leaders to reframe cyber risk into the language executives understand and act on.

The course is delivered by Brian Blakely, CISO at Bellini Capital, in collaboration with Right of Boom and the University of South Florida Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing.

“Cybersecurity programs fail most often not because of missing tools, but because leaders haven’t been taught how to connect cyber risk to real business decisions,” said Blakely. “This course guides security leaders through that journey and gives them the credibility and leadership skills needed to secure sustained investment. The value of the relationship goes up when the executive team understands how to reduce risk, and allocate resources in ways that secure the organization.”

Why Cybersecurity Leadership, and Why Now

Modern CISOs are expected to manage enterprise risk, support business growth, and advise executives and boards, yet there is a lack of formal training in executive communication, governance, and funding strategy. Cybersecurity platforms including ConnectSecure and Cynomi are therefore supporting the program as a path to help their partners “level up.”

Focus areas of the Certified Cybersecurity Leadership Strategist (CCLS) programs:

• Closing the translation gap: Learn to reframe technical cyber risk in clear business language that resonates with CEOs, CFOs, and boards.
• Executive‑level credibility: Build the leadership posture and communication skills required to participate meaningfully in strategic and budget discussions.
• Funding and alignment focus: Understand how to connect cybersecurity initiatives to executive priorities to drive alignment and sustained investment.
• Practical, applied learning: Engage in real‑world scenarios and executive‑style briefings rather than technical or vendor‑centric training.
• Career progression: Position yourself for greater influence as a senior security leader or advisor, including pathways toward executive and vCISO‑level roles.

Programs like CCLS reflect the growing development opportunities associated with the CyberBay ecosystem – bringing together government, military, academia, and the private sector to protect our digital borders.

For information and registration, visit: https://usfcorporatetraining.catalog.instructure.com/browse/rightofboom/courses/4664

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