Blog | Eastridge Workforce Solutions

[Episode 30] CISOs: Why Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast?

Written by Cynthia Contreras, Marketing Manager | Jun 23, 2025 8:17:29 PM

Jason Loomis, Chief Information Security Officer at Freshworks, reveals why culture truly eats strategy for breakfast. He delves into the vital role of a supportive, trust-based environment in cybersecurity success. Jason also details how hiring for talent and mindset outperforms checking boxes for technical skills. Leaders can inspire high-performing teams that drive better results by fostering open communication and genuine collaboration.

"The biggest failure I see in leadership is focusing solely on finding someone with specific skills, assuming that’s the key to success. To me, nothing could be further from the truth. You should start by asking how they will fit into the culture we’re building. If they have a people-first mindset, with process and technology coming second, that’s what I look for." - Jason Loomis

Leaders and HR executives alike can expect to learn how building a trust-based environment leads to superior outcomes, both in employee engagement and in overall security measures. By prioritizing people over process or technology, Jason outlines how culture becomes the strategic foundation for attracting and retaining top talent, boosting team morale, and creating long-term organizational impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture provides a guiding framework for decision-making
  • Trust is fundamental to any high-functioning team
  • People-first leadership fuels measurable performance gains