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The AI Mindset: Cybersecurity, Leadership & Embracing Change with Dan Sorensen

AI isn’t here to replace us — it’s here to amplify what we can do.

In this episode of CXO Secrets, David McClelland is joined by Dan Sorensen, CISO and Cyber Intel Officer at the U.S. Air National Guard, to explore the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity and leadership. Dan explains how embracing an “AI mindset” can empower professionals to stay ahead, comparing its transformative impact to innovations like calculators and power tools.

They discuss ethical challenges, the risks of centralized AI, and how leaders can navigate AI-driven transformations. Dan also highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity, incident response planning, tabletop exercises, and building a resilient organizational culture.

A must-listen for CISOs, technology leaders, and professionals looking to leverage AI while strengthening cybersecurity and leadership capabilities.

Dan Sorensen

CISO

Air National Guard

Dan Sorensen

CISO

Air National Guard

My mission is to empower organizations to navigate digital risk, leveraging cybersecurity and AI to drive resilience, innovation, and trust. With 23+ years as a cybersecurity leader, CISO, board advisor, author, and military veteran, I build strategies that protect critical assets, enable growth, and shape the next generation of cyber talent.

As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and advisor, I’ve directed $50M+ cybersecurity programs, briefed boards and senior leaders, and delivered results that align security with business outcomes. My work spans cyber risk management, Zero Trust, FedRAMP/CMMC, IAM/PAM, and compliance with global frameworks including NIST RMF, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and the EU AI Act. I’ve guided organizations through digital transformation, regulatory change, and emerging threats—transforming risk posture with AI-driven solutions and measurable ROI.

I actively contribute to shaping international AI security standards: providing input to the EU AI Act, co-authoring the CSA/OWASP Agentic AI Red Teaming Guide, and supporting the SANS & OWASP initiative to standardize AI security controls. Through OWASP AI Exchange, I’ve helped develop global AI governance frameworks adopted by 1,000+ practitioners.
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