Raj Singh is the North America CISO and Global Director of Security at Sagility, leading enterprise and customer security across global healthcare ecosystems. With a background in electrical engineering and computer science, he operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI governance, and digital trust. Featured in CIO Magazine and a Gartner C-Level CISO member, Raj is an Influencer CISO, Elite CISO Network member, and global strategist in security and AI. He speaks at conferences, panels, and podcasts, advising boards and mentoring leaders on Zero Trust, ethical AI, and resilience. His philosophy: Build trust, enable innovation, and keep learning—always.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Raj shared insights into his career journey, from electrical engineering to cybersecurity leadership, and his current role as North America CISO and Global Director of Security at Sagility. He discussed the importance of building trust, enabling innovation, and driving digital resilience, as well as his thoughts on the future of cybersecurity, the role of AI, and the evolving responsibilities of CISOs. Raj also emphasized the value of mentorship, continuous learning, and staying curious in the field of cybersecurity. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Raj. Can you walk us through your career journey and how you became a cybersecurity leader?
My path into cybersecurity wasn’t something I planned – it evolved naturally from curiosity and a love for solving real problems.
I started with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, which grounded me in how technology works — circuits, networks, control systems — the foundation of everything digital today. Later, I earned my Master’s in Computer Science, and that’s where I began to see how software, data, and connectivity were shaping the modern world. But it also made me realize something deeper — the more connected we become, the more exposed we are.
Early in my career, I worked as a software engineer, writing code and building systems. But I found myself constantly asking, what happens if someone breaks this? That question changed the direction of my career. I shifted from writing code to protecting code — from building systems to securing them.
That curiosity led me into identity and access management, and over time, into broader areas like enterprise security architecture, AI governance, and Zero Trust transformations. Each step gave me a chance to look at cybersecurity not just as a technical discipline, but as a strategic enabler — something that protects people, earns trust, and keeps organizations moving forward safely.
I’ve been fortunate to work across healthcare, finance, and government, leading modernization programs that improved both security and business agility. Whether it was reducing risk through automation, strengthening data protection, or aligning security with operations, the focus was always on one thing — making security a business advantage, not a barrier.
Today, as the North America CISO and Global Director of Security at Sagility, I bring together technology, governance, and leadership to create secure ecosystems that support innovation. My approach is rooted in people and purpose — using technology wisely, empowering teams, and keeping security aligned with the organization’s goals.
Looking back, my journey from electrical engineering to cybersecurity leadership has been driven by one consistent mindset: a desire to build things that last — and protect the trust that keeps them running.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What excites me most about my role is shaping a security culture that blends innovation with trust — where cybersecurity isn’t just a control, but a catalyst for growth. I lead a global team safeguarding enterprise and customer ecosystems in one of the most regulated industries, where protecting data goes beyond compliance — it’s a moral responsibility.
Collaboration drives our strategy at Sagility. Together, we’ve built an AI-powered, Zero Trust framework that anticipates risks and strengthens resilience across regions. Yet, what I value most is the human element — fostering a culture where security is part of everyone’s DNA.
This transformation reflects our core values: sparking curiosity to innovate, moving as one team, taking action for results, and always leading with purpose and integrity. Ultimately, it’s about protecting trust — because in a world built on people and data, trust isn’t just everything; it’s our direction.
What role do you think AI will play in shaping the future of cybersecurity?
AI is going to reshape cybersecurity from the ground up — not just how we defend, but how we think about risk.
On the defense side, AI is already helping us move faster than ever. Instead of waiting for alerts, we’re now using machine learning to predict and prevent attacks before they happen. It’s spotting subtle anomalies humans might miss and automating routine responses, which means incidents that used to take hours to detect can now be handled in minutes.
But the challenge is that attackers are learning, too. They’re using AI to create more targeted, adaptive, and intelligent attacks — everything from deepfakes to self-evolving malware. That means the next big focus isn’t just “AI for cybersecurity,” but cybersecurity for AI — making sure our models, data, and decisions remain trustworthy.
In the end, AI won’t replace the human element — it’ll amplify it. The future belongs to security leaders who can combine human judgment with intelligent automation to build resilience, not just defense.
How do you see the role of the CISO evolving in the next few years?
For me, the CISO role has already evolved — and it will continue moving from being purely a technical function to being a strategic leadership role that connects technology, business, and people.
A few years ago, the CISO was expected to focus only on firewalls, compliance, and incident response. But today, and even more so in the coming years, the CISO must think like a business strategist and relationship builder — someone who can translate security priorities into business value, trust, and resilience.
The future CISO will need to be as comfortable in the boardroom as in the SOC. The role is now about influence, coordination, and foresight — aligning with every business unit, from operations to HR, to ensure security becomes part of how the organization works, not an afterthought.
I’ve always seen myself as a connector and collaborator — a CISO who builds strong relationships across functions, who understands both the language of the engineer and the perspective of the CFO. To me, success comes from coordination and shared accountability, not from control.
Another big shift is mindset. The CISO of tomorrow must have curiosity and innovation at their core. We’re operating in an environment driven by AI, automation, and data intelligence — and that requires CISOs who can think creatively, adapt fast, and turn emerging technologies into secure business enablers.
At Sagility, I’ve seen how this plays out in real life — leading security operations across North America, partnering with leaders across other regions, and embedding security into every transformation initiative. It’s about being a strategic bridge between technology, governance, and business outcomes.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I’ve been fortunate to have remarkable mentors who’ve shaped my leadership journey and perspective. Early in my career, I worked under leaders who placed their trust in me to lead large-scale global initiatives in Identity and Access Management, Zero Trust architecture, and enterprise security transformation. That trust gave me the confidence to make decisions, take ownership, and lead through influence rather than authority.
Today, I continue to learn from visionary peers who believe in collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Together, we’ve built a security culture that protects data in highly regulated environments — not by slowing the business down, but by enabling it to move faster, smarter, and more securely.
But the person who has influenced me the most, is my father, a retired Subedar Major & Honorary Captain in the Indian Army. From him, I learned the timeless values of discipline, consistency, humility, and perseverance. He’s always told me that no matter how loud life gets or how tough things seem, just keep moving forward. Talent might open doors, but it’s consistency that keeps them open.
Even today, his advice echoes in everything I do — never stop running, because giving up was never an option. Those words have shaped more than just my career; they’ve defined my leadership philosophy: stay grounded, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging the road ahead may be.
How do you stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats?
For me, staying current in cybersecurity isn’t a task — it’s a mindset. This field evolves daily, and if you stop learning, you fall behind.
I stay engaged through Gartner Security Summits, CISO roundtables, and CIO Magazine forums — not just to listen, but to contribute and learn from global peers. I also rely on Gartner insights, Forrester research, and industry case studies to connect emerging trends like AI-driven defense and identity resilience to real business outcomes.
LinkedIn and mentorship play a big part too. Engaging with other CISOs and guiding new professionals keeps my perspective sharp and forward-looking.
In short, I stay current by staying curious, connected, and hands-on — because in cybersecurity, learning never stops, and neither should we.
Can you share a book or resource that inspires you and why?
I draw inspiration from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, whose work on leadership and purpose reminds me that cybersecurity leadership is as much about people as it is about technology. His ideas emphasize that great leaders start with “why” — a principle that deeply influences how I approach building trust and direction within teams.
Books have also played a major role in shaping my leadership philosophy. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma taught me the value of discipline, mindset, and intentional living — the importance of starting each day with clarity and focus. Atomic Habits by James Clear reinforced how small, consistent actions lead to meaningful, long-term results. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin redefined my understanding of accountability, teamwork, and leading under pressure.
Together, these ideas remind me that true leadership isn’t just about strategy or skill — it’s about mastering yourself, continuously improving, and empowering others to grow with you.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Family time is non-negotiable — it’s my reset and reminder of what truly matters. I’m also big on practical wellness; I take walking meetings to think, recharge, and spark new ideas.
Lately, I’ve been diving into AI — exploring how it can reshape cybersecurity and leadership. That curiosity keeps me learning and evolving. I also mentor rising cybersecurity professionals and advise startups on building security into innovation early on.
And when I’m off the grid, I love traveling and experiencing new cultures — it broadens my perspective and makes me a better collaborator and leader.
My simple rule: say yes only to what aligns with your purpose — it keeps me intentional in both work and life.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
My goal is to help redefine how organizations build digital trust through secure and ethical AI adoption. In five years, I see myself continuing to lead global security transformation initiatives— where I can help organizations across industries and geographies strengthen their cyber resilience.
I want to be a key security advisor and strategic partner to global enterprises, helping them navigate the complex intersection of cybersecurity, AI governance, and innovation. At the same time, I aim to mentor the next generation of security leaders and collaborate with boards and governments to shape policies that enable responsible AI and digital trust on a scale.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into cybersecurity?
If you’re looking to build a career in cybersecurity, don’t overthink it. See it as a continuous journey where growth comes through curiosity, consistency, and experience rather than shortcuts. You evolve with every phase — not overnight, but through deliberate learning and practice.
Start by understanding the big picture. Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools or certifications; it’s about how people, processes, and technology work together to protect information. Learn the “why” behind every control, not just the “how.” Certifications like CISSP or CISM can help you frame that knowledge, giving you both a technical foundation and a leadership mindset. But remember, the goal isn’t to collect credentials — it’s to connect strategy with security and understand how decisions impact risk.
Once you have the basics, apply what you’ve learned. Real expertise is earned through experience, not theory. If you’re already in a job, find ways to contribute to cybersecurity initiatives — participate in audits, shadow your IAM team, or review security policies. Every organization needs champions who care about protecting its data. The moment you start applying concepts to real-world problems, you’ll realize cybersecurity is full of nuances and trade-offs, and that’s where real learning happens.
Along the way, seek out people who are smarter and more experienced than you. Mentorship is one of the fastest ways to accelerate growth. Surround yourself with leaders, architects, and practitioners who’ve faced real challenges and can share lessons that books can’t teach. Attend conferences, join CISO and cybersecurity forums, and stay active on platforms like LinkedIn. Conversations with peers and mentors often spark the insights that shape your professional philosophy.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Volunteer for challenging projects, experiment with new tools, and lead small initiatives. Cybersecurity evolves daily — so must you. The best professionals in this field stay curious, adaptable, and humble, no matter how senior they become. Growth in cybersecurity isn’t about chasing titles; it’s about mastering the art of learning, leading, and protecting what matters most.