Welcome to Season 5 of the Cyber Security District Podcast!
In this episode, our founder and host Laurens Jagt sits down with Fleur van Leusden, one of the Netherlands’ most respected and recognizable voices in cybersecurity. Currently serving as CISO at a Dutch government institution, Fleur’s career path is anything but ordinary. She began as an “internet detective” at Dutch National Police, investigating cybercrimes long before cybersecurity became mainstream.
Today, Fleur combines her background in criminology, digital forensics, and leadership to bring a uniquely human perspective to the technical world of cybersecurity. She’s also the host of her own podcast, CISO Praat, where she dives into the emotional, strategic, and ethical sides of information security.
Meet Fleur van Leusden
Fleur is not just a cybersecurity leader, she’s a bridge between the worlds of law enforcement, psychology, and digital defence. Before becoming a CISO, she spent years at Dutch Police investigating online crime and cyber fraud. Her curiosity and drive led her into the private and public sectors, where she has helped organisations strengthen their defences while also emphasising the importance of people, not just processes.
Through every stage of her career, Fleur has been an advocate for balance, authenticity, and communication in cybersecurity, qualities that are often overlooked but essential for sustainable leadership.
Life as a Solo CISO
Fleur offers an unfiltered look into what it means to be a solo CISO, responsible for managing complex risks with limited resources and endless expectations.
“Being a solo CISO can be lonely. You’re balancing pressure from leadership, the needs of your team, and your own well-being, all while keeping the organization secure.”
She explains how modern CISOs are often expected to be “superheroes,” handling strategy, compliance, crisis management, and communication all at once. The reality, she says, is that no one can do it alone, and building trusted networks and communities is crucial.
Breaking the “CISO Superhero Complex”
One of the most striking parts of the conversation is Fleur’s honesty about the emotional toll of cybersecurity work. She describes the “CISO superhero complex”, a mindset where leaders feel they must constantly prove their value and solve every problem themselves.
“We need to normalize vulnerability in leadership. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I need help.’ That’s not weakness, it’s strength.”
For Fleur, leading with empathy and authenticity helps teams feel safer, more motivated, and ultimately more effective. She highlights how sharing mistakes and lessons learned builds trust, both within teams and across the wider cybersecurity community.
The Human Side of Cybersecurity
While technology is at the heart of cybersecurity, Fleur emphasises that people are the true defence line. She believes every security strategy should start with understanding human behaviour, how people think, communicate, and react under pressure.
“Security is about people, how they behave, how they make decisions. If you don’t understand that, no tool or policy will save you.”
She calls for a more compassionate approach to leadership, where CISOs prioritize mental health, communication, and a supportive culture as much as incident response and compliance.
Lessons for Future Cybersecurity Leaders
Fleur also shares advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially women and young leaders navigating male-dominated environments. Her message is simple: stay authentic, stay curious, and build your own voice.
“You don’t have to fit into the mold. Bring your own perspective, that’s what makes cybersecurity stronger.”
She encourages the next generation to seek mentors, experiment across different roles, and never underestimate the power of community.
Looking Ahead
Fleur van Leusen’s journey, from police investigator to solo CISO and podcast host, captures the evolution of cybersecurity itself: from a technical discipline to a deeply human one. Her story is a reminder that resilience, empathy, and authenticity are just as vital as technical skill.
Learn more about CISO Praat
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
