Identity Matters

Identity Matters with Kevin Cunningham, SailPoint Co-Founder and former President

On this episode of Identity Matters, SailPoint CEO Mark McClain reunites with co-founder Kevin Cunningham to reflect on three decades of innovation in identity security. From their early days at Tivoli to launching WaveSet and building SailPoint, they share the risks, lessons, and leadership insights that shaped their journey. 
Hear how they navigated the dot-com era, built a resilient company culture, and pioneered identity governance in an evolving cybersecurity landscape. They also discuss the “lifeboat mentality” that kept their team aligned, the power of listening, and Kevin’s shift into mentorship and philanthropy. 
This episode is packed with wisdom on staying steady, adapting, and leading with purpose. Listen now for a candid conversation on resilience, vision, and building a lasting company.

Identity Matters with Dmitri Alperovitch, Co-Founder and Chairman at Silverado Policy Accelerator

In this episode of Identity Matters, SailPoint CEO Mark McClain and Silverado Policy Accelerator Co-Founder and Chairman Dmitri Alperovitch examine the state of cybersecurity in the face of new technological advances.  
 
Dmitri discusses the new role of cybersecurity as the frontline of conflict, and why it will never be as simple as solving one issue, because new tools, techniques, and technologies like social engineering and AI are continually emerging for security teams and attackers alike. He underscores the need for organizations to be resilient, with plans to rebuild quickly following attacks.  
 
This episode examines the evolving threat and identity landscapes, and why the role and definition of identity within cybersecurity are shifting. Dmitri shares his sharp observations about the latest approaches to cyberattacks and why we should look to Ukraine as an example of rebuilding after a breach. Whether you’re a seasoned cybersecurity veteran or new to the industry, you won’t want to miss this.  

Identity Matters with Cole Hocker, Olympic Champion

In this latest episode of Identity Matters, SailPoint CEO Mark McClain sits down with Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker for an inspiring and deeply insightful conversation.  
Cole shares his journey to becoming the 1500-meter champion at the 2024 Paris Olympics, beating world-class favorites in a race that stunned spectators worldwide. He delves into the mindset, preparation, and resilience required to overcome setbacks, including injuries and self-doubt, while maintaining focus on his goals.  
The episode explores universal lessons about preparation, grit, and adapting to life's unexpected challenges, drawing parallels between athletic excellence and professional success. With memorable anecdotes—like seizing a fleeting opening in the race's final stretch—and actionable wisdom, Cole exemplifies what it means to stay "humble, hungry, and smart." Whether you're chasing dreams in sports, work, or life, this episode will leave you motivated to win your own race. 

Identity Matters with Sumit Dhawan, Proofpoint CEO

On this episode of Identity Matters, Mark McClain, CEO and Founder of SailPoint, is joined by Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint. 
Dhawan discusses his approach to cybersecurity and leadership, and the culture he strives to model at Proofpoint. McClain and Dhawan dive into the critical role that cybersecurity organizations play in helping enterprises solve their security challenges, and the importance of partnership with CISOs. 
A key theme of this episode is the changing nature of cyber threats, and why AI is necessary to help defend against these increasingly sophisticated attacks. The conversation examines the four key solution platforms that have emerged in the cybersecurity industry, as well as the CISO’s shift in mindset from defending every possible corner of their business to operationalizing and managing risk through a suite of key solutions. 
This episode explores the future of cybersecurity, why we should be excited about the industry’s direction, and how security teams can best support their CISO customers in the midst of uncertainty. Cybersecurity buffs and newbies alike will come away inspired about the possibilities that lie ahead. 

Identity Matters with Ron Green, cybersecurity fellow at Mastercard

In this first episode of Identity Matters, Mark McClain, CEO and Founder of SailPoint, is joined by Ron Green, cybersecurity fellow at Mastercard and SailPoint board member.  
Green discusses his impressive career journey, from a childhood aspiration to become a Philadelphia police officer to serving in the U.S. Army, the Secret Service, and later leading security initiatives at major organizations like Bank of America and MasterCard. The conversation delves into the evolution of cybersecurity, reminiscing on Green’s early days dealing with cybercrime to today’s complex landscape to the human impact of cybersecurity during crises, comparing unique challenges of supporting teams through unexpected global threats. 
A key theme of this episode is the importance of fundamentals in security—often overlooked but critical for preventing attacks. McClain and Green explore the role of AI in cybersecurity, not only for defending against today’s threats but also for anticipating future risks through techniques like threatcasting. They also discuss the growing significance of identity security, explaining how securing access to applications and data has always been the goal and why identity security is at the core of everything. 
This episode explores the future of cybersecurity and the human side of defending in our digital world. It’s a must-listen for anyone trying to wrap their arms around the future of cybersecurity, threat intelligence and the critical role identity security plays in safeguarding our digital world.