New AI Cybersecurity Plan for 2025
May 09, 2025 at 12:00 PM (7 days ago) • Austin, TX
George Kurtz
President / CEO & Founder at CrowdStrike
Professional Interests
Personal Interests
Make an Impression
George is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and passionate motorsport racer, known for his straightforward communication and leadership during crises. Discussing his journey from Foundstone to CrowdStrike and his racing pursuits would make engaging conversation starters.
Ice-Breaker Topics
- Auto Racing: Passionate about motorsport and racing.
- Entrepreneurship: Discuss his journey from starting Foundstone to founding CrowdStrike.
- Book Writing: Authored the best-selling security book, "Hacking Exposed."
- Apology and Accountability: Praised for immediate response to software failure.
Communication Style
- Use clear, concise language; George values straightforward communication.
- Respect his experience in cybersecurity; discuss relevant trends and innovations.
- Bring up recent industry events; shows you're informed and engaged.
- Acknowledge his leadership during crises; it's a significant part of his public persona.
Dive Deeper
George's career spans founding and leading tech companies like Foundstone and CrowdStrike, marked by pioneering contributions to cybersecurity and significant M&A activities, reflecting his strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
Career Path
Career Highlights
- Co-founded and led CrowdStrike to a prominent position in the S&P 500.
- Led McAfee's Risk and Compliance BU, growing it into a $1.5B revenue stream.
- Spearheaded the acquisition and growth of Foundstone, which sold for nearly $90M.
- Instrumental in cybersecurity innovations and multiple successful M&A activities.
Ideas & Quotes
- "Taking the complex and making it simple." (CrowdStrike)
- Praised for "immediate responsibility and public apologies" during software update failure. (Cybersecurity Dive)
- Named "Cybersecurity Person of the Year" for outstanding contributions to the field. (Cybersecurityventures)
- "We emerged stronger." Regarding overcoming challenges at CrowdStrike. (CRN)
Personality Insights
Build the Relationship
You and George could bond over shared interests in technology and leadership. His approachable style and your keen insights into tech trends would make for lively, meaningful conversations.
Interpersonal Dynamics
- Both George and Drew have a dominant personality, which may lead to clashes.
- Their professional backgrounds in technology and cybersecurity overlap significantly.
- George's competitive nature may challenge Drew's more spontaneous approach.
- Their shared entrepreneurial experiences may create a mutual understanding.
Ways to Create Connection
- Discuss your shared experiences in the cybersecurity industry.
- Compliment George's achievements with CrowdStrike.
- Share your entrepreneurial journey and the challenges you faced.
- Discuss innovative approaches to technology and security solutions.
Things to Avoid
- Don't dominate the conversation, George values clear and concise communication.
- Be careful about being too spontaneous, George prefers efficiency and structure.
- Try not to question or undermine George's competitive nature.
- Refrain from pushing for quick decisions, as George is more pragmatic.
Company Insights
As CEO of CrowdStrike since 2012, George has led the company to become a leader in endpoint protection and threat intelligence, emphasizing innovation and cloud security solutions, while managing a global team.
Learn about each of the companies George has worked for.
Sources
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