Veteran CISO Agnelo Dsouza shares his cybersecurity journey from engineer to security leader. He emphasizes balancing technical skill development with technology investment, maintaining work-life equilibrium, and taking action to overcome challenges. Dsouza predicts AI and automation will be essential for future cybersecurity leaders and advises aspiring professionals to prioritize expertise over compensation.
In an increasingly complex digital landscape, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) stand as the guardian of organizational integrity, balancing technical expertise with strategic vision. In this exclusive CISO Forum interview, veteran cybersecurity leader Agnelo Dsouza, Chief Information Security Officer at Adani Airport Holdings Ltd shares his journey from system engineer to CISO, revealing the pivotal moments and philosophies that have shaped his approach to leadership in the cybersecurity domain. As industries worldwide navigate rapid technological transformation and escalating security threats, Dsouza’s insights on career development, work-life balance, and the future of cybersecurity leadership offer valuable guidance for established and aspiring tech leaders alike.
Chief Information Security Officer
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd
Mentioning his experience at Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, he says that what stands out most at Adani is the culture shaped by the Group’s Chairman Gautam Adani. His belief that culture is not just a part of business but the very foundation of it.
CISO Forum: What has been the most defining moment of your career so far, and why?
Agnelo Dsouza: My journey in technology began as a System and Network Engineer. It was in the early 2000s that I first encountered security systems—firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and the like. That exposure sparked a genuine interest in cybersecurity, ultimately shaping the direction of my career. I soon had the opportunity to join a bank, where I was entrusted with establishing its security infrastructure from the ground up. A defining milestone came in 2011, when I was elevated to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role. This position sharpened my technical acumen and played a transformative role in developing my leadership, management, and communication skills.
CISO Forum: If you could revisit one decision in your life and change it, what would it be, and what impact do you think it would have had?
Agnelo Dsouza: Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balance. I was completely immersed in work in the early part of my career. But in that process, I overlooked my health. If I had prioritized my well-being back then, I’d be in a much fitter and healthier place today. I’ve since embraced this change, ensuring that health is a non-negotiable part of my routine.
CISO Forum: Who has been the most influential figure in your life, and what key lessons did you learn from them?
Agnelo Dsouza: Throughout my long tenure, I had the privilege of working with several outstanding leaders. Each brought a unique style to the table, but what stood out was the consistency in their values—a strong work ethic, integrity, and a deep sense of accountability. Some key lessons I learned from them were to lead by example, take ownership of success and failure, and always aspire to overachieve. Today, as a CISO, I strive to embody these values.
CISO Forum: Which personal habit or mindset has contributed most significantly to your success in tech?
Agnelo Dsouza: Early in my career, I received advice that stuck with me: ‘If you have Rs 100, spend 50 on building technical skills and 50 on technology.’ This concept highlights an often-overlooked aspect of tech — while we continually embrace new technologies, we sometimes fail to focus enough on maturing and mastering the ones we already have. As security professionals, we can sometimes be like children constantly jumping from one toy to the next rather than investing time to understand and fully optimize what we have. This mindset has been crucial in my approach to technology and leadership, helping me prioritize skill development and strategic implementation over simply chasing the latest tools.
CISO Forum: How do you typically handle moments of failure or self-doubt, and what strategies have you found most effective for bouncing back?
Agnelo Dsouza: Everyone experiences moments of failure or self-doubt, and I’m no exception. When I face those challenges, I step back and write down the reasons behind the self-doubt. This allows me to break down the issue and identify specific actions I can take to address it. I believe that taking action is the most effective way to confront failure and self-doubt — it not only helps me move forward but also builds resilience. These moments often teach me valuable lessons that I apply in my work and leadership, ultimately making me stronger
CISO Forum: If you could only impart one lesson to the next generation of tech leaders, what would it be, and why?
Agnelo Dsouza: Over the years, I’ve interviewed several candidates, and one common trend I’ve observed is that many are driven primarily by the pursuit of higher compensation, often without having the necessary skills to back it up. My advice to the next generation of tech leaders is simple: prioritize skill development and expertise. Success and compensation will naturally follow when you invest in mastering your craft. Authentic leadership is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and continuous growth—things that can’t be rushed or bought but must be earned.
CISO Forum: How do you measure personal growth and success in your career and personal life?
Agnelo Dsouza: Personal growth for me is handling challenges better at work. If my team feels supported and I’m making decisions that improve things long-term, that feels like success.
In my personal life, it’s about balance and being present. If I can be there for my family, and still carve out time for my interests or growth, that’s success for me.
CISO Forum: What’s the most significant risk you’ve taken that fundamentally changed your trajectory?
Agnelo Dsouza: I’ve worked in the BFSI sector for most of my career, gaining valuable experience and insights. However, one of the most significant risks I’ve taken recently was stepping outside my comfort zone to explore a career in the aviation sector.
Transitioning to a new industry was a bold move, but it’s fundamentally changed my trajectory. It forced me to adapt, broaden my perspective, and tackle challenges from a completely different angle, all of which is enriching my growth as a leader.
CISO Forum: When faced with particularly challenging weeks, how do you unplug and recharge?
Agnelo Dsouza: Spending quality time with my family is one of the most fulfilling and effective ways to recharge and rejuvenate. I need a lot of sleep, and I catch up on sleep over the weekends.
CISO Forum: If you weren’t in the tech industry, what other career path would you have pursued, and what draws you to that field?
Agnelo Dsouza: I am a foodie despite my small and lean frame. If I were not a techie, I would probably have worked in the food industry.
CISO Forum: As the CISO role evolves, which emerging skills or competencies will become indispensable for cybersecurity leaders in 2025?
Agnelo Dsouza: AI and automation have quickly shifted from “nice-to-have” innovations to must-have components of a modern security strategy. AI-driven threat detection and response, Security automation platforms, etc., are becoming the norm.
The use of natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI is starting to redefine how security teams interact with tooling. The CISO team will have to master the use of AI in various cybersecurity areas, some of which are mentioned above.
