Infosecurity Europe is one of the largest and most influential cyber security events—bringing together more than 13,000 security professionals, technology leaders and decision-makers across industries.
This year, CyberOne attended in strategic partnership with Microsoft, united by a shared mission: to help organisations navigate today’s complex threat landscape with confidence. Together, we showcased how Microsoft-powered, performance-led cyber security can deliver real-world impact—from technical resilience to measurable business outcomes. As a trusted Microsoft Security Solution Partner, our goal was to demonstrate real-world security transformation through scalable, modular services that align protection with business outcomes.
Our joint presence wasn’t just about showcasing solutions—it was about sparking meaningful conversations. And one of the highlights of the event was an exclusive fireside Q&A hosted by our CEO Dominic List, featuring Dylan Hartley—former England Rugby Union Captain, Six Nations Grand Slam Winner and Sunday Times Sports Author of the Year
The parallels between rugby and cyber security are striking. Despite being vastly different arenas, both demand the same fundamentals: calm under pressure, continuous learning, relentless preparation and leadership that holds firm when it matters most.
Here we recap that conversation—talking to Dylan about leadership, pressure, setbacks and resilience—and draws out the lessons that translate directly into the world of cyber security. Whether you’re defending a digital perimeter or leading a high-performance team, Dylan’s insights offer timeless guidance for how to thrive under pressure.
Early Pressure
You left New Zealand at just 16 to pursue your rugby dream. What was it like stepping into such pressure so young and how did it shape your mindset and leadership later on in your career?
For Dylan, leaving New Zealand at 16 wasn’t pressure—it was opportunity. With his career stalling, he chose a new path. He believed in himself and knew he had to take the next step to grow. “When one door closes, find another way.” At 16, he made the dream his own—and never looked back.
➡️ In cyber security, early career pivots, high-pressure roles and constant evolution mean the ability to adapt and embrace change is key. Like Dylan, cyber professionals must back themselves to grow through uncertainty. As organisations continue to modernise and evolve their threat models, adaptability becomes a key differentiator between stagnation and breakthrough.
Building Winning Teams
You captained England and led Northampton Saints through one of their most successful eras. What’s the key to building a winning team, especially under pressure?
Dylan knows that building a team takes time and you only learn by going through it. Experience is accordingly his best teacher. “You need to lose games to win games.” According to him, the best thing about sport is that you win or you lose. And when you lose, you analyse, adjust and make sure it doesn’t happen again—at least not for the same reason. You won’t get it right every time, but every setback brings you closer to what it takes to succeed.
➡️ The same holds true in security teams. Post-incident reviews, threat simulations and retrospectives help teams evolve and improve—if they’re honest and accountable. This culture of continual improvement and psychological safety is what enables modern security operations to grow sustainably.
Leadership and Expertise in Action
Working under Eddie Jones came with high expectations. How did you balance passion with preparation and what role did expertise play in earning trust and leading successfully?
I think playing for England, you’re the tip of the spear,” Dylan says. At that level, you’re surrounded by the best in the game. From a leadership perspective—whether as coach or captain—he believes it’s about setting clear expectations and building a culture where the environment polices itself. Sport is mentally and physically demanding. Some people break. Dylan admits he eventually did. That’s why it’s vital to have people who can endure and thrive under pressure. Clarity of role and trust in others to execute theirs—that’s what makes a team work, Dylan adds.
➡️ In cyber security, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the best coder. It’s about modelling the behaviours you want the team to embody—discipline, consistency and calm in the chaos. Especially during an active incident, people look to the calmest leader for direction.
The Pressure-Cooker Moments: Leading When It’s Chaos
During a match, when the pressure peaked and plans went out the window, how did you lead through the chaos and keep the team focused?
Preparation is key. You can plan for everything, but in high-pressure moments, you still need to respond with calm and confidence. Dylan highlights the value of scenario-based training—posing questions like, “What if the bus breaks down on the way to the game?” or “What if Dylan gets knocked out?” Because those conversations had already happened, no one panicked when the bus turned up late. The team stayed composed. Dylan also believes mistakes are inevitable on the field—but that’s part of the process. “You’ve got to get it wrong before you get it right,” he says.
➡️ In cyber security, this is textbook incident response planning. Tabletop exercises, threat models and pre-mortems are how elite teams build muscle memory—so they don’t flinch when the real thing happens. Preparation is not a checkbox; it’s the foundation for high-performance during real-world breaches.
Prioritising the Greater Good
You chose to stay at Northampton rather than take a more lucrative contract abroad, to stay eligible for England. What drove that decision and what does it take to put the team above personal gain?
For Dylan, clarity is important. “My goal was to play for England—and if I’d gone abroad, that wasn’t a possibility anymore. I just knew what I wanted to do.”
➡️ In cyber security, opportunities come and go—start-ups, contractors, prestige roles. But the most impactful pros choose missions over money. Culture and contribution often matter more than title or salary. In a world where skills are in high demand, those who align with meaningful security missions create lasting impact. At CyberOne, we act as a strategic partner, always putting our clients’ long-term success above short-term gains.
Building Resilience Through Setbacks
You’ve dealt with major injuries and setbacks, including missing the 2019 World Cup. How did you rebuild your mindset and what helped you stay resilient through those moments?
“For me, the only option was to carry on,” Dylan says. Setbacks build resilience—and the more you face, the quicker you learn to process them. For Dylan, it came down to self-awareness and humility. Understanding that only you can control your destiny.
➡️ In cyber security, setbacks come in the form of incidents, breaches or burnout. Success lies in responding, not reacting—and learning from each experience. Whether it’s recovering from a critical vulnerability disclosure or a failed deployment, maintaining composure and drive is what helps teams rebuild stronger.
Advice for Today’s Business Leaders
Looking back at your career, what leadership lessons would you share with people leading teams today through fast-paced, high-pressure environments?
In Dylan’s eyes, true leadership begins with self-awareness and humility—recognising you’re not always the smartest person in the room. You lead by example: show up, work hard and reflect the standard you expect from others.
➡️ Cyber leaders, especially in high-pressure SOCs, thrive by empowering others, staying teachable and showing up when it counts. Technical knowledge is important, but culture-setting, empathy and trust ultimately define great security leadership.
Keeping the Edge Sharp
Keeping the edge sharp is vital. In rugby and cyber alike, yesterday’s playbook won’t win tomorrow’s match. How do you stay curious, keep learning and stop success today from breeding complacency tomorrow?
In the cyber world, you’ve got to keep pioneering—always trailblazing—because the threat is constantly evolving. But in rugby, Dylan says, things are more linear. The real edge comes from mastering the fundamentals. Go back to basics and get them right—every single time.
➡️ That’s the cyber security sweet spot: blending foundational hygiene (patching, asset visibility, MFA) with curiosity and innovation to stay ahead of dynamic threats. Security teams that consistently execute the basics while staying curious and engaged are the ones that remain resilient through change.
Dylan Hartley’s journey reminds us that the tools for greatness—on the field or in the SOC—are timeless: preparation, humility, clarity, resilience and trust. Different game. Same pressure. Same playbook.
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