Cybersecurity Career Q&A: 6 Questions with Brian Gumbel, Armis President

Note to readers: This blog post is part of the Armis cybersecurity career Q&A series where we explore how people advance their careers in the industry by spotlighting some of the talented people that make Armis the leader in unified asset intelligence and security.

In this Q&A blog post, we meet Brian Gumbel, Armis President. Brian lives in the West Village, in New York City with his husband and two 5-year-old children. He’s a big foodie and also loves travelling to see new countries and experience new cultures with the family. When he’s not spending time with the kids and family, he can be found on the ski slopes or in Barry’s boot camp.

Question 1: What’s your role at Armis?

As the President of Armis, I am entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities that drive the success of our company. At the forefront of my duties is setting the strategic direction, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is achievable and propelling us towards new heights of growth.

In addition to overseeing sales and operations, I direct programs and initiatives that promote cross-functional collaboration within our organization to ensure a cohesive and optimal working environment. Recognizing the importance of customer and partner relationships, I actively engage with them to gain a deep understanding of their needs and aspirations and to foster truly authentic connections. By working hand-in-hand with our teams, I ensure that our solutions are precisely tailored to effectively address every challenge that arises. Through this collective effort, we can guarantee the utmost success for our customers and the continued growth of Armis.

Question 2: What are the challenges of your role? And how do you approach them?

I would say my day-to-day challenges revolve around navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, from staying ahead of emerging threats to ensuring seamless execution of our solutions. I try to approach these challenges with a proactive mindset and sort of a relentless pursuit of helping solve our customers biggest problems. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning with the team, I feel we are able to adapt swiftly and address any obstacles that come our way.

Question 3: What are you working on at the moment that excites you?

So, currently, I’m particularly excited about the initiatives we’re undertaking with federal, state, and local security sectors. The opportunity to collaborate with government agencies and contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data is both challenging but also really rewarding. And by leveraging our expertise in asset visibility, we’re able to provide innovative solutions that address unique security needs within the public sector. This work not only impacts national security but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the cybersecurity realm.

Read about Armis’s Asset Visibility and Security Solutions for the Public Sector

Question 4: What was your career path?

So I’ve had a very interesting career journey and my path has been anything but straightforward. It began when I started working as a caddy at a local golf course at the age of 13. After high school, I went through multiple major changes in college and eventually settled on premed. However, I found that direct patient care wasn’t the right fit for me, but I was determined to find a career that enabled me to utilize my skills with my pre med degree. So I set my sights on Pfizer, a big US pharmaceutical company, and even though I had a pre med degree, I took a short-term sales position at Nettel to gain the necessary skills. It turned out that I excelled at this, and I then progressed to become a district manager, and I just fell in love with technology and customer engagement, ultimately deciding to never return to medicine.

Then, I relentlessly pursued a recruiter at Cisco and landed my first role as a commercial account manager after a grueling 9-month interview process. Since then, I’ve held various sales and leadership positions at esteemed companies like McAfee, Tanium, Forescout, and now here at Armis. This journey has taught me the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities, being open to change, perseverance, and the joy of helping others succeed.

Question 5: What would your advice be for anyone looking to get into cybersecurity?

My advice for anyone aspiring to get into cybersecurity is to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. The field is rapidly evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies through certifications, industry events, and networking is crucial. Additionally, developing a strong foundation in problem-solving and communication skills will greatly enhance your ability to navigate the complex challenges that cybersecurity presents.

Question 6: What does Armis mean to you?

For me, Armis represents the epitome of excellence in cybersecurity. As a leading company focused on asset visibility, we are at the forefront of securing the largest organizations worldwide. Armis embodies a relentless commitment to innovation, customer success, and staying one step ahead of cyber threats. It’s a privilege to lead a team of talented professionals who share this vision and work tirelessly to protect our customers’ environments. Armis is not just a company; it’s a force that empowers organizations to embrace digital transformation with confidence, knowing that all of their assets are secure.

Find out what Armis customers think about The Armis Asset Intelligence & Security Platform. Read Case Studies from our customers now.