Matthew Mudry serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Alera Group, a company deeply rooted in employee benefits, property and casualty insurance, and wealth management services. Though only a few weeks into his new role, Matthew brings more than two decades of experience to the table, having built security programs from the ground up across industries including finance, energy, and healthcare. His unconventional journey from Circuit City sales associate to mentor and security leader is marked by a relentless passion for technology and a people-first leadership philosophy. Today, Matthew is not only a builder of cybersecurity teams but also a builder of careers, paying forward the mentorship that shaped his own path.
Matthew Mudry dives into his origin story, starting with a childhood fascination for dismantling and rebuilding computers and his entry into the tech world via Circuit City. He shares how a chance encounter with a bank executive launched his career and how pivotal mentorship moments at companies like Clayton and Castleton Commodities reshaped his thinking. Instead of clinging to technical prowess, Matthew was guided to embrace leadership, strategy, and business alignment—a transition he now helps others make as a mentor.
Listeners will learn how Matthew built multiple cybersecurity programs from scratch, including one for a global home warranty company where he expanded a U.S.-based team into a global operation. He also discusses his mentorship style—favoring informal yet impactful coaching—and explains how a simple question about a candidate's home network can reveal true passion for tech. His philosophy emphasizes culture, drive, and a willingness to grow over credentials alone.
The conversation wraps with a discussion on why changing companies every few years can be beneficial for career development and how shared values like family-first attitudes and mutual support help build high-functioning security teams. Whether you're an aspiring security leader or a hiring manager, this episode delivers lessons in leadership, team building, and career growth.
Matthew Connor on LinkedIn
CyberLynx
Matthew Mudry on LinkedIn
Alera Group Website
This episode is brought to you by CyberLynx.com
CyberL-Y-N-X.com.
CyberLynx is a complete technology solution provider to ensure your business has the most reliable and professional IT service.
The bottom line is we help protect you from cyber attacks, malware attacks, and the dreaded Dark Web.
Our professional support includes managed IT services, IT help desk services, cybersecurity services, data backup and recovery, and VoIP services. Our reputable and experienced team, quick response time, and hassle-free process ensures that clients are 100% satisfied.
To learn more, visit cyberlynx.com, email us at help@cyberlynx.com, or give us a call at 202-996-6600.