David Faugno’s career is a remarkable blend of finance, leadership, and a passion for broad-based business strategies. With a foundation in accounting from Rutgers University and an MBA from Duke, Faugno has held several influential positions, from CFO at Barracuda Networks to EVP at Qualtrics. Now, as President and COO of 1Password, he brings his deep expertise in tech and cybersecurity to lead a company that’s at the forefront of digital security. Additionally, Faugno serves as a venture partner at Accel and sits on the board of multiple companies like SentinelOne and BrowserStack.
In this interview, Faugno shared insights on his leadership style, the challenges and trends in the cybersecurity industry, and his personal philosophy that has guided his career.
Leadership Style: Embracing the Grind
Faugno’s leadership philosophy is centered on hard work, or as he puts it, embracing the grind. His motivation stems from setting an example for his children and his team.
“I want my kids to see me grinding,” he explained. “I want to be the right example for my kids that I embrace the grind, and at the end of the day, I love the grind.”
Over the years, Faugno has transitioned across different roles, from finance to sales and now to leadership. But one thing has remained constant—his commitment to the grind. He believes in being an active participant in business, comparing it to being on a football field, “making the block that springs the player for the touchdown run.”
For him, the grind is more than just pushing through difficult tasks; it’s about enjoying the process, especially when you’re surrounded by the right people. “If you’re working with people you respect, who see the world the same way, the hardest work can still be really fun and rewarding,” he said.
What Energizes Him: Passion for People and Process
David Faugno finds his energy in the grind itself and the people he works with. He is motivated by the ability to influence and shape not just the business, but also the people within it.
“I enjoy being part of the team,” Faugno shared. “I enjoy the grind of getting it done. And most significantly, I enjoy the people that I’m doing it with.”
His role as a father has also shaped his leadership. As a father of four, he draws inspiration from watching his children, including his daughter Francesca, who is currently in law school at NYU and shares her father’s passion for making the world a better place. “It was a great experience for her,” Faugno said, referring to bringing his daughter to meet President Obama at a Qualtrics conference, “and it brings a smile to my face when she talks about it.”
Industry Insights: Navigating Challenges and Trends
Faugno offers a sharp perspective on the cybersecurity landscape, especially around password management. As digital interactions increase, the need for robust password management grows exponentially.
“More and more of our lives are interacting digitally with the world,” Faugno noted. “And it’s not just passwords—it’s your wife’s TSA number, your kid’s social security number, your healthcare details. The problem a password manager solves is getting more significant every day.”
Despite competition from big players like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, who are integrating password management into their platforms, Faugno remains optimistic.
“Every time one of the big platform providers makes noise, the amount of traffic to our website goes up, not down,” he said. “It stimulates market demand.”
Faugno believes that 1Password’s strength lies in its focus on delivering an exceptional user experience, something he knows customers love. “People tell me how much they love 1Password. Not many B2B security products elicit that kind of user loyalty,” he added.
The Future of Cybersecurity: AI and Extended Access Management
Looking ahead, Faugno is excited about the integration of AI into the cybersecurity world. At 1Password, AI is already being leveraged to improve both the usability and functionality of the product.
“AI is playing a big role in both discovery and workflow in the identity and access management space,” Faugno said. “It’s an exciting time for us to integrate AI into our business use cases and our broader product suite.”
Additionally, he is optimistic about 1Password’s new Extended Access Management platform, which provides visibility and protection for the growing outer perimeter of digital interactions—personal devices, work devices, and applications outside of IT’s direct control.
“Over 50% of the applications a company uses are not known to the IT department,” Faugno explained. “Extended Access Management offers a universal sign-on approach that covers both centrally provisioned and edge applications.”
This new platform positions 1Password as a leader in the future of digital security, as more companies adopt hybrid work models and rely on a mixture of personal and professional devices.
Personal Philosophy: Mentorship and Paying it Forward
A cornerstone of Faugno’s leadership style is his commitment to mentorship. Early in his career, a mentor gave him valuable advice:
“Plot your own course. There’s no prescription to it. You figure it out.”
This advice inspired Faugno to take risks, such as leaving a structured financial program to take a role in sales, which ultimately broadened his perspective. Today, Faugno is passionate about paying this mentorship forward and encourages others to do the same.
“When someone asks you for help, you do the same. That’s the only thing I ask,” he said.
This philosophy underscores Faugno’s belief in the power of continuous learning and giving back to the next generation of leaders.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
David Faugno’s career is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and a passion for people. As President and COO of 1Password, he is steering the company toward an exciting future, driven by AI innovations and a focus on securing both personal and professional digital identities. His personal philosophy of embracing the grind and mentoring others offers valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead in today’s rapidly changing world.
“If we continue to focus on making sure people love our product and that it materially improves their lives, then we’ll be fine,” Faugno concluded.
David’s commitment to both the process and the people around him sets him apart as a leader who isn’t just running a company—he’s shaping the future of the cybersecurity industry and the next generation of leaders.
For more on 1Password, visit 1password.com.
