Do everything you can to evaluate the company’s ability to sponsor a viable security program and posture properly – history tends to repeat itself; find out what you are walking into

Go deep and beyond superficial company information. Understand the culture, the history of the leadership, market position, and reputation – as diligent as you are about evaluating risks within your organization by being curious and diligent about the companies you are seeking to evaluate an opportunity.

Investigate the leadership team's history and dynamics of working together in the past. to gauge the working environment and the security program's potential support.

Conduct thorough due diligence, including financials, press releases, and market analysis, to understand the company's direction and challenges.

Have strong and thoughtful questions prepared; questions that show that you have researched their company specifically and that you are familiar with their business space.