Books
Three books on the work and the life behind it.
Two bestsellers, one on the leadership ceiling that breaks high-IQ technical teams, one a memoir on presence and life in the micro, and a definitive playbook (in progress) on medical device cybersecurity from premarket submission through postmarket surveillance.
Coming 2026, in progress
Medical Device Cybersecurity. The Book.
Navigating Premarket Submissions and Postmarket Surveillance
A complete, working playbook for the teams responsible for shipping safe, secure medical devices. Eleven chapters span the Total Product Lifecycle: regulatory landscape, risk management, Secure Product Development Frameworks (SPDF), security architecture views, interoperability, STRIDE threat modeling, third-party software and SOUP analysis, cybersecurity testing, and structured risk assessment. Every chapter closes with useful tips, key terms, and a real case study from the field.
What's inside
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Threat modeling, STRIDE & SBOMs
Trust boundary analysis, entry point analysis, and threat scenario development, with a worked STRIDE case study.
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Risk management & TPLC
Building a cybersecurity risk management report that holds up across the Total Product Lifecycle, premarket through postmarket.
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Secure Product Development (SPDF)
FDA-aligned development, security architecture views, and design controls that actually clear submission.
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Third-party software & SOUP
Managing components, Software of Unknown Provenance, and SBOMs with a SOUP case study in medical imaging.
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Global regulatory alignment
FDA, EU MDR, PMDA (Japan), NMPA (China), TGA (Australia), plus NIST, AAMI, and IEC standards mapped to one program.
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Real case studies
Philips Tasy EMR (2018), SaMD 510(k), wearable health monitoring, and remote patient monitoring testing.
Bestseller
The Smartest Person in the Room.
The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity
Opens with Dick Cheney disabling the wireless on his pacemaker because he feared assassination by hack, and uses that image to argue the root cause of the cybersecurity war is not technology, but the people defending us and the smartest-person-in-the-room ego that keeps them from communicating. Drawn from thirty years in the field and the founding of Alpine Security, the book lays out a seven-step Secure Methodology that turns brilliant individual contributors into leaders who can actually be heard.
What's inside
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01 · Awareness
Notice the habits, stories, and reactions quietly running the room before anything else can change.
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02 · Mindset
Trade ego, posture, and fear of ambiguity for curiosity, ownership, and a growth orientation.
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03 · Acknowledgment
Confirm what was actually heard before replying. The handshake most technical conversations skip.
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04 · Communication
Translate technical depth into language a non-technical executive can act on, without dumbing it down.
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05 · Monotasking
Presence is your ally, distraction is your enemy. Run the conversation in front of you, fully.
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06 · Empathy
Cognitive empathy as the unlock for high-trust technical teams, even for engineers who think it is fluff.
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07 · Kaizen
Compound improvement through honest self-review, retros, and small reps that beat heroic overhauls.
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Growth & contribution
The closing chapter on what happens after the seven steps: leading other smart people through the same arc.
Bestseller · Memoir · 2023
The In-Between.
Life in the Micro
Opens with a chain-reaction car accident on May 9, 2022, where Christian and his partner Vanessa stop to help and everything snaps into focus. From that in-between moment, the book traces a path out of a macro-obsessed life of summits, exits, and chase, into a present-moment way of leading and living. Ten chapters move from rock-bottom to actionable awareness, identity, intention, authenticity, core-value alignment, presence, insight, leadership, and the in-between in action.
What's inside
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Rock-bottom & awareness
The Danish breakdown and the slow turn from macro-chasing to actionable awareness of what is happening right now.
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Resetting identity & intention
Trading a chase-defined self for informed intentions, authenticity, and a way of choosing that holds under pressure.
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Core value alignment
Surfacing the values quietly running the show and re-aligning work, relationships, and ambition around them.
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Presence & insight
The micro-moment practice that turns presence into insight, and insight into better decisions at scale.
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Leadership from the in-between
What it looks like to lead a company, a team, and a partnership from the present moment rather than the next milestone.
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The in-between in action
Field stories from the car crash, climbs, business exits, and partnership where the micro-practice actually got used.
Reader reviews · The Smartest Person in the Room
What readers are saying about TSPITR.
Insightful and Informative!
"Christian Espinosa dives deep into cybersecurity with practical advice that is easy to follow. The concepts are relatable, and it feels like having a conversation with a trusted mentor. A great read for anyone looking to bridge the gap between technical expertise and communication skills!"
Great Perspective on Cybersecurity
"This book offers a fresh take on cybersecurity by focusing on the human element. It's well-written and engaging. Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but overall, it’s a valuable resource for both professionals and those new to the field."
Informative but Complex
"While the book contains a wealth of information, it sometimes gets bogged down in technical jargon. Beginners might find it difficult to keep up. A more simplified approach would have made it more accessible!"
Must-Read for Cybersecurity Leaders
"A fantastic guide that not only addresses cybersecurity strategies but emphasizes the need for strong people skills within teams. Christian's Secure Methodology is a game changer!"
Could Be Better
"I expected more practical tips based on the title. It felt more like a personal story than a comprehensive guide. I was hoping for more actionable strategies. Disappointed."
Reader reviews · The In-Between
What readers are saying about The In-Between.
The impact of ‘micro-moments’ in our lives.
"Christian Espinosa's 'The In-Between: Life in the Micro' offers a profound exploration of micro-moments in life. The vivid account of a transformative accident leads to a journey of self-discovery, urging readers to appreciate the often overlooked small moments. This compelling narrative encourages a shift from macro-focused living to conscious appreciation of daily nuances."
A testament to the power of self-reflection
"Espinosa's narrative compellingly emphasizes the significance of authenticity and the often unnoticed micro-moments in life. His personal reflections provide valuable insights and encourage readers to find meaning beyond major goals. This book triumphs in sincerity, offering a heartfelt reminder to cherish everyday moments."
A Book About Approaching the World Differently
"This memoir examines life after witnessing a shocking car wreck, prompting readers to reconsider their life perspectives. It encourages focusing on day-to-day minutiae rather than only big goals, making it a thoughtful and inspirational read for those seeking a paradigm shift."
A thought-provoking journey into self-discovery
"Espinosa effectively communicates the importance of valuing life’s micro-moments. His journey showcases a shift from macro to a more conscious appreciation of daily experiences. While some repetition was noted, this solid and impactful read deserves recognition for its insightful message."
Compelling and reflective story
"Espinosa’s introspective journey resonates deeply, exploring regrets and the transformative power of unexpected events. His storytelling skillfully captures the urgency accompanying crisis moments, encouraging a shift to appreciate everyday intricacies. A thought-provoking narrative for all readers."
Bulk orders and speaking