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
-
Threat modeling, STRIDE & SBOMs
Trust boundary analysis, entry point analysis, and threat scenario development, with a worked STRIDE case study.
-
Risk management & TPLC
Building a cybersecurity risk management report that holds up across the Total Product Lifecycle, premarket through postmarket.
-
Secure Product Development (SPDF)
FDA-aligned development, security architecture views, and design controls that actually clear submission.
-
Third-party software & SOUP
Managing components, Software of Unknown Provenance, and SBOMs with a SOUP case study in medical imaging.
-
Global regulatory alignment
FDA, EU MDR, PMDA (Japan), NMPA (China), TGA (Australia), plus NIST, AAMI, and IEC standards mapped to one program.
-
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
-
01 · Awareness
Notice the habits, stories, and reactions quietly running the room before anything else can change.
-
02 · Mindset
Trade ego, posture, and fear of ambiguity for curiosity, ownership, and a growth orientation.
-
03 · Acknowledgment
Confirm what was actually heard before replying. The handshake most technical conversations skip.
-
04 · Communication
Translate technical depth into language a non-technical executive can act on, without dumbing it down.
-
05 · Monotasking
Presence is your ally, distraction is your enemy. Run the conversation in front of you, fully.
-
06 · Empathy
Cognitive empathy as the unlock for high-trust technical teams, even for engineers who think it is fluff.
-
07 · Kaizen
Compound improvement through honest self-review, retros, and small reps that beat heroic overhauls.
-
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
-
Rock-bottom & awareness
The Danish breakdown and the slow turn from macro-chasing to actionable awareness of what is happening right now.
-
Resetting identity & intention
Trading a chase-defined self for informed intentions, authenticity, and a way of choosing that holds under pressure.
-
Core value alignment
Surfacing the values quietly running the show and re-aligning work, relationships, and ambition around them.
-
Presence & insight
The micro-moment practice that turns presence into insight, and insight into better decisions at scale.
-
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.
-
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.
‘Open communication allows us to solve problems and commit to fixing them’
"This book nails what any cybersecurity professional needs to know. It's not all computers and code. You have to delve into the human element. Christian Espinosa, in this invaluable book, shares his experiences and knowledge about dealing with hacking and how to prevent it."
Informational, but most relevant for cybersecurity employers/employees
"This book explores why cybersecurity is not as effective as it should be, focusing on how employees view themselves. It emphasizes the importance of humility and communication in cybersecurity roles."
The most important thing in cybersecurity [and self]
"This book is very insightful, discussing the importance of continuous improvement. It challenges readers to grow, connecting intelligence with effective communication to combat cyber threats."
Author knows what he is talking about.
"Christian Espinosa offers a clear, systematic approach for anyone involved in consulting or creating cybersecurity measures. His insights into human behavior in the tech field are enlightening."
Good
"Good book for understanding the importance of communication in the cybersecurity field and how self-awareness can enhance professional effectiveness."
Reader reviews · The In-Between
What readers are saying about The In-Between.
The impact of ‘micro-moments’ in our lives.
"In this poignant journey, Christian Espinosa explores the profound impact of micro-moments in our lives. He begins with a vivid account of a life-altering incident, a car crash that shifts his perspective on living. The narrative captures the chaos of the event and emphasizes the importance of these often-overlooked moments. Espinosa's exploration encourages readers to appreciate the richness of the in-between, making this a compelling and insightful read."
A Book About Approaching the World Differently
"Christian Espinosa’s memoir delves into the significance of life’s micro-moments, encouraging readers to reflect on daily experiences rather than just big achievements. The narrative is engaging, exploring the chaos of a shocking event that catalyzes a shift in mindset, demonstrating how prioritizing the present can lead to deeper fulfillment. This insightful account serves as an excellent guide for rethinking priorities."
A testament to the power of self-reflection
"Espinosa’s book offers a fresh perspective on the importance of valuing micro-moments. The author shares his journey of discovering the richness found in everyday experiences after a life-altering incident. His writing is personal and sincere, making the book relatable and thought-provoking. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty that lies in our daily lives and the transformative potential of embracing the moment."
I couldn't put the book down
"The In-Between: Life in the Micro invites readers into a transformative journey through life’s micro-moments, sparked by a car accident that changes the author’s perspective. Espinosa’s narrative is filled with introspective reflections on regret and living fully in the present. His writing inspires a profound reevaluation of one’s priorities, making this book a compelling and accessible read. It resonates deeply and encourages savoring every moment."
Interesting Read
"This biography explores a life-altering incident that shifts Christian Espinosa's perspective. He emphasizes the significance of smaller moments over broad aspirations. The narrative is authentic, incorporating personal challenges and reflections on life. It serves as an important reminder to appreciate the minor details that often shape our lives in profound ways. Highly recommended for those seeking insights on mindfulness and living in the moment."
Bulk orders and speaking