A cybersecurity consultant named Johanna, known as 'the Storm', shares her journey of starting her own consultancy after testing the waters for three months. The podcast discusses consulting principles, the importance of customer industries in cybersecurity, and the growth of a consultancy through word of mouth.
Transitioning from auditing to security consulting requires fluidity and expertise in multiple fields.
Educational spirit and continuous learning are crucial for developing a comprehensive security strategy in consulting.
Building client trust and expertise is pivotal for providing valuable services and fostering long-term partnerships in cybersecurity consulting.
Deep dives
Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Consulting
Starting as an accidental entrepreneur with a background in accounting and security, Hannah details her progression from auditing to focusing on security within consulting. Wrestling with transitions, she emphasizes the uphill battle of shifting to consulting and security but highlights the natural fit due to her information systems and accounting background.
Passion for Security and Strategic Consulting
Hannah's journey delves into her passion for computers and prior work in IT audit, shaping her interest in security from an early age. Transitioning towards consulting, she emphasizes the necessity of being fluid and expert in various fields while maintaining an educational spirit, which drove her journey towards comprehensive security strategy.
Embracing Challenges and Continuous Learning
Hannah's approach to challenges in consulting stresses the need for constant growth and expertise. Highlighting the shift from being an auditing expert to the consulting realm, she faced discomfort in adapting to the differing expectations but focused on continuous research and learning to meet the demands. She emphasizes the importance of client trust and expertise in providing valuable services.
Establishing S3 and Focusing on Client Partnerships
Initiating her security consultancy firm S3 in 2005, Hannah prioritized respect, integrity, and personalized client relationships. By emphasizing collaborative partnerships, she positions S3 as more than a body shop, aiming to offer strategic security solutions. She underscored the significance of trust, transparency, and client service to foster long-term partnerships and reliable consultancy.
Strategic Growth and Talent Acquisition
Navigating S3's growth trajectory, Hannah underscores the importance of quality over rapid expansion, focusing on attracting the right talent and strategic product development. As the consultancy explores new tech frontiers like zero trust, identity management, and enterprise risk, its strategic vision aligns with a commitment to enhancing security posture and delivering impactful services.
Two decades of cybersecurity consulting experience
Tested the viability of starting her own consultancy through a three month engagement and never looked back
Nicknamed "the Storm"
Listen to the episode for our discussion of consulting principles, the relevance of customer industries for cybersecurity consulting, and growing a consultancy through word of mouth.
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