One of the most important parts of being a cybersecurity professional is knowing how to ask the right questions, says CISO Aaron Katz. Aaron started his career as a consultant, and says that's where he honed his question skills. He thinks all aspiring cybersecurity pros should start out with consulting gigs – you learn the business side and what questions to ask, plus get a feel for cybersecurity as a whole, rather than just one tool or product.He and Gene talk about this career path, plus his journey to CISO, why hiring managers are not good at finding cybersecurity candidates, and more.Aaron Katz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pendraggon87/

Ed Giles runs cybersecurity seminars for seniors, and wants to spread the word that it's a great way to both get your CPEs and give back to your community. Ed and Gene talk about those seminars, plus Ed's journey from English major to cybersecurity professional, the importance of thinking about security as a business enabler, and more.Ed Giles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evgiles/

How is AI going to change entry-level cybersecurity jobs? Gene and AgileBlue president Tony Pietrocola discuss in this episode.They also talk about:Tony's career and what AgileBlue doesHow AI will affect both cybersecurity and cybercrimeWhat he's looking for in interns Tony Pietrocola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonypietrocola/AgileBlue: https://agileblue.com/

Want to start a career as a pen tester? Phillip Wylie literally wrote the book on the topic. Gene and Phillip, co-author of The Pentester Blueprint: Starting a Career as an Ethical Hacker and host of the Phillip Wylie Show, have a wide-ranging and advice-filled conversation on:His career journey and his podcastStarting a pen testing careerCollegiate Cyber Defense CompetitionsHow to leverage B-SidesMorePhillip Wylie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/The Pentester Blueprint: https://www.amazon.com/Pentester-BluePrint-Your-Guide-Being/dp/1119684307

Kimberly Anstett has had a C-level cybersecurity position for about a decade. She's seen the CIO role transform, and shares her thoughts on that transformation in this episode. She and Gene discuss her journey to CIO, how to inspire the next generation to embrace STEM careers, what she's looking for when hiring, and more. Kimberly Anstett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-anstett-6b3a259/

Why should you work in cybersecurity? Because two things that aren't going away are tech and crime, says BlackBerry VP of Product Security Operations Christine Gadsby. Christine and Gene talk about her journey from working in IT out of necessity to cybersecurity VP, how to reskill into cybersecurity, the Leadership Bench Program she developed at BlackBerry, her advice to those discouraged by the job hunt, and more.Christine Gadsby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinegadsby/Three Reasons Women Should Reskill to Work in Cybersecurity: https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2023/03/3-reasons-women-should-reskill-to-work-in-cybersecurity 

Jim Moran has had a long and varied cybersecurity career, and offers some fantastic advice for those just starting out. He and Gene talk about cybersecurity careers, what he's looking for in entry-level candidates, how to find the best career path for you, and more.Jim Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-moran-0b112925/

Diana Kelley feels strongly that community plays a critical role in all careers, but especially cybersecurity. She explains why in this episode.She and Gene also talk about increasing the number of females in cybersecurity, what she looks for in entry level candidates, and more. Diana Kelley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakelleysecuritycurve/Executive Women's Forum: https://www.ewf-usa.com/WICYS: https://www.wicys.org/

We talk a lot on this podcast about how to advance to the executive level within the cybersecurity field. But what if the C-level is not for you? John Hammond is a security practitioner at heart and wants to stay that way. He shares his thoughts on building a practitioner career in this episode. He and Gene also talk about his experience working for the Department of Defense and about John's prolific side job as a content creator. John Hammond on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhammond010/John Hammond on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johnhammond010

Want to make the transition from help desk to cybersecurity? Jeff Farinich has helped others make that transition and he shares his advice in this episode.He and Gene also talk about the types of cybersecurity roles, what he looks for in entry level candidates, and more.Jeff Farinich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffarinich/