909Exec

In this insightful episode, Den Jones sits down with Pieter Vaniperen, CISO and CIO at AlphaSense, to explore the journey from technologist to executive leadership. They dive into how creative thinking shapes effective leadership, the evolution of security roles at the executive level, and why understanding business fundamentals is critical for today's tech leaders.KEY TAKEAWAYS:1. Creative thinking is a critical skill for tech leaders, enabling them to solve complex problems by applying experiences from different domains.2. Successful executives need to understand the business context and strategy, not just their technical domain.3. The transition from technologist to executive requires a shift from building components to designing systems and enabling others.4. As technology becomes more commoditized, the roles of CIO and CISO are increasingly overlapping, with security becoming central to most IT decisions.5. Understanding when to delegate and create repeatable systems is essential for scaling leadership impact.

In this insightful episode, Den Jones sits down with Rinki Sethi, Chief Security Officer at Upwind, to discuss her remarkable journey from teenage hacker to cybersecurity executive. Rinki shares valuable perspectives on leadership, building security culture, and the evolving role of security executives in today's technology landscape."I think it's noisy because that's how big the problem is. There's room for folks and companies that are going to build something that might get acquired, and room for people building brand new platforms." - Rinki Sethi on cybersecurity innovation"Take risks early on and be super curious. It's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. We don't have to be perfect in any of our roles." - Rinki Sethi's advice for women in techCALL TO ACTION:Subscribe to 909 Exec wherever you get your podcasts for more wit and wisdom in cybersecurity from host Den Jones and his network of industry leaders. Share this episode with colleagues interested in security leadership, innovation, and career development.

In this thought-provoking discussion, cybersecurity veterans debate whether the industry truly faces a talent shortage or an expectations problem. The panel explores how hiring practices, remote work trends, and training investments impact the ability to match qualified candidates with appropriate positions in today's evolving workplace.GUEST INFORMATION:Name: Amelie KoranTitle/Credentials: Cybersecurity ExecutiveBackground: 25+ years in cybersecurity, former government agency experienceName: Bil HarmerTitle/Credentials: CEO and Founder of Kill Switch AdvisoryBackground: 30+ years in industry, 5-time CISOName: Deidre DiamondTitle/Credentials: Founder and CEO of Cyber SNBackground: 11 years in talent matching solutions, 3 years in workforce risk managementName: Nicholas MoyTitle/Credentials: Cybersecurity ProfessionalBackground: 15+ years in security engineering, operations, and product managementEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[00:03:16] - Is There Really a Skills Gap?Deidre explains there is a crisis, but it's more about experience than skillsCompanies want candidates with specific experience rather than trainable talentKey quote: "If we're not willing to train and we will only take people that have the majority of what I need them to do as experience that they're doing now, I'm not going to hire them." - Deidre Diamond[00:07:59] - The Technology Specialization ProblemEmployers often look for candidates with specific technology experienceHiring for adaptability and broader skill sets is more valuable long-termKey quote: "I would rather hire somebody with Fortinet experience because then they will learn this and they will bring what they know from the other side to it." - Bil Harmer[00:12:25] - Job Description Accuracy Issues Many hiring managers don't accurately describe what they're looking for.Digital job posting has made companies less careful about job descriptionsKey quote: "What they say doesn't always match what they want, especially for leadership roles because it can ruin a team." - Nicholas Moy[00:19:04] - The Remote Work RevolutionCompanies requiring in-office work face 5x longer hiring timesOrganizations must build their culture around their work modelKey quote: "If they're doing it, they're doing it. If they're not doing it, they're not doing it. Everybody's made their choices as companies." - Deidre Diamond[00:25:55] - The Decline of Training InvestmentCompanies view training as a cost center rather than investmentEmployees often lack time to complete available trainingKey quote: "I gave up my own training dollars to make sure my staff got training." - Amelie Koran[00:34:30] - Tips for Hiring Managers and Job SeekersDocument actual job requirements rather than ideal candidate personasBuild and maintain your network before you need itKey quote: "Read that job description to get through the ATS, read the job description and use their words back to them." - Bil Harmer

From Belgium to the Bay Area — join us as Simon Wijckmans, Founder & CEO of CSide, shares his inspiring startup journey with host Den Jones.💡 We dive into:- Building a cybersecurity startup from scratch- The power of networking in tech- How CSide is securing the modern webIf you're into cybersecurity, startups, or just love a good founder story — this one’s for you. 🔐🚀👉 Listen now. Be inspired.And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to keep supporting real stories from the frontlines of tech. 💥#909Exec #Cybersecurity #StartupJourney #FounderStories #WebSecurity #CyberStartup #TechLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Infosec #PodcastRecommendations #CyberLeaders #SecurityInnovation #LikeShareSubscribe

In this special episode of 9 0 9 Exec, host Aaron Wurthmann flips the script and interviews Den Jones, founder and CEO of 909 Cyber, about his latest initiative, Intern Connect. Discover how this innovative platform is bridging the gap between cybersecurity students and employers, offering real-world experience and opportunities for emerging talent. Den shares insights from his successful career at Adobe and Cisco, and explains how Intern Connect is set to revolutionize the way companies engage with early talent. Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of launching a mission-driven initiative, and why patience and enthusiasm are key to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Join Den Jones, veteran Chief Security Officer at Cyber Aficionado, and his partner in crime, Aaron Wurthmann, as they delve into the evolving landscape of compliance in cybersecurity. In this engaging episode, they challenge the notion that compliance equals security and explore the strategic roadmap for businesses aiming to achieve SOC two, ISO, and beyond. Discover how compliance can unlock new revenue streams and learn about the common pitfalls to avoid on your compliance journey. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, this episode offers valuable insights into making compliance work for your business. Tune in for a dose of wit and wisdom in cybersecurity and beyond.

In this riveting episode of 9 0 9 Exec, host Den Jones sits down with Chase Cunningham, a retired Navy Chief and renowned cybersecurity expert known as Dr. Zero Trust. Chase shares his fascinating journey from cryptologist to author and advisor, offering insights into the world of cybersecurity, AI, and strategic business development.Discover how breaches can be turned into profitable opportunities with Chase's innovative "Buy the Breach" strategy, and explore the evolving landscape of Zero Trust in the age of AI. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or simply curious about the field, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, strategy, and personal growth.

Join us for the inaugural episode of the newly rebranded 909Exec podcast, where host Den Jones sits down with Rana Salman, CEO of Salman Consulting, author, and TEDx speaker. [00:14] Dive into the world of sales as Rana shares her journey from an immigrant family to leading a successful consultancy. Discover the power of asking "Why not?" and how it can transform your approach to sales and entrepreneurship. [28:29] Rana discusses the importance of building authentic relationships, the impact of AI on sales culture, and the lessons learned from running marathons. [34:25] Whether you're a seasoned sales leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you thrive in the ever-evolving world of sales. [11:31] Don't miss this engaging conversation on the first episode under the new name, 909 Exec. [00:36]Main Topics CoveredPodcast Rebranding: The transition from "Cyber 9 0 9" to "9 0 9 Exec" to better align with the focus on executive journeys rather than cybersecurity. [03:35]Sales Effectiveness: Rana's approach to improving sales effectiveness through essential skills, focusing on human dynamics and business-level conversations.Entrepreneurial Journey: Rana's experiences in starting her consultancy, the challenges faced, and the importance of perseverance and strategic networking.Role of AI in Sales: Discussion on integrating AI with human dynamics in sales and the potential cultural shifts. [16:09]Running and Sales: Rana draws parallels between running and sales, emphasizing mental toughness, discipline, and adaptability. [34:03]TEDx Experience: Rana's TEDx talk on the power of asking "Why not?" and its influence on her personal and professional life. [28:29]Building Relationships: The importance of nurturing relationships in sales and the impact of first impressions and authenticity.

Unlocking Leadership Potential: Insights from Executive Coach Davy McFaddenIntroduction SummaryThe episode begins with the host, Den Jones, introducing the podcast "Cyber 909," which is soon to be renamed "909 exec." He describes the podcast as a source of cybersecurity insights, leadership, coaching, and mentorship, aimed at helping listeners thrive in the technology world. Guest HighlightsThe guest for this episode is Devi McFadden, an executive and team coach specializing in working with leaders and teams in the tech industry. [01:25] Devi shares her background, starting in a nonprofit and healthcare before moving to Cisco, where she found her passion for coaching. [14:16] She emphasizes the importance of genuine and authentic leadership and discusses her journey to starting her own coaching business.Main Topics CoveredLeadership and Coaching: The episode delves into the significance of executive coaching, the transition from technical roles to leadership positions, and the challenges faced by new leaders. [37:59]Career Transitions: Devi discusses her personal career transitions, including moving across the country and shifting industries, highlighting the importance of gut feelings and personal values in career decisions. [14:16]Building a Leadership Brand: The conversation covers how leaders can develop their personal brand and the impact of authentic leadership on teams and organizations. [22:54]Starting a Business: Devi shares insights on starting her own coaching business, emphasizing the importance of honing one's craft and building a network before making the leap.Handling Difficult Leadership Situations: The episode touches on managing layoffs and other challenging scenarios with integrity and empathy. [47:36]

Introduction SummaryThe episode begins with the host, Den Jones, introducing the podcast "Cyber 909," which is a source for cybersecurity insights and stories. Den mentions the upcoming name change to "909 Exec" while assuring listeners that the content will remain the same. The podcast focuses on leadership, surviving and thriving in the cybersecurity landscape. Guest HighlightsThe guest for this episode is Matej Zahar, a CIO and CSO at Content AI, a headless CMS provider. Matej is originally from Slovakia and has lived in several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Ireland. He has a background in formal cybersecurity education and has been in the field for over 12 years. Matej is actively involved in mentoring through Women for Cyber and emphasizes the importance of diversity and talent in the industry. Main Topics CoveredTravel and Career Journey: Matej discusses her career path, including her moves across Europe for education and work, and her passion for travel and exploring new cultures. Communication and Cultural Nuances: The conversation touches on the importance of communication in cybersecurity roles, especially when dealing with different cultures and languages.AI in Content Management: Matej explains how Content AI uses AI for managing large-scale content, including search, translation, categorization, and more, highlighting the importance of AI in modern content management systems. Privacy and Risk Management: The discussion covers privacy concerns related to AI, especially in Europe, and the cautious approach towards data governance and risk management. Mentoring and Community Engagement: Matej shares his experiences in mentoring and the value of mentor-mentee relationships, emphasizing the need for diversity and new talent in cybersecurity. Sales and Communication: The episode includes insights into effective sales communication, highlighting the importance of understanding customer challenges and respecting boundaries.Personal Interests and Professional Growth: Matej talks about his personal interests, such as running, and how they contribute to her professional life by providing clarity and reflection time.