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Introduction SummaryIn this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces Rick Meekins, a business strategy consultant. [00:19] Den shares how he connected with Rick through LinkedIn and highlights Rick's potential to significantly contribute to the podcast's mission. [00:34]Guest Highlights:Background: Rick Meekins grew up in Willingboro, New Jersey, and had an early interest in technology, starting with a Commodore 64. [01:56] He created a computer dating service in high school and later worked as a trained chef for 17 years, eventually owning a restaurant. [02:32]Key Contributions: Rick transitioned from the restaurant industry to business consulting in 2005, focusing on helping entrepreneurs design operational structures for scalability. [04:23] He emphasizes the importance of customer experience and operational excellence. [06:17]Main Topics CoveredRick's Early Life and Career: Discussion about Rick's upbringing, early interest in technology, and his journey from the restaurant industry to business consulting. [01:07]Business Strategy and Operations: Rick shares insights on the importance of aligning marketing, sales, and customer experience. He discusses common challenges businesses face, such as under-investing in marketing and the need for proper operational structures.Leadership and Team Building: Emphasis on the importance of having the right people in the right roles and understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. [30:40]Mentorship and Advice: Rick talks about valuable lessons from mentors, such as the importance of inspecting what you expect and always doing your best.Client Success Stories: Examples of how Rick has helped businesses improve performance, including a case where a company grew from $6 million to over $20 million in three years. [38:09]

The episode begins with the host, Den Jones, introducing the podcast "Cyber 909" and welcoming the guest, Jeff Reich, the executive director of the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA). [00:23] Den humorously mentions Jeff's name and title, setting a light-hearted tone for the conversation.Guest Highlights:- Jeff Reich is the executive director of the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA). [01:28]- IDSA is a nonprofit organization focused on education and raising awareness for identity security. [01:30]- Jeff has been with IDSA for over two years and has a background in security and law enforcement dating back to the 1970s. [01:30]- He has started security programs at several major companies, including Arco Oil and Gas, Dell, and Rackspace. [05:25]- Jeff emphasizes the importance of identity in security and discusses the evolution of identity management.Main Topics Covered:- Introduction to IDSA: Jeff explains the mission and structure of the Identity Defined Security Alliance, including its focus on identity and security vendors, corporate members, and individual contributors. [01:30]- Jeff's Background: Jeff shares his extensive experience in the field of security, including his work in law enforcement, education, and various security programs at major companies.- Identity Management Day: Jeff discusses the annual Identity Management Day, its global reach, and the importance of raising awareness about identity security. [19:31]- Challenges in Identity Security: The conversation covers the challenges of moving away from passwords, the role of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and the future of password vaults. [15:53]- Future of Identity Security: Jeff talks about the potential of digital wallets for cross-border activities and the importance of seamless authentication methods in enterprises. [44:35]- Networking and Conferences: The discussion includes the value of networking at identity conferences and the potential for hybrid events in the future. [38:52]

In this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces the guest, Shannon Rowbury, an Olympic medalist who transitioned into the tech world as a consultant with the West Strategy Group. [00:43] The episode promises to explore Shannon's journey from athletics to technology and the lessons learned along the way. [00:41]Guest Highlights- Shannon Rowbury is an Olympic medalist in track and field, specializing in the 1500 meters. [00:53]- Competed in three Olympics: Beijing, London, and Rio, and won a medal in the London Olympics. [20:43]- Set American and world records and was ranked in the top 10 globally for a decade.- Transitioned into the tech industry as a consultant with the West Strategy Group.- Uses her athletic experiences to help others achieve business and life goals.Main Topics Covered- Shannon's background in athletics, including her start in Irish dancing and transition to track and field. [01:18]- The challenges and triumphs of her Olympic career, including dealing with injuries and setbacks. [04:46]- The importance of team support and resilience in achieving long-term success. [35:56]- The emotional and mental strategies Shannon used to overcome obstacles and stay focused. [12:10]- Her transition from athletics to the tech industry and the role of mentorship in her career change. [28:43]- The creation of Medalist Mindset, a tool for leadership and performance coaching, and its application in the business world. [32:41]- The significance of setting goals, building a strong foundation, maintaining a positive mindset, establishing routines, and fostering a supportive team. [35:20]

Introduction SummaryIn this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces the guest, Irfan Jafar, a regional sales director at Omnissa. [00:19] The episode is recorded on Valentine's Day, and Den humorously highlights Irfan's good looks and their shared history. [00:41] The introduction sets the stage for a discussion about Irfan's journey in the tech industry and his leadership role. [00:19]Guest HighlightsBackground: Irfan Jafar started his career in Texas after college, working in a startup focused on Windows-based and Unix-based terminals.Career Path: Transitioned from sales operations to sales despite initial doubts from others about his potential success in sales. [02:00]Experience: Worked at several organizations including Oracle, Talent Riverbed, and VMware. [02:44]Current Role: Regional Sales Director at Omnissa, a company spun off from VMware's end-user computing business unit after Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. [03:48]Leadership Philosophy: Believes in leading with curiosity, building trust, and maintaining accountability. [16:07] Emphasizes the importance of relationships and a servant leadership mindset. [16:07]Main Topics CoveredIrfan's Career Journey: Detailed discussion about Irfan's transition from sales operations to sales, his experiences at various companies, and his current role at Omnia. [03:48]Omnissa's Background: Explanation of Omnia's origins from VMware's end-user computing business unit and its focus on device management, end-user experience, and security. [04:36]Sales Philosophy: Irfan's approach to sales, emphasizing curiosity, trust-building, and the importance of relationships over transactional interactions. [13:43]Leadership and Mentorship: Insights into Irfan's leadership style, including the importance of accountability, servant leadership, and helping team members build their personal brand. [16:07]Health and Discipline: Discussion on the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body, the role of discipline and consistency, and the impact of personal habits on professional success.Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals: Irfan shares advice on believing in oneself, putting in the work, and the significance of learning from failures. [33:13]

In this episode of Cyber 909, hosted by Den Jones, the focus is on cybersecurity and related topics. Den introduces his guest, Tony Bradley, a senior contributor at Forbes and managing editor at Security Buzz, who has extensive experience in cybersecurity content and marketing. Main Topics CoveredEvolution of the Cybersecurity Industry: [03:38]- Positive innovations and the trend towards platformization. [04:06]- The challenge of new attack vectors and the cat-and-mouse game in cybersecurity. [05:18]- The impact of buzzwords on marketing and the importance of clear messaging. [09:03]Marketing Strategies in Cybersecurity:- The importance of maintaining marketing efforts, even during economic downturns. [13:28]- The role of AI in augmenting and streamlining marketing tasks. [15:43]- Differentiating a brand in a crowded market by focusing on unique value propositions. [18:15]Impact of AI on Marketing: [15:43]- AI as a tool to assist with content creation, ideation, and market trend analysis. [25:44]- The limitations of AI in generating truly creative and thought-provoking content. [25:44]- The potential for AI to replace certain job functions in the future, but not entirely eliminating industries. [29:32]Practical Advice for Startups and Founders: [13:13]- The necessity of a strong marketing strategy. [13:28]- The value of using AI tools intelligently to enhance marketing efforts. [15:43]- The importance of clear and differentiated messaging to stand out in the market. [09:03]

OK folks, a special edition that includes a two minute meditation and breathing exercise with our good friend and wellness expert Neda Shakoori.Main Topics CoveredNeda's Career Transition: Discussion on Neda's shift from law and security to wellness consulting, driven by her personal experiences with stress and the need for better wellness practices.Stress Management: The importance of having tools like yoga and meditation to manage high-stress situations, especially in demanding careers.Meditation Exercise: Neda leads a brief meditation exercise to help listeners center and breathe, emphasizing the benefits of such practices.Ayurveda and Personalized Wellness: Neda explains how she uses Ayurveda to tailor wellness practices to an individual's unique constitution, focusing on balancing the elements within the body. [15:21]Nature and Grounding: The benefits of spending time in nature and grounding practices like walking barefoot on natural surfaces. [17:58]Corporate Wellness: The potential for integrating holistic wellness programs into corporate environments to improve employee well-being and productivity. [36:33]Sound Baths: An introduction to sound baths and their benefits for mental and emotional health through the use of specific frequencies and instruments. [40:40]

The episode begins with the host, Den Jones, introducing the Cyber 909 podcast, which focuses on cybersecurity and leadership. This particular episode is part one of a two-part series featuring a panel of five distinguished women in technology and leadership roles. Den emphasizes the unique perspectives and insights that the guests will share, aiming to provide valuable takeaways for the audience. Guest Highlights Shannon Rowbury: A three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist in track and field, currently a managing partner at West Strategy Group, focusing on performance optimization and leadership. Melissa O'Leary: Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Ford Solutions, a female-led boutique cybersecurity services firm. She has a background serving as the first CIO at the White House under President Bush. Sarah Tenisi: Founder and CEO of Tenisi Tech, a managed services firm specializing in IT strategy, roadmaps, and budgets. Mona Ghadiri: A two-time Microsoft MVP in SIM, XDR, and cloud security, currently a Senior Director of Product at Blue Voyant, specializing in security operations, threat intelligence, and incident response. Sandi Green: Co-founder of Miracle Max Marketing, a growth company that helps early-stage startups with marketing strategies, with a specialty in cybersecurity marketing. Main Topics Covered Advice for Younger Selves: The guests share personal insights and advice they would give to their younger selves, emphasizing the importance of experience, resilience, and accepting imperfections. Challenges and Adversity: The panel discusses overcoming gender-related challenges in the tech industry, offering strategies for dealing with adversity and maintaining self-confidence. Building a Business: The guests provide advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of starting early, leveraging personal networks, and maintaining a clear vision and values. Work-Life Balance: The discussion covers strategies for achieving work-life balance, the importance of prioritization, and the evolving nature of work environments post-COVID. AI in Cybersecurity: The panel explores the potential benefits and risks of AI in cybersecurity, including its impact on threat detection, automation, and the ethical considerations involved.

Introduction Summary: In this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Jake Bernardes, a seasoned multi-CISO and host of the Risking It All podcast. [00:20] Den highlights Jake's extensive experience in the cybersecurity field and his involvement in the CSO Society group. Guest Highlights: Background: Jake Bernardes is a seasoned multi-CISO and host of the Risking It All podcast. He has a diverse background, having worked in various regions including the UK, US, Far East, and Middle East. Key Contributions: Hosts the Risking It All podcast, focusing on people and leadership topics. [00:53] Currently the CISO at Anecdotes, a GRC automation platform. [14:04] Holds advisory and fractional CISO roles. [31:54] Extensive experience in pen testing, consulting, and working with startups. Known for his expertise in social engineering and cybersecurity strategy. Main Topics Covered: Jake's Background and Journey: Discussion on Jake's career path, including his early interest in computers, university studies in Chinese, and various roles in cybersecurity. [03:51] Role of Compliance in Cybersecurity: Debate on whether compliance equals security, with Jake emphasizing that they are different but both important. [25:40] Cyber Insurance: Jake's critical view on the effectiveness of cyber insurance and its role in the industry. [29:44] CISO's Role and Evolution: Conversation on the evolving role of CISOs, the importance of business acumen, and the need for CISOs to demonstrate value beyond technical expertise. [33:25] Strategic Security Management: Insights into how CISOs can align security strategies with business goals and the importance of being adaptable and creative in problem-solving. [33:25]

In this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces a special "Ask Us Anything" segment featuring guest Aaron Wurthman. The episode promises to deliver unique insights, stories, and analysis on cybersecurity topics, with a focus on cyber leadership. Main Topics Covered AI in Cybersecurity: Predictions for AI's impact on cybersecurity, including its use by both attackers and defenders. [23:12] Zero Trust Architecture: The ongoing relevance and implementation of zero trust principles in organizations. [25:30] Metrics for Security Programs: Effective metrics for measuring the success of security initiatives. [07:36] Communication with Executives: Strategies for bridging the communication gap between technical teams and the executive suite. [10:25] Minimizing Friction in Security: Approaches to reducing complexity and improving security outcomes without adding friction. Aligning Security with Business Growth: How security strategies can support business objectives like revenue growth and customer satisfaction. [41:41] Emerging Trends: Key trends in cybersecurity that professionals should be prepared for, including AI and zero trust. [23:40] Cyber Insurance: Effective ways to reduce cyber insurance premiums while strengthening security. [56:42]

In this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones welcomes Jimmy Sanders, the current president of ISSA International and former head of security for Netflix DVD. [00:18] The conversation delves into Jimmy's extensive career in IT security, his educational journey, and the challenges he faced along the way. [02:19] Jimmy shares insights on the importance of passion and perseverance, the role of diversity in the tech industry, and the significance of understanding human psychology in security management. They also discuss the evolution of security practices at Netflix, the concept of freedom and responsibility in the workplace, and the future plans for ISSA under Jimmy's leadership. [01:09] The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring security professionals and a reflection on the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Main Topics Covered Career Journey: Jimmy's path from flunking out of the University of Houston to becoming a prominent figure in IT security. Motivation and Passion: The importance of finding passion in one's work and the role of psychology in understanding and managing people. Diversity in Tech: Challenges and advice for aspiring black professionals in the tech industry. Leadership at Netflix: Managing a team during Netflix's transition from DVDs to streaming, and the unique challenges of working in an environment where employees are not primarily motivated by money. Security Philosophy: The balance between security measures and user experience, and the importance of layered security defenses. ISSA Initiatives: Future plans for ISSA, including international conferences, the 40th anniversary celebration, and partnerships with other organizations. Mentorship and Community Building: The value of mentorship and the importance of building a supportive community in the cybersecurity industry.