Best Cybersecurity Mentors Podcasts (2025)

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Job Offer, Raise, or Promotion? Here’s How to Negotiate All Three 1:03:22

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4d ago1:03:22

1:03:22

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down how to negotiate with confidence — whether you’re reviewing a job offer, asking for a raise, or chasing that next promotion. Drawing from years of leadership experience, they share real-world stories about what hiring managers actually think during negotiations, how to spot red fla…

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Decision Points E77 - Building Success and Resiliency with Jim Dahlgren 1:02:55

1h ago1:02:55

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In the world of luxury goods, few stories are as compelling as Jim Dahlgren’s. From knocking on doors selling cookware to building Dahlgren Duck, a premier luxury distribution company, Jim’s journey is full of grit, vision, and lessons learned the hard way. Growing up in Springfield, Missouri, Jim’s childhood was shaped by his father, a World War I…

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Decision Points E76 – Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: A Journey Through the Great Recession 58:05

6d ago58:05

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Richard Dix has built a career defined by curiosity, reinvention, and resilience. From launching a headwear company in college to leading a NASDAQ-traded business, navigating the Great Recession, and now reimagining housing with Winchester Carlisle Companies, his story is one of bold pivots and lasting impact. In this episode of Decision Points, Ri…

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Turning Sheep Into Wolves: Brian Brushwood’s Plan to Defend Against the Scampocalypse 52:00

12d ago52:00

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Magician, podcaster, and World’s Greatest Con creator Brian Brushwood joins us to talk about the coming Scampocalypse, where AI-powered deception meets human vulnerability. We dive into how magic, psychology, and “deceptive role play” can transform security awareness from boring quizzes into hands-on human defense training. Learn why Brian says it’…

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The Groundbreaker: Lessons from the Many Layers of Cyber 48:08

12d ago48:08

48:08

Send us a text Careers aren’t linear, and the most resilient defenders are forged in the messy middle. We sit down with Andrea Pullman—Air Force veteran, former Microsoft incident responder, and enterprise security advisor—to trace a path from identity trenches to global ransomware recovery and back to the architecture that holds it all together. A…

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Decision Points E75 – From Mexico to Harvard: Entrepreneurship, Fear, and Growth with Fernando De Leon 54:08

13d ago54:08

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Fernando De Leon’s life is proof that crossing borders—both literal and figurative—can shape a unique vision for business and leadership. From growing up in Mexico and commuting daily to school in the U.S., to attending Harvard on scholarship and starting his career at Goldman Sachs, Fernando’s path has been defined by contrasts, ambition, and resi…

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SHRM's Education-to-Employment (E2) Initiative with Emily M. Dickens 45:16

20d ago45:16

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By NCDA

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Decision Points E74 – Automating the Future: AI, Analytics, and Entrepreneurship with Eric Soden 53:01

20d ago53:01

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By True North Advisors

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Decision Points E24: Craig Stamm's Tactical Approach to Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity 1:00:53

24d ago1:00:53

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In this episode of "Decision Points," we're joined by Craig Stamm, CEO of Zystan, a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Craig takes us on a journey from his early days as a military history enthusiast to his initial steps in finance, and eventually, his rise as a successful entrepreneur. His story is a masterclass in perseverance, showcasing the …

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Decision Points E73 – Whiskey with a Texas Soul: Building Still Austin with Chris Seals 55:26

28d ago55:26

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Chris Seals didn’t set out to run a distillery—he set out to spend time with his dad. What began as a father-son exploration quickly turned into one of Texas’s boldest whiskey ventures. In this episode of Decision Points, Chris Seals, co-founder and CEO of Still Austin Whiskey Company, shares how curiosity, authenticity, and timing transformed a fa…

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Improve Audience Engagement Without Slides with Allie Remm and Jody Burum 43:43

1M ago43:43

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In this episode Allie Remm and Jody Burum discuss how you can transform your classroom and workshop presentations by moving away from traditional PowerPoint slides. Jody, with 25 years in career services, explains the disconnect she observed with traditional PowerPoint presentations and her transition to a more engaging method based on brain-based …

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Decision Points E72 – Redefining Senior Care: Personalized Service and Family Values with Brian Levy 28:28

1M ago28:28

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For Brian Levy, the path to elder care wasn’t linear. With a degree in psychology and a career that began in advertising, he eventually found his calling in a space that touches every family at some point: caring for seniors with dignity, trust, and compassion. In this episode of Decision Points, Brian shares how Cambridge Caregivers and Manchester…

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The Mentor’s Map: Empowering Pathways to Cyber 40:46

1M ago40:46

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Send us a text Chris Lemon's cybersecurity journey defies conventional paths. As Director of Security Engineering at Secure Yeti and an educator at City Colleges of Chicago, she's building bridges between education and employment while championing diversity in tech. What makes Chris's perspective so valuable is her unique background. Before enterin…

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Decision Points E71 - The Future is Precious: Gold, Market Cycles, and Smart Strategy with Tarek Saab 49:45

1M ago49:45

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For Tarek Saab, gold isn’t just a commodity - it’s a story of timing, innovation, and conviction. In this episode of Decision Points, Tarek Saab - President and Co-Founder of Texas Precious Metals - joins our hosts to share how he helped build one of the largest physical precious metals businesses in the world. From his early days at Texas Instrume…

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Ask Us Anything: Cybersecurity Career Q&A — Season 4 Finale 1:02:03

2M ago1:02:03

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In the Season 4 finale of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John wrap up an incredible season with a special listener-driven Q&A. The episode opens with a recap of Episodes 1–7, revisiting key lessons on soft skills, leadership, resume pitfalls, networking strategies, and inspiring career journeys. From there, they dive into your most pr…

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Career Readiness and Today's College Students with Mike Wysocki and Erica Mattison 25:21

2M ago25:21

25:21

In this episode Erica Mattison and Mike Wysocki discuss their work and insights on career readiness. Erica Mattison, an executive coach and author, integrates narrative assessment and strengths-based coaching in her approach, while hosting her own podcast. Mike Wysocki, also an author, discusses his upcoming book, which reports on career readiness …

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Decision Points E70 - From Brownwood Roots to Boardroom Leadership: A Life of Purpose, Persistence, and Investment with John Harkey 56:43

2M ago56:43

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John Harkey doesn’t just invest in businesses - he invests in people, purpose, and long-term impact. In this episode of Decision Points, John Harkey - entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for education - joins our hosts to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. From humble beginnings in Brownwood, Texas, to navigating Stanford’s…

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The Networking Do’s and Don’ts in Cybersecurity 50:57

2M ago50:57

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In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John explore one of the most powerful career accelerators in cybersecurity: networking. While a strong resume might get you noticed, it’s meaningful relationships that truly open doors. Together, we unpack the key do’s — being genuine, consistent, and adding value — and highlight the c…

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Land the Job: The 10 Resume Mistakes Holding You Back in Cybersecurity 51:03

2M ago51:03

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Are you applying for cybersecurity jobs but not getting interviews? The problem might be your resume. In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the Top 10 Resume Mistakes holding you back from landing your first cybersecurity role—and show you exactly how to fix them. From weak objectives to cluttered skills sections, irre…

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Decision Points E69 - Reinventing Bus Travel with Vonlane: Luxury, Innovation, and the Road Ahead with Alex Danza 59:10

2M ago59:10

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When most people think of buses, they don’t think luxury. Alex Danza set out to change that. In this episode of Decision Points, Alex Danza, founder and CEO of Vonlane, tells one of the most surprising success stories in transportation. Described as an “airline on the ground,” Vonlane has redefined regional travel by offering first-class bus servic…

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Interview with Grant Adams: How Picking Locks Opened the Door to a Cybersecurity Career 36:47

2M ago36:47

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Grant Adams returns to share his journey over the past year, focusing on his job search experience, the importance of networking, and insights from his interview process. One highlight of his story is how a conversation at a lock-picking table during an in-person conference led directly to his c…

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The Grid Guardian: Strength through The Circle 47:23

2M ago47:23

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Send us a text What if protecting yourself online wasn't mysterious or intimidating, but as normal as locking your front door? Dd Budiharto, founder of CyberPoint Advisory LLC and self-proclaimed "cybersecurity equivalent of a Swiss army knife," is on a mission to make that reality. Dd's remarkable journey spans continents and careers – from arrivi…

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Decision Points E68 - From M&A Advisor to Entrepreneur: Building Trindero with Purpose with George Coultress 49:10

2M ago49:10

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George Coultress spent years helping others navigate business transitions. Now he’s building his own. In this episode of Decision Points, George Coultress, co-founder of Trindero, unpacks what it really takes to move from M&A advisor to entrepreneur. What begins as a discussion about strategy and structure quickly becomes a deeper reflection on lea…

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Interview with Dr. TJ O'Connor: Enthusiasm is common, endurance is rare. 1:07:01

2M ago1:07:01

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Dr. TJ O'Connor shares his journey from West Point to a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and cybersecurity educator. He discusses his experiences at West Point, his military career, and the importance of hands-on learning in cybersecurity. Dr. O'Connor emphasizes the value of competitions in…

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Decision Points E67 - Redefining the CPA Firm: People-First Leadership and Strategic Growth with Teryn Grater 50:57

3M ago50:57

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Teryn Grater never set out to build just another accounting firm. As a CPA and partner at ATKG Advisors in San Antonio, she helped lead a cultural transformation that turned a team of seven into a thriving 170-person firm - by flipping the traditional CPA model on its head. In this episode of Decision Points, Teryn shares how a relentless focus on …

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Interview with Evan Reiser: Founder & CEO of Abnormal AI 52:09

3M ago52:09

52:09

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, John, Steve, and Evan Reiser, Founder & CEO of Abnormal AI, discuss Evan's journey from a gaming enthusiast to a leader in cybersecurity. We explore the evolution of email security, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Evan shares valuable l…

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NCDA's International Student Services Committee 2025 Mini-Conference 20:05

3M ago20:05

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In this episode, Dr. Pankaj Desai, Ellen Zold Goldman, and Leigh Oliveras from NCDA’s International Student Services Committee (ISSC) introduce the annual ISSC Mini-Conference taking place on Friday, August 8, 10:00-4:00pm CST. The conference theme – Cultivating Confidence and Career Readiness in a Changing World – includes presentations related to…

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Leadership Principles for Cybersecurity 56:17

3M ago56:17

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In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we discuss the critical role of leadership in cybersecurity, emphasizing the principles of Extreme Ownership as outlined in Jocko Willink's book. We explore how effective leadership goes beyond technical skills, focusing on communication, team dynamics, and the importance of humility. The conver…

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Unlocking the Power of Soft Skills in Cybersecurity 1:02:26

3M ago1:02:26

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In this episode of the Cyber Security Mentors Podcast, we discuss the critical role of soft skills in the cybersecurity field. We emphasize that while technical skills are essential, soft skills such as communication, empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork are equally important for career growth and success. We provide insights on h…

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The Risk Whisperer's Guide to Cyber Resilience 51:27

3M ago51:27

51:27

Send us a text What happens when cybersecurity expertise meets fifth-generation quilting passion? In this thought-provoking conversation with Mea Clift, Principal Executive Advisor for Cyber Risk Engineering at Liberty Mutual, we uncover the fascinating intersection of technical prowess and human diversity that powers effective security leadership.…

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Mentoring Relationships are Worth the Investment with Dr. Sharon Givens and Rasha Madkour 27:11

4M ago27:11

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In this podcast episode, Melissa Venable hosts a discussion on mentoring relationships with Dr. Sharon Givens and Rasha Madkour. Sharon, a former NCDA president, and Rasha, a career coach from Saudi Arabia, share their cross-continental mentoring journey. They detail how their mentoring relationship began through a formal NCDA program and evolved o…

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The Relentless Rise - Smashing Cybersecurity's Status Quo 40:13

4M ago40:13

40:13

Send us a text Ever clicked that dreaded "Talk to Sales" button on a cybersecurity vendor's website and immediately regretted it? You're not alone. The traditional cybersecurity sales process is broken – endless calls, months-long POCs, legal paperwork, and frustration on both sides. Mariana Padilla, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Hackerverse AI…

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Can a Mentor or Coach Really Help You Succeed in Cybersecurity? 1:01:57

5M ago1:01:57

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Can a cybersecurity mentor or coach really help you break into or grow your career? In this episode, we break down the difference between mentorship and coaching, why investing in guidance matters, and what a structured 6-month mentorship journey looks like. We also share real success stories from our mentees—and why going it alone might be slowing…

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NCDA Updates: 2025 Conference Overview with Marty Apodaca 16:11

5M ago16:11

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In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA's Director of Professional Development, talks with NCDA President Marty Apodaca about the upcoming NCDA 2025 Global Career Development Conference, scheduled for June 18-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Marty discusses the theme he selected, Autonomy to Change: Evolving and Adapting Career Development in Revolutionary T…

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Mastering Cybersecurity: Part 3 - Hack to Defend: Why Offensive Knowledge Matters 35:43

5M ago35:43

35:43

In Part 3 of our Mastering Cybersecurity series, we explore why learning how to hack isn’t just for red teamers — it’s a critical skill for defenders, too. Understanding offensive tactics can sharpen your defensive abilities, improve threat detection, and help you shift from reactive to proactive security. Plus, having both offensive and defensive …

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Decision Points E66 - Leadership Under Pressure: What a Fighter Pilot Can Teach Us About Business with Chris Kopacek 49:55

5M ago49:55

49:55

What does flying an F-16 have to do with navigating the chaos of real estate development? According to Chris Kopacek - everything. In this episode of Decision Points, Chris Kopacek, founder and principal of Lone Star Development Partners shares how the discipline, precision, and teamwork of a military pilot translate into leading a resilient, fast-…

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A Day in the Life of a Penetration Tester with Carson Sallis 48:04

5M ago48:04

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In this episode, we chat with Carson Sallis, Senior Offensive Security Engineer and Vulnerability Researcher at NVIDIA. Carson walks us through a day in the life of a pentester and shares actionable advice for anyone looking to break into offensive security. He also gives a live demo of fuzzing with AFL (American Fuzzy Lop) and explains how tools l…

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Decision Points E65 - Building Keller Williams, Empowering Agents, and Redefining Culture with Joe Williams 59:24

5M ago59:24

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Joe Williams didn’t just help build one of the largest real estate franchises in the world - he helped build a movement rooted in empowerment, culture, and visionary thinking. In this episode of Decision Points, Joe unpacks the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from a challenging childhood to co-founding Keller Williams Realty, a global real …

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Breaking Down the Gates 44:50

5M ago44:50

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Send us a text What happens when AI replaces the careers we've built our identities around? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Naomi Buckwalter, Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and founder of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation. Naomi's cybersecurity journey began with a moment of clarity during a week-long …

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Cyber Resiliency - Strategy Meets Security: How Authenticity Drives Strategic Partnerships 46:02

5M ago46:02

46:02

Send us a text What happens when we bring our authentic selves to work? Rachel Arnold, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Secure Nation, reveals the power of human connection in building lasting client relationships in cybersecurity. Rachel describes her unique role as "the human API" - connecting people, products, and possibilities through deep…

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Mastering Cybersecurity: Part 2 – Securing Systems and Environments 41:42

6M ago41:42

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In this episode, Steve and John dive into why securing systems is a must-know skill in cybersecurity. Learn the basics of system hardening, access control, and logging, plus practical tools and labs to get hands-on. They also explore how AI can boost your defense game — and why thinking like both an attacker and defender will set you apart. +++++++…

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Publishing a Career Development Book with Sujata Ives and Paula Brand 38:33

6M ago38:33

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In this episode, Melissa Venable, NCDA Director of Professional Development, discusses writing and publishing career development books with guests Sujata Ives and Paula Brand. They discuss their motivations, the long and challenging process of publishing, the costs involved, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Su…

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Decision Points E64 – From Pressure to Purpose: A Real Estate Legacy Rewritten with Bill Cawley 59:41

6M ago59:41

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Bill Cawley’s life is a testament to the power of second chances. In this episode of Decision Points, the Chairman and CEO of Cawley Partners opens up about the trials, triumphs, and turning points that shaped his extraordinary path - from a small Midwestern town, through the depths of addiction, to the heights of commercial real estate success. Bi…

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Craig Sheffield's Unconventional Journey Into Cybersecurity 1:03:04

6M ago1:03:04

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Craig Sheffield shares his unconventional journey transitioning from teaching English in Taiwan to pursuing a cybersecurity career, highlighting how his background in music and audio engineering provided unexpected transferable skills. He also shares his candid experiences with the TryHackMe Security Analyst Level 1 certification. Episode Resources…

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Decision Points E63 - Surviving, Scaling, and Succeeding in the Gaming Industry 1:14:14

6M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Success is often shaped by adversity. Patrick Hudson, CEO of Robot Entertainment, knows this firsthand. In this week’s episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Patrick to discuss his journey through the tech and gaming industries, his battle with cancer at 26, and the key decisions that shaped his leadership and ca…

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Mastering Cybersecurity: Part 1 - Why learning how to "Build" is Essential 38:00

6M ago38:00

38:00

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked yet fundamental importance of learning how to "build" systems, networks, and applications for cybersecurity professionals. Coining the philosophy "Build, Secure, Hack," we explore why hands-on experience in building provides an essential foundation for effectively securing and ultimately understan…

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Decision Points E62 - Lessons from the Medici Family on Strategic Relationships and Leadership Development 1:04:16

6M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

For many, wealth is the ultimate goal. But what if true success lies in legacy rather than inheritance? In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Cris Auditore Zimmerman, a founder, investor, and advocate for holistic leadership and personal development. Cris shares how his global upbringing - from Germany t…

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Peeling Back the Network Layers with Doug Burks 1:06:20

6M ago1:06:20

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In this episode, we talk with Doug Burks, founder and CEO of Security Onion Solutions. He shares his journey from computer enthusiast to cybersecurity company founder and how he's helping defenders catch bad guys through accessible network security monitoring tools. We also discuss how important setting up your home lab is as a crucial learning env…

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Leading CyberSecurity with Purpose 44:27

6M ago44:27

44:27

Send us a text Sivan Tehila, CEO and founder of Onyxia Cyber, shares her journey from Israeli military CISO to innovative startup founder and cybersecurity educator, revealing how personal resilience shaped her multi-faceted career. • Started as a cybersecurity officer in the Israeli military for 10 years, serving as CISO of the Research and Analys…

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Representation in the Workplace - LaChish Rigg and Blanca Rosales-Ahn 40:07

6M ago40:07

40:07

This episode features a conversation about representation in the workplace in which LaChish Rigg, CEO of LJR Training & Coaching and Past President of the New Jersey Career Development Association, hosts Blanca Rosales-Ahn, founder of BRAHN Career Educational Consulting Services. The discussion covers the impact of representation on workplace cultu…