ISF Podcast

Today, Steve speaks with Will Vogt, expert on Chinese tech policy. The two discuss China’s approach to technology, how it can impact western businesses, and the country’s investments in tech infrastructure in emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. Will also gives his thoughts on how business leaders best can understand tech developments in China in the coming years.  Key Takeaways: China is...

Today, Steve is in conversation with Dr. Ashley Sweetman, co-author with Nina Paine of the recently released book, Communicating Cyber Risk: Build Cyber Resilience Through Compelling Communication , including how to translate complex cyber risk into business and financial terms. Ash highlights the importance of empathy and honesty, and notes that more and more C-suite executives now consider these...

This week’s episode is unique and personal. Earlier this year, Steve announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. Today, Steve and and Producer Tavia Gilbert sit down to talk about what his life has been like over the past year. He shares how he reacted when he first got his diagnosis and explains why it’s so important to choose the right medical team. We also discuss resilie...

We’re back with the second part of Steve’s appearance on John “Jock" Brocas’ podcast “Legal Owl”. Today, Steve and Jock discuss artificial intelligence, the global powers shaping the cyber landscape, and how to get lawyers, board members, and other non-technical business people to care about cyber resilience. Steve also gives some tips for law firms looking to beef up their cyber practices.  Key T...

The tables turn in this episode, as Steve becomes the guest on “Legal Owl,” a podcast by John “Jock" Brocas, the executive coach whom you might remember from one of our shows earlier this year. In this first part of two, Steve tells Jock about how he got into cyber in the first place, and the two discuss the evolution of the cyber landscape. They also dive into why law firms must begin to think mo...

In this episode, ISF Chief Executive Steve Durbin talks with Dame Inga Beale, the former CEO of Lloyd’s of London, about the role that listening played when she became the first (and only) female CEO in Lloyd’s more than 300-year history. They also discuss the courage and effectiveness of simplicity in communication, a new style of leadership built on trust, and career advice for both board member...

Today, Steve is joined by former FBI agent Eric O’Neill. Eric is a cyber security expert and author, but he’s probably most well-known as the man who brought down Peter Hanssen, a Russian spy who became one of the most notorious double agents in the history of US intelligence. Steve and Eric discuss cyber preparedness in today’s business world, insider threats, and cyber resilience in a rapidly ch...

Today, Steve looks toward the horizon, at the threats and challenges that enterprises and business leaders will face in 2026 and beyond. He also gives advice on how everyone, from the board to the practitioner, can meet these challenges, and answers some of the questions he’s received this year.  Key Takeaways: Steve’s four key drivers of cyber risk heading into 2026 are AI, supply chain, quantum,...

Today, Steve speaks with Lauren Farina, psychotherapist and founder of Invited Psychotherapy & Coaching. Lauren and Steve discuss how wellness is becoming a bigger part of the workplace and how we can stay mentally healthy during times of stress and pressure. Also an expert on “high-performance individuals,” Lauren shares what it means to be high-performing and why rest can be just as producti...

In today’s episode, we welcome another ISF veteran: journalist Geoff White. The last time Geoff was a guest on the podcast, it was 2024 and he had just released a book about how the tech industry launders money for criminal organizations. Today, Geoff comes on to talk about the latest installment in his podcast series The Lazarus Heist – now known as Cyber Hack –  in which he dives deep into ranso...

Today, Steve returns to Business Matters with Juliette Foster. In this conversation, Steve recaps 2025 in cyber and shares what he sees as the biggest risks heading into 2026. The two also discuss resilience and compliance, as well as the growing importance of togetherness among businesses. Key Takeaways: 1 Companies would be wise to conduct frequent cyber audits.  2 Supply-chain disruptions can h...

In this episode, Steve speaks with Alex Bovee, co-founder and CEO of C1, a technology company focused on identity security online. Steve and Alex discuss why identity still often is an afterthought when businesses look at their risk profiles and how governance is changing as employees get access to more and more systems. Alex also shares his thoughts on how to translate identity management to boar...

Today, Steve returns to Business Matters with Juliette Foster. The United Kingdom has a new Prime Minister: Andy Burnham, and Steve speaks with Juliette from a cyber and business perspective about what to expect from the nation's new leadership. They also discuss the importance of digital inclusion, what businesses should do to remain in control in times of uncertainty, cyber insurance, and more. ...

In today’s episode, we welcome another ISF veteran: journalist Geoff White. The last time Geoff was a guest on the podcast, it was 2024 and he had just released a book about how the tech industry launders money for criminal organizations. Today, Geoff comes on to talk about the latest installment in his podcast series The Lazarus Heist – now known as Cyber Hack –  in which he dives deep into ranso...

In this episode, Steve speaks with Alex Bovee, co-founder and CEO of C1, a technology company focused on identity security online. Steve and Alex discuss why identity still often is an afterthought when businesses look at their risk profiles and how governance is changing as employees get access to more and more systems. Alex also shares his thoughts on how to translate identity management to boar...

Today, Steve speaks with James Wilkson, managing partner at AEC Global Search Consultants, an executive search and advisory firm. James and Steve discuss why today’s leaders must be flexible and emotionally intelligent, who belongs in today’s boardrooms, and how leaders can protect their personal brands online. Steve also asks James to look into the crystal ball. Key Takeaways: The most important...

Today, Steve sits down with Stephanie Forbes, CEO of the Forbes Group. Stephanie is a supply chain expert who recently released Global Wealth, Local Impact: How Supply Chains Build Thriving Companies, Cultures, and Countries , a book about building supply chains using lessons from our past. She and Steve discuss what she learned in her research for the book and supply chain management principles l...

Today, Steve speaks with Dustin Dobbyn, an internationally recognized security expert, Marine Corps veteran, former SWAT operator, and the CEO of a fast-growing private security and executive protection firm. The two discuss management under pressure, the value of training and preparation, and awareness of supply chain risk. Dustin also makes the case for agility and flexibility in the workplace....

Today, one of our favorite guests returns: Peter Hinssen. A renowned keynote speaker, author and serial entrepreneur, Peter is one of the most sought-after thought leaders on radical innovation, leadership and the impact of all things digital on society and business. When Peter was last on the show, the world had just begun to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, and generative AI was still in its...

In this episode, Steve is in conversation with Betsy Cooper, director of the Aspen Policy Academy at the Aspen Institute. As an expert in cyber and tech policy, Betsy shares her thoughts on how policymakers can keep pace with the rapid developments in AI and quantum technology, building a futureproof compliance strategy, and AI risks. Steve and Betsy also discuss policymaking in a volatile world,...

Today’s guest is Dr. Keith Morneau, an experienced cybersecurity professional who currently serves as Dean of Computer and Information Science at ECPI University. Steve and Kieth discuss the future of the cyber workforce, cyber education, and if AI is taking our jobs. Steve also asks Keith to step into the shoes of a CEO… Key Takeaways: In today’s cyber world, having an understanding of how system...

In today’s episode, Steve sits down with John “Jock" Brocas, a former military member who is now an executive mentor and strategic intuitive intelligence advisor to the C-suite. Jock is far from your typical cyber professional, but his experience working with executives gives him a compelling perspective on challenges faced in our industry. Steve and Jock discuss how we can train ourselves to bloc...

Today’s episode might sound a little bit different, but it’s a really important conversation. Steve sits down with Emily Holyoake, co-founder of Not A Standard and the brain behind the FRAME Network, to talk about the human harm of cyber attacks, gender-based violence, tech-facilitated abuse, and diversity in the cybersecurity industry. Steve also asks Emily to envision the future of the cyber wor...

Today we bring back one of our favorite guests: former US most-wanted cybercriminal Brett Johnson. It’s been seven years since he was last on the show, and much has happened in the world of cyber. Brett shares how his perspective has changed in the past few years, and gives his thoughts on how new technologies impact cyber crime. Steve and Brett discuss compliance and what Brett’s path from prison...

Today, Steve returns to Business Matters with Juliette Foster. The war continues to rage in Iran, and with it comes an increasing threat of cyber attacks. Steve shares his thoughts on what the conflict means for cyber investment in the private sector, British critical infrastructure, and the British government’s approach to cyber resilience. Steve and Juliette also discuss the UK Financial Ministe...