Authentically Cyber

What does a dark web researcher actually do? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with dark web researcher Matthew Maynard to explore the realities behind one of cybersecurity's most misunderstood roles. We discuss how Matthew got started in dark web research, what a typical day looks like, and the biggest misconceptions people have about the dark web. We also explore the human side...

Networking is one of the most valuable skills in cybersecurity—but for many people, it's also one of the most intimidating. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, Kathy Chambers sits down with Mara Levy to talk about building meaningful professional relationships, making connections at conferences and events, and finding creative ways to start conversations—even if you're naturally shy or introve...

What happens when you refuse to let one career path define your future? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Blessing Ebare to talk about one of the most unconventional career journeys you'll hear. Over the last eight years, Blessing has transitioned from zoology student to biology teacher, anti-money laundering professional, chartered accountant, data protection officer, cybers...

What would make someone leave a stable, successful career at 50 to start over? In this episode of Authentically Cyber , I sit down with Evan Tsai about the leap so many people think about but few actually take. After nearly two decades working across IT, audit, compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management, our guest reached a breaking point: burnout. Instead of doubling down on the path he knew,...

Rosa Rowles never planned on a career in cybersecurity. After starting in hospitality, working challenging schedules, and struggling to find the right career fit, she discovered an unexpected path through psychology, human behavior, and social engineering. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, Rosa shares her journey from introvert to social engineer, the emotional challenges she faced along the...

After months of applications, rejection, silence, and self-doubt… the phone finally rings. Now what? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Daniel Lowrie to talk about the reality of interviewing in today’s cybersecurity and tech job market. From handling nerves and rebuilding confidence to navigating difficult questions and standing out authentically, this is a real conversation...

Getting laid off or being let go doesn’t just affect your career. It can affect your confidence, your identity, and the way you see yourself. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Daniel Lowrie to talk honestly about the emotional side of layoffs, rejection, self-doubt, and trying to move forward when your confidence takes a hit. A lot of people in cybersecurity and tech are stru...

The cybersecurity job market feels incredibly difficult right now. People are discouraged, burned out, questioning themselves, and wondering if they’re falling behind. After speaking at BSides Tampa, several people approached me to thank me for one specific slide: the reminder that other people may not believe in your vision — and that you still have to keep going anyway. In this solo episode of A...

What does it take to pivot from social work into AI governance and cybersecurity in just three years? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Sabrina, an AI, Governance, and Security Consultant, to talk about her unconventional path into tech and how curiosity, networking, and persistence helped accelerate her career. We discuss how she went from studying social work to diving head...

AI is changing cybersecurity fast—and not always in the ways you’d expect. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Char Hunt, a security awareness advocate who’s seen the evolution firsthand—from help desk to system admin to working with AI and security awareness today. We get into the real conversation around AI in cybersecurity: how it’s helping defenders, how it’s empowering att...

What does the next generation of cybersecurity look like? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Paola Mendiola — a college student with a clear vision for her future in technology. Paola didn’t just discover cybersecurity… she found a purpose in it. From learning tech in high school to pursuing her degree at Western Governors University, she’s focused on building a career in netw...

What does it take to go from the military to leading a cybersecurity company? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Yvonne Rivera — CEO, CISO, and Co-Founder of CyberMyte to learn about her journey. Yvonne is an Army veteran and cybersecurity leader who has been working in government and national security since 2002. After transitioning out of the military, she found herself draw...

In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Teja Sane, a Data Assurance Engineer, to talk about her journey from growing up in India with no interest in technology… to building a career in cybersecurity. Teja shares how she started as a mechanical engineer, moved to the U.S. for further education, and chose to study information systems because she was interested in it—not because she h...

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Kim Mansour, Founder and Coach at Three Worlds Coaching, to talk about what burnout actually looks like—especially in technology and cybersecurity—and why so many people don’t recognize it until they’re deep in it. Kim shares her journey from software engineering to career coaching, along with real insigh...

Rae McElroy didn’t start her career in cybersecurity with a technical background. In fact, when she first entered the field, she had very little technical knowledge at all. Through determination, mentorship, and a willingness to learn, Rae worked her way through GRC roles, completed a software engineering bootcamp to strengthen her technical foundation, and eventually launched her own company. But...