CRN Channel Women in Security

Key Takeaways • Leadership is less about doing everything yourself and more about influence, clarity, and trust. • Ambition is not a flaw. It is a strategic asset when paired with self-awareness. • Strong partnerships are built on trust, consistency, and long-term thinking. • Cybersecurity is ultimately about reducing risk so businesses can keep running. • Real success shows up in partner adoption...

Carol Winqwist, CMO of GitGuardian, discusses the intersection of developer trust and enterprise security risks, the importance of building channel operations, and the balance between product-led growth and enterprise selling. She emphasizes the role of influencer strategies in cybersecurity and advocates for more women to join the field, addressing common challenges like imposter syndrome. Hosted...

Cass Cooper interviews Vidya Shankaran, Field CTO at Commvault, discussing the evolution of cybersecurity, particularly in the context of cloud security and risk management. They explore the shared responsibility model in cybersecurity, the role of AI, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the human cost of cyber attacks. Vidya emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the balance bet...

Key Topics Covered The evolving role of legal teams in cybersecurity Why data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA matter for every business How to create AI addendums and data protection clauses in contracts The growing need for governance and transparency in tech operations How to balance AI adoption with compliance and ethical responsibility Tips for aligning cybersecurity, legal, and product develo...

Cass Cooper sits down with Addie Finch, Vice President of Channels at Cato Networks, to explore her inspiring career path from broadcast journalism to cybersecurity leadership. Addie shares how storytelling and curiosity helped her break into tech and how those same skills now drive her success leading channel partners across the Americas. Together, Cass and Addie unpack how the cybersecurity land...

In this episode of Channel Women in Security, Cass sits down with Chari Rhoades, a leader in channel sales at Proofpoint, to unpack the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Together, they explore how Proofpoint leverages threat intelligence, AI innovation, and partner collaboration to stay ahead of emerging threats. Chari shares insights on balancing consistency and flexibility in partnerships, why c...

Host Cass Cooper sits down with Barb Huelskamp, Global Channel Leader at SolarWinds. Barb shares her inspiring career journey in cybersecurity and the IT channel, highlighting why self-advocacy, confidence, and collaboration are key for women in tech leadership. The conversation explores: • The role of AI and innovation in shaping the future of cybersecurity • How non-linear career paths create un...

Cass Cooper interviews Erika Dobbs, a retired Naval officer and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions. They discuss Erika's journey from boot camp to her leadership roles in the Navy, the challenges she faced, and how her military experience shaped her career in cybersecurity. Erika shares insights on leading through chaos, the importance of resilience, and the unique challenges faced by women in STEM. T...

Laura Potter sits down with Host Cass Cooper to discuss the intricacies of building a channel partnership program in the cybersecurity sector. Laura shares her insights on the importance of alignment, value over volume, and the need for a customer-centric approach. They explore the transition from operational roles to leadership, the significance of resilience and grit, and the role of advocacy in...

Cass Cooper interviews Emily O'Carroll, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and CISO. They discuss Emily's journey in the cybersecurity field, the evolution of the threat landscape, and the importance of translating technical risks into business impacts. Emily shares insights on the differences between being an in-house CISO and a virtual CISO, as well as the significance of mentoring and findin...

Cass Cooper interviews Jen Waltz, an award-winning cybersecurity expert and founder of Imaginative. They discuss the importance of networking and education in cybersecurity, the impact of AI on the industry, and the specific challenges faced by the healthcare sector. Jen emphasizes the need for more professionals in cybersecurity, particularly in light of the increasing threats from the dark web a...

Cass Cooper interviews Ginger Chien, a retired patent engineer from AT&T, who reflects on her career in cybersecurity and engineering. Ginger discusses her unique journey as a woman of color and a trans woman in tech, emphasizing the importance of representation and authenticity in the workplace. She shares insights on the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape, the need for a more resilient app...

Cybersecurity isn’t optional; it’s foundational. In this episode, we explore how the IT channel is evolving to embed security into every solution, why diverse thinking matters more than ever, and how to break into cybersecurity without following a traditional career path. Whether you're growing your channel career or looking to pivot into cyber, this conversation is packed with insight and opportu...

Cass Cooper interviews Ranjinni Joshi, a seasoned professional in cybersecurity with over 15 years of experience. They discuss emerging trends in cybersecurity, particularly the convergence of IT and OT, cloud security best practices, and the importance of compliance. Rajni shares valuable insights for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially women, emphasizing the need for skill-building,...

Takeaways Trish has a diverse background that informs her role as CRO. A channel-first approach can streamline sales cycles in cybersecurity. AI should enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Understanding AI's limitations is crucial for effective implementation. Education about AI can empower users and reduce fear. Discovery in identity management is essential for security. The integ...

Julie Laurin of Sphyrna Security joins CRN’s Cass Cooper to talk about the intersection of cybersecurity and marketing. The two discuss the importance of effective communication in cybersecurity, the transition from technical roles to marketing, and the impact of global tensions on cybersecurity practices. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Cass Cooper sits with Ghazal Asif Farhadi, Vice President, Global Channels, Alliances & Inside Sales at Rubrik, to explore the pressing cybersecurity issues, focusing on how underrepresented and vulnerable groups are disproportionately impacted by cyber threats – both real and perceived. They discuss the importance of inclusivity within cybersecurity teams and the need for organizations to take pr...

Michelle Correia, VP of Legal at Pax8, and host Cass Cooper talk about the intersection of AI, compliance, and cybersecurity. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI technology, the importance of building responsible AI systems, and the existing legal frameworks that partners need to be aware of. Michelle shares her insights on empowering women in tech and legal fields, the significance of transpar...

Jamie Levy, Director of Adversarial Tactics at Huntress, is a seasoned digital forensics and cybersecurity expert. She discusses the nuances of latent attacks, the importance of community in cybersecurity, and the challenges posed by data breaches. Levy shares insights on personal security practices and the need for organizations to be prepared for potential breaches. The conversation also touches...

Sheila Volante discusses the critical aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on the integration of technology, user awareness, and the importance of internal governance. Volante emphasizes the need for businesses to educate their employees about potential threats and the significance of cyber insurance in protecting against breaches. The discussion also highlights the necessity of evaluating internal...

Lori Cornmesser talks with Cass Cooper about her extensive experience in channel management and cybersecurity. She discusses her role at 1Password and the importance of partner experience. Cornmesser highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the challenges posed by labor shortages, and the need for equity and inclusion in the industry. She emphasizes the significance of adapting to SaaS...

Data analytics helps identify emerging cybersecurity needs. Cybersecurity strategies must be tailored to individual resellers. The cybersecurity defense matrix aids in identifying security gaps. SaaS models are changing how cybersecurity solutions are adopted. Threat actors are using AI to create sophisticated attacks. Threat intelligence centralization is becoming essential for customers. Operati...

Bridget Wilson explains the complexities of cybersecurity compliance, particularly focusing on CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) for DOD (Department of Defense) contractors. They discuss the challenges small and mid-sized businesses face in aligning with DOD standards, the importance of proactive measures against emerging threats, and the significance of leadership development in c...

Cass Cooper interviews MacKenzie Brown, the Vice President of Security at Black Point Cyber, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. They delve into the challenges organizations face with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Identity Detection and Response (IDR), emphasizing the importance of trust in providers and the need for robust security measures. The conversation also explor...

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