Talent First

A fantastic episode of Talent First speaking to Mandy Andress, CISO for Elastic, about how to create efficient and effective cybersecurity teams - whether this is through leadership, tech tools or strategic recruitment. We also chat about the evolving role of the CISO, what quality leadership looks and sounds like and the myriad benefits of servant leadership to organisations and security teams. M...

In this episode of Talent First, I speak to Arati Chavan, VP for Information Security at McKesson about her career in cybersecurity and about her views on leadership and change management. Arati gives our listeners a plethora of advice - for organisations managing significant growth to the individual looking for their next challenge in this industry. We also discuss how to attract and retain the b...

In this Part Two of this episode, Sai and I discuss the importance of diversity, not just to the cybersecurity industry but for the next iteration of tech innovation - AI. We also chat about the obstacles women often face in this profession, and Sai's continuing journey in the cyber community. For more information about our guest, please see Part One!

In this episode, the first part of our two part discussion, Sai and I talk about her career journey and about how she gives back to the community in terms of educating young people in cyber safety but also about jobs in STEM. We share a passion for both of these topics, so this is one not to be missed! Sailakshmi Santhanakrishnan: a passionate advocate at the crossroads of cybersecurity, Environme...

Part two of my chat with Lianne Potter, Head of SecOps at ASDA, includes a deep dive into how to build a diverse and inclusive SecOps team, regardless of the size of company or industry. We also have a very honest discussion around why diversity matters in technology. Lianne delivers talks across the globe and is regularly published in industry publications to share her vision for a new type of ho...

In this chat with Lianne Potter, Head of SecOps for ASDA, and which is part one of our episode entitled ‘Cyber Anthropology, Diversity and Inclusion - How to Build a SecOps Team', we discuss the meaning of the term 'cyberanthropologist' and how her studies have helped shape her as a leader and a builder of diverse teams. We also discuss her career journey and 'squiggly' route i...

In this episode of Talent First, I speak to cybersecurity legend Yvette Lejins about her brilliant career, her time at some of the worlds leading organisations and about what the CISO role really entails. We also discuss how the CISO can go from the periphery of the C Suite to business enabler and how they can prepare to liaise with the board. Yvette is a seasoned CISO, having held executive CISO...

In this episode, a slight departure from the 'CISO Season', but just in time for International Women's Day, I speak to Dr Anmol Agarwal about the threats and opportunities of AI, the growing concerns around adversarial machine learning and how companies can protect themselves against advanced cyber attacks. Dr. Anmol Agarwal is a senior security researcher specializing in AI and Machin...

In this episode, I chat to Helen Patton, Cybersecurity Executive Advisor at Cisco. We shared a lot of opinions on subjects ranging from the differences between authentic and synthetic training experiences, the validity and usefulness of cyber qualifications and degrees, and the creativity required to hire exceptional talent in the current market. Helen Patton is a strategic cybersecurity advisor a...

In the second part of my chat with Michala Liavaag, Founder of Cybility and cybersecurity mentor, we discuss the phrase 'skills gap' and how it is becoming a catch-all phrase and somewhat of a misnomer in cybersecurity recruitment. Michala offers her advice not only to people looking to come into and/or pivot into the industry but also to companies looking to hire the best in talent - goin...

This episode of Talent First is so good, we made it into a two-parter! I talk to Michala Liavagg about her incredible career, from pianist to cybersecurity leader and this part we talk about the crucial importance of mentorship to those looking to enter the profession. We also discuss the responsibilities of, not only the mentor, but the mentee. An experienced cybersecurity leader, speaker, mentor...

In this week's episode of The CISO Season of Talent First, I speak to Nadja El Fertasi, ex NATO and now founder of Thrive with EQ. Here, we talk about the evolving challenges of the CISO role and how emotional intelligence can help people thrive in the role, not just survive. Nadja El Fertasi is an expert in emotional resilience and leadership in the digital age, with nearly two decades of exp...

In this episode, I speak to cyber security specialist, Stacey Champagne, about the often-neglected aspect of retaining experienced women in security and creating equitable conditions in the workplace. During this chat, Stacey gives her unique perspective on; - The work of 'Hacker in Heels' and the support it offers women in this industry - How we get more women into security roles - Why wo...

In this epsiode, Michelle talks entry level and what it should really mean, qualifications and if they are necessary and whether now is the right time to get into security leadership with her guest, Jessica Nemmers. Jessica Nemmers is a Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with Flair Data Systems. In her role, Jessica acts as an advisor to organizations providing guidance on all aspects...

In Episode 1 of this new season of Talent First - the CISO season - Michelle talks to Chris Brown, CEO of New Cyber Executive, about how CISOs can move from feelings of isolation in organisations to empowered business leaders working closely with the C Suite. Chris Brown specializes in executive coaching for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), leveraging his own experience as a former CIS...

In this episode, I speak to Jennifer Cox, award winning cyber security specialist who is renowned in her field as an advocate for and ally of women in this industry. During this chat, we discuss her entry into cybersecurity, her work with WiCyS, what diversity should look like in tech and how companies can attract diverse talent by creating and selling the culture - something that some businesses...

Bandana Kaur, who is my guest in this episode of Talent First, is an inspiration. At 15 years old, she is already on her way to becoming a leading figure in the cyber security industry and a spokesperson for underrepresented groups. In this podcast, we discuss the importance of attracting young people into the profession and how this can be done, why there are still barriers for women, and the iss...

In this episode, I speak with David Pugh-Jones, charity trustee and chairman for Neurodiversity in Business, about how they partner with businesses globally who are looking to improve inclusivity for neurodivergent employees. We talk at length about the stigma that sometimes accompanies the diagnoses of neurodiversity, especially in adults, and about the reticence that some companies still have in...

In this episode, I speak to Jeremy Ventura about the importance of allyship and its crucial links to DEIB in the cyber security industry.  Jeremy Ventura is a cybersecurity professional, specializing in advising organizations on information security best practices. He has years of experience in vulnerability management, email security, incident response and security center operations. At ThreatX,...

In this episode, I speak to Wendy Goucher, cyber security consultant turned author about her fantastic books for children, her short stories for the older generation and about what lead her to creating her characters. We also discuss the topic of neurodiversity in cyber security and Wendy talks about what it is like to be a neurodiverse person in this industry, why organisations need to hire neuro...

In this episode, I speak to Sarah Browning, Communications expert and kindness cheerleader. We discuss the foundation of Time for Kindness, and the benefits kindness can have to leaders and to organisations. An uplifting conversation that covers everything from empathy in the workplace to Freddo Frogs! Here are some useful links that Sarah mentioned during our chat this episode - Sussex Centre for...