The CNL Podcast

Emily Warren took an unexpected path to IT leadership—starting in psychology and landing as an IT Operations Manager. In this episode, she shares her journey with host Sedric, opening up about how her understanding of human behavior and knack for problem-solving helped her thrive in a tech-driven world. They dive into why soft skills like empathy, communication, and collaboration are just as vital...

Cedric sits down with Michael Maitner to explore the true cost of ransomware—beyond dollars to reputation and trust. Michael shares insights from his role at Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, highlighting the power of human awareness. Learn how to build a security-conscious culture and navigate today’s evolving threat landscape. They also discuss lessons from the CrowdStrike incident and the impo...

Phishing emails are still the number one threat facing organizations today — especially in healthcare. In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Cedric welcomes Patricia Stern, Compliance Officer at UPMC, to share her 20+ years of experience. They discuss why phishing is so effective, how attackers exploit simple human errors, and the critical need for staff training. Patricia also explains the bal...

In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric Louissaint sits down with Michael Reese, CIO at Charge EPC, to unpack his remarkable transition from law enforcement to cybersecurity leadership. With 30 years in IT and a background in high-stakes investigations.... from homicides to corporate espionage, Michael shares hard-hitting insights on ransomware, phishing, and why even experts fall for social en...

In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric Louissaint chats with Alfred "AJ" Saylor, an IT director at a medical center, about one of the biggest challenges in cybersecurity: people. AJ shares how human behavior, from falling for phishing emails to navigating AI driven threats, can be a bigger risk than the tech itself. He also highlights why good communication is just as important as te...

In this episode of the CNL Podcast, we get real about today’s cybersecurity challenges. Sedric Louissant chats with Peter Eichelberg, Director of Technology at Altamont Capital Partners, about how the threat landscape is changing, from AI powered attacks to the growing risks of shadow IT. Peter brings years of hands on experience, starting from the days of DOS all the way to today’s AI driven worl...

In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Murthy Mantha, CTO of Sentient Solution, breaks down the growing complexity of cyber threats.... from ransomware to AI powered attacks. He shares real lessons learned from dealing with an actual ransomware incident, talks about the tough decision of whether or not to pay hackers and explains how his team tackles phishing, IoT risks, and new-age threats using aut...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, Adam teams up with cybersecurity leader Nelson F. Wenner to discuss AI driven phishing, cloud vulnerabilities and supply chain risks. Learn the tips in thie episode on how to turn every employee into a security ally, spot risky vendors and balance airtight protocols with user needs. Nelson shares career tips for rising pros, warns about AI chatbot data lea...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, Steven Pollard, IT Director of Marlboro County, shares his unique journey, from working on NASCAR pit crews to managing technology for government officials. Steven talks about the challenges of keeping cybersecurity tight in a world of political egos, sudden staff changes and strict regulations like PCI and CJIS. He also explains why banking IT wasn’t for...

In this episode, cybersecurity veteran Subha Dhar exposes the serious reality of AI-driven threats reshaping global industries. With over 20 years of experience in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, banking, and tech, Subha unpacks how deepfake technology is used as weapon to impersonate CEOs, and carry out financial scams, and bypass traditional defenses. Subha shares firsthand accoun...

In this episode, Jason Wilcox, a CTO of Source Advisors uncovers the truth about privacy in the age of AI. His take? “Too late… they already know everything about you.” We’ll discuss with Jason about how remote teams are fighting back against cyber threats, think social engineering scams, AI driven hacks, and why “Boutique IT” might just be your business’s best defense. Is AI a game changer or a t...

Join us today in Cynexlink podcast as Bob Berbeco, CIO at Mahaska Health and 27-year healthcare tech veteran, reveals the frontline battles against social engineering, phishing, and ransomware. Discover why hospitals are prime targets, the layers of security protecting patients, and LIVE breach simulations preparing teams for the worst. Bob dives into AI’s role in healthcare, robotic automation, a...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, We dive into the world of cybersecurity with Jon Densmore, a seasoned expert who’s been in the IT game since 1999!  From his humble beginnings baking cookies before landing his first IT job to navigating the evolving threats of AI and remote work.   John shares invaluable insights for beginners and pros alike. We discussed with him how hackers are leveragi...

In this episode, Harshit shares insights on tackling data breaches, managing AI risks, and addressing IoT vulnerabilities. He explains why healthcare’s growing data, the challenges of IoT, and the risks of generative AI require a security-first mindset. With over 25 years of experience at top companies like Microsoft and Amazon, Harshit offers proven strategies, career advice for future leaders, a...

Dive into the future of tech with John Crighton, CTO of Capital Add-Ons, as we unravel how AI is turbocharging software development while battling evolving cyberthreats.  From securing proprietary data against rogue AI leaks to automating code reviews with tools like Amazon Q, John shares insider strategies for building secure-first systems.   Discover why outdated software versions are hackers’ p...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, We dive with Terry Caleb into the importance of networking for cybersecurity professionals, the surprising prevalence of cyberattacks in this sector, and the critical role of employee training.  Terry shares insights on balancing security with convenience, complying with ever-changing regulations, and the crucial steps to take after a security breach.  Dis...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Ireland, founder of Mipi Support and IT expert for emergency responders. We explore the biggest challenges in cybersecurity, from nation-state threats to the need for collaboration among professionals.    Matthew shares his journey into the industry, offering advice for newcomers and discussing the role of AI in shaping the future...

In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, we sit down with Kul Bhushan, Director of Security Compliance and seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 15 years of experience. Kul dives into the challenges of securing infrastructure, managing third-party risks, and fostering a culture of security awareness across industries like healthcare, finance, and technology.   Kul shares actionable advice on in...

In this episode, Mike, an IT professional with over 20 years of experience discusses his career journey, the challenges of working in IT and the importance of continuous learning. Mike shares his insights on navigating the ever-changing IT landscape, emphasizing the importance of specialization and staying updated on emerging technologies like AI. Tune in to know more about the challenges of cyber...

In this episode, we explore the world of cybersecurity and AI in healthcare with seasoned CIO Shane Pilcher. Watch to know strategies to tackle phishing threats, unlock AI’s transformative potential in patient care, and stay ahead in the ever evolving tech landscape. Shane shares actionable advice for aspiring leaders, insights on aligning technology with business priorities, and his vision for au...

In this episode, we sit down with CIO Scott Checkoway, to explore the critical importance of on ground experience in the cybersecurity landscape. From working on ransomware recoveries to building a "village" of experts, Scott shares his journey, personal advice to IT professionals, and a forward-looking perspective on advancements like quantum computing.    Follow us on Social 👇 Youtube ► www.you...

In this episode, Henric Andersson dives into the world of IT and cybersecurity, sharing his transition from engineering to leadership. He talks about the challenges of communicating security policies effectively, especially when technical teams don’t understand the “why” behind decisions. Henric highlights how clear communication in cybersecurity can prevent mistakes and improve outcomes. He also...

Join us for an engaging episode from The CNL Podcast as we sit down with cybersecurity expert Mike Wade! With over 30 years in IT, Mike shares his journey from coding on a Commodore PET to becoming a CISO in the banking industry. Discover with Mike the top security threats facing businesses today, including ransomware and phishing, and learn effective strategies for employee training and threat ma...

In this thrilling episode, cybersecurity guru Peter Ramadan, Director of Information Security at Continuum Clinical, shares his journey through the complex world of cyber threats, including the rise of triple extortion ransomware.  Peter discusses crucial insights on misconceptions within healthcare cybersecurity, the value of mentorship, and the importance of risk based decision making. With prac...

In this episode, Christopher Berdan, a seasoned IT professional with nearly two decades of experience in fintech shares his journey from building PCs to leading IT at a credit union. Dive deep with us into the critical importance of cybersecurity, especially in financial institutions. Chris also discusses strategies for protecting customer data and emphasizes ongoing education, the role of AI in s...