The Watchers

In this episode of The Watchers, host Andy Sauer sits down with Scott Edwards, CEO of Summit 7 Systems, to discuss the critical role cybersecurity plays in national security. From the challenges of securing the defense industrial base to the rise of AI as the next frontier in cyber warfare, Scott shares his journey, leadership lessons, and insights on navigating evolving threats. This must-watch e...

Kat Wang is a visionary at the forefront of cybersecurity and quantum innovation. With her background at Google and expertise in securing critical infrastructure, Kat dives into the challenges of supply chain threats, the role of AI in addressing workforce shortages, and the urgent need for public-private collaboration in the fight against cybercrime. Discover how quantum technology and bold strat...

Matt O’Neill is a former Managing Director of Cyber Operations for the U.S. Secret Service and one of its most decorated agents. With a 25-year career leading groundbreaking cybercrime investigations, founding the Global Investigative Operations Center, and seizing $2 billion in illicit proceeds, Matt brings unmatched expertise to the table, and continues to dedicate his life to combatting cybercr...

Connie Uthoff is the Program Director of the Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management Program at George Washington University and a frequent United States Cybersecurity Magazine contributor. Connie’s global journey in cybersecurity includes leading tabletop exercises, creating scenario-based courses, and focusing on emerging technologies, cyber intelligence, risk, and nation-state threats...

Ron Gula is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Tenable Network Security. Currently the President of Gula Tech Adventures, Ron has a wealth of experience, from his time as an NSA expert to his role as an investor 'adventurer' in cybersecurity companies. We dive into a wide range of topics, including AI, deepfakes, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity responsibility, and the Defense...

Mark Montgomery is a retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and a renowned expert in national security, defense strategy, and cybersecurity, currently serving as Senior Director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).  Mark brings unmatched insights into cybersecurity policy where we explore his leadership in the Cyberspace Solariu...

Joyce Hunter is the Executive Director of Mission Critical and a dedicated innovator and strategic leader with experience across administrations, nonprofits, and industry boards. Appointed by President Obama as Deputy CIO of the Department of Agriculture, Joyce led efforts to bridge the agri-supply chain knowledge gap, building awareness around risk mitigation and food supply, understanding world...

Carley Salmon, a cybersecurity data leader at Microsoft Federal Defense and former U.S. Army National Guard Blackhawk pilot has played a large role in shaping the DIB assessment processes within DCMA's DIBCAC, after transitioning from military leadership to cybersecurity.  She shares her mission-driven approach to cybersecurity policy widely in the DoD community, is passionate about protecting the...

Alison King, VP of Government Affairs at Forescout Technologies, is a national security policy trailblazer bridging industry goals with government action. With a decade in federal service and key roles shaping landmark legislation like the FY21 NDAA and CIRCIA, her impact is both strategic and tangible. A 2024 FDD National Security Fellow and Senior Fellow at Auburn University, Alison champions cr...

Candice Frost, a military veteran with over 25 years of service, has built an exceptional career in Military Intelligence, including roles with the 82nd Airborne, 25th Infantry, and operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans. An Iowa native and West Point graduate, Candice’s groundbreaking work in a male-dominated field led her to command the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at Cyber Com...

Diane Janosek is the CEO of JANOS and a true champion of the cyber industry. Evolving from her legal career, during which she served the Justice Department and Clinton White House, Diane has been blazing a trail of her own in the world of Cyber that includes a 12-year stint with the NSA. Her impact is immeasurable, serving as a mentor and role model to many, while uplifting several organizations t...

Glenn Gerstell is an American lawyer, technology writer, and former NSA General Counsel. Now a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), he focuses on technology and national security. A former member of President Obama’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council and D.C.’s Homeland Security Commission, Gerstell is a leading voice on Russian disinformation, Chin...

Matt Hayden is the Vice President of Cyber and Emerging Threats at General Dynamics Information Technology, or GDIT. In his role within GDIT’s Intelligence and Homeland Security division, Matt isn’t just guiding strategy; he’s building bridges—fostering trusted relationships between industry and government. During his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he played a significant rol...

Brandon Wales is the Vice President of Cybersecurity Strategy with SentinelOne, and the former Executive Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He’s a long-standing public figure, particularly within the field of cybersecurity and U.S. government operations. Known for shaping CISA's strategic direction, Wales has been one of the leading, instrumental change agents in enh...

Michael McLaughlin is an attorney and author, who served in the United States Navy and now serves as a critical advisory to industry as we face a growing list of threats in the cyber domain. His book, Battlefield Cyber, brings these threats to light and paints a stark picture of where we need to focus our attention to defend our modern society going forward. ------ MORE FROM MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN Lin...

Robert Disney is a retired Air Force Pararescueman and emerging expert in artificial intelligence. After a military career that saw Robert deployed to combat, and suffering several combat injuries, Robert could have taken a quiet retirement. But as you'll find out, he's tireless in his desire to keep learning, and he's now turned toward a career as an artificial intelligence specialist. We appreci...

Bryan Ware is an entrepreneur, innovator and technology business leader who served as the first Presidentially appointed Assistant Director of Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Bryan is deeply knowledgeable about the current threat and geopolitical landscapes, along with emerging technologies like AI. He's also a standout for his advocacy work in buildin...

Robert Potter is a renowned cybersecurity expert who has spent a career advising governments and institutions on fighting the growing threats in the cyber domain. For the past several years, Robert has been on the ground in Ukraine, helping the Ukrainians defend their assets in a new age of warfare.  ------ MORE FROM ROBERT POTTER LinkedIn: https://wtchs.us/c6nfxa Twitter: https://x.com/rpotter_9...

Renee Wynn is a longtime public servant, having spent over 2 decades with the Environmental Protection Agency, before taking on the role of Chief Information Officer for America's favorite federal institution, NASA. During her four-year tenure at NASA, she oversaw some of it's biggest digital modernization work completed and established its first global cybersecurity program. Now retired, Renee co...

Andrew McCabe became the Acting Director of the FBI in the midst of political controversy when then President Trump fired James Comey. While the turmoil brought him to national attention, he'd already spent over 20 years of national service in the FBI, where he participated in some of its highest profile cases including 9/11, the Boston bombings, and Benghazi. While he's retired from the FBI, he's...

FOLLOW THE WATCHERS Website: https://thewatchers.io LinkedIn: https://thewatchers.io/linkedin Twitter: https://x.com/Watchers_Pod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watcherspodcast/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON DISCORD https://thewatchers.io/Discord GET THE AUDIO PODCAST RSS Feed: https://thewatchers.io/feed Episodes: https://thewatchers.io/episodes CONNECT WITH ANDY LinkedIn: https://sblu.us/Andy P...