Breaking into Cybersecurity: Insider Tips and Career Advice

In this special Round Table episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Tom welcomes guests David Huynh, Brayden Scribner, and John Owen, Director of Security Analytics at Fulcrum Technology Solutions, to discuss entry-level challenges and career progression in cybersecurity. They explore common mistakes by new entrants, the importance of personal branding, and effective application strategies.

The conversation also delves into the significance of real-world experience, educational paths, and the roles of certifications and boot camps. The guests share their insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, with practical advice on how to stand out and succeed. Highlights include John's recount of managing a major security breach early in his career, and a discussion on the human aspect of cybersecurity's future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:12 Common Mistakes for New Cybersecurity Candidates

03:43 Handling Imposter Syndrome in Cybersecurity

09:03 Changes in Cybersecurity Hiring Trends

14:53 Choosing the Right College Program for Cybersecurity

22:44 Breaking into Cybersecurity: Tips and Strategies

29:01 Understanding the Sales Team Structure

30:23 The Importance of Networking in Cybersecurity

32:00 Debating Technical Routes: College, Bootcamp, or Self-Study?

34:02 The Value of Certifications and Real-Life Experience

36:14 The Human Aspect of Technology and AI

39:01 Key Differences Between High Performers and Aspiring Professionals

45:39 The Role of Hands-On Experience in Job Applications

49:16 Challenging Incidents and Career Growth in Cybersecurity

53:30 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

From Garbage Man to CISO: The Journey of Kevin Baker

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Kevin Baker shares his remarkable journey from working as a garbage man to becoming a CISO. The conversation covers his career progression, the challenges and opportunities he encountered, and his key experiences in building strong security programs across various organizations.

Kevin emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and maintaining humility in the cybersecurity field. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals on how to navigate their careers successfully.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:43 Kevin Baker's Career Journey

01:44 The Role and Challenges of a CISO

02:57 Kevin's Early Career and Breakthrough

03:47 Learning and Adapting in Cybersecurity

06:02 Kevin's Unorthodox Path into Cybersecurity

06:49 Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges

10:51 From Technical Skills to Global Impact

17:22 Mentorship and Continuous Learning

23:21 Incident Response and Global Networking

26:15 A Hard Lesson in Cybersecurity

27:36 The Importance of Manual Processes

29:17 Balancing Technical Skills and Management

31:15 The Role of Curiosity in Cybersecurity

35:34 Building Effective Security Programs

38:02 Communicating Risk to Executives

41:38 The Value of Humility in Cybersecurity

44:11 A Crowning Moment in Cybersecurity

50:17 The Importance of Continuous Learning

53:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating Recruitment in Cybersecurity: Insights from Stephen Parker

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas is joined by Stephen Parker for an insightful discussion on recruitment and career development in the cybersecurity field.

Stephen shares his diverse career journey, from HR manager positions to becoming an HR and recruiting manager at RSI Security. They discuss the impact of AI on recruitment, the importance of personalized approach in job applications, and best practices for candidates on the job market.The conversation also covers automation in recruiting, leveraging LinkedIn effectively, and the do's and don'ts of job applications, offering valuable advice for both recruiters and job seekers in the cybersecurity industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Stephen Parker's Career Journey

02:20 Transition to Recruiting

05:05 The Role of AI in Recruitment

12:43 Importance of Human Touch in Recruitment

20:15 Automation in Recruitment Processes

25:08 Evaluating Candidate Qualifications

25:40 Automation in Recruitment Processes

27:39 The Role of AI in Recruitment

28:16 Positive Feedback on Video Interviews

28:53 Impact of AI on Application Review

33:07 Common Mistakes in Job Applications

39:28 Importance of LinkedIn Profiles

51:19 Interview Etiquette and Preparation

53:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Insights from James

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas welcomes James, Director of InfoSec Operations at People AI. They discuss James's extensive journey through various roles in major companies like Microsoft, Accenture, and Guidewire Software.

The conversation covers topics such as the importance of the 'student always' mindset, the evolving role of cybersecurity directors, and the crucial balance between technical skills and sales acumen. They also delve into how AI and big data are revolutionizing industries and what skills are essential to stay relevant in this fast-changing landscape.

James shares personal anecdotes and professional insights, making this episode both informative and engaging for anyone interested in cybersecurity and professional growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:48 James' Career Journey

02:01 The Importance of Continuous Learning

04:29 Early Career Experiences at Microsoft

09:02 Adapting to Change and Consulting at Accenture

11:14 The Role of Active Listening

13:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life

16:53 Skills for Advancing to Director Level

22:02 The Value of Sales Skills in Cybersecurity

30:14 Exploring Security Tools and Integration

30:53 Building Long-Term Relationships in Security

31:53 Evaluating and Adopting New Products

33:15 The Importance of Networking in Cybersecurity

36:47 AI and Machine Learning in Business

45:03 The Future of AI in Customer Service

53:30 Adapting to the Digital Revolution

53:43 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

Mastering Cybersecurity Career Growth with Celina Stewart

In this insightful episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Tom is joined by Celina Stewart, Director of Cyber Risk Management at Neuvik. They discuss Celina's impressive career journey, including her early internships at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, stints at McKinsey, Palo Alto, and Duolingo, and her current role.

The conversation delves into the importance of communication skills, networking, AI implications in cybersecurity, and tips on career progression. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, you'll find valuable advice on how to stand out and succeed in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:23 Selena's Career Journey

02:52 Transition to Consulting and Product Management

04:50 The Importance of Communication Skills

19:05 Public Speaking and Community Involvement

24:05 Commercial Awareness in Cybersecurity

26:28 Non-Traditional Backgrounds in Cybersecurity

26:59 Standing Out in a Competitive Market

27:53 The Importance of Unique Skills

28:37 The Airport Test and Likeability Factor

30:11 Hiring Practices and the Impact of AI

32:28 Challenges with AI in Hiring

40:36 Career Progression and Networking

47:46 Recommended Reads for Personal Growth

Celina suggested:

How Women Lead: The 8 Essential Strategies Successful Women Know Book by Laura Henderson and Sharon Hadary

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life Book by Jen Sincero

Navigating Recruitment Challenges: Insights from Amanda Davis

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Thomas chats with Amanda Davis, Talent Acquisition specialist at Axion. They discuss Amanda's impressive career journey and her current success in securing quality engineers despite a challenging market. Amanda shares her daily routine, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and using a multi-channel approach for recruiting. She provides valuable tips on resume formatting, interviewing, and why networking is crucial in the job search process.

Amanda also touches on the significance of persistence in following up with recruiters and the impact of communication skills on career growth. They delve into the dynamics of employer and candidate markets, stressing the need for long-term relationship building and effective communication. The conversation concludes with Amanda offering advice for those laid off and underscoring the importance of staying positive and open to new opportunities.

Amanda is not fond of reading books,

Tom recommended one to her: The Slight Edge

Jeff Olsen

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Thomas sits down with Andy Cottrell, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and the CTO of Truvantis Inc.

Andy shares valuable insights into the current trends in cybersecurity, with a focus on pen testing and red teaming. The discussion covers the importance of building a robust security program, the evolving threat landscape, and how organizations can better manage risk. Andy also delves into the role of AI in cybersecurity and the critical need for proper governance.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just breaking into the field, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 Economic Outlook in Cybersecurity

02:25 Andy's Career Journey

03:35 Pen Testing vs Red Teaming

07:48 Challenges in Pen Testing

13:47 Importance of Automation and Vulnerability Management

20:04 Risk Management and Business Continuity

26:31 Team Dynamics and Career Growth

27:44 The Importance of Team Success

28:07 Hiring for Broader Horizons

29:53 The Path to Pen Testing

32:08 The Value of Admitting Ignorance

34:10 Starting a Consulting Business

35:05 Networking and Industry Groups

37:15 The Risks of Over-Reliance on Tools

39:48 AI in Cybersecurity

47:28 Governance in a Rapidly Changing World

48:18 Leveraging AI for Personal Growth

51:19 Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Future Andy recommended: Feedly and Perplexity tool

Andy suggested: Feedly and Perplexity tool

Lee suggested:

Principles of Management Symposium Course  

RFC for Web (HTML and HTTP)

Navigating Cybersecurity Careers with Lee McWhorter: Insights on Education, AI, and Communication https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-mcwhorter/

Join us for an engaging episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast featuring Lee McWhorter, a seasoned expert in cybersecurity education and training. Lee shares his extensive career journey, which began in the 1990s and has spanned various roles from instructor to CTO.

We delve into the significance of communication and soft skills in advancing cybersecurity careers, the evolving landscape of AI and red teaming, and offer valuable advice for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field. Tune in to discover how to stand out, stay current, and thrive in the rapidly changing world of cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:44 Lee's Career Overview

02:05 The Importance of Education and Giving Back

03:13 Red Team Village and AI in Cybersecurity

05:22 The Impact of AI and Future Trends

08:38 Communication Skills in Cybersecurity

17:56 Public Speaking and Personal Growth

21:38 Red Teaming and AI Insights

22:27 NIST AI Framework Red Teaming Challenge

23:40 Exploring AI Vulnerabilities

25:50 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech

26:59 Creating Your Own Experience in Cybersecurity

28:48 Networking and Community in Cybersecurity

31:27 The Digital Revolution and Adaptability

35:45 The Value of Communication and Interpersonal Skills

40:41 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects