The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast

The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast

por Thomas Richard
Noticias de tecnologíaTecnología

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Kyle Pardue, VP of Sales, KirkpatrickPrice

Navigating Career Growth and Modern Sales Strategies with Kyle Pardue In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Tom welcomes Kyle Pardue, a seasoned professional with a diverse career trajectory from accounting to sales leadership at Kirkpatrick Price. Kyle shares insights on overcoming technical glitches, career progression, and the importance of sales and communication skills, especially in a down market. He emphasizes the value of personalized outreach, such as handwritten notes and thoughtful communication. Kyle also discusses his approach to hiring and managing sales teams, stressing creativity and authenticity. He highlights the importance of continuous learning and leadership, referencing John Maxwell's 'The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership' as a key influence. The conversation wraps up with a focus on achieving goals and cultivating healthy habits for sustained success. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Guest Introduction: Kyle's Career Journey 00:56 Day in the Life of Kyle: New Dad and Sales Leader 02:08 Sales Strategies and Market Insights 02:28 Kyle's Career Progression and Promotions 05:09 The Importance of Being Remembered 06:32 Sales Skills and Authenticity 09:03 The Changing Landscape of Sales 11:45 Recruiting and Hiring Insights 18:03 Managing Different Personalities 18:36 Breaking Down Big Goals into Manageable Steps 19:16 Encouraging Creativity in Sales Plans 20:37 Recruitment Strategies: Going Beyond Job Postings 22:26 The Importance of Personal Touch in Outreach 25:27 Challenges and Changes in Sales Communication 28:29 The Power of Personalized Outreach 32:54 Influential Books and Mentorship 36:15 Year-End Goals and Healthy Habits Kyle suggested: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
7 nov 2025
36:56

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Lane McFarland, Vice President, People & Operations, Flashpoint

Navigating the Complexities of Cybersecurity Recruitment with Lane McFarland In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, the host is joined by Lane McFarland, the VP of People Operations, Operational Excellence, Process Automation, and Workforce Planning at Flashpoint. Lane shares insights into his extensive career, which spans various roles in operations and people management. The discussion delves into the intricacies of modern recruitment practices, the impact of AI on job seeking and hiring processes, and the strategies for effective networking and outreach in a competitive job market. Lane emphasizes the importance of ethical use of AI, the value of honest and realistic resumes, and the significance of maintaining a robust professional network. The episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, making it a valuable resource for both job seekers and recruiters. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:31 Lane's Career Journey 02:26 Day in the Life of Lane 04:30 AI in Cybersecurity Recruitment 09:55 Challenges in Recruitment 18:54 Ethics and AI in Recruitment 24:27 The Importance of In-Person Interviews 25:40 Coaching Through Resume and Interview Preparation 26:33 The Role of Personal Connections in Job Applications 30:06 Balancing Remote and In-Person Work 36:10 Effective Outreach Strategies for Job Seekers 43:18 The Value of Networking and Mentorship 45:50 Recommended Resources for Professional Growth Lane suggested: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown Books by Ben Eubanks
31 oct 2025
48:33

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Alfredo Hickman, Chief Information Security Officer, Obsidian Security

Navigating Cybersecurity Careers: Insights from Alfredo Hickman's Phenomenal Journey In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas sits down with Alfredo Hickman, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a rich background in both the military and commercial sectors. Alfredo shares his career journey, including his time in the United States Marine Corps, transitions to key roles at Vista International Operations, Rackspace, and currently at Ossian Security. The discussion highlights key topics such as the significance of community in cybersecurity, the impact of AI at the Black Hat conference, and advice for transitioning military personnel into the commercial world. Alfredo also delves into career progression strategies, the importance of genuine human connections, and the value of resilience and perseverance. The conversation is filled with valuable insights for both job seekers and employers in the cybersecurity industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:00 Alfredo Hickman's Career Journey 04:05 Black Hat Conference Insights 14:23 Transitioning from Military to Commercial World 18:05 Job Search Tips from an Employer's Perspective 23:20 Spotting Resume Red Flags 23:47 Balancing Job Search and Lifestyle 25:01 The Importance of Networking 25:37 Climbing the Career Ladder 26:08 Resilience and Grit: Personal Stories 27:53 Inspirational Quotes and Their Impact 35:39 Building Relationships for Career Growth 42:26 Recommended Reads for Personal Growth 44:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections Films/quotes that Alfredo mentions and are well worth checking out: Theodore Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena Rocky Balboa film Mother Theresa of Calcutta Rudyard Kipling - If Books that Alfredo recommends: The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Jocko Willink. Extreme Ownership General Stanley McChrystal, Team of Teams
24 oct 2025
44:51

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Vinson Cornejo, Founding Partner, Blue Cloak LLC

From Network Analyst to Cybersecurity Entrepreneur: A Conversation with Vinson Cornejo. In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas speaks with Vinson Cornejo, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Cloak. Vinson shares his professional journey from a network analyst at George Washington University to starting his own cybersecurity company. The discussion covers Vinson's typical day, the transition from being an employee to an employer, and the challenges and rewards of running a business. Vinson also explores the role of AI in cybersecurity and offers insights into the hiring process and the importance of interest and passion in the field. The episode concludes with a look into Vinson's favorite resources for career growth and personal development. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:14 Client Demands and Productive Mornings 01:11 Vinson's Career Journey 02:42 A Day in the Life 08:52 The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship 15:09 Supporting Employee Growth and Entrepreneurship 19:27 The Importance of Character in Tough Times 20:07 Hiring for Character Over Skills 23:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life 24:04 Diving into AI and Its Applications 26:03 The Future of AI in the Workplace 28:26 Efficient Coding with AI Tools 32:58 Reusing and Integrating Code Libraries 37:10 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society 38:18 Personal AI Agents: The Next Big Thing 39:01 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
23 oct 2025
39:44

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Gene Reich, Cofounder, Traceless

Navigating the Cybersecurity Business Landscape with Gene Reich In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas sits down with Gene Reich, owner of Point and co-founder of Traceless.io. They discuss Gene's extensive experience running two businesses simultaneously, his journey towards transitioning out of day-to-day operations, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. Gene shares insights on the significance of hiring the right people, building a strong company culture, and the unique challenges of doing business in New York City. He also reflects on his personal growth and the benefits of forming meaningful, in-person connections in the business world. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:02 Gene's Business Journey 01:51 Challenges of Running an MSP 03:59 Delegation and Team Building 10:23 Navigating Business Setbacks 18:17 The Importance of Rest and Emotional Discipline 19:01 Stepping Away from Work to Clear Your Head 19:34 Accepting Business Challenges and Self-Development 20:19 Opportunities and Reflections on Entrepreneurship in America 25:32 Hiring the Right People and Developing Leaders 31:42 Filtering Content and Personal Growth 34:01 The Value of In-Person Connections Post-COVID 37:09 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
14 oct 2025
39:06

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Timothy Sewell, CISO, CTO, and Co-Founder, Reveal Risk

From Lockheed Martin to Founding Reveal Risk: Tim Sewelll's Cybersecurity Journey In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Tim Sewell shares his remarkable journey through the cybersecurity field. Starting as an Information Assurance Lead at Lockheed Martin and advancing to Chief Cyber Architect, Tim has accumulated extensive experience over nearly a decade. He then moved on to serve in significant cybersecurity roles at Mayo Clinic and Eli Lilly, before co-founding Reveal Risk. Tim discusses the challenges and successes of building Reveal Risk from the ground up, including navigating the complexities of running a business, pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and scaling the company to $5.8 million in revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing robust cybersecurity measures with practicality for businesses and delves into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, especially in light of generative AI. Additionally, Tim offers valuable insights for aspiring cybersecurity professionals seeking to advance in their careers. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 Tim Saul's Career Journey 01:29 Current Role and Advisory Work 02:53 Challenges in Cybersecurity for Small Companies 03:52 Career Progression Tips 04:23 Experience at Lockheed Martin 07:11 Transition to Healthcare Cybersecurity 11:00 Starting Reveal Risk 13:04 Navigating Business Challenges During COVID-19 18:48 Scaling the Business and Leadership 21:17 The Challenges of Hiring in a Small Company 21:57 Handling Employee Development and Transitions 23:00 Facing Difficult Business Decisions 25:51 Balancing Work and Personal Life 32:20 The Importance of Contract Language 34:28 Advising and the Future of Cybersecurity 37:23 Recommended Resources for Cybersecurity Professionals 38:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Tim recommends: Hacking Exposed by Stuart McClure, Joel Scambray, and George Kurtz
6 oct 2025
39:23

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Shawn Mattioli, Chief Operating Officer, Prescient

Effective Leadership and Navigating Cyber Security Careers In this Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast episode, Thomas welcomes Shawn Mattioli, COO of Prescient, to discuss Shawn's impressive career journey from an FBI intelligence intern to his current role. They explore the importance of team bonding in a remote work environment, the value of networking, and the evolving landscape of insider threats and ransomware negotiations. Shawn shares insights into what attributes make a good candidate in the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing communication, writing, time management, critical thinking, and adaptability. They also delve into the impact of AI on junior jobs and the necessity for young professionals to develop crucial soft skills. The episode concludes with book recommendations and a candid discussion on the challenges and rewards of leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Shawn's Career Journey 06:12 Building Relationships and Networking 12:24 Insider Threats and Cybersecurity 17:33 Hiring and Industry Insights 19:43 The Importance of Communication Skills 20:02 Writing Skills: Breaking It Down Barney Style 20:32 Time Management and Critical Thinking 21:52 Adaptability in High-Pressure Situations 26:24 The Role of Critical Thinking in Problem Solving 30:09 The Impact of AI on Skill Development 32:13 The Value of In-Person Collaboration 33:49 Self-Development and Leadership 37:44 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Shawn recommends: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
23 sept 2025
37:55

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Brendan Cronin, Cybersecurity Systems Architect, Valiant Solutions

Navigating the Cybersecurity Job Market: Insights with Brendan Cronin In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Tom is joined by Brendan Cronin to discuss their long-awaited conversation on the cybersecurity job market. Brendan shares his career journey, starting as a teacher and progressing through various roles including network engineering and management at Verizon, to his current position at Vigilant Solutions. They delve into the impact of the internet boom, the cyclical nature of the market, and the transformative effect of AI. The discussion also covers practical advice for job seekers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, leveraging relationships, and personalizing job applications. Brendan highlights the increasing importance of niche areas in cybersecurity, especially related to AI, and the need for well-rounded skill sets. The episode wraps up with book recommendations and personal anecdotes, providing valuable insights for both job seekers and industry professionals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:56 Brendan Cronin's Career Journey 01:51 The Evolution of Cybersecurity 04:30 AI and Market Cycles 06:35 Job Market Challenges and Strategies 10:40 The Rise of AI and Automation 14:24 Security Threats and Job Market Realities 18:39 The Impact of AI on Job Markets 19:12 Challenges in Job Applications 20:04 Recruitment Strategies and Automation 20:25 Navigating Job Market Realities 23:29 Adapting to Technological Changes 25:51 Breaking into Cybersecurity 27:58 The Future of Cybersecurity and AI 31:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning 32:21 Recommended Resources and Tools 35:45 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Brendan recommends: The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers by Andy Greenberg Fancy Bear Goes Phishing by Scott J. Shapiro The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
18 sept 2025
36:40

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Ed Hagopian, Vice President of Product Security, Cream City Cyber

From System Admin to VP of Product Security: Ed Hagopian's Journey in Cybersecurity In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas welcomes guest Ed Hagopian, VP of Product Security at Cream City Cyber. Ed shares his career trajectory from a CIS admin to a leading role, emphasizing a hands-on approach, relentless curiosity, and the importance of adaptability in the fast-evolving tech landscape. He discusses his early interest in computers, driven by his father's encouragement, and how this passion led to pivotal roles at North Western Mutual, Microsoft, and Dell. The conversation highlights the value of building strong teams, continuous learning, and positive mindset in overcoming career challenges and embracing technological advancements like AI and machine learning. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:28 Ed's Career Journey 02:52 Early Passion for Computers 05:20 Challenges and Setbacks 10:10 AI and Machine Learning Insights 13:14 The Future of AI and Security 15:31 Identity Proofing and Trust 21:16 AI in Music and Media 21:54 AI in Cybersecurity: Detection and Defense 22:21 The Rise of AI in Music 22:33 Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals 23:17 The Importance of Hands-On Learning 24:09 Mentorship and Skill Development 26:05 Implementing a Risk Assessment Program 27:34 The Value of Demonstrable Proficiency 28:15 Adapting to Technological Changes 32:01 The Power of Positive Attitude 36:42 Recommended Books and Continuous Learning 41:28 Final Thoughts and Farewell Ed suggested: Never Split the Difference Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
15 sept 2025
41:47

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Josh Hohbein, Information Security Lead, centrexIT

Enhancing Communication Skills for Cybersecurity Professionals with Josh Hohbein In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas welcomes Josh Hohbein, an experienced security professional with a rich background in various roles, including restaurant management. Josh discusses how skills learned in the service industry have been invaluable in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of communication and soft skills. The conversation covers the need for effective public speaking, client interactions, and building trust, especially as AI and technology evolve. Josh also shares practical advice for those looking to improve their communication abilities and emphasizes the growing importance of well-rounded skillsets in the cybersecurity field. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:47 Josh's Career Journey 01:33 The Value of Soft Skills in Cybersecurity 04:03 Real-Life Examples of Soft Skills in Action 10:23 Enhancing Communication Skills 13:05 The Future of Communication in the Age of AI 16:47 The Importance of Going Above and Beyond in Service 17:44 Drawing Parallels Between Restaurant Compliance and Cybersecurity 19:03 The Power of Effective Communication in Client Relations 23:12 Transitioning from Restaurant Management to Cybersecurity 28:03 The Value of Hands-On Experience in Cybersecurity 32:05 The Importance of Concise Communication and Continuous Learning 34:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Josh suggested: Official Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson Udemy, EQ versus IQ
4 sept 2025
35:20
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