by Carlton Fields
Reginald “Andre” Andre is the dynamic founder and CEO of ARK Solvers. A chance encounter at a CompUSA store sparked a series of events that eventually created ARK Solvers — now one of South Florida’s fastest-growing IT and cybersecurity companies, serving small and midsize companies with a sharp focus on compliance and innovation. With nearly two decades of experience, Andre shares how his company has evolved from general IT support to cybersecurity and now into the realm of artificial intelligence. He reveals how creating a growth-centered environment for his team — and hiring for attitude over skill — has been crucial to ARK’s culture and success. He also reflects on how his frustration with the lack of computer classes at his son’s school led to the launch of a computer club that brought them closer together. In the lifestyle polygraph segment, Andre unpacks his AI-powered board of directors — which includes Steve Jobs and Grant Cardone — and what he’d do if tasked with launching a nationwide mentorship initiative. Plus, he urges students to get aggressive with internships: “Ask early and often.” Join hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, founder of Reality Shift, for this exciting podcast.
On this episode, we sit down with Mariana Padilla, CEO and co-founder of HACKERverse.ai — an AI-driven platform transforming how cybersecurity solutions are tested and purchased. From her early days in education and nonprofits to building a career in cybersecurity marketing, Mariana has always sought to challenge inefficiency and champion innovation. From the helm of HACKERverse, she’s helping security buyers make smarter, data-driven decisions while eliminating the friction of traditional vendor sales. She joins hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, director of strategic initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute, to explore how her self-proclaimed status as a "bad employee" shaped her leadership approach, why passive aggression is her ultimate pet peeve, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset has helped her scale quickly in a complex industry. Mariana also reveals how her team is tackling the trust gap in cybersecurity sales — by letting the product speak for itself. In the lifestyle polygraph segment, Kayley asks Mariana whom she would hire if resumes for Superman and Batman landed on her desk. Her answer took us down a dark-night path we didn’t see coming.
On this episode, we sit down with Trevor Hilligoss, director of security research and the research and innovation division of SpyCloud Labs. From his beginnings in the Army Criminal Investigation Division to his leadership role in cybersecurity’s private sector, Trevor shares how investigative instincts and military discipline shaped his approach to digital forensics, leadership, and fighting cybercrime. Hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields and Kayley Melton, director of strategic initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and founder of Reality Shift, explore with Trevor the biggest misconceptions about cybercriminals, why micromanagement is a leadership pitfall, and how proactive cybersecurity strategies can change the game before an attack even happens. Plus, in the lifestyle polygraph segment, Trevor talks about adding Tony Hawk to his ultimate escape room team, his boardroom walk-up song, and his East Coast-meets-West Coast breakfast — because balance is key in cybersecurity and in starting the day off right.
On this episode, we sit down with Rob Allen, chief marketing officer at ThreatLocker, live from the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference. From his early days “locked” in an IT closet to his current role in the C-suite, Rob’s journey is one of curiosity, adaptation, and a passion for cybersecurity. At ThreatLocker, he takes customer ideas and use cases and transforms them into solutions for organizations of all sizes. Rob shares why businesses shouldn’t fear the “deny by default” approach, explaining how the zero-trust mindset is essential in today’s threat landscape. He also discusses with hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields and Kayley Melton, director of strategic initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and the Bob Ross of infosec, how media coverage often distorts public perception of cybersecurity by only highlighting major breaches and incidents. In the lifestyle polygraph segment, Rob reveals his love for Apple products, why he wishes he could have met Steve Jobs, and his obsession with Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches. He also shares a hilarious (and perhaps exaggerated) story about the Cyber Florida team “infiltrating” ThreatLocker and taking his backpack back to Tampa!
On this episode, Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, founder of Reality Shift, chat with Dr. Anmol Agarwal, a senior security researcher at Nokia. With deep expertise in AI security, adversarial machine learning, and privacy-preserving technologies, she is advancing innovation in next-generation communications. Her career began with a focus on health management, where her exposure to the transformative power of technology in patient care sparked a passion for cybersecurity. Dr. Agarwal previously managed federal enterprise risks at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and now shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor at George Washington University. Committed to community engagement, she mentors aspiring cybersecurity professionals through WiCyS and other initiatives, empowering the leaders of tomorrow in the ever-evolving cyber landscape. In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Dr. Agarwal gave us some insight about her life away from all things cybersecurity including a passion for British baking competitions and why should wouldn't mind adding a couple journalist to her team. The show begins with Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., joined by resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, analyzing what they learned in this weeks insightful episode with Dr. Anmol Agarwal
Zabrina Mcintyre is a director and cybersecurity adviser at KPMG, where she leverages her diverse expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and strategic project leadership. She brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to her work by combining a Master of Arts (MA) in Art Business, a specialized MBA program with an international focus, and extensive professional experience in the creative and cybersecurity industries. She has worked at three major animation studios, bringing a fresh perspective to her role in cybersecurity. A passionate advocate for women in cybersecurity, Zabrina serves as a founding member and past president of the WiCyS Western Washington Affiliate. She continues to contribute to the industry as a board member of the national Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) BISO Affiliate. Additionally, she is known for her unique understanding of rain culture, shaped by her time living in the rainy cities of Seattle and London. The show begins with Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, joined by resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, analyzing a new U.S. Army initiative to support small businesses in meeting cybersecurity requirements and ensuring a secure and resilient network of partners critical to national security.
Dr. Sunny Wear began her career as a developer, spending countless hours maintaining others' code—a humbling experience, as she describes it. Realizing she wanted a different path, a friend suggested exploring cybersecurity at just the right time. Together, they tackled the CISSP exam, which Dr. Sunny passed, igniting her passion for application penetration testing. Now an accomplished author and proud bird mom, Dr. Sunny discusses her Burp Suite Cookbook, a practical guide to identifying, testing, and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs. The show begins with Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, joined by resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, analyzing the Star Health Insurance (India) data breach, where the company’s CISO has been accused of selling sensitive data for $43,000.
Welcome to chat:CYBR, Cyber Florida’s policy discussion platform. In this episode, host James Jacobs and co-host Jordan Deiuliis engage with Carlton Fields attorney Jack Clabby to explore the intricate world of cybersecurity law and policy. They discuss the role of cybersecurity attorneys, the most common types of cyberattacks, the legal implications of data breaches, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity legislation in Florida. The conversation highlights the challenges organizations face in navigating legal requirements and the potential costs associated with cyber incidents, as well the potential for a cohesive federal standard to address these issues effectively. In this conversation, James, Jordan, and Jack discuss the challenges local governments face in complying with cybersecurity regulations, the importance of data management, and the necessity of simplifying technology solutions. They also explore the implications of Florida's ransomware legislation, including its enforcement and effectiveness.
Confidence Staveley is the founder and CEO of Cybersafe Foundation, Africa's leading nongovernmental organization dedicated to digital development. Her mission is to ensure inclusive and safe digital access across Africa. Confidence discovered her passion for computer science during a gap year after high school when she first touched a computer keyboard. She then convinced her parents — who had envisioned a medical career for her — to support her new path by presenting hand-drawn slides and a twinkle in her eye. Since then, Confidence has become a leader in application security, founded multiple businesses, starred in the "API Kitchen" video series, and was recognized as a 2021 Obama Foundation Africa Leader. The show begins with Jack Clabby from Carlton Fields and cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton discussing Cyber Florida's “Do We Belong Here” documentary. The film highlights resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of belonging in the field. From personal stories, including Kayley's, to professional breakthroughs, “Do We Belong Here” captures the essence of representation, diversity, and the future of cybersecurity.
Dr. Thomas Hyslip teaches at the master’s in cybercrime program at the University of South Florida, where he blends criminology, digital forensics, and incident response coursework. A retired U.S. Army colonel, Dr. Hyslip's career spans 23 years across the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division. In these roles, he has experienced unforgettable moments, like an adventure involving hotdogs, home runs, and a secure presidential phone at Wrigley Field. Dr. Hyslip also shares his favorite metal hair band and when it’s the perfect time to indulge in their sounds — spoiler alert, it’s always. The show kicks off with Jack Clabby from Carlton Fields and our resident cybersecurity mercenary Kayley Melton as they discuss NukuDo cybersecurity school's expansion into the American market. They also break down the benefits of NukuDo’s unique cybersecurity talent development model, which could soon become a widespread strategy.