The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast

The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast

by Thomas Richard
Tech NewsTechnology

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to John Herrick, Global Talent Acquisition Manager, IronCircle

Unlocking the Secrets of Talent Acquisition with John Herrick In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas interviews John Herrick, a seasoned professional in the recruitment industry. They discuss John's career trajectory from a boutique agency in 2012 to his current role as a Global Talent Acquisition Manager. John shares insights on the effectiveness of ice baths, the benefits of over-communicating, and the importance of networking for finding passive candidates. He also shares personal growth tips, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach and heavy note-taking. The conversation is enriched with anecdotes about hiring across different cultures and the importance of aligning with hiring managers. For book lovers, John recommends survival books focused on edible plants, and for podcast enthusiasts, he enjoys 'The Joe Rogan Experience. 00:00 Introduction and Ice Bath Discussion 01:07 John Herrick's Career Journey 01:42 Agency vs In-House Recruitment 02:49 The Importance of Professionalism in Recruitment 06:33 Challenges in the Current Job Market 11:45 Effective Communication with Hiring Managers 15:04 John's Promotion Journey and Key Learnings 21:49 Qualifying Roles and Passive Talent 22:48 Effective Communication with Hiring Managers 23:23 Cultural Differences in Hiring Practices 25:19 Proactive Stakeholder Engagement 26:05 Importance of Personality in Hiring 30:22 Learning from Candidates and Research 35:18 Personal Growth and Recommendations 35:47 Networking and Referrals 40:42 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Jan 23, 2026
41:40

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Mariah Haag, Project Coordinator, Cyber Advisors

Building Relationships and Navigating Cybersecurity Recruitment with Mariah Haag In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, host Thomas is joined by Mariah Haag, a Security Project and Talent Manager at Stratum Security, which has recently merged with Cyber Advisors. They discuss the organized chaos of managing client demands, Mariah’s career progression from retail management to cybersecurity recruitment, and the vital role of building relationships within the industry. Mariah emphasizes the importance of setting SMART goals, getting out of one's comfort zone, and maintaining work-life balance. She also shares insights on the law of attraction and recommends reading 'The Secret' and Top Biller, by Steve Guest, a recruitment book that offers practical advice from one of the top recruiters in the world. Throughout the episode, they highlight the benefits and challenges of remote work, the value of in-office experiences, especially for newcomers, and how to leverage every interaction for personal and professional growth. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Mariah's Career Journey 02:40 Building Relationships in Recruitment 06:30 The Importance of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone 12:02 Practical Tips for Relationship Building 15:02 The Power of Positive Thinking and Goal Setting 20:21 Achieving Short-Term Goals 21:22 The Importance of Fun at Work 23:38 Understanding SMART Goals 25:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life 28:00 The Value of Office Culture 36:24 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Jan 19, 2026
38:08

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Grace Sharpe-Rauth, Global Learning and Development Manager, Chronosphere

Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast: Navigating Career Journeys and Leveraging AI with Grace Rauth, In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas interacts with Grace Rauth, the global Learning and Development Manager at Chronosphere. Grace shares her journey from an HR specialist to an L&D specialist, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-changing work environment, especially with the rise of AI. The conversation also explores how Enneagram can be a powerful tool for understanding team dynamics and personal motivations. Grace shares her love for 'The Lord of the Rings' as a personal life philosophy and recommends 'Five Dysfunctions of a Team' for professional development. The episode wraps up with practical advice for job seekers in the current tough market, emphasizing the value of AI tools, active listening, and staying positive. 00:14 Discussing the Weather and Working Conditions 01:26 Grace's Career Journey 01:59 The Startup Experience 03:31 Adapting to AI in the Workplace 11:11 The Importance of Active Listening 17:00 Understanding Motivation with Enneagram 20:28 The Challenges of Transitioning to Management 21:52 The Complexities of Sales and Recruitment 24:38 The Impact of Market Conditions on Hiring 29:38 Leveraging AI and Staying Positive in Job Search 34:37 The Value of Patience and Adaptability in Careers Grace Rauth suggested: The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Jan 14, 2026
40:33

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Max Schroeder, Chief Technology Officer, Aqueity

Insightful Journeys in Cybersecurity and the Impact of Emotional Intelligence In this episode of the 'Cybersecurity Recruiter' podcast, Thomas welcomes Max Schroeder, CTO at Aquiety, who shares his unique career trajectory from the beverage industry to becoming a CTO in cybersecurity. Max emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in technical roles and elaborates on how his hospitality background has been instrumental to his success. The discussion covers recurring themes concerning the hospitality industry's influence on career advancement, the significance of networking and genuine human connection in a digitized world, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in recruiting and cybersecurity. Max offers invaluable advice on the importance of communication skills, continuous learning, and the need for passion outside of work to stay grounded. The episode also features a thoughtful recommendation for the book 'Setting the Table' by Danny Meyer, highlighting the essence of exceptional customer service and its relevance across different fields. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:31 Max Shroeder's Career Journey 02:27 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 05:23 Leadership and Communication Skills 10:08 Networking and AI in Recruitment 16:14 The Value of Conferences and Networking Groups 20:32 LinkedIn and Online Presence 23:23 The Quest for Authenticity in the Age of AI 24:21 Balancing AI Innovation with Security Concerns 26:30 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity in SMBs 27:48 The Power of Positive Experiences and Referrals 29:55 Building Genuine Connections in Professional Networking 33:52 Navigating Career Progression and Job Loyalty 41:34 The Value of Passion Projects and Continuous Learning 44:02 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Max suggested: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
Jan 9, 2026
44:23

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to George Charles Osterholt, Lead Cyber Security Engineer, Scientia LLC

Navigating Cybersecurity and Career Transitions with George Charles Osterholt In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, the host welcomes George Charles Osterholt, a lead cybersecurity engineer at Scientia. They discuss George's career transition from managing sizable teams in restaurants to becoming an advisor at Indiana University and later advancing in the cybersecurity field. George shares his insights on managing remote teams, the importance of cybersecurity compliance, and the challenges of integrating AI into security measures. He also offers valuable advice on effectively communicating the importance of cybersecurity to non-technical stakeholders. George recommends 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho and a book about the life of MF Doom, emphasizing the importance of adventure, self-realization, and sticking to first principles in one's career journey. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:41 George's Background and Career Journey 01:16 A Day in the Life of a Cybersecurity Engineer 02:19 CMMC and Compliance in Cybersecurity 03:17 The Importance of Security and Privacy 04:19 Team Dynamics and Development 05:21 Incident Response and Continuous Learning 10:10 Balancing Budget and Security 13:51 Communicating ROI in Cybersecurity 19:45 AI and the Future of Cybersecurity 22:21 Navigating Security with Caveats 23:41 Effective Cybersecurity Training 24:54 Visible Security and Trust 25:42 Communication and Adaptability in Security 26:33 Lessons from the Restaurant Industry 29:03 Incident Response and Agility 32:59 Career Transitions and Lifelong Learning 35:08 The Future of AI and Cybersecurity 36:41 Economic Cycles and Career Resilience 37:44 Adapting to Remote Work 39:50 Books that Inspire and Guide 42:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections George suggested: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The Chronicles of Doom by S.H. Fernando Jr.
Jan 6, 2026
42:47

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Brennan Lodge, Founder, BLodgic & CISO DeepTempo

Navigating Cybersecurity Careers: Insights from Brennan Lodge In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas is joined by Brennan Lodge to discuss his extensive experience and career in cybersecurity. They delve into Brennan's past roles at Goldman Sachs, BlockFi, and HSBC, as well as his current ventures as a founder of BLodgic and fractional CISO. Brennan shares insights on balancing multiple roles, the importance of communication and mentorship, and his passion for integrating AI and data science into cybersecurity practices. The conversation also touches on the need for resilience, the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, and the benefits of attending industry conferences. Brennan recommends two impactful books: Shon Harris's CISSP guide and Ethan Mollick's 'Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI Brennan also tells us about his LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn learning class coming out on AI Tools and Automation for Cybersecurity and his previous classes on LinkedIn Learning,- RAG (retrieve augmented generation) and use cases of RAG for cybersecurity. And then MCP (model context protocol) and use cases of using and securing MCP and cybersecurity. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Guest Background and Career Highlights 01:45 Current Role and Responsibilities 03:38 Insights on Cybersecurity and Career Growth 05:35 Challenges and Strategies in Cybersecurity 13:49 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 21:49 AI in Legal and Security Frameworks 22:27 The Role of AI in GRC and Audits 23:22 Challenges and Benefits of AI in Compliance 27:38 The Importance of Conferences and Networking 31:56 Upcoming Talks and Learning Resources 35:07 Books and Resources for Career Growth 38:10 Final Thoughts on Cybersecurity and AI
Dec 11, 2025
36:29

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Carter Miller, Head of Talent, Trail of Bits

Navigating Cybersecurity Recruitment: Insights from Carter Miller In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Tom engages in a candid conversation with Carter Miller, the head of talent at Trail of Bits. They discuss Carter's journey in the recruitment industry, touching on his roles at various organizations including Scope Group, Capital One, and Research Innovations. They delve into the importance of passion, continuous learning, and community involvement for candidates looking to excel in cybersecurity roles. Carter shares insights on effective hiring practices, the impact of AI in recruitment, and the challenges posed by fake candidates. The episode also highlights Carter's personal growth journey and his efforts to create an inclusive and agile work environment at Trail of Bits. Book recommendation: ´The Rising Leader Handbook´ by Mark Silverman. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues 01:15 Carter Miller's Career Journey 03:48 Recruitment Insights and Strategies 09:23 AI and Cybersecurity Innovations 15:34 Hiring Criteria and Candidate Tips 18:48 Hiring Passionate People at Trail of Bits 19:19 Importance of Blockchain and Public Contests 20:43 Job Search Fatigue and Candidate Preparation 21:54 Challenges in Reviewing Resumes 24:12 AI in Job Applications 30:57 Building Relationships in Recruiting 35:14 The Rising Leader Handbook 38:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Carter suggested: The Rising leader Handbook by Mark Silverman
Dec 1, 2025
39:10

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Kevin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Secure Ideas

The Journey from Employee to Cybersecurity Entrepreneur with Kevin Johnson In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, the host interviews Kevin Johnson, CEO of Secure Ideas. Kevin shares his experience and insights from his career journey, including his early days as a programmer, a SANS instructor, and his transition to running his own successful cybersecurity firm. He discusses the differences between being busy and being productive, the importance of consuming and discerning information, and the ethical implications of business practices like cold calling. Kevin also emphasizes the role of a strong support network in achieving entrepreneurial success and offers advice on how to sustain long-term business growth. Additionally, he recommends Malcolm Gladwell's podcast 'Revisionist History' for its insights into understanding and solving complex problems. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 The Busy vs. Productive Debate 02:15 Kevin's Journey into Cybersecurity 04:42 The Importance of Consuming Knowledge 07:24 From Employee to Entrepreneur 14:48 The Power of Doing 18:29 The Evolution of MVPs and Security Concerns 19:10 Leadership vs. Management: A Personal Insight 20:04 The Importance of Fun in the Workplace 21:24 A Unique Approach to Customer Service 26:07 The Ethics of Cold Calling and Inbound Marketing 31:52 The Impact of Revisionist History 36:45 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Kevin suggested: Talking to Strangers book and Revisionist History podcast by Malcolm Gladwell
Dec 1, 2025
35:41

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Donna Pacheco, Talent Acquisition Specialist, I2X Technologies

Navigating the Job Market:- Insights from Industry Experts In this episode of the Talent Acquisition podcast, Tom welcomes Donna Pacheco, a seasoned talent acquisition specialist, for an in-depth discussion on the contemporary recruitment landscape. Donna shares her extensive career journey and insights from her experience in various sectors, including healthcare and logistics. The conversation covers the chaotic post-COVID job market, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific knowledge and adaptability. Key topics include the impact of AI on job applications, strategies for effective job searching, relationship-building with recruiters, and the evolving nature of recruitment in a more volatile world. Both Tom and Donna stress the importance of authenticity and due diligence for job seekers and recruiters alike, offering practical advice to help navigate these unprecedented times. Donna recommends reading Franklin Covey series about being mindful of time management. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Donna's Career Journey 01:13 Post-COVID Job Market Insights 03:09 AI and Technology in Job Hunting 03:34 Industry-Specific Job Market Trends 05:36 Using AI for Resumes and Interviews 15:47 Building Relationships in Recruiting 17:23 Challenges in Modern Recruiting 19:46 Scaling Back on Profiles 20:17 The Importance of Personal Branding 21:00 Challenges in Recruitment 22:35 Fake Applications and Impersonation Issues 24:38 The Value of Initial Screening Calls 25:23 Recruiter and Candidate Communication 26:31 Understanding Recruiter Workloads 29:05 The Impact of Company Restructuring 31:13 The Joy and Challenges of Recruitment 34:39 Time Management Tips for Recruiters Donna suggested: Franklin Covey Training series
Nov 27, 2025
37:33

The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Patrick Garrity, Security Research / Vulnerability Intelligence, VulnCheck

Balancing Cybersecurity and Skateboarding: Insights from Patrick Garrity In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter podcast, Thomas is joined by Patrick Garrity, an experienced cybersecurity professional with a unique passion for skateboarding. They discuss Patrick’s journey from sales to high-level roles in cybersecurity, his innovative office setup, and his skateboarding adventures. Patrick shares his experiences with injury, the importance of vulnerability and persistence in professional development, and strategies for effective online engagement. They also explore valuable resources for cybersecurity research and the importance of staying active, both mentally and physically. Patrick recommends the book 'The Mutt' by skateboard legend Rodney Mullen for inspiration. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:12 Skateboarding Passion and Injuries 02:47 Patrick's Professional Journey 04:05 Daily Life and Work in Cybersecurity 05:37 The Importance of Communication Skills 07:35 Embracing Criticism and Feedback 17:50 Balancing Work and Hobbies 21:28 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People 22:53 Climbing the Career Ladder: Titles and Responsibilities 30:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life 34:07 Resources for Vulnerability Research 37:29 Conference Highlights and Networking 40:05 Book Recommendations and Personal Growth 42:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Nov 25, 2025
42:46
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