Do We Belong Here? (In The Cyber World): Recent Episodes
Cyber Florida
Hosted by the Cyber Whisperer Tashya Denose, Pam Lindemoen, the Chief Information Security Officer Advisor of Cisco, and produced by Cyber Florida’s Sarina Gandy, this podcast showcases industry professionals who are making cybersecurity a more inclusive place. We also have open conversations about work and life-related topics to show that nobody is ever alone in the obstacles they face.
Follow us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
cyberflorida.org/dowebelongpod/
In this special edition episode of Do We Belong Here, hosts Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen dive deep into the world of social engineering with the People Hacker herself, Jenny Radcliffe. Discover the thrilling and challenging aspects of Jenny's career, from evading security systems to teaching the importance of resilience and psychological savvy in cybersecurity. Jenny shares personal anecdotes that demonstrate the power of persistence and curiosity, and provides practical advice for anyone looking to thrive in the demanding field of cybersecurity. Tune in to learn how overcoming adversity and strategic thinking can lead to success in both personal and professional realms.
Find the People Hacker: https://x.com/jenny_radcliffe
Find us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Learn more about the WiCyS Conference: cyberflorida.org
Learn more about Cyber Florida: cyberflorida.org
Loren Rosario-Maldonado is a trained culturist, executive career coach, and keynote speaker, and the best-selling author of Becoming the Change. As a culturist and self-defined “rebel with a cause,” Loren specializes in examining how culture shapes everything we do—from the way we think and act to how we interact with the world around us.
In this episode, Loren joins Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to explore the crucial role of emotional intelligence in leadership and why recognizing the multi-dimensional nature of individuals is essential, particularly in industries where human emotions are often overlooked.
Loren also shares her top tips and strategies as an executive coach, discussing the unique challenges women face in the business world and offering advice on how to advance to the next level in your career.
Find Loren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenrosariomaldonado/
Listen to C.H.O.I.C.E. Chats: https://www.lorenrosario.com/thechoicechatspodcast
Find us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Learn more about Cyber Florida: cyberflorida.org
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:38 Understanding Cultural Intelligence
06:03 The Power of Cultural Intelligence
08:06 Imposter Syndrome and Women in Leadership
12:11 Embracing the Rebel with a Cause
16:32 The Choice Framework: Embracing Change and Growth
18:28 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership
21:31 Societal Expectations and Gender Roles
27:27 The Importance of Perspective and Learning
31:40 The Choice Chats: Highlighting Bold Choices
32:37 Understanding Cultural Intelligence in Real Life
37:21 Empowering Leaders to Shape the Future
40:18 Keynote Speaking and Impactful Messages
43:44 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this brand-new segment of the Do We Belong Here podcast, producer Sarina Gandy brings you "Soul of Cyber," where she sits down with influential figures in the cybersecurity world to uncover the essence of who they are beyond their professional achievements.
Join Sarina at the 2024 WiCyS conference for an intimate conversation with Jen Easterly, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Jen is a combat veteran with over two decades of service in intelligence and cyber operations, a dedicated mother, and an avid Rubik’s cube enthusiast. Her role in the cyber industry has been pivotal in creating transformative policies and fostering a more secure digital landscape.
In this episode, Sarina and Jen dive into:
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The impact of being the only woman at the start of her career on her leadership style, including the value of military discipline and the importance of creating effective, diverse teams
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Discovering and living your Ikigai, the Japanese concept of "reason for being"
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Human resilience and Jen’s personal journey of testing her limits and overcoming challenges
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The necessity for leaders to build teams with psychological safety
Tune in to gain unique insights into Jen Easterly's life, leadership, and the soul of cybersecurity!
In this special episode recorded live at the 2024 WiCyS conference, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen sit down with Beth Hawthorne, a seasoned professor and cybersecurity program director at Rider University. Beth stands out as a key figure in the cybersecurity community, having attended all ten years of the WiCyS conference and significantly shaping its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Her influence is particularly felt through her participation in the annual first-year panel, where she helps conference newcomers feel at home.
In tjis episode, Beth shares her extensive academic journey and her unwavering commitment to diversifying the field of cybersecurity. From being one of the few women in tech at the start of her career to mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals, Beth's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in cybersecurity.
Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-k-hawthorne-phd-a2a70025
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Chapters
00:00 Beth Hawthorne's Background and Education
02:14 Beth's History with the WiCyS Conference
03:36 The Growth and Diversity of WiCyS
05:00 The Excitement and Constant Change in the Cybersecurity Field
06:16 The Importance of Being Comfortable with Discomfort
09:29 Creating a Sense of Belonging and Support in the Cybersecurity Community
12:30 The Unique Vibe and Inclusivity of WiCyS
13:26 The Growth and Corporate Sponsorship of WiCyS
15:28 The Visionary Leadership of WiCyS
19:49 Buckle Up for an Amazing Journey in Cyberspace
Andrea Frost is a Senior Software Security Engineer at Dell Technologies and has been working in the cyber industry for the past 10 years. In this in-person episode recorded at the 2024 WiCyS Conference, Andrea sat down with Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to talk about her journey from working on the ski slopes in the winters and volunteering as a fireman in the summers to becoming a leading woman in cybersecurity. She tells the story of how attending her first WiCyS conference 9 years ago changed the entire trajectory of her life and career, and touches on the lifecycle of the WiCyS conference and the impact it is making on the women of this industry. Finally, she deep dives into the inception of the WiCyS Career Growth Hub and its role in supporting industry newcomers.
Find Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovianna-gonzalez/
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Jovianna Gonzalez is the CEO and founder of Digital Forensics, the first Hispanic-owned women’s digital forensics and cybersecurity company in the US. In this episode, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen talk to Jovianna about her journey from aspiring attorney to digital forensics expert, highlighting the importance of being open to new opportunities and having an investigative mindset. She emphasizes the significance of allies and mentors in her career and the need for ethical practices in the field of digital forensics. Jovianna also discusses the importance of mental health and work-life balance, sharing strategies she implements within her own team to ensure that each of her employees is set up for success.
Find Jovianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovianna-gonzalez/
Learn more about Digital Forensics Now: http://www.digitalforensicsnow.com/
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
03:22 Interview with Jovianna Gonzalez: From Aspiring Attorney to Digital Forensics Expert
14:11 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges
28:01 Recognitions and Reflections
31:35 Balancing Multiple Roles and Prioritizing Mental Health
37:29 Ethical Practices in Digital Forensics
40:58 Lessons Learned as a CEO and the Importance of Boundaries
42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Takeaways
Be open to new opportunities and have an investigative mindset
Allies and mentors play a crucial role in career development
Ethical practices are essential in the field of digital forensics
Prioritize mental health and work-life balance
Flexibility and adaptability are key in running a successful company
Bianca Lewis, aka BiaSciLab, is quickly becoming a household name in the cybersecurity world, and for good reason. At just 17 years old, Bia is not only a prodigious hacker but also a five-time DEFCON speaker and the visionary CEO behind Girls Who Hacker organization. In this live session recorded at the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference, Pam Lindemoen and special guest host Dr. Candi Ring delve into Bia's extraordinary journey through the cybersecurity over the past decade. Together, we explore the boundless potential of her generation in propelling the cybersecurity landscape into uncharted territories. Tune in as we uncover the driving force behind Bia's rise and the invaluable lessons her story imparts about passion, purpose, and the transformative power of new perspectives.
Follow Bia: instagram.com/biascilab/
Learn more about Girls Who Hack: girlswhohack.com/
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Mari Galloway, CEO of the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, is a woman whose magnetic presence ignites every room she enters. Her power radiates in an undeniable way through her hair, attire, and unwavering confidence, and the Do We Belong Here team wanted to know - did her light always shine this bright or did she work to cultivate it over time?
In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen speak with Mari about how she got “stuck” in the cyber world, eventually leading her to working in Vegas with the biggest casinos in the world. As they navigate through her experiences, the trio reflects on the adage that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas, especially in the realm of cybersecurity.
The discussion explores Mari’s evolution of self-confidence as she reflects on the challenges of being a trailblazing black woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. They also dive deep into Mari’s chapter of “Securing Our Future” by the Black Women in Cyber Collective and explore the pivotal role of finding your community in fostering resilience and self-empowerment.
Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu - womenscyberjutsu.org
Connect with Mari on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/themarigalloway/
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) is a non-profit organization that brings women together to celebrate and foster their passion for cybersecurity. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya and Pam speak with some of the incredible women behind the WiCyS organization to learn all about their mission of building a strong gender-diverse cybersecurity workforce and how they are accomplishing that. You’ll hear from Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS founder, Dr. Janell Straach, WiCyS Chair of the Board, and Lynn Dohm, WiCyS Executive Director about the power of community, what it means to actually be an ally, and why retaining and recruiting women into this field is so important.
Register for the 2024 Virtual WiCyS Conference -www.wicys.org/events/wicys-2024/wicys-virtual/
Find us on social media – @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Check out the People Hacker by Jenny Radcliffe - humanfactorsecurity.co.uk/speaking/
Dr. Fatou Sankare is an expert in data science and ethical hacking. A woman who is passionate about cybersecurity and education, Dr. Sankare holds her doctorate in cybersecurity and is also the founder of Datacation, a growing organization that prioritizes bringing cybersecurity to marginalized communities.
Dr. Sankare is also passionate about spreading cyber awareness and proving that everybody has a place in the cyber world, regardless of background, technical skills, or access to education.
In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Dr. Sankare joins Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to discuss her unusual journey from political science to cybersecurity and examines the connections between the two fields. She also dives deep into the experiences that she’s had as a young Muslim black woman in cybersecurity, shedding light on the moments where she feels she has to wear her credentials on her sleeve just to prove that she belongs. Tashya, Pam, and Dr. Sankare also explore our annual tradition of choosing a word to embody this year and how they hope to grow in 2024.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” - Michael Enzi
Datacation - mydatacation.com
Connect with Dr. Sankare on Instagram - @TheeDataEnthusiast
Find us on social media - @DoWeBelongPod
Learn more about Cyber Florida - cyberflorida.org
Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl
Celebrate the festive season with the Do We Belong Here team! In this bonus episode, Tashya Denose, Pam Lindemoen, and Sarina Gandy navigate the year-end haze and share our reflections on the closing chapter of 2023.Delve into a quick recap of our personal "words of the year" and the journeys we’ve undertaken to embody them.As we bid farewell to this year, we wish a joyous, healthy, and safe new year to all our cherished listeners. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to reconnect with you in the coming year. Until then, sending you love and strength for whatever lies ahead! 💛
Sunny Myers is the Senior Inclusion and Diversity Global Leader for Palo Alto. In her multifaceted role and in her daily life, Sunny is a dedicated advocate for creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging - whether navigating the dynamic cyber industry or encouraging others to express their authentic selves in everyday life.In this episode, Sunny joins Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to dive deep into the current landscape of representation and diversity within cybersecurity. Sunny, as a Native American woman, offers a unique and insightful perspective, sharing her personal experiences and insights on breaking barriers and fostering pathways for indigenous women in STEM careers. But that’s not all - Sunny goes beyond her own experiences to shed light on the essence of true allyship. Listen closely as she emphasizes that genuine allyship requires a willingness to take risks, challenging our listeners to contemplate the depth of their commitment to fostering inclusivity.Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPodConnect with Sunny on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sunny-myersResources mentioned:- “Teeter totter” analogy - Dr. Mautra Staley Jones- AISES | American Indian Science and Engineering Society- Triangle Women in STEM | https://www.trianglewomeninstem.org/- The Waymakers - Tara Jaye Frank
Happy 1-year-anniversary of the Do We Belong Here Podcast! 💛In honor of this milestone, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen sit down for a bonus episode to thank our amazing listeners! This year-in-the-making episode features a member of the Do We Belong Here team that you haven’t heard from yet: the producer, Sarina Gandy!In this episode, Sarina, Tashya, and Pam offer an intimate look into the tight-knit Do We Belong Here team and reflect on the podcast’s journey over the last year. They discuss the transformative impact of the podcast on their personal growth, share insights about themselves and the ever-evolving cyber industry, and offer a glimpse into what the future holds.Join us for this special episode filled with love, tears, laughter, and immense gratitude. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.Find us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
Kayley Melton is the VP of Remote Publishing at KnowBe4, but her role in this industry goes far beyond her title. Sometimes known as the Bob Ross of Infosec, Kayley is also the co-host of the No Password Required podcast, a gifted artist, and an advocate for fellow neuro-spicy people in the cyber industry. In this episode, Kayley joins Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen to discuss her unique upbringing and how it shaped who she is today, her experience as a neurodivergent person in cybersecurity, and how her battles with imposter syndrome led her down a path of self-discovery.Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
Our purpose at Do We Belong Here is to prove that we all have a place in the cyber world, but there’s one very important group that we haven’t yet discussed - the kiddos!Kids in today’s world are growing up with technology as second nature. As a parent in the cyber world, there is a delicate balance between letting your kids explore the online world and keeping them protected from the dangers that are out there. In this month’s episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya Denose and Pam Lindemoen tap into their mom-sides to give us their favorite advice and resources for maintaining a healthy balance with their kids and the world online. They also talk about the importance of introducing the realities of the digital world at a young age and what that education could mean for the future of this industry. Beyond that, Tashya gives Pam some insight into what it was like being the only one in the room who looked like her at the beginning of her career, and how that experience shaped the way she shows up for herself, her daughter, and her fellow women in the cyber world. Resources mentioned:- Oh, No... Hacked Again! and See Yourself in Cybersecurity by Zinet Kamal- HACKER MOM: The Practical Guide to Keeping Your Kids Safe Online by Corien Vermaak- pbskids.org/cyberchase/ | PBS kids show focused on STEM topics with online games for kids 6-8.- USF Cyber Summer Camps | Annual camps for K-12 students to learn about cybersecurity and explore a career in the field. - girlswhohack.com | Training resources specifically made for teaching young girls how to hack, created by 16-year-old hacker Bianca Lewis- Lighthouse Solutions | lhsolutions.orgFollow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPodWatch us on YouTube: @CybersecurityFLWant a Do We Belong Here t-shirt? DM us on Instagram @DoWeBelongPod 💛
Caitlin Sarian, also known as @CybersecurityGirl, is a cybersecurity content creator and the Former Senior Manager of Privacy and Security at TikTok. Caitlin is a multifaceted woman with a variety of passions in life; from cybersecurity to modeling she embraces bringing her whole self to the table, even when it’s scary. In this episode, Caitlin joins Tashya and Pam to talk about her growth throughout her past decade in cyber, how she maintains her confident mindset even if she’s the only person like her in the room, and the impact she hopes to make with her cybersecurity content. Caitlin, Tashya, and Pam also share insights on the ongoing efforts needed to continue making space for women to flourish in this dynamic field.
Find Caitlin on social media: @CybersecurityGirl (TikTok) | @Cybersecurity_Girl (Instagram)
Find us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
Black Girls in Cyber Summit: bgicrefresh.com
Kacy Zurkus is a Content Strategist at RSA Conference. In this episode, Kacy joins Tashya and Pam to talk about ways women can utilize and share their cyber expertise aside from getting up on that big conference stage, the way that human behavior has transcended generation and industry, and how RSAC has evolved to improve diversity and representation in the world of cyber conferences. She also shares her advice on networking at conferences and making the most of your conference experience when attending the RSA Conference.
Learn more about RSA Conference: https://www.rsaconference.com/
Connect with Kacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksz714
Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
For as long as she can remember, Vaillance Group CEO and Founder Shawnee Delaney knew that she wanted to make the world a better place.
Shawnee spent the better part of a decade working with the Defense Intelligence Agency and conducting Human Intelligence operations in war zones across the world. She is a subject matter expert on a multitude of cybersecurity topics, a single mom of three, a sought-after public speaker, and a truly generous person who wants nothing more than to make the world better however she can.
Simply put - Shawnee is the textbook example of a woman who doesn’t let anything stand in her way.
In this episode, Shawnee joins Tashya and Pam to talk about her former life as a spy, the power of visualization, and remaining hopeful in a world that sometimes makes it difficult to do so.
Connect with Shawnee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnee-delaney
Find us on social media: @DoWeBelongPod
cyberflorida.org/dowebelongpod/
Transitioning into a new job can be simultaneously exciting, confusing, and overwhelming regardless of where you’re at in your career. How do you know when it’s time to move on? What should you consider when debating a new position? This month on Do We Belong Here, Tashya and Pam break down the process of transitioning jobs and share some of their wisdom on how to approach the situation. But first, they talk about their experiences at the 2023 RSA conference - including what inspired them most, their takeaways about the future of AI, and the ways that cyber conferences have evolved throughout the past decade. Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPodBlind: https://www.teamblind.com/Tips for staying safe with AI: https://www.zdnet.com/article/generative-ai-brings-new-risks-to-everyone-heres-how-you-can-stay-safe/Cisco AI RSA: https://www.scmagazine.com/resource/rsac/ciscos-rsa-2023-priorities-ai-xdr-identity-and-moreVisit our website: cyberflorida.org/dowebelongpod/
Cisco Talos is one of the world’s most trusted threat intelligence organizations. Their team works to defend Cisco customers against known and emerging threats, identify new vulnerabilities in software, and interdict threats in the wild before they can wreak havoc against the internet.This month on Do We Belong Here, Pam and Tashya speak with Talos’ Amy Henderson, Director of Strategic Planning and Communications; Sammi Seaman, the Lead of Employee Experience; Alexis Childers, Security Engineer; and Kaitlin Acharya, the Strategic Operations Lead of Threat Intelligence and Interdiction.The group discusses work culture and what institutes an open and safe environment, the value of connecting the technical and non-technical sides of cybersecurity, and how remaining tenacious can be one of the most useful skills as a woman in cyber. Warning: this episode features a lot of laughter, mutual respect, and woman power!
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) is a non-profit organization that brings women together to celebrate and foster their passion for cybersecurity. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya and Pam speak with some of the incredible women behind the WiCyS organization to learn all about their mission of building a strong gender-diverse cybersecurity workforce and how they are accomplishing that. You’ll hear from Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS founder, Dr. Janell Straach, WiCyS Chair of the Board, and Lynn Dohm, WiCyS Executive Director about the power of community, what it means to actually be an ally, and why retaining and recruiting women into this field is so important.
Derek Spransy is the Associate Director of Enterprise Information Security at Emory University. In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Derek joins Tashya and Pam to talk about allyship in the cyber industry, how he handles burnout, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. He also shares his experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the cyber industry and what those in leadership positions should remember when working to create an environment where everybody feels like they belong.
In this episode of Do We Belong Here, Tashya and Pam discuss their mindsets entering 2023 and ways that they reset for the upcoming year. We also talk about how to set yourself up for success with your goals, why it’s okay if you’re not in the “new year, new me” kind of mood, and helpful resources to get back on track. Follow us on social media: @DoWeBelongPodClothing trade-in: https://athleta.thredup.com/pages/trade-inAli Hill “word of the year”: https://www.alisonhill.com.auYear compass: https://yearcompass.com/
Talya Parker is the founder and executive director of Black Girls in Cyber (BGiC) and the privacy, safety and security engineer leader at Google. In this episode, Talya joins Tashya and Pam to discuss how being a part of the #ShareTheMicInCyber campaign gave her the inspiration to start BGiC, the impact she hopes to make on the cyber industry, and the advice that she wishes she could give to her younger self.Follow us on social media - @DoWeBelongPodcyberflorida.org/dowebelongpod/
Work burnout is an issue in every industry, but in the cybersecurity industry where there are constantly new problems to solve and fires to put out, it can be almost impossible to turn off your thoughts when the day is done. In this episode, Tashya and Pam discuss their experiences with work burnout and the methods they use to hold themselves accountable when working to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
We also get to hear some feedback that we’ve received about the show, including some very important feedback from one of Pam's biggest fans (hi Pam’s mom, we hope you enjoy the show!)
Lauren Zabierek is the co-founder of the #ShareTheMicInCyberCampaign and the Cybersecurity Project Executive Director at Harvard’s Belfer Center. In this episode, Lauren joins Tashya and Pam to talk about her inspiration for starting the social media campaign, and the journey that led her from the U.S. Air Force to becoming a major force for diversity and inclusivity in the cyber industry.
In this episode, we get to hear our hosts Tashya Denose, the Cyber Whisperer, and Pam Lindemoen, the Chief Information Security Officer Advisor at Cisco, meet in person for the first time and get to know each other. Warning: this episode contains a lot of happiness and love!
Imposter syndrome, or that feeling that you don’t belong, is present in every industry, and the cybersecurity industry is no exception. In this episode, Tashya and Pam discuss their different experiences with imposter syndrome and the ways that they have overcome those feelings throughout their careers.