A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 4, 2026 · 54 MIN

A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

from Power of Why with Naomi Haile · host Naomi Haile

"In an abundance of water, only a fool is thirsty. And here it is that we're living in this great abundance, especially with technology. Everybody's connected. If you want to learn anything, it's right there. Now, how do you determine what is relevant to what you need to do?"Diane Watson is an illustrious technology leader with over two decades of experience in telecommunications, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity, Diane has held senior roles at global firms such as Nokia and Fujitsu, and is currently leading product security initiatives as a Product Security Program Manager at Ribbon Communications.Diane has been a driving force behind inclusive leadership in Canada’s tech ecosystem, serving on the Women in Communications and Technology National Capital Region board for seven years. Fun fact: this is how Diane and I officially crossed paths.Diane now serves in an advisory capacity as Past Chair, while also holding the role of Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at Tech2Step Canada, a national nonprofit creating mentorship and networking opportunities. She also contributes her expertise as a member of Invest Ottawa’s Women Founders and Funders Subcommittee, supporting the advancement of women entrepreneurs. Known for blending technical excellence with purpose-driven leadership, Diane is deeply committed to mentorship, community building, and creating pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive in Canada’s innovation economy. Diane shares how curiosity, community, and a willingness to start over have shaped both her professional trajectory and her sense of purpose.Connect with DianeLinkedIn: Diane WatsonMarch 31, 2026 Tech2Step Event (Ottawa) Give to Gain - Restore, Reflect, ReconnectTech2Step OttawaTech2Step CanadaWomen in Communications and Technology NCRConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

"In an abundance of water, only a fool is thirsty. And here it is that we're living in this great abundance, especially with technology. Everybody's connected. If you want to learn anything, it's right there. Now, how do you determine what is relevant to what you need to do?"Diane Watson is an illustrious technology leader with over two decades of experience in telecommunications, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity, Diane has held senior roles at global firms such as Nokia and Fujitsu, and is currently leading product security initiatives as a Product Security Program Manager at Ribbon Communications.Diane has been a driving force behind inclusive leadership in Canada’s tech ecosystem, serving on the Women in Communications and Technology National Capital Region board for seven years. Fun fact: this is how Diane and I officially crossed paths.Diane now serves in an advisory capacity as Past Chair, while also holding the role of Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at Tech2Step Canada, a national nonprofit creating mentorship and networking opportunities. She also contributes her expertise as a member of Invest Ottawa’s Women Founders and Funders Subcommittee, supporting the advancement of women entrepreneurs. Known for blending technical excellence with purpose-driven leadership, Diane is deeply committed to mentorship, community building, and creating pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive in Canada’s innovation economy. Diane shares how curiosity, community, and a willingness to start over have shaped both her professional trajectory and her sense of purpose.Connect with DianeLinkedIn: Diane WatsonMarch 31, 2026 Tech2Step Event (Ottawa) Give to Gain - Restore, Reflect, ReconnectTech2Step OttawaTech2Step CanadaWomen in Communications and Technology NCRConnect with NaomiWebsite: www.naomihaile.comLinkedIn: Naomi HaileInstagram: @naomiahaileTwitter: @naomiathaileYouTube: Naomi HaileThis episode is brought to you in collaboration with ⁠Invest Ottawa⁠, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries. We teamed up to produce this special podcast series to celebrate women leading in Ottawa during International Women’s Month.In support of its Women Founders and Owners strategy, Invest Ottawa offers programs and services that enable and accelerate the growth and success of women entrepreneurs from every walk of life. Visit ⁠www.investottawa.ca/women⁠ to learn more!

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A Cybersecurity Leader on Protecting Your Business, Your Data, and Your Purpose in the Age of AI with Diane Watson

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"In an abundance of water, only a fool is thirsty. And here it is that we're living in this great abundance, especially with technology. Everybody's connected. If you want to learn anything, it's right there. Now, how do you determine what is...

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