Episode 134 - Knowing Your Worth in Technology and Cybersecurity with Jimmy Sanders

In the studio today is Jimmy Sanders, a mentor, technician and all-around leader.  Jimmy is the head of information security at Netflix DVD where he secures data and systems from cyber threat while building resilient compliance programs across technology, financial services, and healthcare organizations. Jimmy is here to talk about what we are worth in technology and cyber security.  He is always full of advice and knowledge and is always promoting positive change in our community.  To start this podcast, Jimmy shares a little about his background and how he came to the role he is in now for Netflix.  Along with his career background, he shares all the organizations he is involved with. Jimmy talks briefly about what happened to him that encouraged him to go 120% and then some in this career choice.  He didn’t find his passion in technology until 12 years after graduating college.  You will hear how the possibility of never walking again affected his work ethic.   Allan and Jimmy talk at length about those 12-years where Jimmy was stumbling, bouncing from college to college, to flunking out of college.  It took those years for him to discover how the absence of passion can truly feel.   The show closes discussing knowing how to recognize opportunities and taking them.  In addition, they talk about how important it is to know your worth, recognize your value and that everything in life or work is negotiable.  You will only be better than your job description if you make it that way.   Key Takeaways: 0:00 Intro 1:27 Episode begins 2:28 Jimmy Sanders introduced 2:40 Jimmy shares his background 4:20 Jimmy shares how he made his way into cyber security 6:28 What happened to Jimmy that got him going headstrong into cyber security 8:57 For 12-years, Jimmy stumbled through life – what did he learn and do? 10:40 Journey into his career choice and how it skyrocketed 13:00 How does Jimmy stay fresh and on top of advancements 14:54 Jimmy shares his “superpower” 17:55 Making the most of opportunities and getting into that mindset 20:15 Jimmy shares how to know your worth and understand your value 23:35 Negotiations when looking for a job 25:10 Jimmy’s hopes and objectives for the Technology Collaborative Summit which Cyber Ranch is hosting 27:26 Advice to those questioning their value in their cyber security job 28:55 Thank you and how to keep in touch   Links: Sign up for the April 27th event 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time: www.techwc.org Jimmy Sanders on LinkedIn Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon. Follow Hacker Valley Studio on Twitter. Follow hosts Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran on Twitter. Learn more about our sponsor ByteChek.  Vote for Hacker Valley Studio to win a Webby!