Cyber Inspiration

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam is joined by John Spiegel, Jaye Tillson, and Graham Ludlow, authors of Zero Trust Done Right: A practitioner’s guide to zero trust security in the age of AI.Based on decades of real world experience, they break down why most Zero Trust initiatives fail and what organizations need to do differently.This is not a technical deep dive. It is a practical conversation about leadership, communication, and execution.We cover:• Why Zero Trust is a business initiative, not an IT project• The human side of Zero Trust and why culture matters• How to communicate with executives and gain buy in• Why most initiatives never get finished• How to position Zero Trust without even using the term• Lessons learned from real world failuresIf you are attending RSA, you can meet the authors and get your copy signed:• Monday at the Cloud Security Alliance event• Wednesday at the RSA BookstoreGrab the book here

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam sits down with David Sequino and Bill Lattin of OmniTrust (formally INTEGRITY Security Services - ISS), and authors of Trust on the Edge: The New Front Line in IoT Cybersecurity.With decades of experience in cryptography and embedded systems, David and Bill share how a real world manufacturing challenge led them to build solutions focused on securing connected devices.As everything from vehicles to medical devices becomes connected, cybersecurity is no longer optional. It must be built into products from the very beginning.This conversation explores why embedded security is different from enterprise security, how the attack surface is rapidly expanding, and why leadership must take responsibility for security across the entire product lifecycle.

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Stanley Li, Founder of Netswitch Technology Management, to unpack a 30 year journey through technology, entrepreneurship, and cyber governance.Born in Hong Kong, educated in England, and building his career in San Francisco, Stanley’s path was anything but linear. From bartending at a yacht club to becoming a cable puller, to network architect, to founder during the dot com era, his story reflects persistence, risk, and reinvention.We discuss:• Starting at the bottom and learning the industry from the ground up• Launching a company in 2000 just as the dot com crash hit• Building early voice recognition technology before the iPhone existed• The emotional toll of failed partnerships• Trust but verify in business relationships• Why entrepreneurship is different when it is your own money• How cyber governance became the next chapter• The vision behind their open source Risk Indicator data visualization toolStanley also shares powerful advice about staying focused, elevating awareness, and protecting your character in business.If you are navigating leadership, startups, or cybersecurity strategy, this episode is a masterclass in resilience.----Read more on Netswitch: https://www.netswitch.netConnect with Stanley Li: https://www.linkedin.com/in/netswitchstanleyli/Connect with Evgeniy Kharam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekharam/

Sharon Isaaci, Co-Founder and CEO of Tonic Security, joins Evgeniy Kharam to explore what it really takes to build a cybersecurity company that helps defenders focus on what matters.After years in military intelligence and incident response, Sharon kept seeing the same pattern. Organizations had visibility, alerts, and tools. But they still got breached. Why? Because they missed the context.This episode dives into how that insight led to Tonic Security, how GenAI is being used to cut through noise, and why Sharon now hires for values and learning ability instead of just technical skill.What You’ll LearnWhy visibility is not the issue, but context isHow Tonic reduces irrelevant security findings by over 99 percentThe origin story behind Tonic SecurityLessons from Israeli cyber teams and elite talentHow Sharon approaches hiring and leadershipThe personal tools he uses to stay grounded, from martial arts to music

In this episode, host Evgeniy Kharam speaks with Omar Romero, CEO of Rose IT Services, a Trinidad-based MSP serving the Caribbean and North America. Omar shares his story of launching the company post-2008 crash, scaling without VC or franchising, building a team from scratch, and adapting to evolving tech, from cybersecurity to automation. He also explores cultural differences in client communication and how COVID shaped his documentation-first mindset.Key Topics:MSP growth lessons from New York to TrinidadHow culture impacts IT service deliveryScaling a business without losing the personal touchWhy cybersecurity became central to Rose ITReal work-life balance while running a global MSPAutomating, documenting, and preparing for the unexpected🔗 Learn more: https://www.rose-it.com/🔗 Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-romero-roseitservices🎧 Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evgeniykharamMentioned in this episode:Cyber Innovation ShowcaseRogers Cybersecure Catalyst is excited to invite you to the Cyber Innovation Showcase – a Brampton-based event uniting business leaders, cyber experts, and innovators to spotlight the cutting-edge technologies that can help protect and future-proof your business. Join us for an evening highlighting made-in-Canada solutions from this year’s Cyber Challenge companies, each driving the future of cybersecurity across Ontario’s most critical sectors. 📅 Thursday, December 11, 2025 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, ON L6V 0A3 At the Showcase, you’ll be able to: ● Get early access to innovative Canadian cyber technologies ● Watch live demos featuring real-world industry applications ● Gain insights to strengthen your organization’s digital resilience ● Network with experts, tech providers, and business professionals Register today: https://luma.com/xxl336v2

Ross Young joins Evgeniy Kharam to talk about his new book Cybersecurity Secret: Why Most Budgets Go to Waste — and how the industry can do better. From optimizing spend and retiring underperforming tools, to writing a book using AI and creating onboarding frameworks for developers, Ross shares insights every cybersecurity leader can use.Topics Covered:Why cybersecurity spending often failsWho the book is for (CISOs, CFOs, vendors, and tech writers)The “Murder Board” framework to evaluate tool usageTotal Cost of Ownership in cyber planningAI and ChatGPT for authorship + productivityDeveloper onboarding as a security riskWhy Ross self-published and what’s nextBuy your copyGuest: Ross YoungHost: Evgeniy KharamResources:https://www.cisotradecraft.com/freetemplateshttps://www.cisotradecraft.com/course-master-the-budget-game-in-cybersecurity

In this episode, Evgeniy Kharam interviews Saryu Nayyar, CEO of Gurucul, to unpack how she turned a practitioner’s insight into a powerful cybersecurity platform. With no outside funding and a relentless focus on relationships, Saryu’s leadership helped Gurucul land in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant while continuing to innovate through AI, data optimization, and trust-first culture.What We Cover:From Oracle to entrepreneurshipBootstrapping instead of raising VCWhy product-market fit takes timePrioritizing when everything feels urgentHow soft skills and team trust built Gurucul’s foundationResources:Website: https://www.gurucul.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saryunayyarHost: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evgeniykharam🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Charles Henderson, Executive Vice President of Cybersecurity Solutions at Coalfire, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cyber threat landscape.From AI-driven impersonation attacks to the ethics and implications of deepfake technology, Charles shares firsthand insights from the frontlines of offensive and defensive security. Whether you’re a CISO, red teamer, or simply want to understand how threat actors are exploiting AI, this episode will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your awareness.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why AI is becoming the go-to tool for threat actorsWhat “AI cloning” really means in a cyber contextHow to design systems that can’t fail, even if users doThe difference between breaking things and building secure solutionsHow to prepare your team with modern, real-world security awareness trainingWhy executives are prime targets — and how to protect themThe limitations of detection tools in a fast-evolving AI arms raceTimestamps:00:00 – Meet Charles Henderson: From hacker to EVP at Coalfire02:00 – Can you just “become” a pen tester? It’s more than breaking things06:30 – The abuse-case mindset: Thinking like an attacker07:45 – AI, social engineering, and the blurry new threat landscape11:00 – Why Coalfire’s team built AI cloning attacks to stay ahead of cybercriminals13:00 – Simple, powerful explanation of AI cloning and pretexting14:00 – Real-world example of AI-based awareness training that worked15:30 – How to redesign systems to limit the impact of human error17:00 – Executive verification: A must-have in today’s landscape18:30 – Deepfake detection tools: Can tech keep up?20:00 – Final thoughts + where to connect with CharlesResources & Links:🌐 Visit Coalfire.com🎧 Subscribe to Cyber Inspiration on YouTube

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam speaks with Eric Mishayev, the founder of Albarius, a cutting-edge cybersecurity company focused on network security management. With nearly 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity field, including his time in Unit 8200 of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Eric shares how his journey led him to establish Albarius.Eric delves into the early days of Albarius, explaining how he identified a recurring problem in network security policy management. This insight drove him to create a solution that leverages AI to address the unique needs of each organization, particularly in managing dynamic objects, micro-segmentation, and supporting hybrid environments. Albarius’s innovative approach has already disrupted the legacy cybersecurity market and caught the attention of customers willing to pay for a solution that automates previously manual processes.Eric also shares his experience bootstrapping Albarius, carefully managing the company’s growth and waiting for the right moment to seek external funding. He emphasizes the importance of early hiring decisions, building a strong company culture, and ensuring effective communication, especially in remote work settings. Eric also reflects on how customer feedback has shaped the evolution of Albarius’s product, and how his team’s commitment to meeting customer needs has helped drive the company forward.Throughout the conversation, Eric touches on the importance of creativity, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a founder. He shares how he recharges after tough days and the value he places on fostering a positive culture for his employees.This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, innovation, and building a successful business.Key Takeaways:Eric’s background in Unit 8200 and its impact on his cybersecurity journey.How Albarius is transforming network security management with AI.The significance of customer feedback in shaping Albarius's product.Insights on hiring, company culture, and work-life balance from a founder’s perspective.Listen to the full episode for more insights on building a cybersecurity company and maintaining a strong team culture.

Join Evgeniy Kharam on the Cyber Inspiration Podcast as he talks with Amir Khayat, the CEO and Co-Founder of Vorlon, a revolutionary cybersecurity company tackling third-party app breaches.In this episode, Amir shares his expertise in the cybersecurity space and discusses how Vorlon's proactive approach is changing the way companies address the growing risks of third-party vulnerabilities. The conversation dives into Amir’s entrepreneurial journey, including:The importance of building a diverse and skilled team.Tips for securing funding and scaling a startup.How to validate ideas early to gain traction.Lessons on leadership, managing work-life balance, and staying motivated during challenging times.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the cybersecurity field, as well as startup founders and business leaders looking for advice on navigating early-stage challenges and growing a successful business.About VorlonVorlon is the first easy way to secure complex SaaS ecosystems. With Vorlon, your SaaS ecosystem finally gets proactive security coverage like you have for your endpoints and cloud. After an agentless, proxy-free setup, security teams can monitor sensitive data flows, manage secrets, detect anomalies, and revoke access. Powered by patent-pending DataMatrix® technology, Vorlon creates an algorithmic model of applications and connected services for faster, AI-driven remediation. Backed by Accel and SOC 2 Type 2 Certified, Vorlon is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and startups. Learn more at vorlonsecurity.com.

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Ravid Circus, Co-Founder and CPO of Seemplicity, to discuss the journey of building a cybersecurity solution from the ground up. Seemplicity is transforming Remediation Operations (RemOps) by streamlining and automating vulnerability and exposure management, helping security, IT, and DevOps teams reduce risk more effectively.Ravid shares insights on how he and his team identified a gap in the market, turned an idea into a full-scale cybersecurity platform, and navigated the challenges of product development, hiring, and scaling. Throughout the conversation, he provides a behind-the-scenes look at the foundational decisions, lessons learned, and the role of AI in automating security operations.This episode is packed with valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders looking to understand how customer-driven innovation, adaptability, and the right technology can help scale a security business.Key Takeaways:How Seemplicity identified a critical need in the cybersecurity industry and developed a solutionThe biggest challenges in launching and scaling a cybersecurity startupThe role of AI and automation in optimizing remediation workflowsLessons on building a strong security culture and teamThe importance of customer feedback in product developmentReflections on work-life balance and leadership in a fast-growing companyEpisode Breakdown:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Seemplicity00:43 – Understanding Seemplicity’s Mission02:02 – The Origin Story: From Idea to Execution04:34 – Early Challenges & Building the Right Team06:24 – Product Development & Customer-Driven Innovation09:26 – Scaling a Cybersecurity Startup: Growth, Decisions & Industry Impact22:39 – Work-Life Balance & Personal Reflections26:35 – Final Thoughts & What’s NextAbout Seemplicity:Seemplicity is an AI-powered Remediation Operations (RemOps) platform that helps organizations automate and consolidate remediation workflows, accelerating risk reduction while improving operational efficiency. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Seemplicity empowers security teams to work smarter and scale their cybersecurity programs effectively.Learn more about SeemplicityIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it with your network and leave a review!

In this compelling episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Peter Cohan—the acclaimed author of Great Demo —to explore what it takes to deliver a truly effective software demo. Peter shares his personal journey, beginning with his own experience as a prospect in search of a CRM system and his subsequent discovery of the pitfalls in traditional demo processes. This eye-opening experience inspired him to develop the Great Demo methodology, a framework that emphasizes showcasing tangible, role-specific deliverables right from the start.During the interview, Peter delves into several key areas:Origins & Inspiration: Learn how a lackluster demo experience led to a complete rethinking of what makes a demo successful.Methodology Deep Dive: Discover the principles behind the Great Demo approach and why it resonates so strongly with pre-sales and technical sales professionals.The Writing & Publishing Process: Get insights into Peter’s creative journey—from drafting and revising his book to overcoming rejection, the value of professional editing, and even balancing work with writing.Adapting in a Rapidly Changing World: Understand how Peter’s approach has evolved alongside emerging technologies, and why both print and audio formats play a crucial role in modern learning.Continuous Evolution: Find out how Peter stays current by complementing his books with ongoing content through blogs and his website.Whether you’re involved in pre-sales, technical sales, or simply interested in improving your demo game, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.Time Stamps00:00 – Introduction and WelcomeGet acquainted with the show and today's guest, Peter Cohan.00:42 – Meet Peter CohanPeter introduces himself and shares a bit about his background.01:53 – The Inspiration Behind Great DemoDiscover how a disappointing CRM demo sparked the idea for a new, more effective approach.03:24 – The Great Demo MethodologyDive into the framework that redefines how to deliver demos tailored to specific roles and needs.04:44 – The Writing and Publishing JourneyHear about Peter’s challenges and triumphs in bringing his ideas from concept to published work.04:53 – Defining the Target Audience and MarketUnderstand who benefits most from the Great Demo approach and why.06:08 – Overcoming Challenges and Learning LessonsExplore the obstacles Peter encountered and the lessons learned along the way.15:59 – Balancing Work, Life, and CreativityLearn how Peter manages the delicate balance between his professional obligations and creative endeavors.17:28 – Handling Rejection and Embracing FeedbackGain insights into how Peter turns setbacks into opportunities for improvement.21:58 – The Future of Great DemoLook ahead at how Peter plans to evolve his methodology in response to changing technologies.26:20 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWrap up the conversation with Peter’s key takeaways and final advice.

Protecting the Elderly from Cyber Scams: An Author's JourneyIn this episode, we speak with Alex East, a seasoned cybersecurity expert, who has written a detailed book aimed at protecting the elderly from cyber scams. Inspired by a personal incident where his father was scammed, Alex discusses his motivation, research process, and the complex journey of self-publishing his book. He also talks about the importance of creating a high-quality product, the ongoing need to update content to stay relevant with evolving threats, and how his work aims to educate families on safeguarding their senior members.Buy your copy here!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:05 Alex's Background and Inspiration04:20 The Book Writing Journey04:41 Publishing Decisions and Challenges07:38 Target Audience and Book Content10:55 Research and Real-Life Stories12:24 Writing Process and Collaboration15:54 Future Plans and Cybersecurity Trends17:43 Reflections and Lessons Learned20:25 Work-Life Balance and Fun Collaboration22:21 Audio Book and Final Thoughts

Cyber Inspiration Podcast: Featuring René-Sylvain BédardIn this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with René-Sylvain Bédard, the visionary Founder and CEO of Indominus and a newly published author. 🎙️📚René shares his journey of building a cutting-edge company while embracing the creative process of writing his first book. He opens up about the challenges, lessons, and triumphs of balancing entrepreneurship with authorship. From relatable struggles to humorous insights, this conversation is packed with inspiration for leaders, innovators, and aspiring authors alike.What you’ll learn in this episode:✔️ René’s unique path to becoming a CEO and author✔️ The parallels between entrepreneurship and writing✔️ Practical advice for overcoming challenges in both fields✔️ Why creativity and resilience are key to successIf you're an entrepreneur, creative, or simply someone looking for motivation, this episode is for you!👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders and innovators in cybersecurity and beyond!

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Chuck Brooks, a renowned cybersecurity expert and thought leader, to discuss his highly anticipated book, Inside Cyber. Chuck shares his journey from shaping a course on disruptive technologies to crafting a comprehensive resource on cybersecurity and emerging technologies.Buy Your Copy HereKey Topics Covered:The Inspiration Behind Inside Cyber: Chuck’s motivation for writing the book and his decision to publish with Wiley.Emerging Technologies: Insights on AI, quantum computing, IoT, 5G, and their impact on cybersecurity.Privacy in the Digital Age: Why privacy is a critical component of cybersecurity.Simplifying Complex Concepts: The challenges Chuck faced in making advanced tech topics accessible for general readers.About Chuck Brooks:Chuck serves as President of Brooks Consulting International with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He also as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the Cyber Risk Management Program, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cybersecurity. Why Listen?If you're passionate about cybersecurity, technology, or simply love hearing from experts who shape the industry, this episode is a must-listen. Learn from one of the best about the technological trends that are reshaping our world and how to navigate them effectively.Follow the Cyber Inspiration Podcast:Stay inspired by weekly episodes featuring cybersecurity experts sharing their journeys and insights. Subscribe now and join our growing community of tech enthusiasts and professionals!Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast!

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, Jaap Mantel from Data & More shares invaluable insights on data compliance, classification, and governance. He walks us through the company's founding, its unique Microsoft-influenced approach, and their expansion into North America. Jaap emphasizes the importance of strong company culture, maintaining a vision-driven strategy, and adapting to market challenges. He also sheds light on how the rise of AI is shaping data management processes. Tune in for practical tips on scaling a business, leadership lessons, and achieving work-life balance while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction.

In this episode, Derik Belair, Co-Founder and CEO of Augmentt Technology, takes us through the fascinating journey of building a platform designed to help MSPs manage and secure Microsoft environments. Derik shares how the idea for Augmentt Technology was born during a sailing trip, spurred by a market shift toward cloud and SaaS solutions. He walks us through the early days of drafting a business plan, developing a prototype, and gathering valuable feedback from MSPs.Derik also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a strong team, adapting to remote work, and maintaining company culture during the pandemic. He discusses the importance of honest customer feedback, the role of founders in driving sales, and the hurdles of scaling a growing company. Additionally, Derik draws insightful parallels between sailing and cybersecurity, emphasizing preparedness, adaptability, and communication as key elements in both fields. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional in the tech industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, we sit down with David Redekop, the Founder and CEO of ADAMnetworks™, to explore his journey into the world of cybersecurity and the inspiration behind starting his company. Here's a breakdown of the key topics covered:Introduction and BackgroundDavid introduces himself and gives an overview of ADAMnetworks™, a company specializing in Zero Trust Connectivity and egress control, aimed at disrupting the attack chain between the endpoint and the internet.Early Career and InspirationDavid shares his background as a network architect and his early career in the Israeli Navy, drawing parallels between compartmentalization in naval vessels and cybersecurity.The Aha MomentThe inspiration for ADAMnetworks™ stemmed from a personal experience where David and his wife faced challenges in safely introducing the internet to their children. This experience highlighted the need for better internet security and led to the founding of ADAMnetworks™.Developing the TechnologyDavid discusses the decision to develop a proprietary DNS filtering solution, despite industry advice against it. He emphasizes the importance of building from first principles and ensuring the technology could run on various architectures.Bootstrapping and Early ChallengesThe company was initially bootstrapped, with support from David's IT company, Nerds On Sight. David explains how the team navigated the challenges of developing a new product without external funding.Hiring and Company CultureDavid talks about the importance of hiring individuals who share the company's philosophy and values, particularly around decentralization and freedom. He shares how they found the right talent, including a key developer who joined through a Bible study group.Selling the Product and StorytellingTransitioning from a technical focus to sales was a challenge. David highlights the role of storytelling in selling complex technology and how his friend, a filmmaker, helped craft compelling narratives to explain the benefits and consequences of their technology.Business Growth and Customer FeedbackDavid reflects on the company's vision, which remains focused on protecting people rather than companies or countries. He shares an "aha moment" when customers expressed satisfaction with the seamless, frictionless experience provided by ADAMnetworks™' whitelist approach.Work-Life BalanceDavid touches on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, especially when growing a company, and how his large family has influenced his perspective and approach to business.Join us for an insightful conversation with David Redekop, where we delve into the intersection of technology, philosophy, and family life, and how these elements shaped the journey of ADAMnetworks™.

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Mike Krygier, a seasoned cybersecurity leader and CISO, to discuss his journey and the insights he’s gained along the way. Mike shares his experiences from his impressive career, providing valuable perspectives on driving innovation in cybersecurity, tackling emerging threats, and fostering a security-first culture within organizations. Whether you're an aspiring cybersecurity professional or a seasoned expert, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry's leading voices!Key Takeaways:Continuous innovation is crucial to effectively combat emerging cyber threats.A strong security culture is driven by leadership and a commitment to education.Staying informed and adaptable is essential for career success in cybersecurity.

A Conversation with Rick Howard: From Cybersecurity Leader to AuthorIn this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Rick Howard, Chief Security Officer at N2K, about his journey in cybersecurity, his career in the U.S. Army, and his transition to becoming an author and podcaster. Rick shares his thoughts on cybersecurity first principles, his writing process, and the motivation behind his book. He also discusses the challenges of the publication process, the importance of historical perspective in research, and offers advice to prospective authors. Additionally, Rick talks about the Canon Security project, a resource for evaluating influential cybersecurity literature.Link to the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cybersecurity-First-Principles-Strategy-Tactics/dp/139417308300:00 Introduction to Rick Howard and His Work00:56 Rick Howard's Career Journey01:46 Transition to Cybersecurity and Commercial Sector03:46 Inspiration Behind Writing the Book05:29 Writing and Publishing Process10:07 The Role of Research in Writing12:20 The Canon Project and Its Impact15:00 Hall of Fame Nomination Process15:47 Dealing with Creative Blocks17:26 First Principles in Writing19:33 The Importance of Communication in Cybersecurity21:16 Storytelling in Cybersecurity23:35 Final Reflections and Advice___________Follow us on Social Media!Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-inspiration-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyberinspirationpodcast/Website: https://www.security-architecture.org/

From Cybersecurity Nerd to CEO: Vivek's Journey with SquareXIn this episode, we sit down with Vivek, the founder and CEO of SquareX, to discuss his inspirational journey from a deep tech cybersecurity expert to a successful entrepreneur. Vivek shares how his previous ventures, including research at Cisco and founding Pentester Academy, culminated in the creation of SquareX, a company dedicated to helping organizations detect, mitigate, and hunt web threats in real-time. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity and customer feedback in validating ideas and discusses the critical phases of building a startup, from hiring talent to managing cross-time zone teams. Vivek also delves into the balance of technical skills and salesmanship necessary for leading a tech startup, the challenges with funding, and his unique approach to team morale and company culture. This insightful conversation offers a blend of technical depth and practical business wisdom, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals alike.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Overview of SquareX01:15 Vivek's Background and Previous Ventures02:04 Inspiration Behind SquareX03:07 From Idea to Product04:33 Navigating Competition and Market06:13 Building the Team and Company Culture09:25 Challenges of Global Operations12:42 Transitioning from Technical to Sales15:52 Hiring Early Stage Salespeople16:13 Onboarding Process17:32 Sales and Security Dynamics17:56 Task Management Strategies18:22 Focus on Product and Market Fit19:29 Adopting Task-Based Approaches20:28 Understanding OKRs21:51 Budget Allocation for GTM23:49 Work-Life Balance Realities25:38 Handling Disappointments27:26 Challenges with Investors and Hires29:32 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with Carlson Choi, CEO of Cork, to explore their groundbreaking smart cyber warranty product tailored for managed service providers. Carlson candidly shares Cork's journey, shedding light on the driving forces behind the product's inception, the hurdles they encountered, and the dynamic team behind its development. From navigating sales strategies to refining product iterations, Carlson articulates the essence of agility and customer-centricity in the startup landscape. He underscores the significance of attuning to customer demands, staying nimble in the face of challenges, and adhering to a rigorous schedule for sustained success. Tune in for an insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in the realm of cybersecurity startups.

In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we're joined by Richard Stiennon, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity realm. Richard shares his journey, from his beginnings as an industry analyst to becoming a prolific author. He reflects on his experiences at major events like RSA, offering insights gleaned from interacting with cybersecurity thought leaders.Delving into the writing process, Richard discusses how he collects data on cybersecurity vendors and transforms it into comprehensive narratives in his books. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of self-publishing versus traditional publishing in the cybersecurity domain.Richard emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the evolution and challenges of cybersecurity. He shares personal anecdotes and stories of cybersecurity pioneers, enriching the narrative of his work.Providing insights into his writing process, Richard gives a glimpse into his research methods and strategies for overcoming procrastination. He underscores the dedication and meticulousness required to craft impactful narratives in the cybersecurity genre.Looking ahead, Richard teases upcoming book releases that promise to shed light on critical aspects of cybersecurity. He reflects on the profound impact of his work on readers from diverse backgrounds and the importance of raising awareness about cybersecurity issues.Join us as we explore the captivating world of cybersecurity through Richard Stiennon's expertise and experiences. Tune in to Cyber Inspiration Podcast for this enlightening conversation!Learn more about Security Yearbook here

In this episode, Ross Haleliuk joins us to discuss his book 'Cyber for Builders'. Ross shares his background in technology and product management, leading into his journey in cybersecurity. His book is tailored for cybersecurity builders, offering a business perspective on the industry.Ross delves into industry trends, fundraising, and building a cybersecurity company. He also shares insights into his writing process, challenges faced during the book's creation, and the decision to self-publish.The episode concludes with Ross offering advice for aspiring writers and directing listeners to find 'Cyber for Builders' on Amazon.Buy the book here!

In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity with David DellaPelle, Co-Founder & CEO of Dune Security. Despite its name, Dune Security isn't about sandworms or spice; it's a company dedicated to reducing corporate attack surfaces and thwarting AI-powered social engineering. Founded just ten months ago, David shares the genesis and mission of Dune Security, emphasizing the critical role of addressing employee error in preventing breaches.Discover how Dune Security is carving its niche in the cybersecurity landscape by fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and execution. David provides insights into the company's strategic approach to hiring and engaging industry-leading enterprise CISOs as part of their advisory council, ensuring a mission-driven focus in every aspect of their operations.Embark on David's journey from venture capital to entrepreneurship, driven by the imperative need for robust employee risk management solutions. Learn about his personal management style, the pivotal role of company culture, and the delicate balance between ambition and ethics within a team.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned industry professional, this episode offers invaluable advice on navigating the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to execution. Tune in to explore the importance of rigor, strategic hiring, and fostering a high-performance company culture in the fight against cyber threats.

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, our host, Evgeniy Kharam, delves into a captivating conversation with Cassie Crossley, an industry expert and author in the cybersecurity space. Cassie shares her journey of writing a groundbreaking book, "Software Supply Chain Security", that sheds light on the often overlooked realm of software supply chain security.Here's a glimpse into the key points discussed:Introduction to Cassie and Her Book: Cassie, who has been immersed in cybersecurity for over 14 years, shares her motivation behind writing her book. Focused on bridging the gap in understanding product security and software supply chain security, Cassie's book delves into critical aspects that many overlook.The Journey of Writing the Book: Cassie narrates her journey from recognizing the need for comprehensive documentation in her interactions with suppliers to the realization that she needed to write a book. Collaborating with a community called the Purple Book, Cassie initially contributed a chapter on software supply chain security, which eventually evolved into a full-fledged book published by O'Reilly Media.Challenges and Triumphs: From grappling with imposter syndrome to overcoming the daunting task of writing, Cassie discusses the highs and lows of the writing process. Despite the challenges, her dedication to filling the gap in cybersecurity literature kept her motivated.Target Audience and Content: Cassie shares insights into her target audience, which includes both developers and C-suite executives. Her book serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in software development or procurement, providing actionable insights and raising awareness about the importance of secure development practices.Writing Process: Cassie reveals her writing process, such as recording sections and transcribing them to overcome writer's block. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, technical reviewers, and developmental editors in refining the content.Future Endeavors: While reflecting on her writing journey, Cassie hints at potential future projects, including a book aimed at board-level executives to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity risks, particularly in the realm of software supply chain security.Expectations for the Book: Cassie discusses the potential for an audio version of her book and the challenges associated with translation into other languages. Despite the hurdles, she remains hopeful that her book will reach a broader audience and make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity community.Join us in exploring Cassie's insightful journey and the invaluable lessons she shares in her groundbreaking book on software supply chain security. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Cyber Inspiration Podcast.Note: The book discussed in this episode is available for purchase HERE

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Ammolite Analytx, a company that evolved from a management consulting firm to an AI powerhouse and eventually found its niche in the cybersecurity realm. Our guest is none other than Cara Wolf, the CEO of Ammolite Analytx, who takes us through the twists and turns of the company's trajectory.Starting back in 2006 as a management consulting firm, Ammolite Analytx underwent a significant transformation over the years. Cara shares insights into the company's origins, the challenges faced during its evolution, and the pivotal decision to shift focus towards AI and then cybersecurity by 2018.One of the key highlights of this episode is Cara's recounting of her extensive background in finance, corporate fraud, and her experiences working with startups. She sheds light on the challenges of raising capital in Canada and how these hurdles were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately leading to the decision to pivot towards cybersecurity services.Throughout the conversation, Cara discusses the importance of team building, sales strategy, and the core values that drive Ammolite Analytx. She also candidly shares lessons learned from failures, emphasizing the critical role of customer relationships and delivering top-notch service in the cybersecurity industry.Join us as we unravel the entrepreneurial journey of Cara Wolf and gain valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business.

In this podcast episode, Dan Amiga, CTO and co-founder of Island, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind founding his company during the peak of COVID-19 in mid-2020. With a background in cybersecurity and experiences that range from programming in his early teens to serving in the Israeli Defense Forces' intelligence unit, Dan discusses the inception and growth of Island. With his rich background in cybersecurity and a series of successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.Island, an enterprise browser designed with security, IT, and productivity tools at its core, addresses the gap between general-purpose browsers and the unique needs of the business environment. Dan reveals the motivations behind starting Island, challenges faced, and the strategy behind building a new product category. Additionally, he talks about raising funding, team building amid COVID-19, and maintaining a culture of humility and excellence within the company. With a footprint in Dallas, Texas, and Tel Aviv, Island has grown rapidly, securing significant venture capital investment and achieving a high customer adoption rate across multiple industries.

In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, the host, Evgeny Kharam, a cybersecurity veteran, speaks to Co-Founder & CEO Ezzeldin Tahoun from Cypienta. The discussion revolves around the startup journey of the cybersecurity company Cypienta. The podcast spotlights the company's evolution which involved pivoting their focus towards solving more significant issues. The guest also talks about the challenges and rewards of leadership in a start-up and the importance of getting the right team. Ezz emphasizes the idea of playing to strengths while reflecting on their shift from being tech-driven to incorporating sales strategies into their business model. He shares various instances of learning from failures and breaks down the concept of how being a bottleneck can impact growth, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance.

In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Mariana Padilla, the co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse®, a platform and marketplace for cybersecurity in the world of e-sports. Mariana shares her journey from the pain of purchasing enterprise software to becoming the CEO of HACKERverse®, formerly known as KIKRR. She discusses the challenges she faced in naming the company and the importance of making it easy for vendors and customers to navigate the cybersecurity landscape. Mariana is passionate about changing the way the world buys and sells cybersecurity software, and she shares her insights on the pitfalls of AI-based marketing and the need for targeted solutions. She believes 2024 will be their year, as they continue to gain recognition for their innovative approach. Building and managing a team is another topic Mariana delves into. With an incredible team of 12 members, HACKERverse® has been able to tap into diverse talents across different areas, including development, sales, and marketing. Mariana emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem, being passionate about solving it, and creating a company culture that values inclusion and teamwork. In the episode, Mariana also shares her strategies for managing tasks and goals. As a fast learner, Mariana acknowledges the importance of organization and accountability. Tracking goals publicly and ensuring the team has visibility into progress are key aspects of their workflow. Lastly, Mariana makes a big announcement that HACKERverse® has been accepted into the prestigious Google Growth Academy AI Cybersecurity Program. This program provides access to Google's network, mentors, and a community of early-stage founders. Mariana looks forward to the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights. We hope you enjoy this insightful episode with Mariana Padilla as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and her mission to revolutionize the cybersecurity industry.

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of Tal Kollender, CEO and Co-founder of GYTPOL. Tal shares her remarkable story, from her early days of gaming to becoming a skilled hacker, and eventually, the visionary leader of a cybersecurity company.In this candid conversation, Tal discusses her motivations for starting GYTPOL, a company focused on addressing device misconfigurations, human errors, and default settings. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the importance of building a strong company culture, and the unique path GYTPOL has taken in the world of cybersecurity.Discover how Tal transitioned from a technical role to embracing sales, the lessons learned from running a startup, and the crucial role of passion in selling one's vision. Tal provides valuable insights into building a successful company, from hiring the right people to dealing with procurement challenges.Don't miss this engaging episode, filled with anecdotes, advice, and the inspiring journey of a female CEO making waves in the cybersecurity landscape.Key Takeaways:Tal's unconventional path from gaming and hacking to founding GYTPOL.The genesis of GYTPOL and the pivotal role of addressing device misconfigurations.Navigating the challenges of startup life and the decision to remain bootstrapped.The significance of building a strong company culture and hiring the right people.Tal's perspective on the balance between technical expertise and salesmanship.Dealing with the highs and lows of running a startup and the role of passion in leadership.Insights into the validation and evolution of GYTPOL based on customer feedback.Tal's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the importance of learning from mistakes.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Tal's entrepreneurial journey and the innovative strides GYTPOL is making in the cybersecurity realm.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:It's very easy to explain if you think about a company, doesn't matter the size of the company, 50 employees, 500 to 5,000. In order for them to run a business, they adopt and use a lot of SaaS applications.You need to make sure that you have a good team surrounding you. It's very hard to do it solo. I think it's very hard to do it with two people. I think three is a good format that you have, like, balances and checks, because you always have someone that can break the 50-50.I think for new people, people that want to start new companies, at the end of the day, you need to make sure that you have a good team surrounding youPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.In this episode, Nadir shares insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the groundbreaking solutions offered by Armis. Explore the holistic approach to security, from standard laptops and servers to industrial controllers and cloud-based workflows.Discover the unique perspective of Armis, positioned as the "Google Maps of Security." Uncover the significance of understanding, discovering, and fingerprinting assets within your environment, all without the need for intrusive agents.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:When you look at the social engineering attacks that target our people, they are targeting what are called these cognitive biases.When you get funding, just take your time. You're going to feel very rushed to hit those numbers, take your time and be strategic about your decisions and about your movement. It's all too easy to want to just jump and to move too quickly. When you do, you make mistakes that you might not make otherwise.I know a lot of people omit their executives from the security awareness training. I see it still to this day, and I think it's a terrible idea.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:A huge part of your success is around execution and execution is 100 percent around the people you hireI think we would collectively benefit from some more time spent on how do we evangelize, how do we make ourselves better knownWe're not brain surgeons. You didn't lose anybody, keep yourself grounded with family and friendsPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:Do less stuff yourself. Build a team that is capable of doing those things. Make sure that team has a strong alignment of purpose and mission, and they have the tools necessary to succeed and get the hell out of their way, or give them the support they need.I don't know that I would make any significant changes because the journey is part of the reward.The reality is every founder is gonna have dark days. I'd say my darkest days were probably like seven months of the business where I'm like, I know if this is gonna be a thingPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:The conversation is so much easier to be had when you're not selling anything.One thing that I've learned startups and entrepreneurship and cybersecurity is there is no right or wrong answer.We're building the company for years to come. When that's the focus, it's okay to have a misstep or two here and there in this process.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:If you think about access as keys to a house, they really just give you the ability to enter the house. They don't help you manage, get into the specific room.Giving talks at conferences, what we would do is that we would practice, we would record our talks and then we would critique them.When it comes to culture, number 1 is that everybody works on the product.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:There's some shared foundation. You're going to have these learnings, customers always teach us. And so I'm sure there's a little bit of a cookie, but you can never take a full cookie cutter approach.There's always been a trade off, we are aware of this between security and productivity - if you tune up security too much, you start impacting innovationThe lesson I've learned is that you need CISOs to be design partners. Your product built in isolation is not going to be a great product.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:One of the things I find about security innovations is they often don't start from security. They start from a problem that the industry needs to solve, but doing security becomes a requirement for achieving that.The first secret to staying on top of tasks is prioritization because you can't do everything.There's lots of ways you can measure success in the business, whether it's your employees are satisfied, whether you get media coverage when you raise funding or that kind of thing. At the end of the day, it's the product value that really matters more than anything else.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:Take the relevant parts from each and every conversation and feedback session that you're having and then grow from it.At this point, I can say that we've created a culture of open discussion and open feedbackWe can start the day with a plan, and we can end the same day with a completely different outcome. But that's startup.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:A big enterprise can pull you in a lot of directions. While they could be a great source of validation, they're not always the best source of product feedback and roadmap requests.If you're working on something cool, and it's something that people want to share with their friends, and put on their Facebook, and tell their families that they're working on you will attract that talent.Ultimately it's the user that decides and should be driving where this product is going, and they should be pulling you in that direction.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:It took us nearly a year to get the first customer. We were given an opportunity, and this was, I would say, something that really motivated us even more to keep going.The customer always wants something new, but how do you really ensure that your product is evolving based on what the customer wants, even though it isn't something that is really in your roadmap?Compartmentalize the bad days. Don't let them get into your time with your family, your friends or your time as a sportsman.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:We got a thousand people to follow us on Twitter, and we got around 2000 people signing up on our small website, this proved to us we were going in the right direction.Building your own company is not a short time race, it is a marathon. When you're the founder of the company, and you on the same piece of code for five years. Some decision that you've made at the early stages might not have been ideal, and they take a long time to clean after that.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:SeeMetrics is a cyber performance management platform, aiming to help the security leadership gain consolidation for management purposes.You really need to be a people's person to be able to reach to specific people.You need to get the right person to open door for you to frame it right, to get feedback- not all pitches are correct for everybody."I believe you were overqualified to start a startup"Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:Data needs to be everywhere. Data is being used by every business unit, and data is driving tremendous business valueWe wanted to build something that will outlast us. Something that would be a big company, a memorable company, a company that will really make an impact in the industry.One wrong hire in the beginning can have a big impact on a company, a big negative impactPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:In the ideation process, we try and find ways to hack together the full package so that if someone calls us and says, I love this idea, deliver it to me tomorrow, we can piece it together manually.Our go-to-market strategy is try and cover the biggest part of this bullseye. With automated tools so that we can deliver value to a large portion of the economy.The voice inside of our heads is designed to distract and dissuade us from achieving our objectives.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:Culture I do understand is very, very critical because if not all of the people are on board with the same vision as you have, then it can soon start to fall apart.Work-life balance is a little bit of a challenge or maybe a little more than a little bit of a challenge at this stage.Everybody actually comes with some skills versus some weaknesses. In my case, the weaknesses were the marketing and sales aspects, so that's what I should have strengthened. I should have understood the importance of sales and marketing right at that time.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:In 2020, there was no right way to solve the problem of what do you do with the SSH keys? There was no right answer other than put it in a vault.We've used cryptography to build a system that provides access to infrastructure, where the system itself actually does not have access to your infrastructure. We're solving problems around access, compliance, security, lease privilege, just in time accessPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.

Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.From the Episode:Talent is hard to find in today's marketplace, especially in the security space, but the most important philosophy we use in building our team is, Attitude and culture.If you're not asking Google, or checking online, or doing like a peer check-in just to figure out how things are done, then you actually are not functioning in the most efficient way possible.To be in this industry, you have to be passionate about people not passionate about technology. A good consultant connects with the customer and the pain they're feeling of the problem, before they can come up with the solution of how it's gonna be solved.Please comment, rate and share with your friends. It helps the show and also helps the people that plan to start their own businesses.