Talent First

SEASON FIVE: In this week’s episode of Talent First, I chat to Andrea Rosales, data scientist and AI researcher and innovator, about what it really takes to adopt AI inside organisations beyond the hype.We talk about how companies are evaluating large language models and AI tools for enterprise use, and what decision makers should be looking for when the market is moving this quickly.Andrea shares her perspective on how AI, data science and traditional engineering are coming together, and what that means for how teams are built and structured, We also get into how ideas move from research into real products, the role of universities and industry collaboration, and why that gap between innovation and execution still matters.Our conversation explores governance and accountability, who owns AI once it is in production, and what this means for organisations operating in more regulated environments.We finish on the bigger picture. The AI Productivity Paradox, why more technology does not always mean more efficiency, and how companies can balance innovation with caution without falling behind.A practical and thoughtful conversation on how AI is being implemented and what leaders need to be thinking about now.About Our Guest: Andrea Rosales is an AI Research and Innovation Lead with over 15 years of experience delivering data and AI solutions across both industry and academia. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of St Andrews, where her research focused on how AI systems learn and adapt in complex, real-world environments. Her work has evolved from domain adaptation and continual learning to more recent research on large language model reasoning and reliability, with a strong emphasis on building AI systems that are explainable and robust.She was recognised as a UK Global Talent for her contributions to AI in industry and academia. Currently, she is an Associate Director of Data Science at Blend, where she works with organisations to design and deliver end-to-end AI solutions, with a focus on responsible AI adoption and “data for good”, ensuring that AI systems create meaningful and positive impact.

BONUS EPISODE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to the wonderful Wendi Pannell, Founder of Pannell Consulting, about what really happens inside tech companies as they grow — and why execution so often becomes the problem. We talk about the point where companies should be flying, strong teams, clear vision, but everything still seems to rely on the founder. Wendi shares what’s actually going on in those moments, and how to break the “founder bottleneck” that slows everything down.We get into why strategy isn’t usually the issue, what strong operating rhythms actually look like in practice, and the leadership and structural shifts companies need to move from early growth into something more sustainable.Wendi also shares her advice for CEOs navigating change, and we share our mutual love of Dolly Parton.A really practical conversation for anyone building, scaling or leading in tech.About Our Guest: Wendi Pannell is the founder of Pannell Consulting and a seasoned COO with over 25 years of experience spanning global enterprises like GE, high-growth startups, and her own SaaS venture, Lightstance. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, Wendi jumps in alongside leadership teams to turn organizational complexity into clarity and bridge the gap between business strategy and execution.Whether she is streamlining operations for technical leaders or helping small businesses scale with discipline, Wendi’s work is grounded in the belief that intentional action and shared purpose are essential for meaningful growth. Beyond consulting, she is an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and a passionate advocate for empowering women in technology.Audiences and clients value Wendi for her ability to translate emerging tools—especially AI—into concrete business gains while maintaining a human-first perspective. When she isn’t guiding teams toward their next breakthrough, she is likely mentoring students, cheering on her three sons, or crafting a competitive charcuterie board.⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwp/⁠⁠https://wendipannell.com⁠

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Jean Olive, CIO and AI innovator, about leadership, real AI transformation beyond optics and what it really takes to build high-performing technology teams.We talk about her leadership philosophy and how to create environments that stay human-centred, even in complex or political organisations. We also explore AI adoption and the difference between real transformation and surface-level activity, and how leaders can choose the right tools and measure meaningful impact.Our conversation looks at the human side of change, including how to reduce fear, manage resistance and keep teams engaged as technology evolves.We also get into the realities facing women in tech today — from the drop-off between early careers and leadership, to the role of those in senior positions in supporting the next generation.A thoughtful and honest conversation on leadership, technology and the people shaping both.About Our Guest: Jeanmarie T. Olive is a transformational technology executive and former CIO known for driving large-scale digital innovation and business impact across global organizations. With deep expertise spanning AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise platforms, she has led complex transformations for companies including Manulife, Best Buy, Schneider Electric, and Philips.A people-first leader, Jeanmarie builds inclusive, high-performing teams and fosters cultures where innovation and continuous learning thrive. She has a proven track record of improving operational efficiency, accelerating product delivery, and aligning technology strategy with business growth. Her leadership has delivered measurable results, including significant cost reductions, enhanced customer experiences, and successful modernization of legacy systems at scale.Passionate about advancing women in technology and leveraging AI for meaningful outcomes, Jeanmarie is a trusted advisor to executive leaders and a recognized voice in digital transformation and organizational change. She currently is on the board of advisors for the University of Connecticut College of Engineering and is a puppy raiser for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind association.

SEASON FIVE: In this episode of Talent First, I chat to Sandra Falque about her new innovative learning tool for kids, Jules Stories.Sandra shares the inspiration behind Jules, how she designed the product, and the learning goals at its core — creating an experience that supports children’s development while keeping storytelling at the heart of it.We explore the technology behind the platform, including the use of language models, the importance of guardrails and parental controls, and the decisions that go into building something safe and meaningful for young users.Our conversation also looks at the role of storytelling in early learning, how tools like Jules can sit alongside reading and play, and why accessible, thoughtful technology matters as more children grow up in an AI-enabled world.We also discuss the responsibility parents have when introducing AI tools, and the importance of helping children understand the difference between a learning tool and something more personal.A thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone thinking about children, technology and the future of learning.About Our Guest: Sandra is the founder of Jules Stories, a London-based startup building Jules, a screen-free learning device designed to spark children’s imagination and support learning through stories and play. Originally from Paris and now based in London, Sandra spent over a decade in digital consulting before turning to entrepreneurship after becoming a mother of three. Motivated by the challenge of balancing technology and childhood, she set out to build a new kind of educational device that helps families reduce screen time while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and responsible use of AI.

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I talk to Darrell WIlkerson, Founder of TRiSM Now, about the realities of adopting AI inside modern organisations. As companies race to experiment with new tools and platforms, much of the conversation around AI focuses on productivity and innovation. But where does security fit into the picture, and who is ultimately responsible once AI systems become embedded in everyday operations?Darrell shares his perspective on how organisations should approach AI adoption, why smaller companies may actually be better positioned to move quickly and responsibly, and why successful implementation is as much about culture and change management as it is about technology.We also explore how AI might reshape organisational structures, what the rise of AI agents could mean for security leadership roles such as the CISO, and whether the growing presence of shadow AI in companies is a training challenge or a governance one.If your organisation is thinking seriously about AI adoption, this conversation offers a practical and thought-provoking look at the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with it.LISTEN OUT FOR DARRELL'S SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL LISTENERS.About Our Guest: Darrell Wilkerson is the Founder of TRiSMNow, a strategic AI transformation advisory helping operational organizations adopt AI deliberately and securely.With over 15 years of experience as a Director of Infrastructure and Security, he has led enterprise governance programs aligned to NIST and ISO frameworks, built identity and risk management standards, and guided organizations through complex security integrations and transformation initiatives.Today, he works with executive teams to ensure AI adoption strengthens operational performance without introducing unmanaged risk — integrating governance, identity discipline, and structured oversight into every stage of AI transformation.

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Barbara Wittmann, CIO and Founder of Digital Wisdom Collective, an organisation that helps companies to build Human Infrastructure that enables technology adoption, sustain growth, and lets them navigate complexity with wisdom. We talk about how to empower teams to use AI responsibly and confidently, the importance of people in AI adoption and transformation, and about the crucial role of diversity and inclusion. This is really is an episode about putting talent first.About Our Guest:Barbara Wittmann works with leaders and organizations navigating complexity at the intersection of technology, leadership, and human systems. She is the founder and steward of the Digital Wisdom Collective, a practice space exploring digital wisdom as a new business sense in the age of AI.Over the past 25 years, Barbara has worked inside large-scale IT, digital, and transformation initiatives across industries, often where complexity had outpaced existing leadership models. Her work focuses on judgment, collective intelligence, and the human and wayfinding infrastructure that allow organizations to stay oriented and coherent as change accelerates.She writes and speaks regularly about leadership, future skills, and navigating transformation without losing orientation.Links:www.digitalwisdom.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawittmann/https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwisdomcollective/ https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.comRegister for the waitlist on the Digital Wisdom Collective.

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Jody Warren, Co Founder of Gentia AI. And what a great product AND story this is. For too long, identifying where work actually hurts people has meant reactive processes, manual admin, and guesswork. Gentia doesn’t just record risk, it makes the invisible visible. By analysing organisational systems, policies, leadership practices and data together, Gentia builds a live, operational “risk architecture” people can act on immediately.We talk how to build an AI tool from scratch, and how to balance the human with the synthetic.About Our Guest:Jody is the Co-Founder of Gentia and a long-time advocate for workplaces that help people thrive - not burn out. She believes work should leave people better off, not depleted, and has built her career around designing systems that make that possible.Before Gentia, Jody co-founded Australia’s largest corporate childcare group, driven by a mission to help more women return to the workforce. Running that business revealed a powerful truth: how people experience work shapes how they show up everywhere else. That insight led her into psychosocial risk, leadership development, and organisational design - helping companies build performance without sacrificing people.Today, through Gentia, Jody is turning years of consulting expertise into intelligent systems that help organisations adopt AI, execute strategy, and grow - without breaking their people.

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I am joined by Karen Higgins-Carter, Chief Information and Digital Officer and independent director and board member. We discuss AI adoption and adaptive change in organizations, exploring a framework for boards, focusing on the top of the pyramid: business model change, rather than only on personal productivity or operational efficiency. Karen offers advice on how leaders can navigate the continuous organizational change brought by AI, which she describes as "adaptive change,". Finally, we talk about the necessity of hiring for potential and fostering a learning culture to manage the evolution of the workforce, especially as AI disrupts the org chart.About Our Guest:Karen Higgins-Carter is a technology executive and independent director who designs and implements innovation, technology, and AI strategies for long-established, global companies. She has led and advised organizations across public, private, and family-owned environments, navigating different governance models, decision-making norms, and cultural expectations in both collectivist and individualistic contexts. Her work blends technology leadership with deep expertise in cybersecurity and enterprise risk management, helping regulated organizations pursue responsible innovation while protecting trust, resilience, and long-term value.

BONUS EPISODE - In this week's episode of Talent First, it's just me! My first ever solo episode in 3 years of hosting this show. And this week, I am talking all things language - from resumes, to executive LinkedIn branding, and from job ads to feedback, there's advice and examples for everyone looking to hire and be hired in technology and cybersecurity. LISTEN OUT for the special offer courtesy of Edmondson Group Talent Access and their executive coaching programs!About me!: I am Managing Partner at Edmondson Group Talent Access, a specialist technology and cybersecurity search firm with presence in the US, UK, APAC. After almost 20 years of teaching English, I have used these talents to create tailored executive coaching programs for those looking to enter the tech C Suite or secure their first board position.

SEASON FIVE: In this week’s episode I chat to Amy Patel, VP of Product Innovation at McKesson about AI transformation, tools, and leading effectively amidst change. We delve into her career experiences, and her involvement with the Girls Empowerment Network. Amy shares her insights on leadership in times of disruption, emphasizing the need for a learning stack mindset, upskilling, and adopting new interview techniques like scenario-based questions to assess adaptability and learning velocity over years of experience. She also offers advice for companies undergoing AI transformation, such as starting with problem definition, building governance and education early on, and investing in data readiness. Amy stresses the importance of the "human in the loop" when it comes to AI, especially in high-risk environments like healthcare.About Our Guest: Amy Patel is a product innovation leader with deep experience building and scaling technology across healthcare and life sciences. With a foundation in Biomedical Engineering, she has led international teams and driven digital and AI transformations at IBM, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cencora, and now McKesson.A former entrepreneur who founded and sold her own event‑planning company, Amy has also guided multiple early‑stage startups as Head of Product, launching AI‑powered features, marketplaces, and new product lines.A mom of three and proud Austin resident, she’s passionate about people‑first leadership, simplifying complex problems, and helping teams turn big, ambiguous ideas into products that make meaningful impact.

SEASON FIVE: This week, I chat to Kevin Shields, Co Founder of Crafting Tomorrow about a topic that has been the main focus of this season of Talent First and that is parenting in the AI age. We discuss the different eras of AI - ANI, AGI and ASI (and whether the latter will happen) as well as what the average person needs to know now. We also talk about the different apps available to kids, and why they are a threat, the effect chatbots are having on human relationships, including adult relationships and the solutions that companies like Crafting Tomorrow offer parents and teachers.About our guest: Kevin Shields is a parent, educator-ally, and founder of Crafting Tomorrow, where he helps families and schools build digital confidence in an age of rapid AI change. He works at the intersection of technology, emotional wellbeing, and education while translating complex digital trends into practical guidance for parents.He’s also the author of Little Clicks, Big Feelings, a children’s book series that helps kids and families make sense of their emotions in a tech-shaped world.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-d-shields/https://www.crafting-tomorrow.eu/Link to the Alan Turing research mentioned in the episode:https://www.turing.ac.uk/news/publications/childrens-manifesto-future-ai

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Tara Steele, Founder of The Safe AI for Children Alliance. We talk about a range of sensitive topics - from AI companions and grief bots, to the state of education around AI and the hidden impacts this iteration of technology will have on children if safeguards are not put in place.About Our Guest:Tara Steele is Director of The Safe AI for Children Alliance, an organisation dedicated to reducing AI risks to children while helping society prepare for increasingly advanced AI systems. Tara is a Council Member of The International Association for Safe and Ethical AI, a Strategy Panel member for AI in Education, and was recognised as one of the 2025 Leading Women in AI by ASU+GSV. She has a career background as an Intelligence Officer in UK criminal law enforcement and has spoken in UK Parliament on AI risks. She holds multiple certifications in AI governance, ethics and safety and a First-Class law degree.Tara aims to bridge the gap between AI ethics, governance, and long-term AI safety, and believes that protecting children today also plays a vital role in shaping a safer AI future for everyone.https://www.safeaiforchildren.org/non-negotiables-campaign/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-steele/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-safe-ai-for-children-alliance/

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode, I chat to Emma Derbi and Rachael Medhurst, the Founders of Positive Cyber Solutions. We chat compliance, security (and how they are not one and the same) and what businesses of all sizes need to do to be secure. We also talk about where companies are getting lost when it comes to compliance and how AI is confusing the landscape.About our guests:Rachael Medhurst is the Co-Founder of Positive Cyber Solutions Ltd, bringing over a decade of combined industry and academic experience in Digital Forensics, Cyber Security, and Governance. She specialises in helping organisations strengthen their security posture through regulatory compliance and the adoption of best practice frameworks. Currently she is pursuing a PhD in Incident Response, where her research and professional work focus on developing governance frameworks that enhance cyber resilience and ensure operational integrity. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practical implementation, ensuring that resilience is embedded within organisational practices rather than treated as an afterthought. Emma Derbi is the Co-Founder and Director of Positive Cyber Solutions Ltd, a UK-based consultancy specialising in governance, risk, and compliance. With a strong background in cybersecurity education and assurance frameworks, Emma works with organisations to build practical, evidence-driven governance systems that align with IASME, ISO 27001, and emerging AI compliance standards. Her work bridges the gap between regulation and real-world implementation, helping small and medium-sized businesses strengthen accountability and transparency in an evolving digital landscape. Passionate about developing a culture of responsible innovation, Emma brings a forward-thinking perspective on how governance must adapt to the ethical and operational challenges introduced by artificial intelligence.

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Anna Sarjantson, Founder of Screen-Safe about the impact that social media and AI is having on our young people, and how we as parents, teachers and adults need to 'normalize the awkward' and have those conversations about online behaviour that are so necessary today. We also talk about her services for parents and schools, as well as about the things parents might not realise about platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.About our guest: Founder of Screen-Safe: Online Safety Expert: Mum of two teens: CEOP Education Ambassador: Governor at a High School in Leeds.Anna is dedicated to helping parents, carers, schools, and professionals keep children safer in the digital world. As a parent herself and with a passion for children’s mental wellbeing, Anna equips families and schools with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the fast-changing online landscape and that starts with knowledge. Supporting Schools to Strengthen Safeguarding & Pupil WellbeingKeeping up with the ever-changing digital world can feel impossible. Schools are being asked to do more than ever — upskill staff, educate parents, and protect pupils — often without enough time, resources or knowledge.At Screen-Safe, we support schools to deliver the highest standards of online safeguarding and digital education, while maximising parent engagement and reducing the pressure on staff.Whether you're raising or working with, toddlers or teens, this is your calm, judgement-free space to get informed, feel confident, and have the conversations that matter.screen-safe.co.ukinstagram.com/screensafeglobalfacebook.com/screensafegloballinkedin.com/in/annasarjantsohttp://www.youtube.com/@screensafeglobal

SEASON FIVE: This week, I welcome back the wonderful Wendy Goucher, Cyber Consultant at Arcanum and author of the Nettie in Cyberland series for children, and the Canon Doyle stories for our older relatives. We chat about just how much the tech landscape has changed in the past three years since her first appearance, and how we can continue to protect our families in these increasingly complex digital times.About our guest:Wendy Goucher is a Cyber Security Consultant at Arcanum Cyber where she gets to work in teams with some brilliant folks. She specialises in risk and assurance because her perspective primarily is business focused.She has also written textbooks and cyber safety books for both lower and upper primary school age and also short cyber safety stories for the retired. These same skills also help her to design policies, although they generally have fewer pictures.Wendy is proud to be a Chartered Fellow of the BCS, and on the committees of BCS Women, ISSG and DiversIT and is hugely honoured to be part of the BCS Council and the BCS Community Board, and also on the CIISec Inclusion by Design Steering Group. All of which means that she has to roll up her sleeves and work for people outside as well as inside work.Nettie in Cyberland - https://amzn.eu/d/dtIAKrPNettie in Cyberland Book Two - https://amzn.eu/d/4xtIYZ6Take Care How You Share - book 3 - https://amzn.eu/d/22FvLuXCanon Doyle's Collaboration with a Vampire - Canon Doyle Book 1 https://amzn.eu/d/4Wg5dPB 

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I speak to Rob Griesmeyer and Kevin Johnson about their company Screenz.ai and the huge benefits to AI screening and assessments when it comes to interview - for both the candidate and the hiring team. We talk nervous interviewees, open questions and the data that helps TA teams make the best choices when it comes to top talent.About our guests: Rob Griesmeyer is Co-Founder and CTO of Screenz.ai, an AI-powered platform eliminating the most time-consuming part of hiring: repetitive first-round interviews. Screenz.ai's intelligent interviewing agent conducts adaptive conversations 24/7 in 74 languages, delivering objective candidate scoring so hiring teams only spend time with qualified talent.Before founding Screenz.ai, Rob served as Chief Operating Officer at Interview Query, helping people break into data science careers. He's also held engineering leadership positions at Proper AI as Head of Engineering and Chief Science Officer, and spent over three years as Principal Software Engineer and Engineering Manager at Randstad.Rob holds both a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from Florida State University. Known as a builder of systems that scale, teams that ship, and products people actually want to use, he's passionate about leveraging AI to create fairer, faster, and more human-centered hiring processes.Kevin Johnson is an accomplished Executive Human Resource Practitioner, Masters of Employment Law, and a Future Attorney with over 20 years of experience optimizing HR operations for Fortune 500 companies across the globe. A transformational leader and strategic business partner, Kevin specializes in creating sustainable human capital ecosystems that drive organizational growth and success.Known for exceptional relationship-building and collaborative leadership, Kevin partners with stakeholders at all levels to execute initiatives, scale organizations, and achieve measurable business outcomes. With expertise spanning domestic and international HR, talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee relations, Kevin is a proven leader in shaping performance-driven cultures and transforming corporate potential.As a global citizen with extensive experience in M&A, multi-national operations, and leadership development from entry-level to C-Suite, Kevin brings a unique perspective on aligning people, strategy, and business results in today’s dynamic corporate landscape.

SEASON FIVE - In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Ben Tasker, Senior AI Learning Strategist for National Grid. After all the news about AI generated layoffs, I wanted to learn more about how tech professionals can prepare and not panic when it comes to this iteration of tech. We talk about upskilling, reskilling (and how to find the time), as well as how to hire for skills not traditional pathways. Ben also describes just how agentic AI will effect the org chart.About Our Guest:Ben Tasker is a recognized leader in AI education, workforce transformation, and responsible AI adoption. He currently leads a Data & AI Academy focused on upskilling and reskilling 36,000 employees in the public utility sector, ensuring the workforce is AI-ready for the future. He also serves as a Technical Advisor for uCertify, a global leader in workforce certification and reskilling.Previously, Ben was the Dean of AI at Southern New Hampshire University, where he spearheaded Applied AI programs and pioneered a skills institute focused on workforce AI + Human upskilling and reskilling. He also teaches as a part-time faculty member at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, one of the world’s top universities for AI education.

SEASON FIVE: *Sensitive subject matter*. In this week's episode of Talent First, I welcome back one of my favourite guests to the show, Nadja El Fertasi, Founder of Thrive with EQ who talks to me about her most recent offshoot of this venture, Shield with EQ. Nadja's mission is to empower individuals and families to build their personal Emotional Firewalls against scams, deepfakes, and online manipulation. We talk about a sensitive topic, but one that we all need to be aware of, and that is sextortion and how it is impacting our young people. About our guest:Internationally recognized thought leader shaping the intersection of emotional intelligence (EQ), AI, and cultural resilience. Leverages nearly two decades of leadership experience from NATO, successfully heading high-stakes digital transformation initiatives in complex, multicultural environments.Pioneered the groundbreaking ‘Emotional Firewalls’ framework, a human-centered approach to building organizational resilience against sophisticated social engineering threats and digital disruption. This methodology embeds EQ into a company's cultural DNA to foster psychological safety and enhance threat detection at the human level.As the founder of the Thrive with EQ AI-cademy, I now develop and scale AI-powered toolkits and applications designed to up-skill leaders and their teams. My work equips organizations to build resilient cultures of trust, proving that EQ is the most critical human anchor in the disruptive age of artificial intelligence.

SEASON FIVE: This week sees the return of the wonderful Lisa Ventura who talks to me about her new venture the AI and Cyber Security Association whose mission is to secure the future of AI and defend the future of security by supporting companies with training, policy and governance and risk mitigation around the use of AI integration.We chat about her career to date, the features and benefits of working with AICSA, the biggest risks being faced at the moment and who is really responsible for AI in the workplace.Don't miss Lisa's previous episode on cybersecurity, neurodiversity and menopause!About our guest:Lisa Ventura MBE is an award-winning cyber security specialist, published writer/author, journalist and keynote speaker. She is the Founder of Cyber Security Unity, a global community organisation that is dedicated to bringing individuals and organisations together who actively work in cyber security to help combat the growing cyber threat and Neuro Unity, a non-profit that champions and promotes neuroinclusion for all. As a consultant Lisa also provides cyber security awareness and culture change training, along with neurodiversity in the workplace training, and works with cyber security leadership teams to help them collaborate more effectively. She has specialist knowledge in diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion (DEIB), neurodiversity, the human factors of cyber security, cyber psychology, neurodiversity and AI in cyber. More information about Lisa can be found on 

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode, I chat to Christopher Carter, Chairman and CEO at Approyo and four time best-selling author. We talk all things SAP migration, the security risks and how Approyo helps mitigate them through their range of services, and what really makes for successful change management.About Our Guest:Since 2011, Carter's worked with companies in over 55+ different industries. His advice has been featured on Inc., Forbes, ASUG.com, Tech Target, Entrepreneur, CRN, and many others around the world.Some other personal highlights include:✓ Founder of one of the “Best Sap companies to work with” Philippe Chaudron KPMG✓ Named as "One of America's Top 10 Industry Influencers" - MirrorReview✓ Go-To contributor for Newsmax-TV for Technology✓ A four-time best-selling Amazon author, “The #1 Book series “Mastering SAP." ✓ ACQ Award winner for SAP servicesServices include SAP, Cloud AI, Security, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Technology.You can follow him on LinkedIn, X (@Ccarter1969 or @Approyo )www.Approyo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159/Books:Mastering SAP: A Comprehensive GuideMastering SAP: The Power of AI with SAPMastering SAP: The Power of Cloud with SAP

SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to parenting expert Sue Atkins about something that is becoming of increasing concern to parents globally - children and technology. When is the right time to give your child a smartphone? What should schools be doing and what support do they need? Is the UK government doing all it can to tackle online safety and security? For parents, teachers and security people - this is one not to miss.About Our Guest:Sue Atkins is an internationally recognised Parenting Expert, Broadcaster, Speaker, Freelance Writer & Columnist and Author of the Amazon best-selling books “Parenting Made Easy – How to Raise Happy Children” & “Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the famous black and yellow series as well as author of the highly acclaimed “Navigating the Digital Jungle: Scripts to Start Family Tech Conversations About Smartphones, AI, Online Safety, and Other Essential Topics” and the Parenting Made Easy resources. She regularly appears on the award-winning flagship ITV show ‘This Morning,’ Good Morning Britain, ‘Jeremy Vine on 5’, The Vanessa Feltz Show & is the parenting expert for numerous BBC Radio Stations around the UK.Her highly acclaimed ‘Can Do Kid’s Journal: Discover your Confidence Superpower’ gives children the gift of self-esteem and empowers them to become creative, innovative, independent, resourceful, resilient & confident in their own abilities to try new things & able to bounce back after setbacks. She has created The Sue Atkins ‘Toddler Roadmap,’ which is bursting with over 40 Quick Win Videos, Audios and eModules. around raising happy confident, resilient toddlers. It is bursting with exclusive content for parents around toddler tantrums, picky eating, potty training, bedtimes & sleep, and covers the ‘Why’ and ‘No’ Stages and much, much more and is bursting with fresh ideas, tried and tested strategies and lots of practical tips to raise toddlers with strong self-esteem and good mental health – not damaged by living through a pandemic. Sue produces ‘The Sue Atkins Parenting Show’ a free weekly podcast which is bursting with Sue’s practical ideas, techniques, and down to earth strategies for raising happy, confident, resilient children with strong self-esteem. Sue has also created the ‘Parentverse’ her exclusive platform for her podcast interviews with global Experts from around the world in her ‘Sue in Conversation With …’ series. Sue is the host of ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends’ a podcast where tech meets family life, and she is also the global spokesperson for World Digital Detox Day. https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/home/ Her latest book is ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle: Scripts to Start Family Tech Conversations About Smartphones, AI, Online Safety, and Other Essential Topics’ is now available to download. Sue offers practical guidance for bringing up happy, confident, resilient children and helps parents create happy childhoods, free from finger pointing or judgement.Websites: www.thesueatkins.comwww.navigatingthedigitaljungle.comSue on Twitter @sueatkinsSue on InstagramSue on TikTok Sue on Facebook: Sue Atkins The Parenting ExpertSue on LinkedIn: Sue AtkinsSue on Pinterest: Sue Atkins Parenting ExpertSue on YouTube: Sue Atkins Parenting Expert 

SEASON FIVE: In this weeks episode, I chat to Diana Kelley, CISO at Noma about a range of issues around AI integration, policy and governance and about what she is seeing when it comes to the impact of generative AI on recruitment and hiring. We also talk about the CISO role - is it becoming totally unmanageable and will we see a rise in the Deputy CISO position - or will CISOs need to become HR managers for AI Agents?About Our Guest:Diana Kelley is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Noma Security. She also serves on the boards of WiCyS, The Executive Women’s Forum (EWF), InfoSec World, CyberFuture Foundation, TechTarget Security Editorial, and DevNet AI/ML. Diana was CISO at Protect AI, Cybersecurity CTO for Microsoft, Global Executive Security Advisor at IBM Security, GM at Symantec, VP at Burton Group (now Gartner), a Manager at KPMG, CTO and co-founder of SecurityCurve, and Chief vCISO at SaltCybersecurity.Her extensive volunteer work has included serving on the ACM Ethics & Plagiarism Committee, Cybersecurity Committee Advisor at CompTIA, CTO and Board Member at Sightline Security, Advisory Board Chair at WOPLLI Technologies, Advisory Council member Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics, Bridgewater State University, and RSAC US Program Committee.She is a sought-after keynote speaker, the host of BrightTALK’s The (Security) Balancing Act, co-author of the books Practical Cybersecurity Architecture and Cryptographic Libraries for Developers, instructor for the LinkedIn Learning classes Security in AI and ML and Introduction to MLSecOps, has been a lecturer at Boston College's Masters program in cybersecurity, one of AuditBoard's Top 25 Resilient CISOs in 2024, a 2023 Global Cyber Security Hall of Fame Inductee, the EWF 2020 Executive of the Year and EWF Conference Chair 2021-Present, an SCMedia Power Player, and one of Cybersecurity Ventures 100 Fascinating Females Fighting Cybercrime.

SEASON FIVE: This episode was first aired in September 2024 - and it's incredible how much more complex things have become in that time.I speak to Professor Sarah Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education at Solent University. We talk about passions that we share - how to enhance learning and teaching through technology, digital equity and accessibility and the future of education.We also discuss Sarah's work on AI literacy and her development of AI literacy frameworks for Higher Education students with a key focus on bias, privacy, verification, transparency and ownership.A definite listen for anyone concerned about our young people and their future in this increasingly digital world.About Our Guest: Sarah Jones is Pro Vice-Chancellor Education at a Triple TEF Gold institution and a Professor of Education Innovation. She has worked at a range of institutions from Coventry, Birmingham City, Salford and De Montfort. She has a track record of leading strategic change and improving student experience and outcomes in each institution she has worked.Sarah is often described as thinking differently, taking strategic risks, working collaboratively to challenge tradition to find new and innovative solutions to achieve success. She is values-driven and takes a collaborative and authentic approach to leadership, focusing on building high-performance teams and working in close partnership with students. She is experienced in designing and implementing new approaches to teaching and learning, student experience and international collaborations. She is a vocal supporter of the ‘block approach’ to support better outcomes for students and implemented this across an institution, working closely with key stakeholders, academic colleagues and professional services teams.Sarah is a Senior Fellow or the Higher Education Academy, a Chartered Manager, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University. Sarah has worked with Apple and Google and in 2015, was named an Apple Distinguished Educator. Sarah is committed to lifelong learning, recently gaining an MBA with Distinction.Prior to working in universities, Sarah was a television journalist, in the UK and New York. Here she covered a wide range of stories, following Obama on his 2008 election campaign and appearing in the Sex and the City movie.

SEASON FIVE - In this episode I’m joined by Joe Wells, a passionate and driven voice in cybersecurity who is determined to make the online world safer for children. Together, we explore Cyberherd, his inspiring initiative designed to guide parents, educators, and communities in protecting young people as they grow up in an increasingly connected world.Our conversation covers practical strategies for parents — including those with little technical knowledge — to engage their children in meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about online safety. We discuss the critical role of teachers and schools in reinforcing these messages, and examine the broader horizon: the opportunities and risks of AI, deepfakes, and a post-truth digital era.We also address the issue of accessibility and equity in cyber-safety resources, ensuring that no family or child is left behind. Finally, Joe shares what lies ahead for Cyberherd, and how you can connect with and support his work.This is an episode for anyone who believes the digital future should be safe, fair, and empowering for every child.Abour Our Guest:I’m Joe Wells, a first-class cyber security graduate, public speaker, and advocate for inclusive, human-centred digital safety.Over the last 800+ days, I’ve committed to learning cybersecurity every single day, building skills across blue team, red team, and digital resilience. My mission is to make online safety accessible, engaging, and empowering, especially for children, students, and underserved communities.I’m currently building CyberHerd - THE gamified learning platform that teaches children how to navigate the internet with confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Alongside this, I run MVP, a student cyber cluster based in Wales, where I support university students with CTFs, talks, and career development.My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve overcome disability, homelessness, and exclusion, and those experiences now fuel everything I do. I believe digital safety should be built with empathy, not just encryption.

SEASON FIVE: This episode, I chat to Aska Kuwabara, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Axartoys.ai and Founder of Getitdonewith.AI.We chat about her amazing new AI powered soft toy, MAXI, that aims to educate children not just around the use of AI but in traditional academic subjects too - no screen, just fun. We talk about her journey as a tech entrepreneur, what MAXI can do as well as the parental controls and guardrails that have to be put in place when it comes to EdTech. We also talk about the UAE, its approach to AI education and the pros and cons.About Our Guest:Aska is a product builder, founder, and someone who’s constantly figuring things out on the go.With 20+ years of experience across product management, corporate strategy, and digital transformation, she has worked in industries such as finance, e-commerce, telecom, and now AI. She has led teams, shipped products, and driven change across Japan, Singapore, France, India, and the UAE - often as the only woman, the only Japanese, or the only one asking “why are we doing it this way?”Aska is Co-Founder of AxarToys.ai as well as Founder of GetItDoneWith.ai, a platform for non-techies to learn how to actually use AI - without the hype. MeetMAXI.ai – Pre-order and stay informed about MAXI’s progress. MAXI’s Kickstarter Preview PageGetItDoneWith.AI – For non-technical individuals and companies looking to grasp AI fundamentals without the overwhelm.The Silicon Tree – A founder-built local guide to startup growth — covering events, accelerators, and insider reports in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

SEASON FIVE: In this episode of Talent First, I chat to Dr Elena Zehndorfer, academic, researcher and editor-in-chief at Blackheath Publishing. We cover a range of topics that will be of particular interest to parents of teenagers who are navigating the digital world. We discuss the issues of deepfake tech, how to parent in this post-truth era, and why our teens are susceptible targets for cyber criminals.About Our Guest:Dr. Elesa Zehndorfer is a Managing Partner at Austrian consulting firm Lakeside Partners GmbH, a Senior Advisor to the Paddy Ashdown Research Forum, an eMBA lecturer and Research Officer for British Mensa. An award-winning writer, she has authored six non-fiction books for global publisher Taylor & Francis, and one novel (political thriller Upload) for Blackheath Publishing. Most recently, her political book Post Truth Politics: A Brave New World was released in February of this year. She earned her PhD from Loughborough University in 2006. LINKS:Website: www.elesazehndorfer.comTEDx YouTube video: https://youtu.be/2OOtS8QnBMM?si=TaC6HmVkHehRp50M LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elesazehndorfer001Latest book: Post-Truth Politics: A Brave New World? - 1st Edition - Elesa Zehndorf

SEASON FIVE - In this week's episode, I speak to Stuart Walton about all things security awareness and training for businesses and for the family. We talk about his superhero analogy when it comes to online safety, the different forms of social engineering we encounter every day and how to protect our loved ones in particular from becoming a victim of cybercriminals. With plenty of humour and heart, this is one not to miss.About Our Guest:Stu Walton is the Security Awareness Specialist for Pinsent Masons. With more than twenty years of work in the education and technology world he has spent the last four years learning about and building cyber security culture programmes. As an experienced public speaker, he has combined his love of superheroes with his passion for cyber security in a series of talks titled “Protecting Your Secret Identity Online”.

SEASON FIVE: In this episode, the first episode of season 5 of our award-winning podcast, I speak to Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org. We discuss a range of topics on our responsibility for understanding AI, not just in organisation but as individuals, so that we have a voice when it comes to its implementation and integration. We also chat about AI literacy and education and why diversity is becoming increasingly important in the current geopolitical landscape.About Our Guest:Brenda Darden Wilkerson is a nationally recognized tech and education leader, and President & CEO of AnitaB.org—one of the world’s most influential organizations supporting women and allies in technology. A former software engineer turned changemaker, Brenda founded the groundbreaking Computer Science for All initiative in Chicago Public Schools, which became a national model and earned her a spot on President Obama’s Tech Inclusion Task Force.At AnitaB.org, she champions access, inclusion, and innovation—expanding pathways into tech, growing a global community of 150,000+, and shaping policy to drive systemic change. Named to Forbes 50 Over 50 in Impact and honored with the White House Champion of Change Award, Brenda is a sought-after speaker and host of the award-winning podcast B the Way Forward.

BONUS EPISODE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Dora Boussias, Founder of DoraB Global and a woman with a fascinating and inspiring personal story. We talk about her unique approach to leadership coaching, the frameworks she provides her cohorts so that they can SOAR and what being authentic really means. We also talk inclusivity, as well as about what is next for her fantastic organisation.About our guest:An award-winning thought leader in AI, Data, and Leadership, Dora Boussias is a global keynote speaker, career & leadership coach, and strategic advisor with a passion for business transformation and impact. With 30 years of real-world experience at top firms like GE, Stryker, and Prudential, she has led complex transformations while mentoring and empowering professionals to accelerate success with clarity, confidence, and proven strategies.An immigrant at 17 with limited English, Dora rose through the ranks to executive leadership, gaining expertise across Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, Education, and Healthcare/MedTech. Recognized with numerous industry accolades, including Global Data Power Woman and AI100 Innovation Leader, she serves on multiple boards and has been featured in leading publications, NYC Times Square, and over 30 podcasts.After transitioning from corporate, Dora’s mission is clear: to help professionals in data and tech accelerate success, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact in their careers and organizations.Helpful links:SOAR with Confidence™ Program Info PageCareer Lift-Off Guidedoraboussias.com website, includes signup to DORAisms newsletter of bite-sized video tips on career, leadership. data & AI (launching soon)LInkedIn Profile

In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Oluwadamilola Obamehinti, Founder of Cyber Culture about the future of this industry. We cover topics ranging from the issues in diversity, how Gen Z will learn leadership skills if working remotely and what tech leaders should really be concerned about when it comes to security.About Our Guest:Oluwadamilola has 14+ years of professional experience leading global security teams. She has worked at various technology companies such as eBay, Citizen, and Cybersecurity Ventures. Currently, she's the founder of Cyber Culture, a consulting company, and is completing her Master’s of Information & Cybersecurity at UC Berkeley.In addition to being a technology leader, Oluwadamilola specializes in speaking to various audiences about cybersecurity, AI, privacy, and inclusion in tech. As a keynote speaker, some of the events and companies Oluwadamilola has spoken at include AFROTECH™ Conference, Capital One, YMCA, Blackbaud, MassMutual, AbbVie and Ulta Beauty. Due to her tech expertise, Oluwadamilola has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and Silicon Valley Business Journal.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/OluwadamilolaOSpeaker site: www.vimeo.com/OluwadamilolaCyber Culture website - www.cybercultureconsulting.comCyber Culture LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/cybercultureconsulting

BONUS EPISODE: In this week's episode, I speak to the wonderful Suzie Henriques, Founder of The CV Bee who shares her wisdom and expertise in writing great resumes, and in career coaching.We talk about the services her company offers, the importance of a multi-channel approach to job search as well as how to craft a compelling resume.Avoid those LinkedIn charlatans who profess to be the best in CV writing, and listen in!About Our Guest:Suzie Henriques is a Career Coach working with mid-to-senior-level leaders, helping them take control of their career and make their next move with greater clarity and more confidence than they could on their own. Specialising in career transition mindset, job search strategy and personal branding, she helps clients understand how hiring works, stand out with a high-impact CV and LinkedIn profile and nail their interview. Since 2020, she has helped over 350 senior professionals secure roles at top organisations, including Nike, Harrods, Thomson Reuters, GCHQ, Heineken and the BBC. Suzie began her career at John Lewis, where she held leadership, project management and HR roles before transitioning into the Civil Service as a Senior Talent Manager for the flagship Fast Stream leadership development programme. She later led digital apprenticeships, internships and skills pathway programmes at the digital arm of the Department for Work & Pensions. Committed to professional development, Suzie has served as a charity trustee and volunteers as a CV reviewer for the Young Women’s Trust. She is a Level 7 ILM-qualified coach, a Chartered Member of the CIPD (MCIPD), a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr FCMI) and a member of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW).

BONUS EPISODE (Some listeners may find this content sensitive): This week, I chat to Bronwyn Boyle, CISO at PPRO, about the crucial (and often misunderstood) issue of romance scams. We look at the increasing volume and complexity of these crimes from both the victim's and perpetrator's side, and discuss the propensity for victim blaming. Bronwyn also offers her solutions to these issues, and gives a shout out to companies who are already doing great things, and to the people whose innovations are supporting victims and helping bring criminals to justice.

SEASON FOUR: In this episode, I chat to Lisa Plaggemeir, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance about her career to date (from marketing to cybersecurity!), and about the incredible work of the NCA. When it comes to security awareness training, their free resources are second to none and created for people of all ages, including our aging relatives, and for organisations of all sizes.About Our Guest: Lisa Plaggemier is Executive Director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance. She is on a mission to empower people and organizations to stay safe online, so that everyone can experience the benefits of technology without worry. Lisa started her career in marketing with Ford Motor Company before migrating to automotive technology and eventually security. Lisa is honored to serve on the US Secret Service Cyber Investigations Advisory Board. She is a University of Michigan graduate (Go Blue!) and while she wasn’t born in Austin, Texas, she got there as fast as she could.Facebook: StaysafeonlineInstagram: @natlcybersecurityallianceTwitter: @LisaPlaggemierLinkedIn: Lisa PlaggemierProfessional Title: Executive DirectorWebsite Link: https://staysafeonline.org

Disclaimer - This episode covers topics that some listeners might find sensitive.BONUS EPISODE: This week we are celebrating a key milestone - 50 guests have joined me to discuss all things tech, security and leadership and we could be prouder in the Talent First office! And who better to chat to for this special episode than Lisa Ventura MBE who talks to me about her career so far, and about three topics that are rarely seen together - cybersecurity, menopause and neurodiversity, and how the three are connected.About Our Guest: Lisa Ventura MBE is an award-winning cyber security specialist, published writer/author, journalist and keynote speaker. She is the Founder of Cyber Security Unity, a global community organisation that is dedicated to bringing individuals and organisations together who actively work in cyber security to help combat the growing cyber threat and Neuro Unity, a non-profit that champions and promotes neuroinclusion for all. As a consultant Lisa also provides cyber security awareness and culture change training, along with neurodiversity in the workplace training, and works with cyber security leadership teams to help them collaborate more effectively. She has specialist knowledge in diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion (DEIB), neurodiversity, the human factors of cyber security, cyber psychology, neurodiversity and AI in cyber. More information about Lisa can be found on www.lisaventura.co.uk

SEASON FOUR - In this week's episode I return to the theme of the season, The Women Securing Texas, discussing all things empathy and leadership with Founder of Green Reed, Farrah Mitra. We talk about her new framework for change management, her work as a radical candor coach and about her own experiences with Imposter Syndrome and how she overcame it to successfully partner with top US businesses.About Our Guest: Farrah Mitra is an executive coach and advisor specializing in leadership, communications, and people strategy. She has over 15 years of experience as a Bain strategy consultant and people and culture executive at hyper-growth tech companies. She has supported the development of successful leaders across every industry. Farrah’s clients span the C-suite at Fortune 50 companies to small startups and nonprofits. Farrah knows what it takes to be an operator in high-performance environments and she helps others create sustained change by centering her coaching around a mindset shift and practical skill building. As a communications expert, Farrah is one of just 15 Radical Candor coaches globally and has led over 200 workshops and keynotes to empower others to deliver feedback in both a kind and clear way. Her Communicating Change framework helps leaders navigate and communicate change clearly and effectively, while also being empathetic, creating a positive employee experience no matter how challenging the topic. Farrah Mitra's LinkedIn profileGreen Reed website The biggest reason we run from challenging conversationsHow to receive feedback without being apologetic or defensiveRadical Candor websiteAir BnB Layoff Communication Example

BONUS EPISODE: This week's episode of Talent First is with an incredible woman in cyberscurity who I have been wanting to chat to for some time! She is Candace Williams, Founder of Cyb(H)er Ally Solutions and staunch advocate for all those entering the profession and for women who are looking to get in and up in this industry. We talk all things influence, thought leadership and how to close the gap with the C Suite as a security leader through reciprocity and messaging.About Our Guest:Candace Williams is a pioneering figure in cybersecurity, recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for her thought leadership and industry influence. As an Associate Director of Cybersecurity Leadership at Raytheon, an RTX Business, she oversees key cybersecurity operations, ensuring strategic security initiatives align with organizational goals.Beyond her corporate leadership, Candace is the founder of Cyb(H)er Ally Cybersecurity Solutions, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in cybersecurity. Through keynotes, workshops, and coaching, she empowers individuals and organizations to build strong careers and leadership pathways. As part of this mission, she leads Cyb(H)er Sync, a membership-based community focused on professional growth and influence-building in cybersecurity.Her commitment to mentorship and community-building is evident through the Cyb(H)er Series in Tampa, Florida, including Cyb(H)er Brunch, Cyb(H)er Roundtable, and Cyb(H)er Connect—events designed to create meaningful connections, facilitate mentorship, and open doors for more professionals in the field.An accomplished speaker, Candace frequently shares her expertise on cybersecurity, career strategy, and influence at industry events. She is also the author of No Experience Required: Your Cybersecurity Career Kickstart Guide, a resource that helps aspiring professionals navigate and break into the field. Additionally, she serves on the RSA Conference 2024 and 2025 Program Committee, contributing her expertise to shape critical industry discussions.Through her work, Candace continues to help others advance, lead, and make an impact in cybersecurity.Links to share:www.cybherally.com Candace is now booking keynote talks for 2025.Her signature talk is titled: “The Influence Hack: Shaping Your Future in Cybersecurity”In this powerful keynote, Candace challenges the idea that technical skills alone are enough to succeed in cybersecurity. She introduces influence as the missing link—an overlooked but essential ingredient for career growth, organizational impact, and industry transformation. Through compelling storytelling and real-world insights, Candace shows how professionals can leverage influence to position themselves as trusted voices, unlock new opportunities, and shape the future of cybersecurity from wherever they stand. Candace brings energy, clarity, and inspiration to every stage—making this a must-hear message for conferences, leadership forums, and organizations ready to think beyond the technical.

SEASON FOUR: In this episode of Talent Fist, I'm talking everything cybersecurity SaaS sales with Jessica Bookman, AVP of Commercial at Sublime Security. From how to scale excellent teams to how to interview for human skills, Jessica gives you a range of advice for how to be a successful leader in this space.About Our Guest:Jess Bookman is the Area Vice President of Commercial for Sublime Security, a transformational email security company. She has been in sales for over 15 years, focusing on security software for the last 9 years. Jess started her journey into security sales as a top performing rep at Duo Security before moving onto Wiz to build their Mid-Enterprise team, and eventually taking on a Regional Vice President of Commercial role. Jess lives in Austin, TX with her family, where she and her husband own and run a jiu jitsu school. 

BONUS EPISODE - This week, I welcome back a guest from Season One of Talent First, Stacey Champagne, Founder of Hacker in Heels and advocate for women in cybersecurity everywhere. We talk about her career journey so far, the important work Hacker in Heels in doing in this space (and how YOU can support the venture) and what it's really like to take the CISSP.About Our Guest:Stacey Champagne is the Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, a company on a mission to increase the number of women in cybersecurity and influence greater societal change. She started the company on the belief that her own success in the field could be replicated. By transferring the skills she had as a graphic designer to the increasingly important and lucrative field of cybersecurity, Stacey dramatically changed the trajectory of her life. Now she is helping others do the same through her community and programs that help women launch and grow six-figure careers in cybersecurity. Become a Hacker in Heels Insider: https://bit.ly/hih-insidersAttend or sponsor a Hacker in Heels Salon: https://bit.ly/hih-salonFund women cybersecurity leaders, give $5 for 5 years of Hacker in Heels: https://bit.ly/hih-go-fund-me

BONUS EPISODE - In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to one of my favourite women who I am yet to meet in the flesh, Keri-Lynne Shaw, Founder of The Salary Bump and its sister companies, The Career Bump and The Exit Bump - and does she have a special deal for our loyal listeners!. We talk how to negotiate for a better salary and promotion, how to negotiate pay at interview, when it is time to quit and if we should accept that counter offer. And of course, we finish with a quick chat about diverse teams in this current climate.And don't forget - use the special code TALENT15 to receive 15% of the Salary Bump Accelerator at checkout!About Our Guest:Keri-Lynne Shaw is a Fractional Chief People Officer revolutionizing salary negotiation and career growth. Starting in the trenches and learning the hard way, KL has mastered the nuances of compensation dynamics and is dedicated to empowering professionals to recognize their market value and negotiate with intent.With an extensive background in HR and executive leadership, KL has helped countless professionals secure the pay they deserve. She is a trusted advisor for executives, a sought-after speaker on compensation strategy, and the founder of The Salary Bump, where she equips professionals with the tools to own their worth.KL has been featured in major career development forums, speaks globally on negotiation strategies, and is a strong advocate for pay transparency and equity. Her dynamic approach blends actionable insights with real-world experience, making her a go-to expert for those ready to level up their earnings and career trajectory.

SEASON FOUR - In this fantastic episode, just in time for International Women's Day, I speak to Kathy Staudt, President and Co Founder of The Vibration Guys about her incredible career, about her experiences as a woman in STEM and about how to thrive, not just survive, in a niche industry. Her advice around building effective teams through trust is advice not to be missed.About Our Guest: Serial entrepreneur and experienced corporate business leader. Successful founder and strategic visionary behind The Vibration Guys. Gatherer of expert talent to build a strong service business. In her own words 'I always hire people smarter and more talented than I could ever be'.

SEASON FOUR - In this episode of Talent First, I sit down with Jeanie Anirudhan, PMO at PepsiCo, to break down the realities of digital transformation—why the term itself is often a misnomer and how true transformation is about delivering real business value. We explore the critical role of stakeholder buy-in, the importance of cultivating a digital culture, and how to ensure innovation goes beyond just maintenance. To close, we shift gears to discuss diversity in cybersecurity—what’s improving and where there’s still work to be done.A must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of tech, business, and inclusion!About our guest:With a PMP certification and specialized skills in project governance, Jeanie has led initiatives that integrate project management standards across diverse environments. The results are streamlined operations and enhanced decision-making processes. Her commitment extends beyond professional responsibilities, as a non-profit board member in Information Security and Women in STEM organizations including DFW Alliance of Technology and Women.

SEASON FOUR - This week, we're doing something a little different. It's a retrospective of three of our favourite episodes with women who are working for or in Texas. I talk sports betting, leadership, the future of cybersecurity and the efficacy of teams three incredible people who are paving the way in technology.About our guests (and their full episodes):Kelly Pracht is Co-Founder and CEO at nVenue.https://open.spotify.com/episode/5B1zMiMlu0DyRVvSnM4ajm?si=1d27f7bbf1ee4cdeJessica Nemmers went from ballerina to CISO and now works with Flair Data Systems.https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wIMxKniCcIMdziRCDVoIa?si=c6a2c1cbbb3648beMandy Andress is CISO at Elastic.https://open.spotify.com/episode/75xX1aMjVPcDDw3a0qRLPY?si=883742ddda744e67

SEASON FOUR: Another great advice-driven episode with Mani Keerthi Nagothu, Field CISO and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. We chat about the benefits of table top exercises as a form of training, how to evaluate progress and follow up as well how to create a security culture, how to prevent security fatigue and how to engender enthusiasm for security awareness, especially with reluctant members of staff.About Our Guest:Mani Keerthi Nagothu is a Cybersecurity professional with experience in Cybersecurity Strategy, Incident Response, and Risk Management. She is a public speaker at Cybersecurity Conferences, Webinars, and Podcasts. She is passionate about teaching Cybersecurity; three of her courses, Insider Threat Risk Management, Designing Cybersecurity Controls, and Designing Tabletop Exercises, are published on LinkedIn Learning.https://www.linkedin.com/learning/designing-and-implementing-effective-cybersecurity-controls/what-you-should-knowhttps://www.linkedin.com/learning/designing-effective-cybersecurity-tabletop-exercises/what-is-a-tabletop-exercise-ttx

SEASON FOUR: In this episode, I chat to Luz Angeles, Security SE at SHI International Corporation about her views on leading remote teams, on-prem versus remote SOCs, as well as her predictions for security in 2025. We also discuss Luz's career to date, how she finds time to complete qualifications and certs to keep up to date and about her passion for supporting women in this industry through her work with WiCyS and for women leaders through EWF. About Our Guest: Luz is a Security Engineer with a decade of experience in Cybersecurity with a specialty in SecOps (MDR, XDR, SIEM). She serves as a national consultant to organizations in aligning to their business outcomes and optimally securing their environment by reducing risk and unnecessary redundancy. She is an avid speaker on technical, leadership, and DEI subject matter and is passionate about promoting women and people of color into cybersecurity. Within SHI, she serves as a Board Member of the Women in Technology Committee where she has implemented Mentorship Programs, curates a Speaker Series, leads Volunteer initiatives, etc. She is an Emerging Leaders Forum Chair and has achieved a master mentor designation in EWF where she has further promoted her leadership skillset through the Leader Within Program. She also serves as President of the Austin Affiliate chapter of WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) where she brings her local community together in creating inclusive spaces to share experiences and insights.

BONUS EPISODE - In this episode of Talent First, I chat to Andy Ellis, author, CSO Hall of Famer and Partner at YL Ventures. We discuss his label of the 'idealized' CISO, what this means and how they are vanishing. We also talk about how to attract and retain talent, how CISOs can bridge the C Suite gap and how CISOs effect change successfully in their first few weeks. Another advice-laden episode and as ever, hope you enjoy. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Andy Ellis is a seasoned technology and business executive with deep expertise in cybersecurity, managing risk, and leading an inclusive culture. He is the author of 1% Leadership, Partner at YL Ventures, and is an advisor to cyber security startups. He is the founder and CEO of Duha, a boutique advisory firm focused on providing strategic consulting in the areas of Leadership, Management, Cybersecurity, Technology Risk, and Enterprise Risk Management. Widely respected across the cybersecurity industry for his pragmatic approach to aligning security and business needs, Andy regularly speaks and writes on cybersecurity, leadership, diversity & inclusion, and decision-making. Ellis previously served as the Chief Security Officer of Akamai Technologies, where he was responsible for the company’s cybersecurity strategy, including leading its initial forays into the cybersecurity market. In his twenty-year tenure at Akamai, Andy led the information security organization from a single individual to a 90+ person team, over 40% of whom were women. Andy has received a wide variety of accolades, including the CSO Compass Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, Spirit of Disneyland Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (for The Arlington Inn), the SANS DMA Podcast of the Year (for Cloud Security Reinvented), and was the winner of the Sherman Oaks Galleria Spelling Bee. He was inducted into the CSO Hall of Fame in 2021. After receiving a degree in computer science from MIT, Andy served as an officer in the United States Air Force with the 609th Information Warfare Squadron and the Electronic Systems Center. State of The Cyber Nation report: https://www.ylventures.com/magazine/insights/state-of-the-cyber-nation-2024-report/ How to CISO: https://www.howtociso.com/ Idealized CISO Job Description: https://www.howtociso.com/how-to-ciso-volume-0-the-ciso-job-description/ CISO First 91 Day Guide: https://www.howtociso.com/how-to-ciso-volume-1-the-first-91-days/ 1% Leadership: https://www.csoandy.com/book/, https://amzn.to/3JOhLzD

SEASON FOUR: This week's episode is a bonus episode with Joshua Copeland, Field CISO, Cybersecurity Director and LinkedIn's self proclaimed 'Unpopular Opinions Guy'. We chat about what being a business enabler really means, how to alter the view of the cybersecurity department from cost centre to value add as well as that most contentious of subjects - the distinction between a technical vs a non-technical CISO. BIO: Joshua Copeland is a cybersecurity leader and engineer with 25 years of experience, with a focus on holistic cloud and on-prem security approaches and specific expertise in building and operating security stacks, SOC operations, and cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) processes. His key focus areas are building multi-faceted and diverse teams that translate the "bits and bytes" into "business capabilities and requirements." In his previous positions, he managed cybersecurity teams from 1 to 100+, oversaw physical, personnel, and cyber security programs, as well as traditional operational IT functions. In these roles, he directed the organizational-level security and long-term compliance processes. Since 2021, he has been the purveyor of #unpopularopinions as the "Unpopular Opinion Guy" SM or "UOG" on LinkedIn, covering topics like hiring, mentoring, and cybersecurity.

SEASON FOUR: In this episode of Talent First, I speak to Melinda Stallings, Founder of The Positive Consultant and another fabulous woman who is securing Texas through her leadership and positivity consultancy. We talk about what makes a good leader, how to deal with conflict and how leaders can be empathetic and benevolent without being a pushover. About Our Guest: Melinda Stallings is an internationally recognized organizational development psychologist, CEO of The Positive Consultant®, and best-selling author of The Power of Positive Conflict Resolution. With over 25 years of experience, Melinda is a trusted authority in leadership development, conflict resolution, and positive psychology. As a global keynote speaker and thought leader, Melinda has delivered transformative insights to audiences across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has graced the stages of Harvard, Carnegie Hall, NASDAQ, and New York’s World Trade Center. She has been featured on major media networks and in leading business and niche-specific publications, sharing her expertise in organizational strategy, women’s leadership, and her proprietary POSITIVE Approach© to Conflict Resolution. Her latest program, The Positive Approach to Personal Leadership and Conflict Resolution, empowers leaders and employees alike to develop shared language and skills for conflict resolution, communication, and personal growth. Her mission is clear: to positively impact the world, one individual at a time, by helping clients uncover their greatness and model leadership that inspires others.

Season Four - In this episode of Talent First, I talk cybersecurity leadership with Sonja Hammond, ORBIE finalist and CISO at National Veterinary Associates. Sonja offers fantastic advice on how to build a cohesive security team and the rewards and challenges of doing this remotely, as well as how to resolve conflicts between team members. We also talk interviewing for fit, and how to identify the right time to move into management. About Our Guest: Sonja Hammond is the Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of IT Architecture and Engineering at National Veterinary Associates (NVA). With 16 years in risk and cybersecurity, Sonja recently expanded her role to include architecture and engineering. A strong advocate of "defense in depth," she is passionate about safeguarding companies from cyber threats. Sonja has held key infrastructure, security and privacy positions at EssilorLuxottica (maker of Ray-Ban and Oakley), Hewlett-Packard, and Callaway Golf Company. Sonja is one of the authors in The CISO Mentor and is a board member of several Dallas area CISO groups.

Season Four - In this first episode of our new season of Talent First, I chat to Susanne Senoff, CISO for PROS about her views of the issue of allyship. We focus on allyship between women in corporate America, how we can support each other and the benefits of mentorship. We also have a quick chat about CISO/Board relationships, so this is an episode not to be missed! About Our Guest: Susanne Senoff is the CISO at PROS, an AI-powered revenue and profit optimization platform. Prior to PROS, she served in various roles in risk management and cybersecurity for over 20 years, including serving as Deputy CISO at McAfee and Director level positions at Arm, Microsoft and Morgan Stanley. Susanne is a business partner integrating and aligning security strategy and practice with business objectives and process. She builds high performing teams who have fun while delivering innovative, effective solutions.  Susanne graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and received a Masters degree from Columbia University. She currently lives in Austin with her husband, 2 daughters, ages 7 and 14 and 2 dogs. In her spare time, Susanne enjoys swimming, reading science fiction and watching movies. 

In this episode of Talent First, I return to the EdTech theme with my guest Martin Saunders, CEO and Co-Founder of EdShed. We discuss the fantastic range of products and services that EdShed offers Primary-aged children to support their learning and their wellbeing and sense of achievement. We discuss a range of topics including neurodiversity in schools, how the system is potentially failing pupils, and the possible solutions. Bio: Martin is co-founder and CEO at EdShed, a leading UK based provider of primary education resources and technology products. EdShed is a team of around 50 including regular contractors and the online games are enjoyed by approximately 2.5 million children a month across ~180 countries.   Martin started in the tech world, running a couple of digital agencies and working as a freelance app developer. Within that, he built a wide range of MVPs for startups and worked with investors to support potential and existing portfolio companies. Martin has been chair of governors at a primary school for ~12 years but found himself enjoying the school environment more so retrained as a primary school teacher. Those two things came together in the Spelling Shed game, which later became EdShed and has rapidly escalated since!   Martin also has a PhD in medicine (hyperpolarised NMR spectroscopy) and runs a BJJ / Muay Thai gym.