Value Factory Podcast

In this episode of The Value Factory Podcast, host Andrew Ballard sits down with Jeromie Jackson, founder and CEO of Cinder Labs, to expose a problem most leaders don’t even realize they have: AI is already inside your business—and it’s creating risk faster than you can see it. Jeromie brings 30+ years of cybersecurity experience and breaks down the hidden dangers of AI adoption, from shadow AI and data leakage to the illusion of control created by traditional security tools. He explains why policies and training aren’t enough, how employees unintentionally expose sensitive information through everyday AI use, and why most organizations lack the visibility required to manage this new threat landscape. The conversation cuts straight to what matters: AI risk governance, data classification, and real visibility. Jeromie shares real-world examples—including how confidential M&A activity was accidentally exposed through AI—and explains why compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and CMMC are scrambling to catch up. He also makes the bigger point: AI isn’t optional. It’s the next internet—and leaders who don’t build a strategy around it will fall behind fast. If you’re a business owner or executive pushing into AI without a clear plan, this episode is a wake-up call. The risk isn’t coming—it’s already here.