Voices of the Vigilant

Security teams get asked the same question in a hundred different ways: “What’s the ROI?” We go straight at it with Monica Reagor, Manager of Information Security Compliance at Crestron Electronics and host of the My GRC POV podcast, to show how governance, risk, and compliance becomes a growth lever when it’s done with clarity, data, and the right relationships.We trace Monica’s path from technical IT roles into compliance, then zoom in on the real work of modern information security compliance: translating legislation into executive decisions, turning requirements into engineering action, and mapping frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001 so you can scale evidence, audits, and certifications without burning out your team. We also talk about why “I don’t make money” is the wrong framing and how security can protect revenue, reduce loss, and even help win contracts when customer security questionnaires become the price of entry.Then we get into the pressure cooker: AI governance, privacy, supply chain risk management, and the reality that regulations evolve across US states, federal agencies, the EU, and APAC markets at the same time. Monica shares why operating to the most restrictive standard can be the simplest global strategy, and why GRC must show up early so teams can move fast with documented risk decisions instead of last-minute blockers.If you’re building a GRC program, defending a security budget, or trying to connect compliance to real business outcomes, you’ll leave with language you can use and a clearer mental model for the layers. Subscribe, share this with a teammate who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest challenge proving security value.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

We are participating in Podcasthon 2026. Podcasthon is the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable causes.In support of this noble cause, we spotlight the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu with CEO Mari Galloway, tracing how hands-on training, cohort mentorship, and a tight-knit community create real jobs and lasting confidence. We unpack CyberjutsuCon 2026, the “Beyond The Patterns” theme, and a make a clear ask to support growth.In this episode we discuss:• Origins of Cyberjutsu and the early workshop model• Mary’s path across SOC, vuln management, sales, and leadership• Why hands-on labs beat lectures for real skill transfer• The evolving mission to include chapters, academies, and grants• measuring impact with surveys, testimonials, and outcomes• Cohort mentorship that builds leaders and peers• Accessibility, scholarships, and low-cost entry points• CyberjutsuCon 2026 format, theme, and community vibe• Sponsorship tiers, current partners, and funding needs• Chapter expansion targets in Miami, Chicago, Seattle, Midwest• Vigilance as authentic leadership and daily practiceIf you know me personally, even if you don't know me personally, but you know me professionally, and we've done business together before, I expect you to step up. We need you to step up. You have no problem using the talent that is being produced by Cyberjutsu and other organizations. It's time for you to help. This is an easy way for you to invest in developing and growing talent  for your organization. It is a no brainer. Please get a hold of Mari, get a hold of me, go to the website - https://womenscyberjutsu.org/ and make difference.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Security fails when it’s written for auditors instead of humans. Jess Vachon sits down with cybersecurity and privacy leader Ash Mohanaprakas to unpack how the best security programs feel practical, lightweight, and deeply aligned to the mission, even under pressure. Ash shares how she helps organizations turn security from a cost center into a strategic advantage that supports enterprise deals, customer trust, and acquisition readiness.Ash’s story is anything but linear: an Oxford-trained linguist, a first-generation immigrant, and one of the only undergraduate student parents during her time there. We talk about how language and identity shape the way people interpret risk, why “translation” is an underrated security leadership skill, and how her early governance, risk, and compliance work at a huge university taught her to design controls that researchers can actually live with. The conversation also gets candid about imposter syndrome, early-career salary constraints, and the confidence that comes from learning hard frameworks by doing real work.From ISO 27001 to SOC 2, we dig into what companies get wrong when they overbuild compliance with endless policies, and what to do instead when you need scalable security with minimal friction. We also tackle AI security and AI governance: why “AI-first” is not a differentiator, how to think about agentic workflows, and where AI can genuinely reduce repetitive GRC tasks so humans can focus on complex risk decisions and culture.If you care about cybersecurity leadership, pragmatic compliance, risk management, board communication, and building security programs that scale, this one will land. Subscribe, share this with a security leader who’s drowning in documentation, and leave a review with the most “unread policy” moment you’ve seen.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What if building stronger security started with building stronger people? We sit down with founder and researcher Shira Shamban to explore the human engine behind cloud security: courage, bias, pivots, and the relentless focus required to turn signal into action. From a values‑driven upbringing and early community projects to leading a startup through the 2020 lockdowns, Shira’s story pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to ship meaningful outcomes when the odds say don’t.We unpack her first thesis—PLG and shift‑left for developers—and why it crashed into day‑to‑day incentives. Then we trace the pivot: keep the core engine that analyzes cloud infrastructure and auto‑remediates misconfigurations, but deliver it to the security teams who own risk, reporting, compliance, and budgets. Along the way we confront the market reality of CSPM saturation, where category leaders win on brand safety as much as features, and how “nobody was fired for buying IBM” still shapes enterprise cybersecurity. The result is a candid look at tool sprawl, alert fatigue, and the real metric that moves CISOs: hours saved and friction reduced between security and engineering.Shira also shares why Israel keeps producing high‑impact cybersecurity startups—mandatory service, hands‑on constraints, and a figure‑it‑out mindset that mirrors startup life. We look ahead to AI in the cloud and quantum timelines without the hype, balancing today’s phishing and misconfigurations with tomorrow’s decryption risks. Most of all, we talk advocacy: saying yes to the stage to make women visible, mentoring through communities like She Codes and Cyber Ladies, and treating karma as infrastructure for a healthier industry.If you care about cloud security, startup execution, and the people who make both possible, this conversation will sharpen your lens and expand your playbook. Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a push to take the next step.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What if the fastest way to break into cybersecurity isn’t another cert, but a soldering iron, a home lab, and the courage to say “I don’t know”? We sit down with Rob “Bowtie Security Guy” Whetstine—prop builder, mentor, and former Disney security leader—who built his career from other people’s discarded tech and turned a bow tie into a personal brand that helped him conquer social anxiety and stand out in rooms that matter.Rob takes us from dumpster diving to Fortune 500 leadership and lays out a practical roadmap for anyone trying to enter or advance in cyber. We talk about why tinkering beats test prep, how to build troubleshooting instincts, and what it really takes to succeed in high-pressure interviews at places like Disney, Google, and Amazon. Rob makes a compelling case for servant leadership: define success clearly, protect vacations, build redundancy, and bring calm to incident chaos with a simple check—“Is anyone dying?” The result is strong, sustainable teams that deliver consistently without burning out.We also tackle the uncomfortable truth behind the “cyber talent shortage.” Many of those roles are unfunded headcount, which is why entry-level postings get thousands of applications and interviews flow through referrals. Rob shares how he social-engineered LinkedIn, sent targeted video intros, and turned weak ties into opportunities. If you’re neurodivergent, you’ll hear concrete ways companies can interview better—advance questions, work samples, real accommodations—and why honesty about gaps earns trust. The through line is simple: passion and proof beat pedigree when paired with clear communication and relentless curiosity.Join us for a candid, practical, and human conversation that will sharpen your job hunt, reshape your leadership, and remind you why solving real problems matters more than sounding smart. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Reinvention isn’t a neat pivot. It’s a grind, a choice you make on hard mornings, and a mindset you carry when no one’s clapping. We sit down with Saeger Fischer of Omada Technologies—former educator, mom of three, and 17‑time marathoner—who rebuilt her career in cybersecurity by treating learning like training and partnerships like team sports. Together we trace the real skills that translate from the classroom to the SOC: structure, self‑teaching, differentiated learning, and the patience to process before speaking. If you’ve ever felt behind, this story shows how consistent effort compounds into momentum.We also zoom out to the big picture leaders are wrestling with. Is the AI bubble nearing a correction as tools overpromise and underdeliver on simple workflows? Where do agentic SOC models fit, and how do we balance machine speed with human judgment? We break down why you can’t buy your way out of risk, how to separate signal from vendor noise, and why relationship‑driven selling outperforms quarter‑end pressure tactics. Then we dig into category shifts reshaping architecture: the rise of enterprise browsers like Island, collapsing brittle stacks, enabling zero trust without heavy VPNs or VDI, and speeding secure onboarding in minutes, not months.Finally, we confront timelines most teams prefer to defer: post‑quantum cryptography. Ten‑year roadmaps are already stale, and “harvest now, decrypt later” is not a thought experiment. We outline pragmatic steps to inventory crypto dependencies, prioritize migrations, and budget in phases. We also talk about public‑sector headwinds and where practitioners can still find trusted signal—peer communities, credible advisories, and leaders who share what actually works. If you’re eyeing a move into cyber, or you’re in the trenches and need a reset, this conversation blends grit, guidance, and grounded predictions you can act on today.If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and drop your bold 2026 security prediction in a review—we’ll feature our favorites in a future episode.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

If you’ve ever felt like the odd one out in tech, this conversation will feel like oxygen. Akira Brand joins us to share how a shy kid, bullied for being different, found sanctuary in two unlikely rooms—the choir room and the computer lab—and turned that mix of voice and logic into a career leading application security. We map the path from opera training to DevRel to AppSec leadership, and dig into the moments that change everything: the first terminal command that touched the internet, the DEF CON night when community said “you belong,” and the leadership shift from heroic bursts to steady, compounding wins.We get tactical without losing the human thread. Akira explains why AppSec works best as enablement, not enforcement, and how a good leader “tailors” security into the SDLC instead of tearing it apart. Threat modeling becomes the star—recast from checkbox to business engine. We talk metrics that matter, risk you intentionally accept, and where compensating controls deliver the most value. You’ll hear pragmatic guidance on keeping velocity without sacrificing security, building credibility with developers, and designing programs teams actually use.We also explore AI’s double edge. For seasoned engineers, AI can boost secure development and documentation at speed. For beginners, it can hide missing fundamentals and import flawed patterns. Akira shares how to keep human review in the loop, vet model provenance, and use agentic AI to ship real tools faster—without skipping security basics. The episode closes with a message for outsiders: keep your integrity, find your people, and let your craft be both voice and shield.Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a lift, and tell us: what’s one security habit you’d “tailor” into your team’s workflow today? Your reviews help this show reach more builders, breakers, and brave weirdos—thanks for being part of the Voice of the Vigilant community.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Panic is not a security strategy. We sit down with Craig Taylor, co-founder of Cyberhoot and longtime virtual CISO, to unpack a people-first blueprint that replaces shame and fear with positive reinforcement, practical safeguards, and repeatable habits. Craig draws on his psychology background to explain why short, gamified exercises build muscle memory that holds up against urgent “CEO” emails and deepfake phone calls. The takeaway: rewarded behaviors are repeated, and that truth can transform both culture and outcomes.We dig into the highest-ROI controls leaders can deploy today, starting with multi-factor authentication across every external account and a fast path to passkeys. Craig demystifies passkeys in plain language, showing how FIDO2-backed credentials tie identity to both device and site, neutralizing password reuse and phishing without extra hassle. For overstretched SMBs, these steps deliver outsized protection with minimal cost.From there, we zoom out to program strategy. Craig outlines a risk assessment approach that ranks issues by impact, likelihood, and business materiality, then tackles the basics most teams skip: complete asset inventory, verified patching, least privilege, and clean entitlement hygiene. He shares why agentic AI makes phishing smarter and faster, and how a simple rubric for email analysis, practiced monthly, can blunt even adaptive lures. Throughout, we focus on win-win-win outcomes: empowered users, fewer incidents, and lower support costs for MSPs and IT teams.Ready to build a resilient security culture without burnout or blame? Tune in for clear steps, relatable stories, and tools you can use this quarter: MFA everywhere, passkeys where possible, short training sprints, and disciplined housekeeping.  Special Podcast Offer:20% off CyberHoot for 1 year using the podcast’s unique coupon code:Coupon Code: "UnHacked"Free access to CyberHoot's Cybersecurity Literacy Training platform for individuals:https://cyberhoot.com/individualsSend us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Ever wonder why your brain feels sharp at 2 p.m. triaging alerts but foggy by 7 p.m. at home? We sit down with psychologist and behavioral scientist Dr. Sara Rabinovich to unpack the hidden cost of constant vigilance—and the small, evidence-based resets that bring your nervous system back online. Sara works with high-stress sectors like cybersecurity and uses polyvagal-informed practices, heart rate variability literacy, and tactile micro-tools to turn stress recovery into a repeatable skill set, not a wellness slogan.We talk through what masking emotions looks like in remote and hybrid teams, why belonging cues matter for cognition, and how to spot the moment focus flips into fatigue. Sara demonstrates playful, science-backed techniques such as elongated exhale breathing with a “stress straw” and a two-minute humming practice that stimulates the vagus nerve. She explains HRV in plain terms—why flexibility, not flat calm, is the goal—and shares how simple biofeedback like respiratory rate helps skeptical, data-driven pros trust the process. The result: fewer errors, clearer priorities, and faster returns to baseline under pressure.We also tackle tough territory—substance use as experiential avoidance, the loneliness of executive roles, and how leaders can reframe recovery as a readiness control tied to performance, retention, and reduced false alarms. Sara offers free, bite-size modules tailored to cybersecurity challenges—from off-ramping after on-call to resetting imposter spirals—that fit into busy days without adding burden. There’s even a candid look at AI: where it truly helps neurodivergent practitioners and where guardrails are essential.If you’re ready to protect your edge without burning it down, this conversation gives you practical tools, language for your team, and a fresh definition of vigilance: compassionate, sustained attention you can direct on purpose. Listen, try a two-minute reset (https://learn.pacificmndfl.com/) and share your experience. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to someone who could use a calmer baseline tomorrow.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Careers aren’t linear, and the most resilient defenders are forged in the messy middle. We sit down with Andreae Pohlman—Air Force veteran, former Microsoft incident responder, and enterprise security advisor—to trace a path from identity trenches to global ransomware recovery and back to the architecture that holds it all together. Andreae opens the vault on Pass‑the‑Hash, ESAE bastion forests, and privileged access workstations, then connects those lessons to today’s Entra ID, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Defender for Cloud Apps. If you’ve wondered how identity-first practices evolved into a full-stack defense strategy, this conversation maps the terrain with clarity.What stands out is her through-line of grit. The military taught attention to detail, respect for mission, and composure under stress—skills that translate directly to enterprise response. Andreae explains how compromise recovery belongs beside incident response, not behind it, and why durable outcomes hinge on credential hygiene, tiered access, and secure admin workflows. We also explore the promise and limits of AI in detection and response: better signal and speed, not silver bullets, and the operational discipline required to turn insights into lasting change.Community threads through every chapter. Scholarship for Service linked education to public impact and built a network that endures. Cyberjutsu—where Andreae now serves on the board—offers a technical, welcoming space that expects moxie and helps members level up through peer-led Small Tribes mentorship. We close with a bold wish: kill the password. Moving toward passkeys and passwordless reduces entire attack classes and the human burden that fuels social engineering. If you’re navigating a cyber career, leveling up your IR program, or looking for a community that matches your grit, you’ll find practical guidance and fresh energy here.If this resonated, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share with a teammate who needs a nudge forward. Your support helps us bring more candid, useful conversations to your feed.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Chris Lemon's cybersecurity journey defies conventional paths. As Director of Security Engineering at Secure Yeti and an educator at City Colleges of Chicago, she's building bridges between education and employment while championing diversity in tech.What makes Chris's perspective so valuable is her unique background. Before entering cybersecurity, she worked as a nanny – experience that unexpectedly provided transferable skills in problem-solving and people management. This unconventional entry point gives her a fresh lens on industry challenges and a passion for helping others find their way into the field.At the heart of Chris's work is the belief that diversity creates stronger security teams. "If everyone is the same with the same background and knowledge, there will be gaps," she explains. "What we need is that Swiss cheese model – when everyone has different lived experiences, we're covering security from all different angles." Her involvement with organizations like Latinas in Cyber demonstrates her commitment to bringing underrepresented voices into the conversation.The Cybersecurity Career Accelerator program Chris runs exemplifies her practical approach to education. Beyond technical skills, she focuses on helping students stand out in a competitive job market. Through Capture The Flag competitions and hands-on learning, participants discover their cybersecurity interests while building real-world capabilities. Most importantly, these programs are grant-funded and free to students, removing financial barriers to entry.Chris's passion extends beyond the classroom. Her "Backpacks for Good" initiative repurposes unused conference swag bags into care packages for Chicago's homeless population, showing how the tech community can address local needs. This commitment to making a difference reflects her core motivation: "It's not just changing one life but generations – it's changing how their kids are raised."Ready to see how diverse perspectives strengthen cybersecurity? Listen now to discover how your unique background might be your greatest asset in tech.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What if protecting yourself online wasn't mysterious or intimidating, but as normal as locking your front door? Dd Budiharto, founder of CyberPoint Advisory LLC and self-proclaimed "cybersecurity equivalent of a Swiss army knife," is on a mission to make that reality.Dd's remarkable journey spans continents and careers – from arriving in America without speaking English and working as a campus janitor to briefing CEOs for meetings with President Obama. As a veteran CISO who protected critical infrastructure for multiple oil and gas companies, she witnessed firsthand how cybercriminals don't discriminate between targets. This realization, coupled with seeing a friend's mother lose $850,000 to online scammers, fueled her passion to democratize cybersecurity knowledge.Now as a fractional CISO, Dd splits her time between enterprise clients and small businesses that could never afford full-time security leadership. She tailors her approach to each organization's specific needs, recognizing there's no "cookie-cutter" solution to security challenges. Her Cybersecurity Circle initiative brings together complete beginners and seasoned professionals in a welcoming environment where they can learn together through accessible, relatable, and – yes – fun discussions about digital safety.Throughout our conversation, Dd shares powerful insights about career evolution, work-life balance, and the humbling experience of stepping back from prestigious roles to prioritize family during the pandemic. Her message of continuous reinvention resonates whether you're just starting in tech or leading a security program: "Future-proof yourself" by remaining flexible, continuously learning, and understanding that meaningful impact happens at every career stage.Note: In the podcast, Dd refers to the DoD (Department of Defense). The correct agency she is referring to is the Department of Energy (DoE).Connect with Dd to learn how you might start a Cybersecurity Circle in your community, or join the movement to make cybersecurity knowledge accessible to everyone. Because defeating cyber criminals requires an army of informed users, not just security experts.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What happens when cybersecurity expertise meets fifth-generation quilting passion? In this thought-provoking conversation with Mea Clift, Principal Executive Advisor for Cyber Risk Engineering at Liberty Mutual, we uncover the fascinating intersection of technical prowess and human diversity that powers effective security leadership.Drawing from her 28-year journey through every corner of IT and cybersecurity, Mea reveals how her "Jill of all trades" background enables her to bridge critical communication gaps between technical teams and business leaders. At Liberty Mutual, she's revolutionizing the cyber insurance approach by evaluating companies through five distinct lenses - technology, culture, engineering practices, resilience, and vendor management - creating partnerships rather than simple transactional relationships.Our discussion takes an urgent turn when addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. Mea highlights how municipalities forced to choose between immediate needs like broken water mains and cybersecurity investments create openings for nation-state actors already "living off the land" within these systems. Her innovative solution? A national program mirroring AmeriCorps that would simultaneously protect infrastructure while solving the cybersecurity talent pipeline challenge.For professionals navigating today's competitive landscape, Mea offers candid advice about developing a distinctive voice through writing and speaking, while cautioning against the common tendency to undervalue oneself when pursuing new opportunities. "If I don't feel scared about taking a position, I don't take it," she explains, "because that means I'm not growing."Perhaps most compelling is Mea's refreshingly pragmatic take on artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its benefits, she worries about its impact on critical thinking skills and the security risks of AI systems themselves - sharing a revealing anecdote about a CISO who incorrectly assumed internal AI systems required no security protections.The conversation culminates with Mea's non-technical passions - from tin whistle playing to her extensive vintage sewing machine collection and quest to become a certified quilt appraiser. Her courage to relocate mid-career from Maryland to Minnesota perfectly illustrates her professional philosophy that growth requires embracing discomfort rather than settling for stagnation.Subscribe now to join our community exploring the human stories behind cybersecurity, and visit vigilantviolet.com to learn more about our mission to illuminate the people and passions driving our industry forward.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Ever clicked that dreaded "Talk to Sales" button on a cybersecurity vendor's website and immediately regretted it? You're not alone. The traditional cybersecurity sales process is broken – endless calls, months-long POCs, legal paperwork, and frustration on both sides.Mariana Padilla, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Hackerverse AI, is determined to fix this. With her unique blend of marketing expertise and passion for problem-solving, she's building a platform that uses generative AI to revolutionize how security tools are bought and sold. Instead of months of friction, security teams can instantly evaluate products in realistic environments, seeing exactly how they perform against simulated attacks."We're creating a platform where we use generative AI and automations to quickly spin out product proof of concepts," Mariana explains. "We then host those on our platform for self-service product evaluation." The result? A faster, more enjoyable experience that helps the best security tools reach the organizations that need them.What makes Mariana's approach particularly refreshing is her authenticity and mission-driven focus. With a background spanning competitive swimming, education, nonprofit work, and marketing, she brings a storyteller's perspective to an industry often plagued by poor communication. She's not just focused on business success but on using that success to drive meaningful social change – a true rarity in today's tech landscape.Whether you're a security professional tired of endless vendor calls or a technologist interested in practical applications of AI, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of cybersecurity sales and the power of mission-driven entrepreneurship. Connect with Mariana on LinkedIn at /here-to-shake-shit-up or visit hackerverse.ai to learn more about their revolutionary approach.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What happens when AI replaces the careers we've built our identities around? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Naomi Buckwalter, Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and founder of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation.Naomi's cybersecurity journey began with a moment of clarity during a week-long hacking course that changed everything. "The clouds parted, angels were singing," she recalls of the experience that propelled her from developer to security professional. Through sheer determination—and admittedly, some persistence that bordered on pestering—she convinced a manager to create a position specifically for her enthusiasm. This story alone offers valuable insight for anyone looking to pivot careers: find what lights you up, then advocate relentlessly for your place at that table.But our conversation quickly moves beyond career tactics to examine profound questions about humanity's future. With AI rapidly advancing, Naomi suggests we're approaching a fundamental shift in how we understand work itself. "Maybe technology's purpose was always to give us freedom to explore, create, and just be human," she reflects. This perspective challenges our cultural fixation on career as identity—a relatively recent development in human history.What strikes me most about Naomi is how she embodies this philosophy already. Beyond her day job, she finds deep fulfillment refereeing volleyball matches. Not for money (she actually loses money doing it), but for the intoxicating energy of facilitating human connection. "You feel the cheers, the energy, the camaraderie—everything beautiful about humans seeps right into your body." This passion perfectly illustrates her core belief: we're happiest when contributing to others' well-being.As we navigate an uncertain future with AI, perhaps our greatest opportunity isn't preserving jobs but rediscovering what makes us uniquely human. "Deep down, we're all good people," Naomi reminds us—and finding ways to express that goodness might be our most meaningful work of all.What would you do if freed from traditional work? How might we restructure society to value human connection over productivity? Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn to continue this vital conversation about our collective future.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

What happens when we bring our authentic selves to work? Rachel Arnold, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Secure Nation, reveals the power of human connection in building lasting client relationships in cybersecurity.Rachel describes her unique role as "the human API" - connecting people, products, and possibilities through deep understanding of communication preferences and needs. Unlike traditional vendor relationships focused on transactions, Rachel builds partnerships based on trust and genuine connection. She tailors her approach to each client's preferred communication style, whether that's email, text message, or phone calls, creating experiences that feel personal rather than corporate.The conversation explores how authenticity transforms work environments. As Rachel puts it, "How awful to spend 40+ hours a week pretending to be someone else." By bringing her whole self to professional interactions—sharing her passion for plants, discussing family challenges, and expressing genuine care for clients—she creates relationships that transcend typical business boundaries. This authenticity doesn't diminish professionalism; it enhances it by building deeper trust.Most compelling is the discussion about workplace culture and leadership. Toxic environments stem from leaders who themselves are suffering but lack self-awareness to address their pain constructively. By contrast, when leaders demonstrate vulnerability, admit mistakes, and support teams through professional and personal challenges, everyone thrives. These supportive environments don't just benefit employees—they directly translate to better client service and business success.Ready to transform your approach to professional relationships? Subscribe to Voices of the Vigilant for more conversations about the human side of cybersecurity, and check out Rachel's weekly livestream "Coffee Table Talks" to continue exploring authentic leadership.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Sivan Tehila, CEO and founder of Onyxia Cyber, shares her journey from Israeli military CISO to innovative startup founder and cybersecurity educator, revealing how personal resilience shaped her multi-faceted career.• Started as a cybersecurity officer in the Israeli military for 10 years, serving as CISO of the Research and Analysis Division• Named her company Onyxia after a World of Warcraft character who could adapt to evolving environments, mirroring how security programs must adapt to evolving threats• Created a governance platform that serves as the "operating system for security teams," unifying disparate security tools and data• Developed a cutting-edge cybersecurity master's program at Yeshiva University featuring hands-on training in a Security Operations Center• Advocates for bringing more women into cybersecurity through education initiatives and mentorship• Lost her father at age 12, which taught her independence and resilience at a young age• Believes in "work-life harmony" rather than "work-life balance" as the key to managing multiple professional roles• Finds paddleboarding to be her "active meditation" and way to stay sharp and focusedConnect with Sivan on LinkedIn or at upcoming events in Boston (May 14th) and New York (May 8th).Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

The battle for representation in the cybersecurity field takes center stage in this podcast episode featuring Stacey Champagne, founder of Hacker Heels.Stacey Champagne is the Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, a pioneering organization dedicated to elevating women into positions of power within the cybersecurity industry. As an active cybersecurity practitioner and transformational coach, she continues leading from the front lines while guiding others to success. Drawing over a decade of experience securing Fortune 500 companies and startups, Stacey combines her technical expertise in insider risk, security investigations, and program management with professional coaching skills to transform women's careers.Through carefully crafted content, specialized courses, personalized coaching, and strategic events, Hacker in Heels equips women to get paid their worth, secure promotions, and gain recognition for their contributions to the field. Stacey's innovative approach and proven track record of helping women navigate and thrive in traditionally male-dominated environments has earned industry-wide recognition, including the 2023 Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year Award from the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu.In this episode, Stacey emphasizes the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and unique journeys, particularly how professionals from non-traditional backgrounds can add significant value to the industry. Hear her inspiring narrative of transitioning from a graphic design career to a meaningful role within cybersecurity, proving that diverse paths lead to innovative solutions.Join us as we explore the mission of Hacker Heels, which aims to empower women to secure prominent roles across all levels of cybersecurity—not just within executive positions but as changemakers within their organizations. Discover the unique programs offered by Hacker Heels, including career transition support, community events, and resources tailored to foster personal and professional growth.Moving beyond certification, Stacey shares impactful success stories from women who have transformed their careers through Hacker Heels. This episode encourages everyone to reflect on their own intrinsic value and how their diverse experiences shape the future of cybersecurity.With meaningful conversations about equity and access, Stacey and Jess dive deep into the systemic challenges facing women in tech, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive industry. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and empowered. Whether you're just starting in your career or looking to make a change, this episode underscores the essential role of community support and the value of resilience in achieving success.You won't want to miss the insights and motivation shared in this vibrant discussion. Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us amplify these important conversations!Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1

Clea Ostendorf, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Wolfpack Security, unveils her journey from startup highs and lows to the impactful changes in the cybersecurity field. You'll gain a firsthand account of how she's transforming the industry by addressing immediate security needs, even as businesses face budget constraints and staffing challenges. Clea shares personal reflections on leadership, drawing parallels between facing cybersecurity challenges and her own kitchen remodel, illustrating how expertise and collaboration lead to success.Explore the groundbreaking trends in application security with a focus on collaboration rather than isolation. Clea sheds light on how integrating security with development processes fosters empowerment rather than fear. The importance of pen testing, automation, and the need for seamless collaboration between security and development teams is emphasized, ensuring that security practices propel rather than impede progress. Discover how the landscape has shifted from seeing insider threats as invasive to opportunities for innovation and integration.In navigating the complexities of DevSecOps and work-life balance, Clea offers invaluable insights into managing the myriad tools in the security landscape. We discuss the future of application security, especially regarding legacy systems like Log4j and the dual impact of AI. Clea passionately argues for hiring former developers with security experience to foster trust and effective communication. Her reflections on leadership highlight the importance of vulnerability and openness, aiming to break down silos and leave a legacy of support and collaboration.Send us Fan MailSupport the showhttps://www.vigilantviolet.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1