From Social Work to AI, Governance, and Security in 3 Years

Tech Layoffs and Self Doubt

Getting laid off or being let go doesn’t just affect your career. It can affect your confidence, your identity, and the way you see yourself. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Daniel Lowrie to talk honestly about the emotional side of layoffs, rejection, self-doubt, and trying to move forward when your confidence takes a hit. A lot of people in cybersecurity and tech are struggling quietly right now. Behind the résumés, applications, and LinkedIn posts are real people questioning themselves and wondering what comes next. This conversation is for them. If you’ve ever tied your worth to your work, felt defeated after rejection, or struggled to rebuild confidence after a setback, you’re not alone. Subscribe for more conversations about the human side of cybersecurity, tech, and career growth.

Cybersecurity Is Hard Right Now. Don’t Quit.

The cybersecurity job market feels incredibly difficult right now. People are discouraged, burned out, questioning themselves, and wondering if they’re falling behind. After speaking at BSides Tampa, several people approached me to thank me for one specific slide: the reminder that other people may not believe in your vision — and that you still have to keep going anyway. In this solo episode of Authentically Cyber, I talk about navigating difficult seasons, surviving career uncertainty, finding support systems, and why persistence matters more than people realize. If you’ve been struggling lately, this episode is for you.

From Social Work to AI, Governance, and Security in 3 Years

What does it take to pivot from social work into AI governance and cybersecurity in just three years? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Sabrina, an AI, Governance, and Security Consultant, to talk about her unconventional path into tech and how curiosity, networking, and persistence helped accelerate her career. We discuss how she went from studying social work to diving headfirst into cybersecurity and AI, the importance of building relationships, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why communication skills matter just as much as technical knowledge. Sabrina also shares insight into her current work in AI governance and practical advice for anyone wondering where to begin learning AI today. Whether you're coming from a non-traditional background or trying to figure out your next step in cyber or AI, this conversation is packed with honest insight and encouragement. ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 Introduction 1:20 From Social Work to Technology 2:26 Going down the technology rabbit hole 3:00 Why AI, Governance, and Security 3:35 Bootcamp and Networking 3:53 First role in Cyber 4:41 Sabrina’s take on imposter syndrome 5:25 The moment she knew she was going into Cyber 6:51 Sabrina gets noticed 10:26 Networking 14:45 Importance of knowing how to speak to all people when networking 17:46 The 4C’s of Success 22:00 Getting into AI and Cyber in 3 years 23:50 Current role as an AI, Governance, and Security Consultant 25:40 How to begin studying AI 27:15 How to connect with Sabrina

AI in Cybersecurity: Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy?

AI is changing cybersecurity fast—and not always in the ways you’d expect. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Char Hunt, a security awareness advocate who’s seen the evolution firsthand—from help desk to system admin to working with AI and security awareness today. We get into the real conversation around AI in cybersecurity: how it’s helping defenders, how it’s empowering attackers, and why slowing down might be your best defense in a world moving at AI speed. This isn’t just for cybersecurity professionals. If you use the internet, this affects you. Listen as we break down how AI can be your best friend… or your worst enemy. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Help Desk Role 01:58 Moving into AI 02:20 Bot Agent 03:36 Help Desk to System Admin 06:47 How AI Has Evolved Since 2017 08:30 Agentic AI & AI Agents 10:20 Benefits of AI in Cybersecurity 11:25 AI Behind the Scenes 13:30 How AI Helps Threat Actors 14:20 Why Slowing Down Keeps You Safe 15:18 The Speed of AI (and Its Downfall) 16:09 Measuring AI Risk 17:20 How SMBs Can Protect Themselves 18:05 How Non-IT Roles Can Stay Secure 20:50 When Kathy Got Fooled by a Facebook Ad 22:45 Can AI Give Us Hope? 24:51 How to Connect with Char Hunt

She Wants More Women in Tech — So She’s Changing It

What does the next generation of cybersecurity look like? In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Paola Mendiola — a college student with a clear vision for her future in technology. Paola didn’t just discover cybersecurity… she found a purpose in it. From learning tech in high school to pursuing her degree at Western Governors University, she’s focused on building a career in networking and cybersecurity — with the goal of one day returning to the classroom as a teacher. Her mission is simple: Give back. This is a fun, honest, and inspiring conversation about where cybersecurity is headed — and who’s helping shape it next. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Being Gen Z and finding her love for tech 03:02 Is it easier for Gen Z to go into cyber? 03:30 Learning technology in high school 03:56 Being a girl in technology 04:52 What inspires Paola to give back 07:08 Why she wants to teach technology 07:51 Role at Women in CyberJitsu 08:58 WGU journey and capstone project 11:00 Why networking matters in cybersecurity 14:00 Why she wants a master’s degree 17:48 Why she likes cybersecurity 18:23 Encouraging girls to go into tech 19:30 Advice for people considering technology 20:34 Why you should go to events and network 21:31 Advice for first-time conference attendees 23:00 Being a girl, a minority, and building connections