Problem-Solving Over Pedigree: How to Break Into Cybersecurity and Succeed

Problem-Solving Over Pedigree: How to Break Into Cybersecurity and Succeed

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] There’s a narrative in cybersecurity that’s quietly pushing good people away. And it’s a problem we need to address. In this episode, I’m unpacking a tension that doesn’t make sense on the surface: Thousands of open cybersecurity roles… and still, talented people questioning whether they belong. So what’s really going on? We talk about: * The disconnect between the cybersecurity talent shortage and hiring practices * Why the industry’s messaging may be discouraging capable professionals from entering the field * The reality of imposter syndrome—and why no one knows everything in cybersecurity * Why diverse career paths aren’t a weakness—they’re exactly what the industry needs * The critical role of non-technical skills like problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking I also challenge leaders and hiring managers to rethink how we evaluate talent: Are we prioritizing pedigree… or potential? Because if we’re serious about closing the workforce gap, we need to: * Create more inclusive entry points * Value transferable skills * Build teams—not just check boxes Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical field. It’s a problem-solving field. And there is space for more people than we’ve been led to believe. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

The Cyber Talent Gap: Unlocking the 2026 SANS GIAC Workforce Report (Guest: Brian Correia)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] What’s really happening in the cybersecurity workforce—and why are so many organizations still struggling to hire and retain the right talent? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Correia, the Director of Global Cyber Workforce Strategy & Engagement at SANS, to unpack key insights from the 2026 SANS GIAC Workforce Report. But this isn’t your typical workforce conversation. This report focuses on “cyber talent leaders”—the people responsible for hiring, developing, and retaining cybersecurity professionals. And what it reveals is both eye-opening and urgent. We explore: * The growing mid-career and senior talent bottleneck—and why it’s slowing organizations down * How cybersecurity roles are evolving beyond technical expertise to include communication with boards and C-suites * The real impact of AI on cybersecurity roles—and the emergence of positions like AI governance specialists We also get real about leadership and representation: * The ongoing gap in women in cybersecurity leadership—and why it still matters * The importance of re-skilling existing talent instead of only chasing new hires * How cybersecurity as a profession is maturing—and what that means for career paths Brian’s journey—from conference management to cybersecurity leader—is a powerful reminder that there’s no one path into this field. The key is finding your niche and growing into it. This conversation is for leaders, hiring managers, and anyone navigating a career in cybersecurity. Because the future of cyber isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Get in Touch with us: Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjcorreia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjcorreia/] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] 2026 Report: https://www.sans.org/white-papers/2026-cybersecurity-workforce-research-report [https://www.sans.org/white-papers/2026-cybersecurity-workforce-research-report] Join Inside the 2026 Cyber Workforce: Key Trends, Talent Gaps, Strategic Shifts, and the AI Revolution [https://www.sans.org/webcasts/inside-2026-cyber-workforce-key-trends-talent-gaps-strategic-shifts-ai-revolution] live event on June 24th 1:00 PM ET  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

The Three T's That Got Me Through Career Collapse (And Will Work For You Too)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] Your track record for surviving hard days is 100%. Let me prove it to you. In this deeply personal episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the three T's that have kept me grounded through 28 years in tech, multiple layoffs, career transitions, and everything in between. You'll learn: * Transparency: Why vulnerability is your secret weapon—and how admitting "I'm not okay" actually heals you and everyone around you * Transformation: The counterintuitive reason job loss and setbacks aren't punishment—they're your forge for becoming who you're meant to be * Trust: How to stop white-knuckling control and actually go with the flow (even when your brain screams otherwise) This isn't motivational fluff. It's real talk about resilience, acceptance, and the power of showing up authentically in your professional and personal life. Perfect if you're navigating career change, burnout, imposter syndrome, or just wondering how to keep going when things get hard. Featured In This Episode: * The power of honest conversation during crisis * How change and transformation work together * Mindfulness, acceptance, and releasing what you can't control * Real examples from my own layoff and career transition journey * Why you're tougher than you think For women in tech and cybersecurity If you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can help [https://www.canva.com/design/DAG04u0IuFU/rirH2suJdzBtuGaNX6j6Eg/view] Ask Me Anything (AMA) — coming soon If you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in [https://forms.gle/myG6xJayQFwMjaQHA]. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Culture with Larissa Fitzhugh

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] What if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and healthier workplace culture starts with one thing—self-awareness? In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Fitzhugh, founder of Diadem Solutions, to explore what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive—not just perform. Larissa shares how her journey in HR operations led her to focus on employee experience after realizing she couldn’t always answer one simple question honestly: “What is your culture really like?” From that moment, she chose to be part of the solution. In this conversation, we unpack: * Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful career accelerators * How the DISC framework (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) helps you understand how you show up under pressure * The two breakthroughs that change everything: relief and compassion * Why culture isn’t built through big initiatives—but in small, consistent daily moments * The leadership gap around difficult conversations—and how to approach them without overthinking * Why differences on teams are not a liability—but a necessity for growth We also talk about the reality organizations are facing: * AI is reshaping the workforce, but human understanding and emotional intelligence are more critical than ever * Many organizations know change is needed—but aren’t taking action * Culture and leadership development are often deprioritized due to time and budget constraints This episode is a powerful reminder: Leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about people. And the leaders who understand themselves—and others—will be the ones who shape the future of work. Connect with us: Larissa: www.diademsolutions.co [https://www.diademsolutions.co] | linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhugh [https://linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhugh] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Cybersecurity Is Personal: Protecting Leaders, Families, and the Digital Frontline with Hazel Cerra

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] What if the biggest cybersecurity risk isn’t your company - but your life? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Hazel Cerra, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent who spent 25 years protecting world leaders before stepping into the world of digital security convergence at BlackCloak. We explore how today’s threat landscape has evolved far beyond physical protection. Executives are now 12 times more likely to be targeted—not just because of what they do, but because of who they are and how visible they are online. Hazel breaks down: * The convergence of physical and digital threats—and why you can’t separate them anymore * Sophisticated scams like spear phishing and “pig butchering” crypto fraud * Why executives and their families are prime targets * The psychological toll of cybercrime, from betrayal to loss of trust and relationships * The growing risk of sextortion targeting young people We also go deeper into leadership: * Navigating high-pressure, male-dominated environments like the Secret Service * Building confidence through worst-case scenario thinking * The role of mentorship in advancing into leadership This conversation is a wake-up call—and a reminder that cybersecurity is no longer just about systems. It’s about people. If you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone living in a connected world, this episode will change how you think about protection. Connect with us: Hazel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   * Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.