Episode 52: Michael Markulec & Matthew Webster

Fractional Compliance

Matt sits down with Sara Mirsky-Terranova of AE Consulting LLC to explore the growing demand for Fractional Compliance Officers and how small to mid-sized businesses—especially fintechs and banks—can leverage the fractional model to build strong, scalable compliance programs. Sara shares insights into how a fractional compliance role differs from a full-time hire or other outsourced solutions, highlighting the flexibility, cost-efficiency, and strategic value it provides. Drawing on her background in fintech and HIPAA compliance, Sara discusses how AE Consulting delivers tailored legal and compliance support to help organizations navigate complex regulatory environments while continuing to innovate and grow.

Episode 52: Michael Markulec & Matthew Webster

In this episode, Michael and Matthew discuss the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the growing challenges organizations face as threats continue to increase. They highlight how many businesses remain unprepared for modern cyber risks, despite the rising frequency and impact of attacks. The conversation focuses on how security frameworks and compliance requirements are becoming more standardized, but compliance is still quite complex. Regulatory and contractual pressures are influencing business decisions, sometimes forcing organizations to reconsider which markets they operate in. The financial impact of cyber incidents is also emphasized, with breach costs continuing to rise. Cyber insurance is becoming more common and more expensive, with insurers placing greater emphasis on security maturity.

Episode 51: with Craig Sekowski & Ralph Pasquariello

n this episode, Michael speaks with Care Report founders Craig Sekowski and Ralph Pasquariello to examine the evolving role of cybersecurity insurance in today’s business landscape. Care Report specializes in converting cyber risk data into actionable financial intelligence, enabling organizations to make informed decisions about their exposure and resilience. The discussion explores the key threats impacting SMBs, methods for quantifying financial risk, and how the value and coverage of cyber insurance policies can change over time. Listeners will gain practical insights into aligning cybersecurity strategy with financial risk management to better protect business operations and assets.

Episode 50: with Steven Laino

In this episode of The Perfect Storm, Matthew sits down with cybersecurity veteran Steven Laino, founder of Expert Infosec and former AWS consultant to Fortune 500 companies. They dive into the evolving world of cloud security, with a focus on how startups and SMBs can protect their environments through Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). Learn how CSPM helps prevent misconfigurations, strengthen compliance, and automate security—practical insights for any organization navigating the cloud.

Episode 49: with Michael and Matthew

This episode dives into the latest shifts in their own business, exploring the power of compliance automation tools and the importance of continuous risk. They also offer advice to small business owners navigating the complex tech world.