Breaking Into Cybersecurity

Latest Episodes:

Adin Stein's Journey: From Smart Grids to Cybersecurity Leadership Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, we delve into the world of Adin Stein, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in critical infrastructure.

Adin shares his fascinating journey from smart grid and smart energy tech to leading cybersecurity roles in various industries, including healthcare and life sciences. He discusses his early career, the evolution of his skill set, the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, and the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Aiden also discusses the role AI plays in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for emerging professionals in the field. Join us for an insightful conversation that spans the breadth of cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

00:00 Introduction to Adin Stein's Journey

00:50 Early Career in Smart Grid Technology

02:43 Transition to E-Meter and Cybersecurity Foundations

03:45 Pioneering Cloud Adoption in the Energy Sector

05:25 Pivot to Healthcare and Life Sciences

05:59 Building Genomic Analytics at Station X

07:46 Cybersecurity Leadership at Roche

10:36 Mission-Driven Work at Lyle Immuno Pharma

13:00 Innovations in Patient Care at Run Labs

18:48 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

21:28 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

23:51 Governance Frameworks for AI Adoption

26:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comT

he Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.

The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.

This podcast relies on listener support, donate or become a member for early access to content:https://breaking-into-cybersecurity.captivate.fm/support#cybersecurity #breakingintocybersecurity #informationsecurity #AdvanceYourCyberCareer

Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level: https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/

---🛡️ Navigating the Changing Threat Landscape & Keeping SMBs Safe:• Subscribe to the vCISO Brief on Substack: https://vciso.substack.com• Book a Free 30-Min Security Snapshot Call: https://calendarbridge.com/book/cpf-coaching/🔔 Subscribe & Follow the Ecosystem:• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16hs6zYtLa4iS4RTcyNF71• Breaking Into Cybersecurity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIntoCybersecurity• CPF Coaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPFCoaching• Website: https://breakingintocybersecurity.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Developing the Next Generation of Cyber Talent Jul 11, 2025

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In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, host Christophe welcomes Erik Ramsussen, founder of Erik Charles Consulting, to discuss leadership in the cyber talent pool and strategies for developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Erik shares his background and insights as a recruiter and career coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind hiring decisions, defining job requirements, and aligning motivations between candidates and employers. The conversation also delves into the impacts of AI on recruiting and organizational practices, including the ethical considerations and challenges posed by AI in cybersecurity. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on effective hiring strategies, candidate profiling, and the evolving role of AI in the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction to Breaking into Cybersecurity

00:47 Meet Erik Rasmuson: Founder of Eric Charles Consulting

01:38 Coaching Founders in a Noisy AI Market

03:08 Defining Job Requirements and Effective Hiring

04:53 Finding and Vetting the Right Candidates

09:32 Optimizing Candidate Profiles for Success

11:42 Navigating Career Transitions and Growth

16:09 Contracting vs. Hiring: Making the Right Choice

18:28 Leveraging AI in Recruitment and Security

29:23 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.This podcast relies on listener support, donate or become a member for early access to content:https://breaking-into-cybersecurity.captivate.fm/support#cybersecurity #breakingintocybersecurity #informationsecurity #AdvanceYourCyberCareer Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level: https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Career Journey and Insights with Gavin Reid Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Career Journey and Insights with Gavin Reid, CSO at Human SecurityIn this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, we are joined by Gavin Reid, Chief Security Officer at Human Security. Gavin shares his extensive career journey from NASA to leading cybersecurity teams at Cisco and Recorded Future, now part of MasterCard. He offers invaluable advice for those seeking to transition from technical roles into leadership positions within cybersecurity. The discussion covers evolving cybersecurity threats, the importance of continuous learning, and how to enable businesses to grow securely. Gavin also discusses the role of threat intelligence, the impact of AI on cybersecurity, and his approach to building effective security teams. Don't miss this insightful conversation on navigating the dynamic world of cybersecurity.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview00:57 Gavin's Career Journey01:40 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles03:04 Adapting to Industry Changes04:45 Security as a Business Enabler05:17 Navigating Security in Startups06:07 Vendor Perspective and Customer Support07:14 Threat Intelligence Integration11:27 Career Advice for Aspiring Threat Intelligence Analysts15:19 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity18:24 Final Thoughts and Human Security's Mission21:27 Conclusion

Breaking into Cybersecurity - Transitioning from Sales to Cyber Threat Intelligence with Mary D'Angelo Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Transitioning from Sales to Cyber ThreatIntelligence with Mary D'Angelo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangelomary/

In this episode of 'Breaking into Cybersecurity,' we sit down with Mary D'Angelo, a Solutions Lead at Filigran, to discuss her journey from a sales and marketing background into the technical field of cyber threat intelligence. Mary shares insights on her professional path, the importance of continuous education, understanding threat actors and their TTPs, and the benefits of leveraging AI in threat intelligence. She alsooffers practical advice for those looking to transition into cybersecurity and emphasizes the value of networking and community. Join us for an in-depth discussion that aims to inspire and inform aspiring cyber professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:59 Mary's Background and Career Journey

01:38 Transition from Sales to Cybersecurity

04:07 Understanding the Dark Web

05:42 Explaining TTPs and Training

06:18 Recommendations for AspiringCybersecurity Professionals

09:05 Continuous Learning and Automation

11:45 Final Tips and Networking

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

Breaking into Cybersecurity with Philip Wiley: From Sysadmin to Ethical Hacking Expert Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, we welcome Philip Wiley, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with 21 years in the industry. Philip shares his journey from a sysadmin to a renowned ethical hacker, conference speaker, mentor, and co-author of 'The Pentester Blueprint.' Discover his tips for entering the cybersecurity field, the importance of continuous learning, and how AI is transforming the industry. Learn why networking and leveraging your existing skills are crucial for career growth in cybersecurity. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation packed with valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:58 Philip Wiley's Background in Cybersecurity01:35 Journey into Tech and Cybersecurity04:36 Transition to Cybersecurity and Early Roles06:28 Becoming a Pen Tester08:37 Teaching and Mentoring in Cybersecurity12:45 The Importance of Networking and Continuous Learning16:15 Skills and Competencies for Pen Testing18:57 Automation, AI, and Future Trends23:19 Tips for Career Growth in Cybersecurity27:14 Philip Wiley's Book and Final Thoughtshttps://phillipwylieshow.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/https://www.youtube.com/@PhillipWyliehttps://x.com/PhillipWyliehttps://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Pentester+BluePrint%3A+Starting+a+Career+as+an+Ethical+Hacker-p-9781119684305Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

Breaking Into Cybersecurity Leadership with Phani Dasari Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, join host Christophe as he interviews Phani Dasari, the Global CISO at Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS). Phani shares his remarkable journey into cybersecurity, from his early days in the United States during the 2008 recession, to his pivotal roles at EMC, RSA, ADP, TikTok, and HGS. He delves into valuable insights on navigating and succeeding in the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, continuous learning, and people management skills. This episode offers actionable advice for aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals on developing a broad skill set, pursuing career advancements, and effectively leading teams in a dynamic and challenging field.

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.

Check out our books:

Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI

Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles

https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career

https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

_________________________________________

About the hosts:

Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and helping more people get into the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/

Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping to secure people and processes, using a solid understanding of the technology involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing the use of technology while balancing the implications for people, processes, and information security through a consultative approach.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Hacker Inc. Mindset for Your Career Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Hacker Inc. Mindset for Your Career

Welcome to another episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity! In today's live session, join hosts Renee Small, a cybersecurity super recruiter, and Marcus Carey, a co-author, as they present their new book 'Hacker Inc.: Mindset for Your Career.' Dive deeply into the significance of maintaining consistency in your personal brand, the power of authenticity, and incorporating a business mindset into your career strategy. Learn why soft skills can pivotally shift your career advancement and the importance of networking in building mutually beneficial relationships. Action items for listeners: Get a copy of 'Hacker Inc.: Mindset for Your Career,' follow the provided career exercises, and employ generative AI tools to finesse your resume and prep for interviews. Don’t miss out on practical advice and personal insights from industry veterans to curate your own career paths.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

01:17 Discussing the New Book: Hacker Inc. Mindset

02:26 Importance of Consistency in Personal Branding

08:20 Treat Your Career Like a Business

14:00 Authenticity in Professional Relationships

30:51 Creating Delightful Experiences in Life

32:45 The Importance of Networking

33:34 Authenticity in Recruiting

35:14 The Power of Giving First

47:29 Soft Skills and Career Advancement

58:33 Building a Strong Network

01:00:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

Check out our books:

Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles

https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career

https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

About the hosts:

Christophe Foulon focuses on helping to secure people and processes with a solid understanding of the technology involved. He has over ten years of experience as an experienced Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist with a passion for customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant experience in optimizing the use of technology while balancing the implications to people, processes, and information security by using a consultative approach.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyber

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity

BIC Presents_ Hacking the Federal Cyber Job Market w_ Love Rutledge Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Navigating the Federal Cyber Job Market with Love Rutledge In this special edition of 'Breaking into Cyber Security', host Renee Small, the Cybersecurity Super Recruiter, collaborates with Love Rutledge, a senior executive in the Department of Defense, to provide comprehensive guidance on securing federal cyber jobs. Love shares her expertise in federal employment, detailing the intricacies of the USAJOBS site, federal resume building, networking strategies, and the clearance process. She offers essential tips for both experienced professionals and newcomers aiming to break into the federal cyber job market. Additionally, Love shares insights about professional organizations, accepted service positions, and resources for crafting successful federal resumes. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of federal cybersecurity job applications. 00:00 Introduction and Special Event Announcement 01:49 Meet Love Rutledge: Federal Cybersecurity Expert 03:44 Networking Tips for Federal Job Seekers 07:16 Understanding USAJobs and Federal Job Codes 09:38 Crafting a Federal Resume 14:59 Navigating the Federal Hiring Process 18:21 Security Clearances and Drug Use Policies 18:59 Q&A: Tips and Final Thoughts 27:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com The Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why did they pivot into cyber, what the process was they went through Breaking Into Cybersecurity, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way. The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership and tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders. Check out our books: Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/ Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/ _________________________________________ About the hosts: Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and helping more people get into the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/ Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book Christophe Foulon focuses on helping to secure people and processes with a solid understanding of the technology involved. He has over ten years of experience as an experienced Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist with a passion for customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant experience in optimizing the use of technology while balancing the implications to people, processes, and information security by using a consultative approach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/ Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com - Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity - Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyber - Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity

BIC Presents_ Cyber Goldilocks_ w_Heather Hinton Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Maze with Heather Hinton In this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, host Renee Small welcomes cybersecurity expert and professor Heather Hinton to discuss the intricacies of breaking into the field. Heather shares her extensive experience in security, from her beginnings in the late 80s to becoming a CISO and professor. The discussion covers essential tips for job seekers, including the importance of networking, tailoring resumes, and practicing interview skills. Heather emphasizes the value of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and offers insights into emerging areas within cybersecurity. The episode also addresses the challenges of the current job market and provides practical advice for both candidates and hiring managers. 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 01:12 Heather Hinton’s Journey into Cybersecurity 04:27 Challenges and Realities of Hiring in Cybersecurity 06:17 Networking and Community Involvement 08:38 Advice for Hiring Managers and Candidates 13:22 Audience Questions and Interactive Discussion 24:35 Understanding Resume Parsing 26:11 Importance of Tailoring Your CV 27:11 Networking: The Key to Job Search 27:53 Challenges with Applicant Tracking Systems 28:18 Effective Job Search Strategies 31:19 The Role of Generative AI in Resumes 33:03 Preparing for Cybersecurity Job Interviews 34:21 Specialized Areas in Cybersecurity 39:15 Advice for Disabled Job Seekers 44:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

Check out our books:

https://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/

Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Career

https://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/

About the hosts:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com

Website: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurity
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuri
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreakintoCyber
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breakingintocybersecurity

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: The Role of AI in Strengthening Cybersecurity Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

Bryan C. Kissinger, PhD, serves as the Senior Vice President of Security Solutions and Chief Information Security Officer at Trace3. With over 25 years of experience, he excels in maturing IT risk and information security programs and implementing emerging technologies. Previously, he was a CISO at Banner Health and had extensive experience across various sectors, including healthcare and finance. Dr. Kissinger holds a PhD in Information Technology Management and several professional certifications. He is also a Navy veteran and divides his time between Miami Beach, FL, and Asheville, NC.

Sponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.com

This podcast runs on listener support and funding. Consider supporting this podcast:

https://breaking-into-cybersecurity.captivate.fm/support

Check out our books:

Develop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUI

Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: A complete interview preparation guide for jumpstarting your cybersecurity career https://www.amazon.com/dp/1801816638/

About the hosts:

Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/

Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.com