Episodios

  • When AI Looks First: How Agentic Systems Are Reshaping Cybersecurity Operations | A Musing On the Future of Cybersecurity and Humanity with Sean Martin and TAPE3 | Read by TAPE3

    When AI Looks First: How Agentic Systems Are Reshaping Cybersecurity Operations | A Musing On the Future of Cybersecurity and Humanity with Sean Martin and TAPE3 | Read by TAPE3
    Jul 9 2025
    Before a power crew rolls out to check a transformer, sensors on the grid have often already flagged the problem. Before your smart dishwasher starts its cycle, it might wait for off-peak energy rates. And in the world of autonomous vehicles, lightweight systems constantly scan road conditions before a decision ever reaches the car’s central processor.These aren’t the heroes of their respective systems. They’re the scouts, the context-builders: automated agents that make the entire operation more efficient, timely, and scalable.Cybersecurity is beginning to follow the same path.In an era of relentless digital noise and limited human capacity, AI agents are being deployed to look first, think fast, and flag what matters before security teams ever engage. But these aren’t the cartoonish “AI firefighters” some might suggest. They’re logical engines operating at scale: pruning data, enriching signals, simulating outcomes, and preparing workflows with precision."AI agents are redefining how security teams operate, especially when time and talent are limited," says Kumar Saurabh, CEO of AirMDR. "These agents do more than filter noise. They interpret signals, build context, and prepare response actions before a human ever gets involved."This shift from reactive firefighting to proactive triage is happening across cybersecurity domains. In detection, AI agents monitor user behavior and flag anomalies in real time, often initiating mitigation actions like isolating compromised devices before escalation is needed. In prevention, they simulate attacker behaviors and pressure-test systems, flagging unseen vulnerabilities and attack paths. In response, they compile investigation-ready case files that allow human analysts to jump straight into action."Low-latency, on-device AI agents can operate closer to the data source, better enabling anomaly detection, threat triaging, and mitigation in milliseconds," explains Shomron Jacob, Head of Applied Machine Learning and Platform at Iterate.ai. "This not only accelerates response but also frees up human analysts to focus on complex, high-impact investigations."Fred Wilmot, Co-Founder and CEO of Detecteam, points out that agentic systems are advancing limited expertise by amplifying professionals in multiple ways. "Large foundation models are driving faster response, greater context and more continuous optimization in places like SOC process and tools, threat hunting, detection engineering and threat intelligence operationalization," Wilmot explains. "We’re seeing the dawn of a new way to understand data, behavior and process, while optimizing how we ask the question efficiently, confirm the answer is correct and improve the next answer from the data interaction our agents just had."Still, real-world challenges persist. Costs for tokens and computing power can quickly outstrip the immediate benefit of agentic approaches at scale. Organizations leaning on smaller, customized models may see greater returns but must invest in AI engineering practices to truly realize this advantage. "Companies have to get comfortable with the time and energy required to produce incremental gains," Wilmot adds, "but the incentive to innovate from zero to one in minutes should outweigh the cost of standing still."Analysts at Forrester have noted that while the buzz around so-called agentic AI is real, these systems are only as effective as the context and guardrails they operate within. The power of agentic systems lies in how well they stay grounded in real data, well-defined scopes, and human oversight. ¹ ²While approaches differ, the business case is clear. AI agents can reduce toil, speed up analysis, and extend the reach of small teams. As Saurabh observes, AI agents that handle triage and enrichment in minutes can significantly reduce investigation times and allow analysts to focus on the incidents that truly require human judgment.As organizations wrestle with a growing attack surface and shrinking response windows, the real value of AI agents might not lie in what they replace, but in what they prepare. Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, points out, "AI can help you detect faster. But Zero Trust stops malware before it ever runs. It’s not about guessing smarter; it’s about not having to guess at all." While AI speeds detection and response, attackers are also using AI to evade defenses, making it vital to pair smart automation with architectures that deny threats by default and only allow what’s explicitly needed.These agents are the eyes ahead, the hands that set the table, and increasingly the reason why the real work can begin faster and smarter than ever before.References1. Forrester. (2024, February 8). Cybersecurity’s latest buzzword has arrived: What agentic AI is — and isn’t. Forrester Blogs. https://www.forrester.com/blogs/cybersecuritys-latest-buzzword-has-arrived-what-agentic-ai-is-and-isnt/ (cc: Allie Mellen and Rowan Curran)2. ...
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    5 m
  • From Feed to Foresight: Cyber Threat Intelligence as a Leadership Signal | A Musing On the Future of Cybersecurity and Humanity with Sean Martin and TAPE3 | Read by TAPE3

    From Feed to Foresight: Cyber Threat Intelligence as a Leadership Signal | A Musing On the Future of Cybersecurity and Humanity with Sean Martin and TAPE3 | Read by TAPE3
    Jul 2 2025
    Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) is no longer just a technical stream of indicators or a feed for security operations center teams. In this episode, Ryan Patrick, Vice President at HITRUST; John Salomon, Board Member at the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN); Tod Beardsley, Vice President of Security Research at runZero; Wayne Lloyd, Federal Chief Technology Officer at RedSeal; Chip Witt, Principal Security Analyst at Radware; and Jason Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer at SixMap, each bring their perspective on why threat intelligence must become a leadership signal that shapes decisions far beyond the security team.From Risk Reduction to OpportunityRyan Patrick explains how organizations are shifting from compliance checkboxes to meaningful, risk-informed decisions that influence structure, operations, and investments. This point is reinforced by John Salomon, who describes CTI as a clear, relatable area of security that motivates chief information security officers to exchange threat information with peers — cooperation that multiplies each organization’s resources and builds a stronger industry front against emerging threats.Real Business ContextTod Beardsley outlines how CTI can directly support business and investment moves, especially when organizations evaluate mergers and acquisitions. Wayne Lloyd highlights the importance of network context, showing how enriched intelligence helps teams move from reactive cleanups to proactive management that ties directly to operational resilience and insurance negotiations.Chip Witt pushes the conversation further by describing CTI as a business signal that aligns threat trends with organizational priorities. Jason Kaplan brings home the reality that for Fortune 500 security teams, threat intelligence is a race — whoever finds the gap first, the defender or the attacker, determines who stays ahead.More Than DefenseThe discussion makes clear that the real value of CTI is not the data alone but the way it helps organizations make decisions that protect, adapt, and grow. This episode challenges listeners to see CTI as more than a defensive feed — it is a strategic advantage when used to strengthen deals, influence product direction, and build trust where it matters most.Tune in to hear how these leaders see the role of threat intelligence changing and why treating it as a leadership signal can shape competitive edge.________This story represents the results of an interactive collaboration between Human Cognition and Artificial Intelligence.Enjoy, think, share with others, and subscribe to "The Future of Cybersecurity" newsletter on LinkedIn.Sincerely, Sean Martin and TAPE3________Sean Martin is a life-long musician and the host of the Music Evolves Podcast; a career technologist, cybersecurity professional, and host of the Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast; and is also the co-host of both the Random and Unscripted Podcast and On Location Event Coverage Podcast. These shows are all part of ITSPmagazine—which he co-founded with his good friend Marco Ciappelli, to explore and discuss topics at The Intersection of Technology, Cybersecurity, and Society.™️Want to connect with Sean and Marco On Location at an event or conference near you? See where they will be next: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-locationTo learn more about Sean, visit his personal website.
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    7 m
  • Hands-On, Job-Ready: A Fresh Approach to Building the Next Generation of Pen Testers | A White Knight Labs Brand Story With John Stigerwalt And Greg Hatcher

    Hands-On, Job-Ready: A Fresh Approach to Building the Next Generation of Pen Testers | A White Knight Labs Brand Story With John Stigerwalt And Greg Hatcher
    Jun 30 2025

    Getting a start in cybersecurity has never been easy — but for today’s aspiring pen testers, the entry barriers are even higher than they were a decade ago. In this conversation, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sit down with Greg Hatcher and John Stigerwalt from White Knight Labs to unpack why they decided to flip the script on entry-level offensive security training.

    Greg, a former Army Special Operations communicator, and John, who got his break as a self-taught hacker, agree that the traditional path — expensive certifications and theoretical labs — doesn’t reflect the reality of the work. That’s why White Knight Labs is launching the Entry Level Pen Tester (ELPT) program. The idea is straightforward: make high-quality, practical training accessible to anyone, anywhere.

    Unlike other courses that focus purely on the technical side, the ELPT emphasizes the full skill set a junior pen tester needs. This means not just breaking into systems, but learning how to write clear reports, communicate effectively with clients, and operate as part of a real engagement team. John explains that even the best technical find is worthless if it’s not explained properly or delivered with clear guidance for fixing the issue.

    Greg points out that the team culture at White Knight Labs borrows from his Special Forces days — small, specialized teams where each individual goes deep on a specific domain but works in tight coordination with others. Their goal for trainees mirrors this: to develop focused, practical skills while understanding how their piece fits into bigger, complex attack scenarios.

    Affordability and global access are key parts of the mission. The team wants the ELPT to open doors for people who might not have thousands to spend on training. By combining hands-on labs, in-depth modules, real-world scenarios, and a tough final exam, they aim to ensure that passing the ELPT means you’re truly job-ready.

    For anyone considering a start in offensive security, this episode is a glimpse into a program designed to create more than just hackers — it’s building adaptable, communicative professionals ready to hit the ground running.

    Learn more about White Knight Labs: https://itspm.ag/white-knight-labs-vukr

    Guests:

    John Stigerwalt | Founder at White Knight Labs | Red Team Operations Leader | https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stigerwalt-90a9b4110/

    Greg Hatcher | Founder at White Knight Labs | SOF veteran | Red Team | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryhatcher2/

    ______________________

    Keywords: sean martin, marco ciappelli, greg hatcher, john stigerwalt, cybersecurity, pentesting, training, certification, whiteknightlabs, hacking, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast

    ______________________

    Resources

    Visit the White Knight Labs Website to learn more: https://itspm.ag/white-knight-labs-vukr

    Learn more and catch more stories from White Knight Labs on ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/white-knight-labs

    Learn more about ITSPmagazine Brand Story Podcasts: https://www.itspmagazine.com/purchase-programs

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    40 m
  • When We See Technology as a System of Systems, It Changes Everything — Us, Society… and Even the Robots | Random and Unscripted with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

    When We See Technology as a System of Systems, It Changes Everything — Us, Society… and Even the Robots | Random and Unscripted with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
    Jun 30 2025

    In this Random and Unscripted episode, Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin connect the dots between AI, robotics, connected systems, and human behavior. How do machines reshape society—and how do we reshape ourselves in response? A conversation born from their latest articles.

    This Random and Unscripted episode is exactly what the title promises—a raw, thoughtful exchange between Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin, sparked by their most recent written reflections.

    The starting point? Two timely articles.

    Sean unpacks the complexity of securing connected environments—what happens when devices, vehicles, sensors, and platforms become part of something bigger? It’s no longer about protecting individual elements, but understanding how they operate as “systems of systems”—intertwined, dynamic, and vulnerable.

    Meanwhile, Marco revisits Robbie, Isaac Asimov’s iconic robot story, to explore how our relationship with technology evolves over time. What felt like distant science fiction in the 1980s now hits closer to home, as AI simulates understanding, machines mimic empathy, and humans blur the lines between organic and artificial.

    The discussion drifts from cybersecurity to human psychology, questioning how interacting with AI reshapes society—and whether our own behavior starts reflecting the technology we create.

    Machines are learning, systems are growing more complex, and somewhere along the way, humanity is changing too. Stay random. Stay curious.

    ⸻ 🔹 KEYWORDS: Random and Unscripted, AI, Robotics, Generative AI, System Security, Connected Systems, Asimov, Human-Machine Interaction, Technology and Society, Autonomous Systems, AI Ethics, Cybersecurity Conversations

    Hosts links:

    📌 Marco Ciappelli: https://www.marcociappelli.com
    📌 Sean Martin: https://www.seanmartin.com
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    20 m
  • Robbie, From Fiction to Familiar — Robots, AI, and the Illusion of Consciousness | A Musing On Society & Technology Newsletter Written By Marco Ciappelli | Read by TAPE3

    Robbie, From Fiction to Familiar — Robots, AI, and the Illusion of Consciousness | A Musing On Society & Technology Newsletter Written By Marco Ciappelli | Read by TAPE3
    Jun 29 2025
    ⸻ Podcast: Redefining Society and Technologyhttps://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com _____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsBlackCloak provides concierge cybersecurity protection to corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals to protect against hacking, reputational loss, financial loss, and the impacts of a corporate data breach.BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb_____________________________Robbie, From Fiction to Familiar — Robots, AI, and the Illusion of Consciousness June 29, 2025A new transmission from Musing On Society and Technology Newsletter, by Marco CiappelliI recently revisited one of my oldest companions. Not a person, not a memory, but a story. Robbie, the first of Isaac Asimov’s famous robot tales.It’s strange how familiar words can feel different over time. I first encountered Robbie as a teenager in the 1980s, flipping through a paperback copy of I, Robot. Back then, it was pure science fiction. The future felt distant, abstract, and comfortably out of reach. Robots existed mostly in movies and imagination. Artificial intelligence was something reserved for research labs or the pages of speculative novels. Reading Asimov was a window into possibilities, but they remained possibilities.Today, the story feels different. I listened to it this time—the way I often experience books now—through headphones, narrated by a synthetic voice on a sleek device Asimov might have imagined, but certainly never held. And yet, it wasn’t the method of delivery that made the story resonate more deeply; it was the world we live in now.Robbie was first published in 1939, a time when the idea of robots in everyday life was little more than fantasy. Computers were experimental machines that filled entire rooms, and global attention was focused more on impending war than machine ethics. Against that backdrop, Asimov’s quiet, philosophical take on robotics was ahead of its time.Rather than warning about robot uprisings or technological apocalypse, Asimov chose to explore trust, projection, and the human tendency to anthropomorphize the tools we create. Robbie, the robot, is mute, mechanical, yet deeply present. He is a protector, a companion, and ultimately, an emotional anchor for a young girl named Gloria. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t pretend to understand. But through his actions—loyalty, consistency, quiet presence—he earns trust.Those themes felt distant when I first read them in the ’80s. At that time, robots were factory tools, AI was theoretical, and society was just beginning to grapple with personal computers, let alone intelligent machines. The idea of a child forming a deep emotional bond with a robot was thought-provoking but belonged firmly in the realm of fiction.Listening to Robbie now, decades later, in the age of generative AI, alters everything. Today, machines talk to us fluently. They compose emails, generate artwork, write stories, even simulate empathy. Our interactions with technology are no longer limited to function; they are layered with personality, design, and the subtle performance of understanding.Yet beneath the algorithms and predictive models, the reality remains: these machines do not understand us. They generate language, simulate conversation, and mimic comprehension, but it’s an illusion built from probability and training data, not consciousness. And still, many of us choose to believe in that illusion—sometimes out of convenience, sometimes out of the innate human desire for connection.In that context, Robbie’s silence feels oddly honest. He doesn’t offer comfort through words or simulate understanding. His presence alone is enough. There is no performance. No manipulation. Just quiet, consistent loyalty.The contrast between Asimov’s fictional robot and today’s generative AI highlights a deeper societal tension. For decades, we’ve anthropomorphized our machines, giving them names, voices, personalities. We’ve designed interfaces to smile, chatbots to flirt, AI assistants that reassure us they “understand.” At the same time, we’ve begun to robotize ourselves, adapting to algorithms, quantifying emotions, shaping our behavior to suit systems designed to optimize interaction and efficiency.This two-way convergence was precisely what Asimov spoke about in his 1965 BBC interview, which has been circulating again recently. In that conversation, he didn’t just speculate about machines becoming more human-like. He predicted the merging of biology and technology, the slow erosion of the boundaries between human and machine—a hybrid species, where both evolve toward a shared, indistinct future.We are living that reality now, in subtle and obvious ways. Neural implants, mind-controlled prosthetics, AI-driven decision-making, personalized algorithms—all shaping the way we experience life and interact with the world. The convergence isn’t on the horizon; it’s happening in real time.What ...
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    10 m
  • Inside the Mixtape Museum: Saving Cassettes and Stories to Preserve Our Musical DNA | A Conversation with Sommer McCoy | Music Evolves with Sean Martin

    Inside the Mixtape Museum: Saving Cassettes and Stories to Preserve Our Musical DNA | A Conversation with Sommer McCoy | Music Evolves with Sean Martin
    Jun 27 2025
    Guest and Host

    Guest: Regan Sommer McCoy, Chief Curator of Mixtape Museum | Website: https://sommer.nyc/

    Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

    Show Notes

    In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin connects with Sommer McCoy, founder of the Mixtape Museum, to explore how a simple cassette tape became a cultural vehicle for creativity, connection, and entrepreneurship—especially within hip hop. Sommer’s journey starts with managing hip hop artists like the Clipse, where a label dispute revealed the real power of mixtapes as grassroots distribution tools when the industry’s gatekeepers were roadblocks.

    Sommer describes mixtapes as more than just homemade compilations; they are living archives of personal and collective history. From recording DJ sets off the radio to carefully curating tapes for summer camp, these stories form a thread that binds generations. Through the Mixtape Museum, Sommer captures not only the tapes themselves but also the hidden data inside—the handwritten J-cards, the audio quality that degrades with each copy, and the layers of social exchange that gave rise to underground music scenes.

    What’s striking is that the Mixtape Museum does not seek to own every cassette but instead to document, digitize, and study them. Sommer, a database manager by day, focuses on preserving the stories and metadata behind each tape, spotlighting the artists, DJs, collectors, and communities that sustained the mixtape era. Supported by a Grammy Preservation Grant, she’s already digitized dozens of tapes while helping other collectors understand how to safeguard their archives.

    The conversation touches on how mixtapes laid the groundwork for today’s playlists and streaming culture—yet today’s digital curation lacks the physical, handcrafted artistry that made each cassette unique. Sommer’s mission is to encourage collectors and students alike to look deeper: to uncover forgotten shoebox treasures in attics, to share memories, and to research how these tapes shaped music and culture long before social algorithms took over.

    At its heart, the Mixtape Museum is an open invitation to honor the past while inspiring new ways to think about music’s role in documenting who we are. For Sommer, each cassette holds more than songs—it holds a memory worth saving.

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    Resources

    Mixtape Museum: https://mixtapemuseum.org/

    More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazine

    More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast

    Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW

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    ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

    Be sure to share and subscribe!
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    56 m
  • Building a Dynamic Framework for Cyber Risk and Control Alignment: A Threat-Adaptive Approach to Cybersecurity Readiness | A HITRUST Brand Story with Michael Moore

    Building a Dynamic Framework for Cyber Risk and Control Alignment: A Threat-Adaptive Approach to Cybersecurity Readiness | A HITRUST Brand Story with Michael Moore
    Jun 25 2025
    Cyber threats are not static—and HITRUST knows assurance can’t be either. That’s why HITRUST's Michael Moore is leading efforts to ensure the HITRUST framework evolves in step with the threat environment, business needs, and the technologies teams are using to respond.In this episode, Moore outlines how the HITRUST Cyber Threat Adaptive (CTA) program transforms traditional assessment models into something far more dynamic. Instead of relying on outdated frameworks or conducting audits that only capture a point-in-time view, HITRUST is using real-time threat intelligence, breach data, and frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and MITRE ATLAS to continuously evaluate and update its assessment requirements.The E1 and I1 assessments—designed for organizations at different points in their security maturity—serve as flexible baselines that shift with current risk. Moore explains that by leveraging CTA, HITRUST can add or update controls in response to rising attack patterns, such as the resurgence of phishing or the emergence of AI-driven exploits. These updates are informed by a broad ecosystem of signals, including insurance claims data and AI-parsed breach reports, offering both frequency and impact context.One of the key advantages Moore highlights is the ability for security teams to benefit from these updates without having to conduct their own exhaustive analysis. As Moore puts it, “You get it by proxy of using our frameworks.” In addition to streamlining how teams manage and demonstrate compliance, the evolving assessments also support conversations with business leaders and boards—giving them visibility into how well the organization is prepared for the threats that matter most right now.HITRUST is also planning to bring more of this intelligence into its assessment platform and reports, including showing how individual assessments align with the top threats at the time of certification. This not only strengthens third-party assurance but also enables more confident internal decision-making—whether that’s about improving phishing defenses or updating incident response playbooks.From AI-enabled moderation of threats to proactive regulatory mapping, HITRUST is building the connective tissue between risk intelligence and real-world action.Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Michael Moore, Senior Manager, Digital Innovation at HITRUST | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhmoore04/Hosts:Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.com/Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | https://www.marcociappelli.com/______________________Keywords: sean martin, marco ciappelli, michael moore, hitrust, cybersecurity, threat intelligence, risk management, compliance, assurance, ai security, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________ResourcesVisit the HITRUST Website to learn more: https://itspm.ag/itsphitwebLearn more and catch more stories from HITRUST on ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/hitrustLearn more about ITSPmagazine Brand Story Podcasts: https://www.itspmagazine.com/purchase-programsNewsletter Archive: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/tune-into-the-latest-podcasts-7109347022809309184/Business Newsletter Signup: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-business-updates-sign-upAre you interested in telling your story?https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story
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    36 m
  • Bridging Worlds: How Technology Connects — or Divides — Our Communities | Guest: Lawrence Eta | Redefining Society And Technology Podcast With Marco Ciappelli

    Bridging Worlds: How Technology Connects — or Divides — Our Communities | Guest: Lawrence Eta | Redefining Society And Technology Podcast With Marco Ciappelli
    Jun 25 2025
    ⸻ Podcast: Redefining Society and Technologyhttps://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com Title: Bridging Worlds: How Technology Connects — or Divides — Our Communities Guest: Lawrence EtaGlobal Digital AI Thought Leader | #1 International Best Selling Author | Keynote Speaker | TEDx Speaker | Multi-Sector Executive | Community & Smart Cities Advocate | Pioneering AI for Societal AdvancementWebSite: https://lawrenceeta.comOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-eta-9b11139/ Host: Marco CiappelliCo-Founder & CMO @ITSPmagazine | Master Degree in Political Science - Sociology of Communication l Branding & Marketing Consultant | Journalist | Writer | Podcasts: Technology, Cybersecurity, Society, and Storytelling.WebSite: https://marcociappelli.comOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-ciappelli/_____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsBlackCloak provides concierge cybersecurity protection to corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals to protect against hacking, reputational loss, financial loss, and the impacts of a corporate data breach.BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb_____________________________⸻ Podcast Summary ⸻ In this episode of Redefining Society and Technology, I sit down with Lawrence Eta — global technology leader, former CTO of the City of Toronto, and author of Bridging Worlds. We explore how technology, done right, can serve society, reduce inequality, and connect communities. From public broadband projects to building smart — sorry, connected — cities, Lawrence shares lessons from Toronto to Riyadh, and why tech is only as good as the values guiding it. ⸻ Article ⸻ As much as I love shiny gadgets, blinking lights, and funny noises from AI — we both know technology isn’t just about cool toys. It’s about people. It’s about society. It’s about building a better, more connected world. That’s exactly what we explore in my latest conversation on Redefining Society and Technology, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Eta. If you don’t know Lawrence yet — let me tell you, this guy has lived the tech-for-good mission. Former Chief Technology Officer for the City of Toronto, current Head of Digital and Analytics for one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega projects, global tech consultant, public servant, author… basically, someone who’s been around the block when it comes to tech, society, and the messy, complicated intersection where they collide. We talked about everything from bridging the digital divide in one of North America’s most diverse cities to building entirely new digital infrastructure from scratch in Riyadh. But what stuck with me most is his belief — and mine — that technology is neutral. It’s how we use it that makes the difference. Lawrence shared his experience launching Toronto’s Municipal Broadband Network — a project that brought affordable, high-speed internet to underserved communities. For him, success wasn’t measured by quarterly profits (a refreshing concept, right?) but by whether kids could attend virtual classes, families could access healthcare online, or small businesses could thrive from home. We also got into the “smart city” conversation — and how even the language we use matters. In Toronto, they scrapped the “smart city” buzzword and reframed the work as building a “connected community.” It’s not about making the city smart — it’s about connecting people, making sure no one gets left behind, and yes, making technology human. Lawrence also shared his Five S principles for digital development: Stability, Scalability, Solutions (integration), Security, and Sustainability. Simple, clear, and — let’s be honest — badly needed in a world where tech changes faster than most cities can adapt. We wrapped the conversation with the big picture — how technology can be the great equalizer if we use it to bridge divides, not widen them. But that takes intentional leadership, community engagement, and a shared vision. It also takes reminding ourselves that beneath all the algorithms and fiber optic cables, we’re still human. And — as Lawrence put it beautifully — no matter where we come from, most of us want the same basic things: safety, opportunity, connection, and a better future for our families. That’s why I keep having these conversations — because the future isn’t just happening to us. We’re building it, together. If you missed the episode, I highly recommend listening — especially if you care about technology serving people, not the other way around. Links to connect with Lawrence and to the full episode are below — stay tuned for more, and let’s keep redefining society, together. ⸻ Keywords ⸻ Connected Communities, Smart Cities, Digital Divide, Public Broadband, Technology and Society, Digital Infrastructure, Technology for Good, Community Engagement, Urban Innovation, Digital Inclusion, ...
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    39 m