Navigating Cybersecurity with Steve Campbell: From Navy to Penetration Testing

Join us for an enriching episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, where we sit down with Steve Campbell, a seasoned penetration tester and technical lead at CDW.

Steve takes us through his intriguing journey from the US Navy to becoming a key player in offensive security. With insights on breaking into the cybersecurity field, leveraging AI, enhancing communication skills, and the importance of deep work, this episode is packed with valuable advice for both aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals.

Don't miss Steve's personal anecdotes and expert tips on making a mark in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Steve Campbell's Career Journey

02:16 Writing a Book: Challenges and Rewards

04:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning

09:02 Breaking into Pen Testing

13:40 Networking and Job Hunting Tips

18:46 Interview Tips and Resume Honesty

25:01 The Value of IT Experience in Cybersecurity

27:11 Foundational Knowledge in Cybersecurity

28:57 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

32:33 Navigating the Job Market with AI Skills

34:20 Learning and Adapting with AI

37:00 Transitioning from Military to Cybersecurity

39:21 Career Growth and Skills Development

43:01 The Importance of Application Security

44:40 Bug Bounties and Continuous Learning

47:17 Deep Work and Focus in the Digital Age

51:04 Bash Scripting for Pen Testers

53:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Steve suggested:  

Deep Work by  Cal Newport

Adapting and Thriving in Cybersecurity and Recruitment

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter podcast, Tom welcomes Mike Graham, a senior technical recruiter with a background in coaching and teaching. Mike shares his journey from being an educator to a recruiter and highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and staying productive in one’s career.

The conversation touches on current market conditions, the impact of AI, and the significance of communication skills. Mike emphasizes the importance of process orientation, consistent productivity, and maintaining a growth mindset. He also shares valuable advice for job seekers and recruiters on how to stand out by being prepared and personalizing interactions.

The episode closes with Mike recommending two influential books, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie and 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear, which have shaped his professional approach.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:58 Mike's Background and Career Journey

01:38 Recruitment Insights and Market Conditions

02:29 Mike's Transition from Teaching to Recruiting

07:00 Adapting and Adjusting in Recruitment

14:44 Coaching Insights and Career Growth

20:42 Current Market Trends and AI Impact

26:33 The Future of Communication in Recruitment

28:03 The Fast-Paced World of Agency Recruiting

29:49 The Importance of Mentorship

30:15 Mastering the Art of Cold Calling

33:11 The Power of Personalized Messaging

35:43 Consistency and Productivity in Recruitment

44:28 The Value of Preparation

48:39 Books That Shape Successful Recruiters

Mike suggested:

 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Atomic Habits by James Clear

From Military Operations to Cybersecurity Leadership: Insights from Jude Sunderbruch

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Thomas is joined by Jude, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in military operations and civilian leadership roles.

Jude shares his career journey, starting from his time in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations to his current role as Managing Director at OakTruss Group. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on current tasks, investing in continuous learning, and taking calculated risks. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on current tasks, investing in continuous learning, and taking calculated risks.

Jude also discusses his experiences working in international settings, the evolution of cybersecurity roles, and the value of clear communication. Listeners will gain insights into effective career strategies, mentorship, and the benefits of global exposure.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:03 Guest Introduction: Meet Jude

02:33 Jude's Career Journey

05:04 Career Advice and Mentorship

08:43 Building Strong Connections

15:54 The Importance of Self-Investment

22:44 Aspiring to Leadership in Cybersecurity

23:32 Building a Solid Base of Experience

25:18 The Value of Travel and Cultural Exposure

28:48 Memorable Career Experiences

38:15 Insights from Books and Podcasts

42:50 The Importance of Communication Skills

45:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Jude suggested:

Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies by John W. Kingdom

Financial Times and the wall Street  

New York Times and Washington

Post  Daily from the New York Times

Podcast Fresh Air by Terry Gross

Navigating the Cybersecurity Terrain with Dr Mike Saylor

In this episode of 'The Cybersecurity Recruiter,' Mike Saylor joins the discussion, sharing his extensive experience in cybersecurity spanning over 30 years.

He discusses his journey from running various businesses to becoming a professor and executive director in cybersecurity. Mike highlights the importance of persistence in the field, the significance of mentorship, and the critical nature of updating skills continually. He also touches on emerging job roles, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and the role of AI.

The conversation focuses on guiding fresh entrants and professionals in the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the need for resilience, continuous learning, and proactive career planning.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Guest Introduction: Mike's Background

01:19 A Day in the Life of Mike

03:12 Insights on Cybersecurity Careers

04:26 The Importance of Mentoring and Career Advice

07:30 Challenges in Cybersecurity Education

11:50 The Role of Leadership in Cybersecurity

14:11 The Broad Scope of Cybersecurity Jobs

20:19 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity

22:23 The Value of Continuous Learning

28:54 Promotion Based on Tenure vs. Expertise

30:13 Job Market Trends and Cybersecurity Demand

30:49 Cross-Training and Collaboration in Cybersecurity

32:10 Entering the Cybersecurity Community

34:01 The Importance of Mentorship and Career Planning

37:09 Effective Job Search Strategies

46:38 Public Speaking and Personal Growth

49:30 Authorship and Continuous Learning

54:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Mike suggested:

Digital Crime and Digital Terrorism by Robert W. Taylor, Eric J. Fritsch, and John R. Liederbach

From Military Leadership to Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship: A Journey with Jeremy Conway

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Jeremy Conway shares his compelling journey from the U.S. Army to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity industry. Jeremy discusses his time in the military, his transition into the commercial world, the leaps and lessons learned in starting and growing his business, and the significance of a positive mindset.

He also sheds light on building a personal brand, the importance of adding value, and strategies for winning and retaining business clients. The conversation delves into leadership lessons, the impact of AI on jobs, and offers empowering insights for anyone looking to make significant strides in their professional life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 Jeremy Conway's Background and Career Journey

02:51 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

04:01 Building a Successful Career in Cybersecurity

05:00 Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Insights

06:47 Mindset and Overcoming Challenges

10:43 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

20:08 Navigating Anxiety and Maintaining Focus

28:48 Overcoming Anxiety with Action

28:56 The Power of the Power Five

30:54 Learning from a Visionary CEO

35:55 Embracing Change and AI

39:39 Building a Successful Business

50:25 The Importance of Personal Branding

53:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Breaking into Cybersecurity: Insider Tips and Career Advice

In this special Round Table episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Tom welcomes guests David Huynh, Brayden Scribner, and John Owen, Director of Security Analytics at Fulcrum Technology Solutions, to discuss entry-level challenges and career progression in cybersecurity. They explore common mistakes by new entrants, the importance of personal branding, and effective application strategies.

The conversation also delves into the significance of real-world experience, educational paths, and the roles of certifications and boot camps. The guests share their insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, with practical advice on how to stand out and succeed. Highlights include John's recount of managing a major security breach early in his career, and a discussion on the human aspect of cybersecurity's future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:12 Common Mistakes for New Cybersecurity Candidates

03:43 Handling Imposter Syndrome in Cybersecurity

09:03 Changes in Cybersecurity Hiring Trends

14:53 Choosing the Right College Program for Cybersecurity

22:44 Breaking into Cybersecurity: Tips and Strategies

29:01 Understanding the Sales Team Structure

30:23 The Importance of Networking in Cybersecurity

32:00 Debating Technical Routes: College, Bootcamp, or Self-Study?

34:02 The Value of Certifications and Real-Life Experience

36:14 The Human Aspect of Technology and AI

39:01 Key Differences Between High Performers and Aspiring Professionals

45:39 The Role of Hands-On Experience in Job Applications

49:16 Challenging Incidents and Career Growth in Cybersecurity

53:30 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

From Garbage Man to CISO: The Journey of Kevin Baker

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast, Kevin Baker shares his remarkable journey from working as a garbage man to becoming a CISO. The conversation covers his career progression, the challenges and opportunities he encountered, and his key experiences in building strong security programs across various organizations.

Kevin emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and maintaining humility in the cybersecurity field. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals on how to navigate their careers successfully.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:43 Kevin Baker's Career Journey

01:44 The Role and Challenges of a CISO

02:57 Kevin's Early Career and Breakthrough

03:47 Learning and Adapting in Cybersecurity

06:02 Kevin's Unorthodox Path into Cybersecurity

06:49 Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges

10:51 From Technical Skills to Global Impact

17:22 Mentorship and Continuous Learning

23:21 Incident Response and Global Networking

26:15 A Hard Lesson in Cybersecurity

27:36 The Importance of Manual Processes

29:17 Balancing Technical Skills and Management

31:15 The Role of Curiosity in Cybersecurity

35:34 Building Effective Security Programs

38:02 Communicating Risk to Executives

41:38 The Value of Humility in Cybersecurity

44:11 A Crowning Moment in Cybersecurity

50:17 The Importance of Continuous Learning

53:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating Recruitment in Cybersecurity: Insights from Stephen Parker

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast, Thomas is joined by Stephen Parker for an insightful discussion on recruitment and career development in the cybersecurity field.

Stephen shares his diverse career journey, from HR manager positions to becoming an HR and recruiting manager at RSI Security. They discuss the impact of AI on recruitment, the importance of personalized approach in job applications, and best practices for candidates on the job market.The conversation also covers automation in recruiting, leveraging LinkedIn effectively, and the do's and don'ts of job applications, offering valuable advice for both recruiters and job seekers in the cybersecurity industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Stephen Parker's Career Journey

02:20 Transition to Recruiting

05:05 The Role of AI in Recruitment

12:43 Importance of Human Touch in Recruitment

20:15 Automation in Recruitment Processes

25:08 Evaluating Candidate Qualifications

25:40 Automation in Recruitment Processes

27:39 The Role of AI in Recruitment

28:16 Positive Feedback on Video Interviews

28:53 Impact of AI on Application Review

33:07 Common Mistakes in Job Applications

39:28 Importance of LinkedIn Profiles

51:19 Interview Etiquette and Preparation

53:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans