Cyber Inspiration
Cyber Inspiration podcast explores the minds of CTOs and CEOs, at the time they started their cyber security companies. We find out what happened in their technical or personal lives that motivated them to start the company. Cyber Inspiration will also cover social, technological and business aspects. This show is affiliated with https://www.security-architecture.org/ podcast! Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/cyber_Inspiration_2022
Zero Trust Done Right: Why Most Initiatives Fail and How to Fix Them
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam is joined by John Spiegel, Jaye Tillson, and Graham Ludlow, authors of Zero Trust Done Right: A practitioner’s guide to zero trust security in the age of AI.
Based on decades of real world experience, they break down why most Zero Trust initiatives fail and what organizations need to do differently.
This is not a technical deep dive. It is a practical conversation about leadership, communication, and execution.
We cover:
• Why Zero Trust is a business initiative, not an IT project
•...
Trust on the Edge: Why IoT Security Starts at Day One
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam sits down with David Sequino and Bill Lattin of OmniTrust (formally INTEGRITY Security Services - ISS), and authors of Trust on the Edge: The New Front Line in IoT Cybersecurity.
With decades of experience in cryptography and embedded systems, David and Bill share how a real world manufacturing challenge led them to build solutions focused on securing connected devices.
As everything from vehicles to medical devices becomes connected, cybersecurity is no longer optional. It must be built into products from the very beginning.
This conversation...
Building Through Crashes, Crises, and Comebacks with Stanley Li
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Stanley Li, Founder of Netswitch Technology Management, to unpack a 30 year journey through technology, entrepreneurship, and cyber governance.
Born in Hong Kong, educated in England, and building his career in San Francisco, Stanley’s path was anything but linear. From bartending at a yacht club to becoming a cable puller, to network architect, to founder during the dot com era, his story reflects persistence, risk, and reinvention.
We discuss:
• Starting at the bottom and learning the industry from the ground up
•...
From Military to Founder: How Sharon Isaaci Built Tonic Security with Context, Culture, and AI
Sharon Isaaci, Co-Founder and CEO of Tonic Security, joins Evgeniy Kharam to explore what it really takes to build a cybersecurity company that helps defenders focus on what matters.
After years in military intelligence and incident response, Sharon kept seeing the same pattern. Organizations had visibility, alerts, and tools. But they still got breached. Why? Because they missed the context.
This episode dives into how that insight led to Tonic Security, how GenAI is being used to cut through noise, and why Sharon now hires for values and learning ability instead of just technical skill.<...
Episode 89 - Omar Romero - Founder and CEO of ROSE IT Services Limited
In this episode, host Evgeniy Kharam speaks with Omar Romero, CEO of Rose IT Services, a Trinidad-based MSP serving the Caribbean and North America. Omar shares his story of launching the company post-2008 crash, scaling without VC or franchising, building a team from scratch, and adapting to evolving tech, from cybersecurity to automation. He also explores cultural differences in client communication and how COVID shaped his documentation-first mindset.
Key Topics:
MSP growth lessons from New York to TrinidadHow culture impacts IT service deliveryScaling a business without losing the personal touchWhy cybersecurity became central to Rose ITReal...Episode 88 - Ross Young - Author of Cybersecurity's Dirty Secret
Ross Young joins Evgeniy Kharam to talk about his new book Cybersecurity Secret: Why Most Budgets Go to Waste — and how the industry can do better. From optimizing spend and retiring underperforming tools, to writing a book using AI and creating onboarding frameworks for developers, Ross shares insights every cybersecurity leader can use.
Topics Covered:
Why cybersecurity spending often failsWho the book is for (CISOs, CFOs, vendors, and tech writers)The “Murder Board” framework to evaluate tool usageTotal Cost of Ownership in cyber planningAI and ChatGPT for authorship + productivityDeveloper onboarding as a security riskWhy Ross self-published and wh...Episode 87 - Saryu Nayyar - Founder & CEO of Gurucul
In this episode, Evgeniy Kharam interviews Saryu Nayyar, CEO of Gurucul, to unpack how she turned a practitioner’s insight into a powerful cybersecurity platform. With no outside funding and a relentless focus on relationships, Saryu’s leadership helped Gurucul land in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant while continuing to innovate through AI, data optimization, and trust-first culture.
What We Cover:
From Oracle to entrepreneurshipBootstrapping instead of raising VCWhy product-market fit takes timePrioritizing when everything feels urgentHow soft skills and team trust built Gurucul’s foundationResources:
Website: https://www.gurucul.com
Linked...
Episode 86 - Charles Henderson - EVP of Cyber Security Solutions at Coalfire
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Charles Henderson, Executive Vice President of Cybersecurity Solutions at Coalfire, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cyber threat landscape.
From AI-driven impersonation attacks to the ethics and implications of deepfake technology, Charles shares firsthand insights from the frontlines of offensive and defensive security. Whether you’re a CISO, red teamer, or simply want to understand how threat actors are exploiting AI, this episode will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your awareness.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why AI is b...Episode 85 - Eric Mishayev - Co-Founder & CEO of Albarius
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, Evgeniy Kharam speaks with Eric Mishayev, the founder of Albarius, a cutting-edge cybersecurity company focused on network security management. With nearly 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity field, including his time in Unit 8200 of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Eric shares how his journey led him to establish Albarius.
Eric delves into the early days of Albarius, explaining how he identified a recurring problem in network security policy management. This insight drove him to create a solution that leverages AI to address the unique needs of each organization, particularly in managing...
Episode 84 - Amir Khayat - CEO & Co-Founder of Vorlon
Join Evgeniy Kharam on the Cyber Inspiration Podcast as he talks with Amir Khayat, the CEO and Co-Founder of Vorlon, a revolutionary cybersecurity company tackling third-party app breaches.
In this episode, Amir shares his expertise in the cybersecurity space and discusses how Vorlon's proactive approach is changing the way companies address the growing risks of third-party vulnerabilities. The conversation dives into Amir’s entrepreneurial journey, including:
The importance of building a diverse and skilled team.Tips for securing funding and scaling a startup.How to validate ideas early to gain traction.Lessons on leadership, managing work-life ba...Episode 83 - Ravid Circus - Co-Founder & CPO of Seemplicity
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Ravid Circus, Co-Founder and CPO of Seemplicity, to discuss the journey of building a cybersecurity solution from the ground up. Seemplicity is transforming Remediation Operations (RemOps) by streamlining and automating vulnerability and exposure management, helping security, IT, and DevOps teams reduce risk more effectively.
Ravid shares insights on how he and his team identified a gap in the market, turned an idea into a full-scale cybersecurity platform, and navigated the challenges of product development, hiring, and scaling. Throughout the conversation, he provides a behind-the-scenes look...
Episode 82 - Peter Cohan - Author of Great Demo!
In this compelling episode of Cyber Inspiration, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Peter Cohan—the acclaimed author of Great Demo —to explore what it takes to deliver a truly effective software demo. Peter shares his personal journey, beginning with his own experience as a prospect in search of a CRM system and his subsequent discovery of the pitfalls in traditional demo processes. This eye-opening experience inspired him to develop the Great Demo methodology, a framework that emphasizes showcasing tangible, role-specific deliverables right from the start.
During the interview, Peter delves into several key areas:
Origins & Insp...Episode 81 - Alex East - Cybersecurity for Seniors Made Easy
Protecting the Elderly from Cyber Scams: An Author's Journey
In this episode, we speak with Alex East, a seasoned cybersecurity expert, who has written a detailed book aimed at protecting the elderly from cyber scams. Inspired by a personal incident where his father was scammed, Alex discusses his motivation, research process, and the complex journey of self-publishing his book. He also talks about the importance of creating a high-quality product, the ongoing need to update content to stay relevant with evolving threats, and how his work aims to educate families on safeguarding their senior members.
...
From CEO to Author: René-Sylvain Bédard’s Journey | Cyber Inspiration Podcast
Cyber Inspiration Podcast: Featuring René-Sylvain Bédard
In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with René-Sylvain Bédard, the visionary Founder and CEO of Indominus and a newly published author. 🎙️📚
René shares his journey of building a cutting-edge company while embracing the creative process of writing his first book. He opens up about the challenges, lessons, and triumphs of balancing entrepreneurship with authorship. From relatable struggles to humorous insights, this conversation is packed with inspiration for leaders, innovators, and aspiring authors alike.
What you’ll learn in this episode:<...
Inside Cyber: Chuck Brooks on His Book, AI, IoT & Cybersecurity's Future
In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Chuck Brooks, a renowned cybersecurity expert and thought leader, to discuss his highly anticipated book, Inside Cyber. Chuck shares his journey from shaping a course on disruptive technologies to crafting a comprehensive resource on cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Buy Your Copy Here
Key Topics Covered:
The Inspiration Behind Inside Cyber: Chuck’s motivation for writing the book and his decision to publish with Wiley.Emerging Technologies: Insights on AI, quantum computing, IoT, 5G, and their impact on cybersecurity.Privacy in the Digital Age: Why privacy is a...Episode 78 - Jaap Mantel - Data & More
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, Jaap Mantel from Data & More shares invaluable insights on data compliance, classification, and governance. He walks us through the company's founding, its unique Microsoft-influenced approach, and their expansion into North America. Jaap emphasizes the importance of strong company culture, maintaining a vision-driven strategy, and adapting to market challenges. He also sheds light on how the rise of AI is shaping data management processes. Tune in for practical tips on scaling a business, leadership lessons, and achieving work-life balance while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction.
Episode 77 - Derik Belair - Co-Founder & CEO of Augmentt Technology
In this episode, Derik Belair, Co-Founder and CEO of Augmentt Technology, takes us through the fascinating journey of building a platform designed to help MSPs manage and secure Microsoft environments. Derik shares how the idea for Augmentt Technology was born during a sailing trip, spurred by a market shift toward cloud and SaaS solutions. He walks us through the early days of drafting a business plan, developing a prototype, and gathering valuable feedback from MSPs.
Derik also delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a strong team, adapting to remote work, and maintaining company culture during...
Episode 76 - Alex Shan - CEO of Jolera
Join us in an insightful interview with Alex Shan, the CEO of Jolera. Alex shares his journey from his early days at IBM to establishing Jolera as a pioneering Global Systems Integrator. Over the past 20 years, Jolera has evolved from an MSP to a master MSP, managing complex business problems with technology. Alex dives into the origin of the company's fixed-price IT service model, his approach to hiring and maintaining talent, transitioning from technical to sales roles, and the importance of maintaining client relationships. He also candidly discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the fast-paced tech industry. Perfect...
Episode 75 - David Redekop - Founder & CEO of ADAMnetworks™
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration, we sit down with David Redekop, the Founder and CEO of ADAMnetworks™, to explore his journey into the world of cybersecurity and the inspiration behind starting his company. Here's a breakdown of the key topics covered:
Introduction and Background
David introduces himself and gives an overview of ADAMnetworks™, a company specializing in Zero Trust Connectivity and egress control, aimed at disrupting the attack chain between the endpoint and the internet.Early Career and Inspiration
David shares his background as a network architect and his early career in the...Episode 74 - Mike Krygier - Founder & CEO of DeepCove Cybersecurity
In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, host Evgeniy Kharam sits down with Mike Krygier, a seasoned cybersecurity leader and CISO, to discuss his journey and the insights he’s gained along the way. Mike shares his experiences from his impressive career, providing valuable perspectives on driving innovation in cybersecurity, tackling emerging threats, and fostering a security-first culture within organizations. Whether you're an aspiring cybersecurity professional or a seasoned expert, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry's leading voices!
Key Takeaways:
Continuous innovation is...Episode 73 - Rick Howard - Author of CyberSecurity First Principles
A Conversation with Rick Howard: From Cybersecurity Leader to Author
In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Rick Howard, Chief Security Officer at N2K, about his journey in cybersecurity, his career in the U.S. Army, and his transition to becoming an author and podcaster. Rick shares his thoughts on cybersecurity first principles, his writing process, and the motivation behind his book. He also discusses the challenges of the publication process, the importance of historical perspective in research, and offers advice to prospective authors. Additionally, Rick talks about the Canon Security project, a...
Episode 72 - Vivek Ramachandran - Founder of SquareX
From Cybersecurity Nerd to CEO: Vivek's Journey with SquareX
In this episode, we sit down with Vivek, the founder and CEO of SquareX, to discuss his inspirational journey from a deep tech cybersecurity expert to a successful entrepreneur. Vivek shares how his previous ventures, including research at Cisco and founding Pentester Academy, culminated in the creation of SquareX, a company dedicated to helping organizations detect, mitigate, and hunt web threats in real-time. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity and customer feedback in validating ideas and discusses the critical phases of building a startup, from hiring talent to...
Episode 71 - Carlson Choi - CEO of Cork
In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we sit down with Carlson Choi, CEO of Cork, to explore their groundbreaking smart cyber warranty product tailored for managed service providers. Carlson candidly shares Cork's journey, shedding light on the driving forces behind the product's inception, the hurdles they encountered, and the dynamic team behind its development. From navigating sales strategies to refining product iterations, Carlson articulates the essence of agility and customer-centricity in the startup landscape. He underscores the significance of attuning to customer demands, staying nimble in the face of challenges, and adhering to a rigorous schedule for...
Episode 70 - Richard Stiennon - Author of Security Yearbook
In this episode of Cyber Inspiration Podcast, we're joined by Richard Stiennon, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity realm. Richard shares his journey, from his beginnings as an industry analyst to becoming a prolific author. He reflects on his experiences at major events like RSA, offering insights gleaned from interacting with cybersecurity thought leaders.
Delving into the writing process, Richard discusses how he collects data on cybersecurity vendors and transforms it into comprehensive narratives in his books. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of self-publishing versus traditional publishing in the cybersecurity domain.
Richard...
Episode 69 - Ross Haleliuk - Author of Cyber for Builders
In this episode, Ross Haleliuk joins us to discuss his book 'Cyber for Builders'. Ross shares his background in technology and product management, leading into his journey in cybersecurity. His book is tailored for cybersecurity builders, offering a business perspective on the industry.
Ross delves into industry trends, fundraising, and building a cybersecurity company. He also shares insights into his writing process, challenges faced during the book's creation, and the decision to self-publish.
The episode concludes with Ross offering advice for aspiring writers and directing listeners to find 'Cyber for Builders' on Amazon.
...
Episode 68 - David DellaPelle - Co-Founder & CEO of Dune Security
In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity with David DellaPelle, Co-Founder & CEO of Dune Security. Despite its name, Dune Security isn't about sandworms or spice; it's a company dedicated to reducing corporate attack surfaces and thwarting AI-powered social engineering. Founded just ten months ago, David shares the genesis and mission of Dune Security, emphasizing the critical role of addressing employee error in preventing breaches.
Discover how Dune Security is carving its niche in the cybersecurity landscape by fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and execution. David provides insights into the company's...
Episode 67 - Cassie Crossley - Author of "Software Supply Chain Security"
In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, our host, Evgeniy Kharam, delves into a captivating conversation with Cassie Crossley, an industry expert and author in the cybersecurity space. Cassie shares her journey of writing a groundbreaking book, "Software Supply Chain Security", that sheds light on the often overlooked realm of software supply chain security.
Here's a glimpse into the key points discussed:
Introduction to Cassie and Her Book: Cassie, who has been immersed in cybersecurity for over 14 years, shares her motivation behind writing her book. Focused on bridging the gap in understanding product security and...Episode 66 - Cara Wolf - CEO of Ammolite Analytx
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Ammolite Analytx, a company that evolved from a management consulting firm to an AI powerhouse and eventually found its niche in the cybersecurity realm. Our guest is none other than Cara Wolf, the CEO of Ammolite Analytx, who takes us through the twists and turns of the company's trajectory.
Starting back in 2006 as a management consulting firm, Ammolite Analytx underwent a significant transformation over the years. Cara shares insights into the company's origins, the challenges faced during its evolution, and the pivotal decision to shift focus towards...
Episode 65 - Dan Amiga - Co-Founder & CTO at Island
In this podcast episode, Dan Amiga, CTO and co-founder of Island, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind founding his company during the peak of COVID-19 in mid-2020.
With a background in cybersecurity and experiences that range from programming in his early teens to serving in the Israeli Defense Forces' intelligence unit, Dan discusses the inception and growth of Island. With his rich background in cybersecurity and a series of successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Island, an enterprise browser designed with security, IT, and productivity...
Episode 64 - Ezzeldin Tahoun - Co-Founder & CEO
In this episode of the Cyber Inspiration Podcast, the host, Evgeny Kharam, a cybersecurity veteran, speaks to Co-Founder & CEO Ezzeldin Tahoun from Cypienta.
The discussion revolves around the startup journey of the cybersecurity company Cypienta. The podcast spotlights the company's evolution which involved pivoting their focus towards solving more significant issues. The guest also talks about the challenges and rewards of leadership in a start-up and the importance of getting the right team.
Ezz emphasizes the idea of playing to strengths while reflecting on their shift from being tech-driven to incorporating sales strategies into their...
Episode 63 - Mariana Padilla - CEO of HACKERverse®
In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Mariana Padilla, the co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse®, a platform and marketplace for cybersecurity in the world of e-sports. Mariana shares her journey from the pain of purchasing enterprise software to becoming the CEO of HACKERverse®, formerly known as KIKRR. She discusses the challenges she faced in naming the company and the importance of making it easy for vendors and customers to navigate the cybersecurity landscape.
Mariana is passionate about changing the way the world buys and sells cybersecurity software, and she shares her insights on the pi...
Episode 62 - Tal Kollender - CEO & Co-Founder of GYTPOL
Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of Tal Kollender, CEO and Co-founder of GYTPOL. Tal shares her remarkable story, from her early days of gaming to becoming a skilled hacker, and eventually, the visionary leader of a cybersecurity company.
In this candid conversation, Tal discusses her motivations for starting GYTPOL, a company focused on addressing device misconfigurations, human errors, and default settings. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the importance of building a strong company culture, and the unique path GYTPOL has taken in the world of cybersecurity.<...
Episode 61 - Omri Weinberg - Co-Founder & CRO of DoControl
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
It's very easy to explain if you think about a company, doesn't matter the size of the company, 50 employees, 500 to 5,000. In order for them to run a business, they adopt and use a lot of SaaS applications.You need to make sure that you have a good team surrounding you. It's very hard to do it solo. I think it's very hard to do it...Episode 60 - Nadir Izrael - Co-Founder & CEO at Armis
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
In this episode, Nadir shares insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the groundbreaking solutions offered by Armis. Explore the holistic approach to security, from standard laptops and servers to industrial controllers and cloud-based workflows.
Discover the unique perspective of Armis, positioned as the "Google Maps of Security." Uncover the significance of understanding, discovering, and fingerprinting assets within your environment, all without the need for intrusive...
Episode 59 - Joshua Crumbaugh - CEO of PhishFirewall
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
When you look at the social engineering attacks that target our people, they are targeting what are called these cognitive biases.When you get funding, just take your time. You're going to feel very rushed to hit those numbers, take your time and be strategic about your decisions and about your movement. It's all too easy to want to just jump and to move too...Episode 58 - Poornima DeBolle - Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Menlo Security Inc.
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
A huge part of your success is around execution and execution is 100 percent around the people you hireI think we would collectively benefit from some more time spent on how do we evangelize, how do we make ourselves better knownWe're not brain surgeons. You didn't lose anybody, keep yourself grounded with family and friendsPlease comment, rate and share with your friends. It...
Episode 57 - Michael Argast - Co-founder & CEO at Kobalt
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
Do less stuff yourself. Build a team that is capable of doing those things. Make sure that team has a strong alignment of purpose and mission, and they have the tools necessary to succeed and get the hell out of their way, or give them the support they need.I don't know that I would make any significant changes because the journey is part of...Episode 56 - Ron Nissim - Co-Founder & CEO of Entitle
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
The conversation is so much easier to be had when you're not selling anything.One thing that I've learned startups and entrepreneurship and cybersecurity is there is no right or wrong answer.We're building the company for years to come. When that's the focus, it's okay to have a misstep or two here and there in this process.Please comment, rate and share...
Episode 55 - Emiliano Berenbaum - CEO & Co-Founder of Trustle
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
If you think about access as keys to a house, they really just give you the ability to enter the house. They don't help you manage, get into the specific room.Giving talks at conferences, what we would do is that we would practice, we would record our talks and then we would critique them.When it comes to culture, number 1 is that everybody works...Episode 54 - Sai Venkataraman - Co-Founder & CEO of Discern Security
Welcome to Cyber Inspiration Podcast, you may be familiar with me as Co-host of the Security Architecture Podcast, which I started with Dmitry Raidman CTO of Cybeats in 2020.
From the Episode:
There's some shared foundation. You're going to have these learnings, customers always teach us. And so I'm sure there's a little bit of a cookie, but you can never take a full cookie cutter approach.There's always been a trade off, we are aware of this between security and productivity - if you tune up security too much, you start impacting innovationThe lesson I've learned...