In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, host Wil Klu (Wil Klusovsky) sits down with Jay Aigner, founder of JDA QA, to explore the critical overlap between Quality Assurance (QA), DevSecOps, and cybersecurity.They dig into why so many security issues start as QA misses, how poor planning and misaligned expectations in the SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) lead to costly vulnerabilities, and why “bolt-on security” after release is a recipe for disaster.
✅ You’ll Learn:
How QA fits into modern DevSecOps and SDLC
The true cost of skipping testing and secure design
Why QA and cybersecurity share the same challenges in proving value
How to build trust-based client relationships through education, not fear
Why hyper-targeted outreach beats mass sales every time
Wil and Jay also share lessons on building thought leadership, owning your local market, and creating long-term business value through education, transparency, and community building.
This episode blends technical insight, business strategy, and real-world GTM wisdom, perfect for leaders in software, security, and tech services who want to ship faster, safer, and smarter.
Find Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
Find Wil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilklu/
In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, host Will Klusovsky sits down with Lauren Zabierek, Senior Vice President for the Future of Digital Security at the Institute for Security and Technology (IST), to dive deep into the concept of Secure by Design, a movement transforming how software security is built, measured, and sustained.
Lauren shares insights from her 22 years across national security, the U.S. military, intelligence community, and private sector, explaining how misaligned incentives in software manufacturing created systemic cybersecurity risks and what it takes to fix them.
Together, Wil and Lauren explore:
- What Secure by Design really means and why it matters for every business.
- The U.S. government’s role in shifting cybersecurity responsibility from the most vulnerable (like hospitals and small utilities) to the manufacturers.
- How organizations can embed security into culture, leadership, and product design, not just code.
- The evolution from checklist-based frameworks to outcome-based security.
- Lessons from aviation and automotive safety that can guide the digital future.
Whether you’re a cybersecurity leader, developer, policymaker, or tech founder, this conversation unpacks the cultural, economic, and policy forces shaping a safer digital world.
Find Lauren on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenz1010/
Find Wil on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilklu/
cybersecurity podcast, secure by design, cybersecurity leadership, software security, digital safety, national cybersecurity strategy, cybersecurity policy, Institute for Security and Technology, Lauren Zabierek, Will Klu, keyboard samurai, CISA, software development security, cyber resilience, cybersecurity culture
In this episode, host Wil Klu sits down with Dr. Kion Ahadi, CEO of LegalMart and author of “Humanity Reimagined in the Age of AI,” to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership, ethics, and the human experience in the digital age.
Together, they dive deep into:
✅ The biggest leadership shifts required in the era of AI
✅ Why the “honeymoon phase” of AI is over and what comes next
✅ How shadow AI and ethical blind spots are creating new risks
✅ What governments and companies are getting wrong about AI governance
✅ How bias, bad data, and “AI experts” without expertise threaten real progress
✅ The balance between automation, emotional intelligence, and human connection
✅ Why loneliness, mental health, and generational change must factor into the future of work.
This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about humanity, leadership, and the choices shaping our collective future. If you lead people, build technology, or care about the impact of AI on our world, this episode will challenge how you think about innovation, ethics, and the future of work.🧠
Listen now to hear how leaders can evolve with, not against, AI.
Find Dr. Kion here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionahadiWebsite: https://kionahadi.comAI leadership, Future of Work, Ethical AI,
Cybersecurity Podcast, Tech Leadership, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Human in the Loop, LegalTech, Data Governance, Workplace Culture, Leadership in AI, Keyboard Samurai, Wil Klu, Dr Kion Ahadi
🎙 AI for the Rest of Us – with Sairam SundaresanIn this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil Klusovsky sits down with Sairam Sundaresan, a veteran AI engineer, educator, and author of AI for the Rest of Us. With 15+ years in the field spanning autonomous vehicles, mobile, data centers, and space science, Sairam breaks down artificial intelligence in a way anyone can understand.
💡 They cover:
• The evolution of AI from traditional machine learning to neural networks• Why modern AI is really “autocomplete on steroids”
• How to bridge the communication gap between engineers and business leaders• What AI debt is and why it’s already hitting companies hard
• The truth about security, governance, and AI-assisted coding
• A brilliant analogy that explains how image generation actually works
If you’ve ever wondered how AI really “thinks,” what’s behind tools like ChatGPT, or how to stay relevant in an AI-powered world, this episode is your field guide.
🧠 Perfect for: business leaders, technologists, product managers, cybersecurity pros, and anyone trying to understand AI without a PhD.📘
About Sairam’s book:AI for the Rest of Us is an illustrated, plain-English introduction to artificial intelligence written for non-coders and non-mathematicians who still want to understand what’s happening under the hood.
Find Sairam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sairam-sundaresan/
Pre-order "AI for the Rest of Us" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F29THNLT
Learn AI along with 22k+ learners from top tech firms in silicon valley: https://newsletter.artofsaience.com
In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, host Wil Klusovsky (aka Wil Klu) sits down with renowned ethical hacker, author, and mentor Philip Wylie — a legend in the offensive security community.Philip shares his journey from IT admin during the dot-com boom to teaching penetration testing and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Together, they explore how modern pen testing has evolved, why assumed-breach testing is critical today, and how M&A (mergers and acquisitions) pose unseen security risks.
💡 You’ll learn:
→ Why pen testing isn’t as simple as “breaking in” anymore
→ How assume-breach scenarios reveal real organizational risk
→ The security pitfalls hiding inside M&A integrations
→ Why mentoring, teaching, and community are vital for the next wave of cybersecurity talent
→ How ethical hacking has changed — and why it’s never been more important
Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, aspiring pen tester, or just curious about what goes on inside the hacker mindset, this episode will leave you with practical insights, industry wisdom, and a renewed sense of why mentorship matters in cybersecurity.
Find Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie/
https://www.youtube.com/ @PhillipWylie https://x.com/PhillipWylie
https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie/
In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with Mike Holcomb, Cybersecurity Fellow at Fluor, to talk about the high-stakes world of OT (Operational Technology) security. From massive industrial control systems to securing the shop floor, Mike shares real stories and hard-earned lessons from building one of the largest OT security practices in the world.
We also speculate and have some "lessons learned" from the ongoing incident at Jaguar, Land Rover causing a company wide shut down currently.
🔍 What you’ll learn:
Why OT cybersecurity is different from IT security, and why many teams still get it wrong
How to design security into industrial environments from day one
Real challenges facing critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and engineering firms
Practical advice for leaders building or maturing OT security programs
Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, or just curious about the hidden world of industrial cybersecurity, this conversation will change how you think about protecting what really keeps our world running.
🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to The Keyboard Samurai for more insights from the front lines of cybersecurity.
Find Mike:
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeholcomb/
web: https://www.mikeholcomb.com/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/ @utilsec
Cyber insurance isn’t just a policy, t’s the safety net your business needs when ransomware hits. In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, host Wi sits down with Joe Earl, cyber insurance broker at C3 Insurance and host of Ransomware Rewind.Joe shares real stories from the front lines, including how a trucking company negotiated down a $250K ransom and recovered from a crippling attack.
Together, we break down:
✅ How cyber insurance actually works (beyond the fine print)
✅ What insurers look for in your security posture
✅ The biggest misconceptions about coverage and payouts
✅ Why small and mid-sized businesses are prime ransomware targets
✅ Practical steps to reduce premiums and improve resilience
If you’re a business leader, CISO, or IT decision-maker, this conversation will give you the inside view on bridging risk management, insurance, and cybersecurity.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to protect your business from both hackers and financial fallout.
Find Joe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeerle/
What does the future of Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) really look like? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with AJ Yawn, current of a Aquia, Host of @Cybertakes , Co-Founder of ByteChek and GRC innovator ... we unpack how compliance is evolving, why traditional frameworks are breaking down, and what modern leaders need to do to keep pace.
We cover:
✅ The biggest shifts shaping GRC in 2025 and beyond
✅ Why automation and AI are changing compliance forever
✅ How security and business leaders can align risk with growth
If you’re a CISO, security leader, or business exec, this conversation is packed with practical insight on building smarter, faster, and more human-centric GRC programs.
🎧 Tune in to learn how to future-proof your compliance strategy today.
Find AJ:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajyawn/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/ @Cybertakes
Wil sits down with Marcel Velica of Eventbrite, to unpack what cyber leadership looks like in the age of AI. They explore how AI is reshaping the threat landscape, the boardroom’s role in cybersecurity, the rise of deepfakes and automated phishing, and why governance and risk ownership matter more than ever.
🎙️ Learn how CISOs and business leaders can:
→ Move beyond compliance checkboxes to real risk management
→ Balance AI’s power for defenders with its use by attackers
→ Build governance programs to keep employees (and data) safe
Perfect for security leaders, IT pros, and executives who want to understand AI’s real impact on cybersecurity leadership.
Find Marcel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelvelica/
What does it really take to reach the C-Suite? In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with Emma J Eyre, an executive leader who’s spent 20+ years building leadership teams across tech and then some. They dig into the data behind high-performing teams, what separates average leaders from C-level executives, and what you need to do to prepare and get to the "C-Level".
If you’re a cyber/tech leader, founder, or aspiring executive, this conversation will give you actionable insights on leadership, growth, and navigating the path to the top.
Find Emma on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmajeyre/
Her firm Obsidian
https://www.obsidianblack.org/
🎙️ Former ISC² Board Chair Reveals the Truth About Cybersecurity Certifications
Ever wonder if cybersecurity certifications are worth it? Dan Houser, a 24-year security veteran and former ISC² Board Chair, joins host Will Klu to expose what certifications REALLY mean in today's market.
In this episode, discover:
✅ Why CISSP is still the "gold standard" after 25+ years
✅ The critical difference between education and training (and why it matters for your career)
✅ How to study the RIGHT way
✅ Red flags that separate real security pros from pretenders
✅ Why employers can't find qualified cybersecurity talent
✅ Career advice for breaking into cybersecurity in 2025+
✅ The hidden impact of AI and IoT on security careers
Dan shares insider insights from his time at ISC², including why judgment-based certifications like CISSP are so challenging and valuable, plus practical study strategies that actually work.
Whether you're studying now, hiring security professionals, or considering a career change into cybersecurity, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who helped shape the certification industry.
Guest: Dan Houser - 24-year cybersecurity veteran, former ISC² Board Chair & Treasurer, Oracle Cloud Security Professional
Find Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-houser/
Host: Wil Klusovsky (Wil Klu) - Cybersecurity executive and industry veteran
🎧 Subscribe to Keyboard Samurai for more cybersecurity career insights and industry wisdom!
In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai Podcast, Wil sits down with Dom Vogel, cybersecurity leader, keynote speaker, and fractional CISO, to explore the power of empathy, authenticity, and kindness in leadership.
With 20+ years in cybersecurity from corporate trenches to entrepreneurship
Dom shares candid insights on:
✅ Why corporate culture “choked him out” and pushed him toward building his own path
✅ How empathy and authenticity make cybersecurity leaders more effective than fear-driven management
✅ The balance between technical expertise and human connection in security leadership
✅ Lessons from coaching tech executives who struggle to lead with humanity
✅ Practical ways to build stronger teams, better communication, and a culture that people want to follow
This conversation isn’t just for cybersecurity pros—it’s for any leader, founder, or executive who wants to build trust, inspire their team, and grow with resilience.
🔍 Key Topics Covered
Leadership in cybersecurity
Fractional CISO insights
Speaking & coaching for tech leaders
Building authentic culture
Why kindness is a competitive advantage
Find Dom:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domvogel/
Web: https://www.vogelleadershipcoaching.com/
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more candid conversations with cybersecurity and tech leaders.
In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with cybersecurity veteran Craig Taylor of Cyberhoot a 30-year industry pro who blends psychology and cyber know-how to tackle one of the toughest challenges in security: human behavior.
Craig shares how he built a phishing awareness and EU-wide training program that actually changes behavior, not just checks compliance boxes. From his early days convincing companies to buy their first firewalls, to founding his own firm dedicated to cyber literacy,
Craig reveals:
✅ Why most training fails (and how to fix it)
✅ How psychology and operant conditioning can improve security culture
✅ Lessons learned running phishing simulations that people don’t ignore
✅ What European companies get right—and wrong—about compliance training
✅ Practical tips for CISOs and security leaders to boost resilience through people
Whether you’re a CISO, SOC manager, or security leader trying to reduce risk at scale, this conversation delivers battle-tested insights you can apply right now.
🎧 Listen to learn how to turn phishing training from a checkbox into a cultural advantage.
Find Craig:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmtaylor/
Web: https://cyberhoot.com/
Tired of the same boring security awareness training? So is Amy Stokes-Waters, CEO of The Cyber Escape Room Company. In this episode, we explore how she’s transforming cybersecurity culture with interactive, gamified escape rooms that make learning unforgettable.
We dive into:
✅ Why traditional security awareness fails
✅ How gamification and storytelling boost engagement
✅ Real-world escape room scenarios for phishing, insider threats & OT security
✅ Using “think like a hacker” training to change behavior
Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, HR manager, or just someone tired of checkbox training, you’ll learn fresh ways to engage teams, build security culture, and actually make it stick.
Listen in and see why flipping the script might be the best thing you can do for your security program.
Find Amy:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amystokeswaters/
Web: https://www.cyberescaperoom.co/
In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, Heather Noggle joins Will to unpack how cybersecurity and tech firms can gain a competitive edge by rethinking how they attract, train, and retain talent.
We cover:
✅ Why soft skills matter more than ever
✅ How Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations
✅ Fixing broken cybersecurity career paths
✅ Why degrees don’t equal capability
✅ The power of clarity in job roles and training
Whether you're a leader, HR pro, or future CISO—this is your playbook for building the next wave of great talent.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more unfiltered insights on cyber, culture, and growth.
Find Heather:
https://heathernoggle.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernoggle/
In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with Sam and Michael, the founders behind HOU.SEC.CON, to unpack what it really takes to lead in security, build trust at scale, and create one of the most community-driven cyber events in the country.
You’ll hear practical insights on:
→ Why great leaders make their teams look good
→ How to stay grounded when others see you as the expert
→ Translating technical skill into business influence
→ The role of trust in both cybersecurity and leadership
→ How storytelling beats technical jargon every time
This is a must-listen for security professionals, startup leaders, and anyone shaping culture in high-stakes environments.
Practical. Real. No fluff.
Find them:
Michael: Farnum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/
Sam Van Ryder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svanryder/
https://www.houstonseccon.com/
Why Security Culture Fails (And How to Fix It)
In this episode, Wil sits down with Mike Williams, President of Appalachia Technologies, to unpack what really drives a strong security culture. It’s not just about tools or policies. It’s about leadership, intentional programs, and turning security into a shared mission. Learn how to engage employees, get leadership buy-in, measure meaningful KPIs, and make security a true business differentiator.Perfect for CISOs, IT leaders, and security pros ready to move beyond checkbox compliance.
Find Mike:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-williams-8092842/
https://appalachiatech.com/
What really makes a great cybersecurity consultant?In this episode, Will Klusovsky sits down with Ryan Rosado—Air Force veteran, security advisor, and startup mentor—to break down what most people get wrong about consulting in the cyber world.Whether you're a hands-on engineer stepping into advisory, or a seasoned consultant looking to refine your edge, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom, candid stories, and actionable takeaways.
🔑 Topics we cover:
↳ Why consulting isn’t just “doing the work”
↳ How to build trust with clients (even when telling hard truths)
↳ Teaching soft skills like tact, business acumen, and adaptability
↳ The role of personal branding in long-term consulting success
↳ Why feedback is the most underused growth tool
↳ How companies should train (and retain) their consultants👀 Don’t just be billable.
Be better.—
📌 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrenerosado/
Building a Cyber Biz From Scratch: Zero Plan, Pure GritWhat does it really take to build a business in cybersecurity as a first-time founder with no funding, no roadmap, and no safety net?In this episode, Wil sits down with Joe Head, founder of Molto, to break down the raw, real journey from recruiter burnout to building a thriving branding and marketing agency for cybersecurity companies. Joe shares how he started with nothing but his industry knowledge and scaled by listening to client needs, not by chasing perfect plans.You’ll learn:Why early-stage execution is more important than over planningHow to package your expertise and sell it fastThe power of iteration, network-building, and trusting the processThe traps of perfection, imposter syndrome, and building aloneJoe’s approach is gritty, practical, and deeply human. If you’re a founder, freelancer, or consultant in cybersecurity, this episode is for you.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehead1
GRC isn't about paperwork. It's about business impact.Wil and Tom Richards break down how to deliver GRC services clients actually want. They cover the mindsets that kill value, how to align with real business goals, and why outcome-based thinking beats checkbox compliance every time.Perfect for MSPs, consultants, or anyone building security programs that work in the real world.Find Tom on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsr-etp/