In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Zakkery Gage, Director of Cybersecurity at Inversion6, for a real and refreshing take on what it’s like to protect small and midsize businesses in today’s world.
Zakkery shares how he went from troubleshooting tech problems to helping companies build real security cultures that last.
He opens up about the unique challenges SMBs face, tight budgets, limited staff, and growing threats that never seem to slow down.
We talk about the importance of awareness, communication, and teamwork, because cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s everyone’s responsibility.
💬 “You don’t need every tool on the market. You just need to use what you have the right way.”
Zakkery also dives into leadership, how staying curious, adaptable, and connected can transform the way you manage risk.
This episode is full of insights, laughs, and real talk about what it actually takes to keep a business secure.
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In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Robert Bingham, VP of IT and Security at Excelsior Wellness, to talk about the challenges and realities of managing cybersecurity in the age of AI.
Robert shares his journey from serving in Navy cyber warfare to leading technology and security in the healthcare space.
He opens up about facing an overwhelming 700+ AI tools within his organization — and how that explosion of innovation comes with hidden risks.
We dive into how communication, accountability, and trust keep teams aligned when technology moves faster than policy.
💬 “You can’t secure what you don’t know — and that includes every AI tool your employees bring in.”
Packed with practical lessons, leadership insights, and real-world stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating cybersecurity in today’s AI-driven world.
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In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Aaron Schaub, Chief Information Security Officer at United Midwest Savings Bank.Aaron shares his journey from tinkering with computers in the late ’90s to leading cybersecurity for one of the region’s top financial institutions.He talks about how saying yes to challenges shaped his growth , and why adaptability and accountability define true leadership.We dive deep into the human side of security, your people, your culture, your “carbon-based firewalls.”“The technology is the easy part. People are the challenge.”Packed with insights, stories, and lessons on resilience, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow into a cybersecurity leader. Follow us on Social 👇 Youtube ►www.youtube.com/@Cynexlink LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/cynexlink/
On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Trenton Ridgway to explore what real leadership in cybersecurity looks like.
Trenton shares why true security starts with owning risk, not just managing technology. He talks about the importance of accountability and why collaboration beats blame every time.
When things go wrong, pointing fingers doesn’t fix it, communication does. Trenton also opens up about learning through failure and how every setback is a step forward.
We dive into why curiosity is a leader’s greatest tool and why growth never stops in this field. He reminds us that certifications fade, but your mindset and willingness to learn will take you further.
Trenton discusses how investing in your development through mentors, training, and real-world experiences builds confidence and trust.
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On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Chris Leslie to talk about the realities of starting a career in technology.
Chris shares why patience is the key trait every beginner needs when stepping into the fast-moving world of tech. and opens up about the overwhelming pace of change and why it’s impossible to master everything overnight.
Instead, Chris encourages newcomers to focus on small, consistent progress that adds up over time. He explains how patience helps avoid burnout while building real confidence and expertise.
We dive into the mindset shifts that allow early-career professionals to grow steadily. Chris also reflects on his own experiences navigating challenges in cybersecurity and beyond!
Listeners will hear practical advice for slowing down and trusting the process. we emphasize that patience is not about waiting, it’s about learning with intention.
Chris Leslie’s story is a reminder that growth in tech, just like in life, is a marathon, not a sprint..
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On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with David McHenry, Virtual CISO, to explore his unique journey from the music industry into IT and security.
David shares how creativity fueled his career shift and how mentorship shaped his leadership approach. He opens up about the importance of security awareness training making it engaging, personal, and memorable.
He also reveals why phishing and spear-phishing remain top threats and how encrypted emails can complicate defense. We dive into the challenges of security awareness programs and why videos alone aren’t enough.
Also, explained why real-time, instructor-led training can make the difference in changing behavior. He reflects on his experience building security programs from the ground up, balancing creativity with strategy. Listeners will hear practical advice for those starting out in cybersecurity, or looking to grow their career.
David’s story is a reminder that growth comes from stepping just outside your comfort zone.
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In this episode of the CNL podcast, Peter DiDonato, Chief Innovation Officer at SC Academy, talks about the ongoing challenge of pushing new ideas forward while making sure security doesn’t fall behind.
Peter highlights why it’s so important to build security into projects right from the start, instead of trying to add it on later. This mindset is especially important in education, where technology can spark creativity but also comes with risks if it’s not protected.
He also shares the story of Project ISA, an approach SC Academy developed to make sure every new idea stays secure without holding back innovation. Along the way, Peter emphasizes the power of collaboration, reminding us that even the best teams benefit from outside expertise and fresh perspectives.
At the heart of his message: building a safe, innovative space is a team effort. It takes different skill sets, ongoing learning, and awareness of both the technical and human side of security.
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In this episode, CIO Gary Kern called out one of the biggest myths in cybersecurity, the idea that a system can ever be 100% secure. Instead of chasing perfection, he said companies should focus on being prepared, because a breach isn’t a matter of if, it’s when.
For Gary, the most important defense starts with people. Employees need regular training to spot phishing and other scams, since human error is often the easiest way in for attackers. On the tech side, he pointed to keeping systems updated, patching quickly, and using modern tools to stay ahead.
He also flagged how AI is making threats smarter, from highly convincing phishing emails to deepfake videos. And beyond internal defenses, he stressed the need to look at third- and even fourth-party vendors, which are common entry points for attackers.
His advice to future leaders? Stay curious, be creative, and keep learning, not just from your own mistakes, but from others as well.
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In this Episode with Sedric, Timothy Hoffard, Senior Manager of IT Security and Governance at Padagis, made it clear that integrity and due diligence aren’t optional in cybersecurity. He pointed out that it’s better to admit when you don’t know something than to pretend you do.
Timothy and Sedric also talked about the power of collaboration. Sometimes, a quick five-minute conversation can save hours of work.
For Timothy, one of his biggest contributions to the industry has been pushing people not to work in isolation, a mindset he feels gets overlooked, especially with so much focus on "return to office" policies.
They also touched on employee retention, noting that keeping great talent is about more than just filling seats. It’s about making people feel valued and connected to the company’s culture, which in turn helps reduce turnover and boost profitability.
Finally, both agreed on the importance of having hobbies and outlets outside of work to avoid burnout. At the end of the day, they believe that character, integrity, and a willingness to keep learning are the qualities that truly set professionals apart.
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In this episode, host Sedric and CISO Elliott Franklin discuss the realities of professional growth in cybersecurity.
They highlight that degrees and certifications are valuable, but not the ultimate indicators of success.
Elliott stresses the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a constant hunger to learn. He shares how employees who wait for direction often struggle in a field that evolves daily.
Reflecting on his own career, Elliott admits avoiding conflict once held him back. He now views difficult conversations as essential for leadership and long-term growth.
Rather than pushing change for its own sake, he advocates for collaborative, problem-solving teams. Looking ahead, Elliott aspires to transition into a CIO role with a security-first perspective.
He also emphasizes mentoring as a way to accelerate careers and strengthen the cybersecurity community.
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In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric speaks with Melina Taylor, Director of IT at Hope Lab, about her unconventional journey from psychology to IT leadership. Inspired by early gaming on the SNES and N64, Melina discovered her passion for technology in college and turned it into a career.
She reflects on challenges, including burnout while running her own IT consulting firm, and how that shaped her approach to balance and resilience. At Hope Lab, she operates as a one-person IT team, managing outsourced partners, leading strategy, and educating users beyond quick fixes.
Melina emphasizes the value of communication, networking, and asking for help as essential IT skills, alongside a strong grounding in cybersecurity. Looking ahead, she warns of the disruptive threat quantum computing poses to encryption, while balancing her career with community engagement and her side business, TLDD Wines.
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On this episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric chats with Jon Buhagiar, Director of IT Services at RareMed. Jon’s path into technology wasn’t a straight line, it started back in the mid-1980s with an Apple IIe and a fascination for 8-bit computing. After spending five years as a mechanic, a chance conversation with a customer steered him toward IT. That encounter sparked a decision to take the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) exams, a move he says “changed his life,” transforming him from a muffler shop manager into a technology instructor. His career came full circle when he began writing books for Sybex, the same publisher whose guides helped him pass his MCSE exams. Today, he’s co-authored several works, including with Todd Lammle, the author of the CCNA book he once studied from. Jon reflects on the power of certifications, the mindset needed to succeed, and why preparation, composure, and a deep breath can be just as important as technical skill. He even draws inspiration from advice he’s given his son and from an MMA fighter’s philosophy of channelling nervous energy into focused performance. Jon’s current work at RareMed Solutions, a non-commercial pharmacy that helps patients with rare diseases access life-saving medications, has given him a new perspective on IT’s impact. During a tabletop exercise, a colleague reframed the conversation from technical recovery to patient care, underscoring how their systems can directly affect whether someone gets the medicine they need. For Jon, moments like that turn technical challenges into a mission with real-world stakes. To stay ahead in an ever-changing tech landscape, Jon leans on a mix of tools and habits: tapping into real-time insights on Reddit, joining webinars to explore emerging technologies like global secure access on Azure, and participating in professional groups like InfraGard for federal-level threat intelligence. He emphasizes staying open to new ideas, learning continuously, and maintaining a collaborative push-and-pull dynamic with trusted colleagues. In his view, passion is the fuel that makes it possible to keep up with the industry’s demands, and without it, burnout is inevitable. Follow us on Social 👇 Youtube ►www.youtube.com/@Cynexlink LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/cynexlink/
On the CNL Podcast, Sedric speaks with Richard Nolan, Director of IT at Stable Dry, about his two-decade journey in tech, starting at Dell in 2000. Richard emphasizes the value of building deep expertise early on and understanding how foundational IT knowledge impacts business and security decisions.
At Stable Dry, he leads a lean team, balancing hands-on engineering with strategic planning. He highlights phishing as a top threat especially in the SMB space, and stresses the need for strong user training.
Richard warns against the “we’re too small to get hit” mindset, noting that a single breach can be devastating. He also critiques tech providers like Microsoft for UI changes that weaken user defenses, urging SMBs to proactively invest in security.
Looking ahead, Richard believes that SMBs must prioritize adaptability, both in their tech stacks and in their people. With AI-driven threats rising, staying agile and informed will be key to long-term resilience.
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In this episode of the CNL podcast, Joe Orlando Director of IT and Cybersecurity at Kern Health Systems opens up about what it really takes to succeed in cybersecurity today, and how he leads with clarity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Joe talks about the importance of stepping back from narrow specializations to see the bigger picture. From networks to software to human behaviour, he believes that understanding the full scope of the attack surface is key. Software, in particular, continues to be a major challenge, especially as AI makes launching ransomware and DDoS attacks easier than ever.
For Joe, strong security isn’t just about tools, it’s about people. He’s passionate about building teams where everyone knows their role when something goes wrong. Whether it’s a system admin or someone at the help desk, Joe ensures they’re prepared with clear, practical playbooks. “In a real incident, no one should be stopping to think about what to do,” he explains. “It should already be second nature.”
He also talked about one of the tougher parts of working in healthcare cybersecurity: data classification and compliance. With the volume and sensitivity of patient data, tasks like deleting information can be anything but simple. He points to encryption and anonymization as essential strategies to protect what matters most.
Outside the office, Joe is a self-proclaimed “prolific reader” with a love for technical and medical non-fiction. He’s constantly gathering “fun facts” and insights that help him think more strategically, proof of his genuine commitment to lifelong learning and staying ahead in a fast-moving field.
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In this insightful episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric sits down with Charles Payne, CISO and CTO at Neptune Media, who brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity. Charles shares his journey into the field, beginning with network security, a foundation he still recommends for anyone serious about understanding the full scope of IT.
Together, they explore the hard truths of the cybersecurity world, including the myth of total security. As Charles puts it, “If you want something 100% secure, just power it off.” He offers a clear-eyed perspective on today’s threats, from unknown vulnerabilities to the often-overlooked dangers of insider threats, particularly in financial services.
Charles also emphasizes the importance of access control, regular audits, and the growing need for purple teams to bridge gaps between defense and offense. For those entering the field, his message is simple: stay persistent and keep learning. For leaders, he encourages staying curious, open to innovation, and actively involved in shaping the future of cybersecurity.
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In this inspiring episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric sits down with Briana Brown, Chief Information Officer at Denova Collaborative Health. Briana shares her unique journey from healthcare operations to the IT leadership seat, driven by a mission to improve lives through technology.
She opens up about navigating the challenges of being a woman in tech, addressing the ongoing biases she faces, and the importance of confidently owning her role as a CIO. With Denova’s virtual-first model in primary and mental healthcare, Briana discusses the dynamic intersection of innovation, scalability, and cybersecurity in a remote environment.
From gamified training to cultivating a security-aware culture, Briana emphasizes the power of creative communication and continuous education. She also offers honest, actionable advice for IT and cybersecurity professionals: focus on understanding risks, build strong people skills, and don’t be afraid to make “educated mistakes.” Her leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy, because at the end of the day, technology is all about people.
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In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric sits down with Andrew List, Director of Cybersecurity at OTC Industrial Technologies, to explore his unique path from photojournalism to cybersecurity.
Andrew opens up about how his early days as a SOC analyst shaped his perspective and walks us through key moments on the blue and purple teams at Wendy’s. Together, they unpack some of today’s biggest threats, like phishing-as-a-service and the growing use of AI by attackers to scale their efforts.
He also shares a compelling real-world case involving a thin client and a vulnerable print driver, highlighting just how crucial system hardening and access control really are.
Packed with practical tips on explaining technical risks to leadership and staying ahead in a fast-moving threat landscape, this episode offers something for everyone, from those just breaking into the field to seasoned security pros.
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The idea of someone gaining unauthorized access to protected devices within our power grid is more than just a concern—it’s a true "nightmare scenario" that keeps IT and cybersecurity professionals awake at night.
In this episode of the CNL Podcast, we speak with Kaber Esplin, IT Manager at Garkane Energy Cooperative, who offers a firsthand look at the most pressing security threats facing the power industry today, including parallels to real-world incidents.
Kaber explores the challenges of securing complex operational technology (OT) environments, the ongoing tension between innovation and risk management, and the unique advantages and challenges that come with working in an energy cooperative. He also shares practical insights for those looking to build a career in IT and cybersecurity.
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In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric chats with Mike Lowrey, Director of IT at Preston Adventures, about his journey through the tech world and the challenges of today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Mike shares how he got started building computers back in the ‘90s, what it was like working through the dot-com bubble, and how a decade at an MSP helped sharpen his skills. The two dive into the current cyber threat landscape, especially in the financial industry, touching on common issues like outdated hardware and tight budgets that leave companies vulnerable.
They also talk about the scary rise of AI-powered deepfake scams, including one jaw-dropping case where attackers used deepfake tech to steal $20 million. Mike keeps it real with advice for anyone getting into IT or cybersecurity, stressing the importance of staying curious, being patient, and not underestimating the value of soft skills and networking.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants a better handle on what it really takes to stay ahead in today’s digital world.
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In this episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric chats with Thomas Sweet, CIO at Industrial Refrigeration Pros, about what it really takes to lead in today’s tech landscape. From ethical dilemmas to private equity strategy, it’s a wide-ranging and honest conversation.
They kick off with a powerful real-life story about a CISO who chose ethics over pressure and paid the price. That moment sets the stage for a deep dive into how the CIO role is evolving, and why knowing how your business makes money is just as important as knowing how to secure it.
Thomas shares smart strategies for fighting business email compromise, using AI to boost IT efficiency, and navigating the tricky waters of M&A and outsourcing. He also offers sharp career advice for anyone in IT or security: build relationships, understand the business, and stay curious.
A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of leadership, technology, and career growth.
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