In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, cybersecurity entrepreneur Cheri Hotman shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding The Hotman Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm. After leaving a toxic work environment that affected her well-being, she pursued her passion for cybersecurity, starting solo before organically growing a team.

Cheri emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal strengths, knowing when to ask for help, and building an intentional, people-focused culture. She also dives into the real challenges in cybersecurity today: understaffed teams, overreliance on compliance checklists, and the urgent need for holistic, well-run security programs.

Along the way, Cheri reflects on the balance between planning and adaptability, the value of mentorship, and why people and process are just as critical as technology in securing organizations.