In this episode of Channel Women in Security, Cass sits down with Chari Rhoades, a leader in channel sales at Proofpoint, to unpack the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Together, they explore how Proofpoint leverages threat intelligence, AI innovation, and partner collaboration to stay ahead of emerging threats. Chari shares insights on balancing consistency and flexibility in partnerships, why curiosity fuels effective communication, and how cyber resilience starts with transparent conversations. Cass and Chari also discuss the role of AI-driven tools in improving communication in strengthening relationships across the channel. Tune in to learn how strong partnerships, innovation, and communication drive success in cybersecurity.

Host Cass Cooper sits down with Barb Huelskamp, Global Channel Leader at SolarWinds. Barb shares her inspiring career journey in cybersecurity and the IT channel, highlighting why self-advocacy, confidence, and collaboration are key for women in tech leadership. The conversation explores: • The role of AI and innovation in shaping the future of cybersecurity • How non-linear career paths create unique opportunities in the channel • Practical advice for women building careers in cybersecurity and IT If you’re interested in channel leadership, women in cybersecurity, or advancing your career in tech, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Cass Cooper interviews Erika Dobbs, a retired Naval officer and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions. They discuss Erika's journey from boot camp to her leadership roles in the Navy, the challenges she faced, and how her military experience shaped her career in cybersecurity. Erika shares insights on leading through chaos, the importance of resilience, and the unique challenges faced by women in STEM. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of the military and private sectors, emphasizing the significance of cybersecurity in national security.

Cass Cooper interviews Emily O'Carroll, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and CISO. They discuss Emily's journey in the cybersecurity field, the evolution of the threat landscape, and the importance of translating technical risks into business impacts. Emily shares insights on the differences between being an in-house CISO and a virtual CISO, as well as the significance of mentoring and finding balance in one's career and personal life.

Cass Cooper interviews Jen Waltz, an award-winning cybersecurity expert and founder of Imaginative. They discuss the importance of networking and education in cybersecurity, the impact of AI on the industry, and the specific challenges faced by the healthcare sector. Jen emphasizes the need for more professionals in cybersecurity, particularly in light of the increasing threats from the dark web and ransomware. The discussion also highlights the importance of using AI for defense mechanisms and the need for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity in healthcare.

Cass Cooper interviews Ginger Chien, a retired patent engineer from AT&T, who reflects on her career in cybersecurity and engineering. Ginger discusses her unique journey as a woman of color and a trans woman in tech, emphasizing the importance of representation and authenticity in the workplace. She shares insights on the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape, the need for a more resilient approach to security, and the significance of storytelling in the industry. Ginger advocates for a focus on humanity in engineering and the importance of diversity in addressing complex challenges.

Cybersecurity isn’t optional; it’s foundational. In this episode, we explore how the IT channel is evolving to embed security into every solution, why diverse thinking matters more than ever, and how to break into cybersecurity without following a traditional career path. Whether you're growing your channel career or looking to pivot into cyber, this conversation is packed with insight and opportunity from GTT’s Vice President and Channel Partner Chief, Sara Seegers.

Cass Cooper interviews Ranjinni Joshi, a seasoned professional in cybersecurity with over 15 years of experience. They discuss emerging trends in cybersecurity, particularly the convergence of IT and OT, cloud security best practices, and the importance of compliance. Rajni shares valuable insights for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially women, emphasizing the need for skill-building, community engagement, and hands-on experience.

Trish Cagliostro, the CRO of Orchid Security, shares her unique journey from a technical background to leading a cybersecurity firm. She discusses the importance of a channel-first approach in cybersecurity, the integration of AI, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Trish emphasizes the need for education around AI's capabilities and limitations, and how Orchid is addressing the identity management landscape. She also reflects on her career journey and offers advice for those looking to enter the tech industry.

Julie Laurin of Sphyrna Security joins CRN’s Cass Cooper to talk about the intersection of cybersecurity and marketing. The two discuss the importance of effective communication in cybersecurity, the transition from technical roles to marketing, and the impact of global tensions on cybersecurity practices.

Cass Cooper sits with Ghazal Asif Farhadi, Vice President, Global Channels, Alliances & Inside Sales at Rubrik, to explore the pressing cybersecurity issues, focusing on how underrepresented and vulnerable groups are disproportionately impacted by cyber threats – both real and perceived. They discuss the importance of inclusivity within cybersecurity teams and the need for organizations to take proactive steps to address these disparities. Join them as in this conversation that highlights the digital divide, access to technology, and the role of community engagement in fostering an environment that is as secure as it is inclusive.

Michelle Correia, VP of Legal at Pax8, and host Cass Cooper talk about the intersection of AI, compliance, and cybersecurity. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI technology, the importance of building responsible AI systems, and the existing legal frameworks that partners need to be aware of. Michelle shares her insights on empowering women in tech and legal fields, the significance of transparency in AI usage, and how AI can enhance productivity rather than replace jobs. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust and collaboration in navigating the complexities of AI and compliance in the channel.

Jamie Levy, Director of Adversarial Tactics at Huntress, is a seasoned digital forensics and cybersecurity expert. She discusses the nuances of latent attacks, the importance of community in cybersecurity, and the challenges posed by data breaches. Levy shares insights on personal security practices and the need for organizations to be prepared for potential breaches. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in cybersecurity, including attackers' evolving tactics and the role of AI in these developments.

Sheila Volante discusses the critical aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on the integration of technology, user awareness, and the importance of internal governance. Volante emphasizes the need for businesses to educate their employees about potential threats and the significance of cyber insurance in protecting against breaches. The discussion also highlights the necessity of evaluating internal processes and data governance to mitigate risks effectively.

Lori Cornmesser talks with Cass Cooper about her extensive experience in channel management and cybersecurity. She discusses her role at 1Password and the importance of partner experience. Cornmesser highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the challenges posed by labor shortages, and the need for equity and inclusion in the industry. She emphasizes the significance of adapting to SaaS and cloud models while focusing on simplicity and partner enablement. She concludes with wisdom about staying curious and proactive in one's career.

In this conversation, Augie Staab from TD Synnex discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of data analytics in identifying emerging needs for partners. She explains how as a technology distributor, TD Synnex empowers infrastructure-focused partners to adopt cybersecurity offerings and highlights key trends such as the shift to SaaS and the role of AI in both threats and defenses. Augie also shares her journey in the cybersecurity field and the growth of TD Synnex's cybersecurity team.

Bridget Wilson explains the complexities of cybersecurity compliance, particularly focusing on CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) for DOD (Department of Defense) contractors. They discuss the challenges small and mid-sized businesses face in aligning with DOD standards, the importance of proactive measures against emerging threats, and the significance of leadership development in cybersecurity. Bridget emphasizes the need for curiosity in understanding threats and the importance of supporting women in cybersecurity.

Cass Cooper interviews MacKenzie Brown, the Vice President of Security at Black Point Cyber, discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. They delve into the challenges organizations face with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Identity Detection and Response (IDR), emphasizing the importance of trust in providers and the need for robust security measures. The conversation also explores the role of AI in enhancing threat detection and the significance of mentorship and passion for future leaders in the cybersecurity field.

Cass Cooper interviews Tanisha Martin, the Executive Director and Founder of Black Girls Hack, discussing the importance of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Tanisha explains the role of ethical hackers in protecting data and the mission of Black Girls Hack to provide training and resources for underrepresented communities in the cybersecurity field. The discussion emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity to improve outcomes for both individuals and the industry.