Today, Bill Malik, the Vice President for Infrastructure Strategies at Trend Micro, joins Derek Harp. Bill is a well-rounded individual who has been involved in the security industry for quite some time. He has tons of experience in many different areas and has a long list of career milestones. Bill is a well-known writer, analyst, and speaker. He is a former programmer who still enjoys dabbling for fun! He is also a father and grandfather, an explorer of ideas, a chef, a wine connoisseur- and was even once a DJ!

In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, Bill gives an inside view into his career journey. He discusses his interesting career and explains how he got involved in developing an information security service. He also shares some gold nuggets of advice for those individuals who would like to get to the next level in their organization by bettering their communication skills and offers excellent advice for those starting in their careers.  

This is a great conversation full of nuggets that you won’t want to miss! Stay tuned for more!

Show highlights:

• Bill talks about his background. (10:15)
• When technology first came into play in Bill’s life. (13:08)
• Bill discusses MIT’s involvement in developing a secure system for time-sharing, which led to his first intersection with cookies and security. (14:12)
• Bill talks about the event that led to his first information security moment as an app developer. (19:39)
• One of the biggest bits of programming Bill has ever done. (21:03)
• Leaving IBM to join Gartner. (24:42)
• How Bill got into developing an information security service during his time at Gartner. (26:05)
• Bill shares some nuggets for those who want to better their communication skills and get to the next level in any organization. (29:39)
• How Bill transitioned to KPMG. (33:12)
• Where Bill first encountered industrial control systems. (36:03)
• Why we are fortunate to be living in this age, in human history. (38:45)
• Bill talks about mentorship and shares some valuable advice for people starting in training positions. (39:35)
• The advice Bill would give to his younger self. (45:56)
• Bill shares his advice regarding potential future careers. (47:40)
• Why Bill sees no significant productive application in the future of blockchain. (51:12)

Links and resources:

Recommended video: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch