What do breaking up high school brawls, surviving French citizenship tests, and marketing cybersecurity across Europe have in common? They’re all part of the hilarious and unexpected journey of today’s guest, Oscar Burns! Oscar, the Senior Field Marketing Manager at GitGuardian, joins us from France to spill the beans on his unconventional path from teaching in London to navigating the complexities of cybersecurity marketing in Europe.

From dealing with language barriers, cultural differences, and figuring out how to make marketing magic happen at Europe’s biggest cybersecurity events, Oscar brings a fresh perspective—packed with humor. Whether you’re curious about the differences between U.S. and European markets, or you’re just here for the stories about $48 sandwiches in Monaco, this episode has something for you!

[2:00] - Oscar’s Background: From Teaching to Tech

• Oscar shares his early career as a teacher in London and how a funny incident led him to switch careers, eventually moving to France for a business internship.

[6:30] - Moving into Marketing from Sales

• After several years in sales at Powell Software, Oscar became interested in marketing. He recalls creating the company’s origin story as his first marketing task.

[9:30] - Transition to Cybersecurity and Joining GitGuardian

• Oscar discusses his move into cybersecurity marketing at GitGuardian, where he currently works in field marketing, focused on code security solutions.

[13:00] - Working in Cybersecurity in Europe vs. the U.S.

• Gianna and Oscar compare cybersecurity marketing in Europe and the U.S., noting differences in event size, budget, and business opportunities.

[16:45] - Event Marketing in Europe

• Oscar explains how European companies approach events like Infosecurity Europe versus larger U.S. events like RSA Conference, with a focus on return on investment.

[18:30] - Les Assises in Monaco: The Premier European Cyber Event

• Discussion of Les Assises, a high-end, CISO-only cybersecurity event in Monaco. Oscar highlights the exclusivity and success of the event for companies.

[24:00] - Living and Working in Europe as an American

• Oscar shares practical tips on working in Europe, including the reality of lower salaries, cultural differences, and the perks of European work-life balance.

About our guests:

👉Follow Oscar on LinkedIn. 

👉Learn more about GitGuardian. 

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Cyber Marketing Con 2024 (December 8-11, 2024) – A Conference for Cybersecurity Marketers

If you’re serious about leveling up your marketing game in the cybersecurity industry, Cyber Marketing Con is a must-attend! Connect with top minds in the field, learn cutting-edge strategies, and swap ideas with fellow marketers who understand the unique challenges of our industry. The event is happening in Philadelphia, but you can join virtually too. Don’t wait—get your ticket before prices go up! Grab Your Ticket Here!

Funniest Past Episodes Mentioned:

Want more laughs and insights? Check out these fan-favorite episodes we mentioned:

Mastering Marketing Mayhem with Pam Cobb – Get ready for a wild ride through Pam’s journey of managing chaos while growing a brand.

Art of Cyber Defense: Insights from a Theatrical-Minded CISO with Kayne McGladrey – Dive into the intersection of creativity and cybersecurity with Kayne, and discover how theater and cybersecurity aren’t so different after all.

Be sure to also follow our hosts on LinkedIn:

👉Gianna Whitver

👉Maria Velasquez 

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Breaking Through in Cybersecurity Marketing, join the Cybersecurity Marketing Society on our website, on our main LinkedIn page, or our podcast LinkedIn page, and keep up with us on Twitter.

See you in the next episode!