I started my career as an equity trader straight out of college at an asset management firm. Later I went into investment banking and then hedge funds. Long before cybersecurity, I was reading the data.

And the data right now is telling a story most people aren’t hearing.

In 2025, gold returned over 63 percent. Silver between 140 and 180. Energy is outperforming broad equities. The US debt is over 39 trillion dollars. China controls 86 percent of critical mineral refining. The DofW Press Releases are indicating contracting for capabilities that won’t come online until 2035.

The market is pricing one story. The procurement contracts are telling another.

In this episode of Core Sample, I’m walking you through how I read this picture as an equity trader, an investor, and a strategist and why patience is the most underrated discipline in any cycle.

I’m also being honest about the SEC environment the way I see it, what’s shifted under Chairman Atkins, and what it means for the work I do at Sturnella. The rules are still in force. The timing has shifted and reading that distinction is exactly what this podcast is about.

This is not investment advice. You need to do your own research and talk to a qualified professional who knows your situation. But it is an invitation to read what’s actually happening and to recognize that the women in this industry already have the foundation to do it.

In this episode:

* Why I read Department of War procurement contracts before I read the news

* What the 2025 returns in gold, silver, and energy are actually telling us

* The divergence between market sentiment and procurement signals and why it matters

* Why the SEC enforcement environment has shifted and what it means for cyber governance

* The difference between believing in your work and reading the timing

* How the Myrtus framework, Pivot With Purpose applies to careers, investments, and businesses

* Why women in mining, resources, oil and gas, and defense already have the foundation most analysts don’t

* Patience as a discipline and what to do while you wait for the catalyst

Resources mentioned:

* Sturnella Signals Newsletter: news.sturnellahq.com

* Find Sturnella: sturnellahq.com

* Myrtus career strategy: myrtushq.com, Free Resources available here https://myrtushq.com/resources

* EDGAR: sec.gov

* SEDAR+: sedarplus.ca

* US Debt Clock: usdebtclock.org

* Department of War: https://www.war.gov/

Speaking at:

I’m at the Elko Mining Expo in Elko, Nevada. June 3rd through the 5th.

My technical session is Friday at 10am: When a Cyber Incident Becomes a Disclosure Event: What Gold Producers Need to Know About SEC Item 1.05. If you’re there, come say hi. Agenda can be found here - https://web.cvent.com/event/d71285ce-0ea4-4b99-be64-f50e9c3005ac/websitePage:645d57e4-75eb-4769-b2c0-f201a0bfc6ce?rt=0XZjrdHKyU2kWDt5t7MnZA

Disclaimer:

Everything on Core Sample is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes investment advice, financial advice, legal advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Sturnella LLC is a capital markets cybersecurity and governance advisory firm — not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, or financial institution. Always work with a licensed professional who knows your specific situation before making any investment decision. Pull up a chair — and do your homework.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sturnellahq.substack.com