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In this episode, we sit down with David Wiseman, Vice President of Secure Communications at BlackBerry, as he discusses the growing challenges around digital sovereignty and trust in consumer messaging apps. David explores the limitations and risks of using platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram for sensitive or official communications, highlighting issues such as identity spoofing, loss of data control, and the collection of valuable metadata by adversaries. He explains BlackBerry’s shift to software-based secure communications that provide governments and enterprises with the necessary controls for confidentiality, compliance, and usability—delivering “consumer app” simplicity with enterprise-level security.

BlackBerry Role

In his role as the Vice President of Secure Communications, David is a seasoned international public speaker, whose responsibilities include leading the Secure Government Communications business in the Americas and APAC. He specializes in applying technology to real life mission critical business systems with a focus in communications, security, and safety.

David and his team support our customers in understanding how to secure their mobile communications from the most advanced adversaries, especially in complex and highly secure sectors such as defense and military, including NATO. David has been with BlackBerry for ten years, joining the organization in November 2014.

Experience

David has 25+ years of experience in software, security, information management, mobility and communications at BlackBerry, IBM, SAP, Sybase, and the US Navy. His expertise in Secure Communications leads BlackBerry in the vision of securing a connected future you can trust, helping governments to augment and fortify digital defences to strengthen national security

Notable Achievements

David helped design the world’s first large-scale environmental geo-spatial database for NASA. He also helped design the software for one of the first shipboard radar data fusion systems for the US Navy.   At BlackBerry, David and his team have helped NATO and multiple global governments operating in challenging geo-political environments to establish trusted, secure communications channels from the battlefield to the boardroom – using military-grade software to ensure classified conversations and messages remain private.

In this episode, we sit down with Anand Pashupathy, Vice President and General Manager of Product Assurance and Security at Intel, as he discusses the current state of enterprise security, emphasizing growing concerns around data exfiltration, IP leakage, and the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks fueled by AI. He provides insight into how technologies such as Intel SGX and TDX are setting new standards for data protection in use, particularly as AI transitions from cloud-centric to enterprise-wide applications. Anand also highlights the industry’s journey towards ubiquitous confidential computing, the importance of ecosystem collaboration, and the growing need to create greater awareness and education as the security landscape rapidly evolves.

Anand Pashupathy is Vice President and General Manager of Security Software & Services (S3) Division in the Office of the Corporate Technology Officer organization where he leads a team of senior leaders whose purpose is to deliver security software technologies, services, and practices that empower our customers to achieve their security objectives. His organization’s product portfolio includes Confidential Compute, Ecosystem Enabling, Security Corporate Technology Initiative, Open Source Security Supply Chain, etc. Anand is also responsible for Intel’s Confidential Compute vision, strategy, and execution. Previously Anand has held many engineering, program wide and GM leadership roles at Intel. Additionally, Anand has been granted six patents and currently serves a governing board member of the Confidential Computing Consortium.

Anand is a strong advocate for women and underrepresented people in technology, he serves as the Executive Sponsor for an internal employee resource group. For his advocacy and leadership contributions to diversity and inclusion, Anand received the 2023 Global Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award for Executive Advocate for D&I. Outside of work, Anand and his family love to travel and experience cultures from around the world. He earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, and a Master’s degree in Computer Science and has been with Intel since the nineties.

In this episode, we sit down with Doris Spielthenner, Managing Director and Regional Manager APAC from SMA Australia, as she discusses the intersection of cybersecurity and Australia’s push towards net zero energy. Doris emphasizes the need for harmonization of cybersecurity standards across Australia and explores how decentralized renewable energy networks require robust cybersecurity measures to prevent potential threats. She discusses Australia’s leading position in rooftop solar penetration and the social challenges of transitioning to large-scale renewable infrastructure.

As Managing Director of SMA Australia and Regional Manager APAC, Doris Spielthenner heads the Residential, C&I and Large Scale Utility business across ANZ, India, China and Taiwan, South East Asia, Japan and Korea. Doris Spielthenner joined SMA from senior management positions in the software and professional services industries across APAC, Europe, and the US.

Doris is passionate about building and growing businesses, with strong leadership across B2B and B2C, recently in the Greentech industry. She is a dynamic, results-focused leader with a top tier consulting background and strong planning and execution experience. She is also the co-founder of a global software business.

In this episode, we sit down with Ginny Badanes, General Manager of Democracy Forward at Microsoft, as she discusses the multifaceted threats posed by nation-state actors around elections, particularly the use of AI in influence operations. Ginny highlights the critical need for society to adopt a healthy skepticism toward information, scrutinizing the trustworthiness of sources and the potential for AI manipulation. We delve into the activities of significant nation-state actors like China, Russia, and Iran in recent elections, and the emergence of AI-driven fake news sites used for propaganda. Additionally, Ginny provides insights into the deceptive use of AI beyond political contexts, including its impact on women and financial fraud schemes.

Ginny Badanes is the General Manager of Microsoft’s Democracy Forward program, an initiative within Microsoft’s Technology for Fundamental Rights organisation. At Microsoft, protecting fundamental rights means promoting responsible business practices, expanding accessibility and connectivity, and advancing fair and inclusive societies. Ginny’s team is focused on addressing challenges to global democratic stability, with efforts aimed at safeguarding open and secure elections, promoting a healthy information ecosystem, and advocating for corporate civic responsibility. In 2024, a key focus of her team’s work was raising awareness about the deceptive uses of AI in elections and combating these cyber and AI enabled threats.

Ginny has spent her career at the intersection of politics and technology, advising presidential and senate campaigns on leveraging data and technology. She was named among Washingtonian’s 2021 & 2022 “Most Influential People” list for national security and defense.

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Mick Dunne, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, Ben Lamont, Chief Data Officer & Helen Schneider Commander, ACCCE and Human Exploitation for the Australian Federal Police and Leigh Williams, Chief Information Officer, Information and Technology Executive at Brisbane Catholic Education. Together they discuss the function of the Customer Security Officer team, how the AFP is using AI to protect Australia and its people, and the impact AI has on education.

Mick Dunne heads the new Customer Security Officer team across Asia who are part of a global team for over 40 former CISOs, CTOs and deeply experienced SMEs. They are focused on providing trusted, deep expertise and advice to customers, Microsoft area leadership and to feedback key strategic investments and product roadmap. Prior to Microsoft Mick was the CISO at AustralianSuper, bringing a long history as a security leader and also one of the first organisations to adopt Security Copilot.

Ben Lamont is the Chief Data Officer at the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing the AFP’s technology strategy and data management initiatives. Ben’s work focuses on addressing capability gaps and leveraging opportunities to enhance the AFP’s operational effectiveness. His leadership ensures that the AFP remains at the forefront of technological advancements in law enforcement.

Helen Schneider is a Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). She leads the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), which focuses on combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Commander Schneider has been instrumental in coordinating significant operations, such as Operation Bakis, which led to the arrest of numerous offenders and the rescue of children from harm. Her work involves collaborating with both national and international law enforcement agencies to tackle complex and sensitive cases, ensuring the safety and protection of children.

Leigh Williams is the Chief Information Officer at Brisbane Catholic Education. With a career that began in teaching, Leigh has held various leadership roles, including CEO, Executive Director, and COO. She oversees digital, information, and IT infrastructure for hundreds of locations and over 13,000 staff. A passionate advocate for digital innovation and education, Leigh is a published researcher and has led keynotes and workshops globally. She holds multiple post-graduate qualifications in Education, IT, Leadership, Management, and Business.

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Bret Arsenault, Corporate Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Advisor at Microsoft, Janice Le, GM of Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy, and Chris Lloyd-Jones, Head of Architect & Strategy in the Office of the CTO from Avanade. Together they discuss Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), securing AI, and the culture and change program needed with AI.

Bret Arsenault is the Corporate Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Advisor at Microsoft. With over 30 years at the company, he leads global efforts in information security, compliance, and business continuity. Bret oversees a team dedicated to protecting Microsoft’s assets and advises Fortune 100 leaders on cybersecurity strategies. He is also the Chairman of Microsoft’s Information Risk Management Council and a founding member of the Executive Security Action Forum (ESAF).

Janice Le is the General Manager of Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she leads a global team dedicated to safeguarding Microsoft’s customers and their data. With a strong background in software development and cybersecurity, Janice drives innovation and strategic initiatives to enhance security and compliance across Microsoft’s vast ecosystem.

Chris Lloyd-Jones is the Head of Architect & Strategy in the Office of the CTO at Avanade. He leads strategic initiatives and architectural frameworks to drive innovation and digital transformation. With a strong background in technology and leadership, Chris plays a crucial role in shaping Avanade’s technological direction and ensuring alignment with business goals.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Gillis, SVP and General Manager of the Security, Data Center, Internet and Cloud Infrastructure Group at Cisco, as he explores the future of cybersecurity and networking. Tom discusses the transformative impact of AI on the industry, highlighting the unprecedented level of innovation it brings alongside the potential challenges, such as cybercriminals leveraging AI for attacks. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace AI fully to remain competitive and not fall into the “loser” category as the industry evolves. Additionally, Tom shares insights into the integration of security and networking, the implications of AI-powered security measures, and how these advancements might create a significant shift in the IT and infrastructure landscape.

Tom Gillis is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cisco Security Business Group (SBG). A respected security industry leader with strong executive management skills and in-depth knowledge of the challenges surrounding secure enterprise computing, Tom is responsible for the company’s global security business to fundamentally simplify the security experience.

Prior to Cisco, Tom was the SVP/GM of the Network and Advanced Security Business Group at VMware, where he led the endpoint, networking, load balancing and network security businesses. He was also the CEO/co-founder of Bracket Computing which was acquired by VMware.

Before Bracket Computing, Tom was the GM of the Security Technology Group at Cisco where he led the company’s businesses for security management, appliances, applications, and endpoint services. Tom was also part of the founding team at IronPort Systems and served as senior vice president of marketing when the company was acquired by Cisco. Under his guidance, IronPort grew an average of 100 percent year-on-year for seven years. During his tenure, IronPort rose to become the leading provider of antispam, antivirus, and antimalware appliances for organizations ranging from small businesses to the Global 2000.

Tom has also worked at iBEAM Broadcasting, Silicon Graphics, and Boston Consulting Group in various technical and leadership roles. He is also a noted advisor to startups and venture capital companies and is a member of several boards of directors.

Tom holds an M.B.A. degree from Harvard University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with an M.S.E.E. degree from Northwestern University and a B.S.E.E. from Tufts University.

In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Sillars, Vice President APJ from Semperis, as he discusses Semperis’ Holiday Ransomware Report. Gerry delves into the constant threat posed by attackers who don’t take holidays, emphasizing the need for organizations to protect their networks and systems at all times. He highlights the startling statistics from the report, such as 69% of ransomware attacks occurring on weekends or holidays, and the surprising 83% of organizations targeted by ransomware in the last year alone. We also explore the challenges of striking a balance between maintaining adequate cybersecurity measures and managing business costs, as well as the importance of having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, especially during significant corporate events.

Gerry Sillars is the Vice President of Asia Pacific at Semperis, a leading provider of enterprise identity protection, threat research, and incident response services headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey. In this role, he heads the APAC operations and focuses on expanding Semperis’ footprint in Australia, ASEAN, Japan, Korea, and India while evolving the company’s channel business.

Gerry Sillars has over 20 years of experience building and scaling software businesses in APAC. Before joining Semperis, he played pivotal roles in Commvault Systems, Alcatel Lucent, UpGuard, and Fortanix.

Gerry lives in Singapore with his wife, is an Australian citizen and a native of Scotland.

In this episode, we sit down with Grant Bourzikas, Chief Security Officer from Cloudflare, as he shares what lessons he learned from 2024. Grant emphasizes the industry’s need to move beyond outdated technology to enhance security postures and reduce complexities. He discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on security, the challenges of leveraging AI, and the necessity for organizations to embrace it strategically. Furthermore, Grant highlights the importance of modernizing security infrastructures, simplifying environments, and the critical need to cultivate new talent in the field to tackle the evolving landscape.

Grant Bourzikas joined Cloudflare as the Chief Security Officer in 2023, where he is a driving force in helping the company achieve its mission to build a better Internet. As a critical component within Cloudflare’s ecosystem, Grant’s primary role is to protect the company from sophisticated adversaries to stay ahead in today’s cybersecurity landscape. He oversees Cloudflare’s threat intelligence services, which successfully mitigate 170+ billion attacks daily, in addition to acting as “Customer Zero” to help foster innovation across all Cloudflare products and services.

Grant is a seven-time CSO with over 20 years experience leading global security programs that span the private sector, having worked at a Fortune 500 critical infrastructure company, an online trading organization and within the gaming space. Most notably, Grant spent several years in the financial services industry at both HSBC and Silicon Valley Bank. Grant holds a Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

In this episode, we sit down with David Gee, advisor at JS Careers, Bain & Company, and Emertel, as he shares insights on aspiring and growing into a CISO. David delves into the importance of international experiences, driving change, and effectively communicating with boards as key traits of a true leader. He reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability. We also explore corporate dynamics, discussing the challenges of genuine leadership and the nuances of climbing the corporate ladder, as well as how to effectively navigate and implement leadership strategies in different environments.

David has just retired in July 2024 and is building out his portfolio. He is an Advisor with Bain Advisory Network and also an Advisor to JS Careers (Cyber Recruitment) and Emertel (Software Commercialization).

He is a seasoned technology executive with significant experience and has over 25 years’ experience in CIO and CISO roles across different industries and countries.  At Macquarie Group David served as Global Head Technology, Cyber and Data Risk. Previously was CISO for HSBC Asia Pacific.  His career as a CIO spans across multiple industries and geographies including – Metlife, Eli Lilly and Credit Union Australia. He was winner CIO of the Year 2014, at CUA where he successfully completed a significant Transformation of Core Banking, Online and Mobile Banking systems.

David is past Chairman for the FS-ISAC Strategy Committee and awarded Global Leaders Award in 2023 for his contributions to the cybersecurity industry. A regular conference keynote speaker and 150+ published articles for CIO Australia, Computerworld, ITNews and CSO (Cyber Security), David now writes for Foundry CIO.com and AICD.

His most recent book – the Aspiring CIO & CISO was published in July 2024 and David is writing his second – A Day in the Life of a CISO with a number of CISOs from around the world for 2025.