Keyboard Samurai

What does it really take to reach the C-Suite? In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with Emma J Eyre, an executive leader who’s spent 20+ years building leadership teams across tech and then some. They dig into the data behind high-performing teams, what separates average leaders from C-level executives, and what you need to do to prepare and get to the "C-Level".

If you’re a cyber/tech leader, founder, or aspiring executive, this conversation will give you actionable insights on leadership, growth, and navigating the path to the top.

Find Emma on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmajeyre/

Her firm Obsidian

https://www.obsidianblack.org/

🎙️ Former ISC² Board Chair Reveals the Truth About Cybersecurity Certifications

Ever wonder if cybersecurity certifications are worth it? Dan Houser, a 24-year security veteran and former ISC² Board Chair, joins host Will Klu to expose what certifications REALLY mean in today's market.

In this episode, discover:
✅ Why CISSP is still the "gold standard" after 25+ years
✅ The critical difference between education and training (and why it matters for your career)
✅ How to study the RIGHT way
✅ Red flags that separate real security pros from pretenders
✅ Why employers can't find qualified cybersecurity talent
✅ Career advice for breaking into cybersecurity in 2025+
✅ The hidden impact of AI and IoT on security careers

Dan shares insider insights from his time at ISC², including why judgment-based certifications like CISSP are so challenging and valuable, plus practical study strategies that actually work.

Whether you're studying now, hiring security professionals, or considering a career change into cybersecurity, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who helped shape the certification industry.

Guest: Dan Houser - 24-year cybersecurity veteran, former ISC² Board Chair & Treasurer, Oracle Cloud Security Professional

Find Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-houser/

Host: Wil Klusovsky (Wil Klu) - Cybersecurity executive and industry veteran

🎧 Subscribe to Keyboard Samurai for more cybersecurity career insights and industry wisdom!

In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai Podcast, Wil sits down with Dom Vogel, cybersecurity leader, keynote speaker, and fractional CISO, to explore the power of empathy, authenticity, and kindness in leadership.

With 20+ years in cybersecurity from corporate trenches to entrepreneurship

Dom shares candid insights on:

✅ Why corporate culture “choked him out” and pushed him toward building his own path

✅ How empathy and authenticity make cybersecurity leaders more effective than fear-driven management

✅ The balance between technical expertise and human connection in security leadership

✅ Lessons from coaching tech executives who struggle to lead with humanity

✅ Practical ways to build stronger teams, better communication, and a culture that people want to follow

This conversation isn’t just for cybersecurity pros—it’s for any leader, founder, or executive who wants to build trust, inspire their team, and grow with resilience.

🔍 Key Topics Covered

Leadership in cybersecurity

Fractional CISO insights

Speaking & coaching for tech leaders

Building authentic culture

Why kindness is a competitive advantage

Find Dom:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domvogel/

Web: https://www.vogelleadershipcoaching.com/

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more candid conversations with cybersecurity and tech leaders.

In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with cybersecurity veteran Craig Taylor of Cyberhoot a 30-year industry pro who blends psychology and cyber know-how to tackle one of the toughest challenges in security: human behavior.

Craig shares how he built a phishing awareness and EU-wide training program that actually changes behavior, not just checks compliance boxes. From his early days convincing companies to buy their first firewalls, to founding his own firm dedicated to cyber literacy,

Craig reveals:

✅ Why most training fails (and how to fix it)

✅ How psychology and operant conditioning can improve security culture

✅ Lessons learned running phishing simulations that people don’t ignore

✅ What European companies get right—and wrong—about compliance training

✅ Practical tips for CISOs and security leaders to boost resilience through people

Whether you’re a CISO, SOC manager, or security leader trying to reduce risk at scale, this conversation delivers battle-tested insights you can apply right now.

🎧 Listen to learn how to turn phishing training from a checkbox into a cultural advantage.

Find Craig:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmtaylor/

Web: https://cyberhoot.com/

Tired of the same boring security awareness training? So is Amy Stokes-Waters, CEO of The Cyber Escape Room Company. In this episode, we explore how she’s transforming cybersecurity culture with interactive, gamified escape rooms that make learning unforgettable.

We dive into:

✅ Why traditional security awareness fails

✅ How gamification and storytelling boost engagement

✅ Real-world escape room scenarios for phishing, insider threats & OT security

✅ Using “think like a hacker” training to change behavior

Whether you’re a CISO, security leader, HR manager, or just someone tired of checkbox training, you’ll learn fresh ways to engage teams, build security culture, and actually make it stick.

Listen in and see why flipping the script might be the best thing you can do for your security program.

Find Amy:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amystokeswaters/

Web: https://www.cyberescaperoom.co/

In this episode of Keyboard Samurai, Heather Noggle joins Will to unpack how cybersecurity and tech firms can gain a competitive edge by rethinking how they attract, train, and retain talent.

We cover:
✅ Why soft skills matter more than ever
✅ How Gen Z is reshaping workplace expectations
✅ Fixing broken cybersecurity career paths
✅ Why degrees don’t equal capability
✅ The power of clarity in job roles and training

Whether you're a leader, HR pro, or future CISO—this is your playbook for building the next wave of great talent.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more unfiltered insights on cyber, culture, and growth.

Find Heather:

https://heathernoggle.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernoggle/

In this episode of The Keyboard Samurai, Wil sits down with Sam and Michael, the founders behind HOU.SEC.CON, to unpack what it really takes to lead in security, build trust at scale, and create one of the most community-driven cyber events in the country.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

→ Why great leaders make their teams look good

→ How to stay grounded when others see you as the expert

→ Translating technical skill into business influence

→ The role of trust in both cybersecurity and leadership

→ How storytelling beats technical jargon every time

This is a must-listen for security professionals, startup leaders, and anyone shaping culture in high-stakes environments.

Practical. Real. No fluff.

Find them:

Michael: Farnum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarnum/

Sam Van Ryder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svanryder/

https://www.houstonseccon.com/

Why Security Culture Fails (And How to Fix It)

In this episode, Wil sits down with Mike Williams, President of Appalachia Technologies, to unpack what really drives a strong security culture. It’s not just about tools or policies. It’s about leadership, intentional programs, and turning security into a shared mission. Learn how to engage employees, get leadership buy-in, measure meaningful KPIs, and make security a true business differentiator.Perfect for CISOs, IT leaders, and security pros ready to move beyond checkbox compliance.

Find Mike:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-williams-8092842/

https://appalachiatech.com/

What really makes a great cybersecurity consultant?In this episode, Will Klusovsky sits down with Ryan Rosado—Air Force veteran, security advisor, and startup mentor—to break down what most people get wrong about consulting in the cyber world.Whether you're a hands-on engineer stepping into advisory, or a seasoned consultant looking to refine your edge, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom, candid stories, and actionable takeaways.

🔑 Topics we cover:

↳ Why consulting isn’t just “doing the work”

↳ How to build trust with clients (even when telling hard truths)

↳ Teaching soft skills like tact, business acumen, and adaptability

↳ The role of personal branding in long-term consulting success

↳ Why feedback is the most underused growth tool

↳ How companies should train (and retain) their consultants👀 Don’t just be billable.

Be better.—

📌 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrenerosado/

Building a Cyber Biz From Scratch: Zero Plan, Pure GritWhat does it really take to build a business in cybersecurity as a first-time founder with no funding, no roadmap, and no safety net?In this episode, Wil sits down with Joe Head, founder of Molto, to break down the raw, real journey from recruiter burnout to building a thriving branding and marketing agency for cybersecurity companies. Joe shares how he started with nothing but his industry knowledge and scaled by listening to client needs, not by chasing perfect plans.You’ll learn:Why early-stage execution is more important than over planningHow to package your expertise and sell it fastThe power of iteration, network-building, and trusting the processThe traps of perfection, imposter syndrome, and building aloneJoe’s approach is gritty, practical, and deeply human. If you’re a founder, freelancer, or consultant in cybersecurity, this episode is for you.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehead1