In the first installment of this two-part conversation, Fred Menachem is joined by Brandon Wales, former Executive Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and current VP Cybersecurity Strategy at SentinelOne. Brandon charts his journey from a big Italian-American family into national cybersecurity while sharing his unique perspective on tackling today’s most pressing cyber threats, from securing critical infrastructure to combating ransomware attacks that jeopardize national security.

They explore the balance between proactive defense and rapid incident response, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and trust across industries.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a policymaker, or simply intrigued by how the U.S. defends its digital landscape, this episode provides an eye-opening exploration of the challenges and opportunities in modern cybersecurity.

In the second installment of Fred’s two-part interview with Darren Argyle, the two dive deeper into the personal side of leadership in cybersecurity. This candid conversation covers the role of mindfulness in handling stress, the significance of mentorship, and Darren’s advice for emerging cyber leaders—including how he navigates the pressures of leading large-scale cybersecurity operations while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on resilience, growth, and the human side of leading in cybersecurity.

In this episode of Net Impact, Fred Menachem is joined by Darren Argyle, a global cybersecurity leader and co-founder of the Cyber Leadership Institute. Darren shares his vast experience working with industry giants like IBM and Standard Chartered. 

Their conversation explores the ever-changing demands placed on leaders in cybersecurity and the strategic thinking required to drive their organizations forward. Darren shares his personal journey and discusses the importance of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity professional or an aspiring leader, this episode is filled with actionable advice on how to thrive in the fast-paced world of cyber defense.

In this powerful episode of Net Impact, host Fred Menachem is joined by Paul Goldenberg, a renowned expert in law enforcement and cybersecurity, with extensive experience in combating global cyber threats. Paul shares how the relationship between technology and security has evolved over the years. He breaks down the real-world effects of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and international relations, offering unique insights into these growing challenges. 

Drawing on his experience advising governments on security strategies, Paul highlights the importance of addressing extremism and radicalization in today’s digital age. Emerging technologies, he argues, demand a fresh approach to security leadership. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional or simply curious about how national security is adapting to this changing landscape, Paul’s insights provide valuable lessons for staying ahead in our increasingly connected world.

In this compelling episode of Net Impact, Fred Menachem is joined by cybersecurity veteran Malcolm Harkins, Chief Security and Trust Officer at HiddenLayer. Malcolm brings over three decades of experience—including pivotal roles at Intel and Silence—to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

From growing up in a challenging environment to becoming one of the most respected voices in cybersecurity, Malcolm shares how personal struggles shaped his approach to leadership and tackling cyber threats head-on. They dive into his groundbreaking work at HiddenLayer, where Malcolm is revolutionizing how AI systems are secured, then take time to explore the psychological toll cybersecurity professionals face and how to approach burnout, resilience, and positive mental health in high-stakes environments.

Whether you're a cybersecurity enthusiast, a leader grappling with team burnout, or simply curious about the human side of tech innovation, Malcolm’s story will inspire you to rethink how you approach risk, leadership, and personal well-being.

Barbara Massa, Partner and COO of NightDragon, joins Net Impact host Fred Menachem for a deep dive into the world of cybersecurity leadership and talent development. From her early days in Silicon Valley, to her leadership at one of the industry’s top investment firms, Barbara shares how resilience, curiosity, and relationships have fueled her career and shaped the cybersecurity landscape. 

Learn about the growing demand for cybersecurity talent, the importance of diversity in teams, and why leadership in this field requires more than just technical skills. Whether you’re a tech professional, an aspiring leader, or just curious about the future of cyber leadership, this episode offers insights into the evolving world of cybersecurity and how you can play a part in it.

Fred Karlinsky—Shareholder and Co-Chair, Insurance Regulatory & Transactions Practice at Greenberg Traurig—joins host Fred Menachem to share his expertise in insurance regulation and cybersecurity law. 

Tune in as he takes us through his unique career path, from his start in insurance regulation to becoming a top strategist in cybersecurity law. He also discusses the growing intersection of insurance and cybersecurity, the complexities of navigating regulatory environments, and his experiences negotiating with cybercriminals during ransomware incidents. Whether you're a legal professional, an insurance expert, or someone interested in the cyber landscape, this episode offers valuable takeaways on managing cyber risk in today's connected world.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the future of cyber law, how companies can prepare for the inevitable, and why comprehensive insurance coverage is more critical than ever.

In this episode of Net Impact, host Fred Menachem sits down with Assistant State Attorney Stewart Hedrick, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office. Stewart takes us through his unconventional career path to becoming one of the leading prosecutors in cybercrime, tracking down digital criminals and bringing them to justice.

Tune in as Stewart shares the complexities of prosecuting cybercrime cases in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. From navigating online fraud schemes to tackling human trafficking facilitated through the dark corners of the internet, Stewart offers an insider's look into the challenges law enforcement faces today. This episode delves into real-life cases and highlights the innovative methods used to gather digital evidence and protect victims.

Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, a law student, or simply curious about the intersection of law and technology, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of cybercrime prosecution. Check out this episode to hear Stewart’s expert advice on staying safe in the digital age and learn about the relentless pursuit of justice in cyberspace.

Cybersecurity can seem intimidating, but there’s room in it for those with unconventional backgrounds. Bindi Davé, the Deputy CISO at DigiCert, is one of those individuals. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring—from her unconventional path into the industry to her current role leading enterprise security.

Join host Fred Menachem as he and Bindi discuss her career progression, the importance of soft skills in cybersecurity, and how to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. Bindi shares her personal experiences, including dealing with burnout, the role of mentorship, and the significance of empathy and kindness in leadership.

Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional, a leader looking to improve team dynamics, or simply curious about the human side of cybersecurity, this episode offers valuable insights and advice.

It's 1991, and Phil Zimmermann, a visionary programmer, creates Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)—a revolutionary tool that empowers everyday people to encrypt their emails. But his innovation lands him in the crosshairs of the US Customs Service. His alleged crime? Violating the Arms Export Control Act.

In this episode of Net Impact, our host Fred Menachem chats with Phil Zimmermann about his remarkable story. Discover how PGP revolutionized digital privacy and why it warranted an arms embargo investigation. Phil shares his insights on the evolution of encryption, the challenges of securing digital communication, and the ongoing battle for privacy in a surveillance-heavy world.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that explores the history of encryption, its impact on cybersecurity, and its relevance in today's digital landscape. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a privacy advocate, or simply curious about the history of digital security, this episode has something for everyone.