In this episode of The Cyber Hot Seat, host Anish Chauhan sits down with Jonathan Ellwood, Head of Cyber Incident Exercising and Response at IASME. Together, they break down what it really means to be ready when a cyber incident hits.

Jonathan explains the NCSC’s Cyber Incident Exercising Standard by outlining what it is, why it matters, and how small and mid-sized businesses can use it to prepare. He shares why a plan on paper isn’t enough, and how running exercises turns theory into action.

From quick tabletop sessions to realistic live-play simulations, the pair explore how testing your response builds confidence, improves teamwork, and exposes blind spots before attackers do. They also tackle common mistakes, from overcomplicating exercises to forgetting to follow up on lessons learned.

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In this episode, Anish is joined by Jemma, Security Culture and Awareness Specialist and Founder of Culture Gem, to unpack one of Cyber Security’s most overlooked topics: culture.

Anish shares his perspective on shaping strong team cultures, while Jemma unpacks why “culture fit” matters just as much as technical expertise. Together, they dig into what culture fit really means in modern Cyber Security teams, why getting work ethic right is so challenging, and how diversity—when nurtured—becomes a powerful driver of performance rather than a complication.

Expect an honest and thought-provoking conversation, filled with practical insights for anyone striving to build a high-performing security team. You’ll hear real-world examples of culture shaping success or failure, explore the communication gap between leaders and talent, and discover what it feels like when a team culture truly clicks.

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In episode 18 of The Cyber Hot Seat, Anish Chauhan and Cristina Lasagni dig into the real challenges businesses face around vendor selection, cloud migrations, and the constant pressure to do more with less. Expect to hear about shocking examples of tool overload, the hard truths behind certifications, and why “badge-based trust” might be misleading. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone tired of the noise and craving clarity.
 
Drowning in security solutions? Struggling with cloud visibility or compliance? Unsure whether to upskill your team or lean on external support? Cristina and Anish deliver straight-talking advice, sharp insights, and a few bold takes you won’t want to miss.

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Is your Cyber Security training actually preparing users for real-world threats — or just ticking boxes?

In this episode of The Cyber Hot Seat, Red Teamer and instructor Hani Momeninia joins us to reveal the uncomfortable truth: most training programmes aren’t built for the way modern attacks actually work.

We dive into the key reasons why generic, one-size-fits-all training falls short — and how attackers are using this to stay ahead. From static content to simulations that lack realism, Hani breaks down where traditional training fails and what a smarter, threat-informed approach should look like.

Expect sharp insights, real-world examples, and practical ideas on how to make Cyber Security education actually matter.

If you think your training is good enough — this episode might change your mind.

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In this episode of The Cyber Hot Seat, we’re joined by Josh Fulford, Solutions Expert at Chaleit and a recognised thought leader in Pen Testing and Cyber Security. We dive into the disconnect between what’s being sold and what businesses actually need to stay secure. From compliance checklists to vendor pressure, we explore why some Cyber Security products look great on paper but fall flat in practice, the frustration IT leaders feel with misaligned sales approaches, and how to cut through the noise to make decisions that truly reduce risk. Josh also shares what needs to change in the industry to shift from box-ticking to meaningful protection. 

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In this episode, we are joined by Becky Hall, a Cyber Security expert with over 15 years of IT industry experience. Becky shares her insights on the “Garden to Grid” approach, which emphasises putting down roots and building relationships as the foundation of a resilient Cyber Security strategy. Many organisations view internal cyber and audit teams as threats, overlooking the critical role of trust and communication. Becky challenges this mindset, offering practical advice on fostering collaboration to transform these relationships into a strategic advantage. Drawing on her experience as an Enterprise Technical Account Manager and public speaker, she provides a fresh perspective on creating adaptive, purpose-driven security strategies. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the power of relationships in Cyber Security.

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In Episode 14 of The Cyber Hot Seat, host Anish joins Sunaina Aytan to explore how AI is shaping Cyber Security. They discuss whether AI strengthens defences or introduces new vulnerabilities, the role of standards like ISO/IEC 42001, and how frameworks like NIST support secure and reliable AI systems. The episode also examines managing risks from tools like GitHub Copilot without stifling innovation, the future of regulation, and the balance between AI and human oversight. Tune in for practical insights into securing AI-powered systems and the future of Cyber Security.

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In episode 13, Jessica Burden, a Security Engineer at IASME, joins host Anish to discuss why neurodiversity is a vital asset to Cyber Security. Diagnosed with autism at 14, Jessica’s journey inspired her mother to create IASME’s Neurodiverse Training programme, tailored for neurodiverse talent in Cyber Security. They explore Jessica’s experiences in the industry and what organisations can do to create a more inclusive environment—from rethinking interviews to ensuring neurodiverse professionals feel supported in their roles. Tune in for valuable insights into shaping a more innovative, diverse future in Cyber Security!

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In Episode 12, our host Anish is joined by Professor of Cyber Security Chitra Balakrishna to discuss the challenges of deploying new technologies while maintaining strong Cyber Security. They highlight the need for businesses to focus on core security principles—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—despite the complexities that new technologies like IoT and cloud services bring. 

The conversation also covers the importance of balancing innovation with security, ensuring proper risk assessments, and providing employee training to prevent cyber threats caused by human error. 

Check out the podcast for another insightful episode with an industry expert! 

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In episode 11, join us for another insightful discussion with the guest speaker, Claire Vandenbroecke, lead ISO 27001 auditor and Director of VandenSec Consulting. With her vast experience in compliance, this episode is essential viewing. Dive deep into the challenges that arise when compliance standards clash with the practical security needs of an organisation. Explore practical strategies to bridge this gap, ensuring that decisions are informed by more than just compliance standards alone. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights!

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