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What happens when AI replaces the careers we've built our identities around? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Naomi Buckwalter, Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and founder of Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation.

Naomi's cybersecurity journey began with a moment of clarity during a week-long hacking course that changed everything. "The clouds parted, angels were singing," she recalls of the experience that propelled her from developer to security professional. Through sheer determination—and admittedly, some persistence that bordered on pestering—she convinced a manager to create a position specifically for her enthusiasm. This story alone offers valuable insight for anyone looking to pivot careers: find what lights you up, then advocate relentlessly for your place at that table.

But our conversation quickly moves beyond career tactics to examine profound questions about humanity's future. With AI rapidly advancing, Naomi suggests we're approaching a fundamental shift in how we understand work itself. "Maybe technology's purpose was always to give us freedom to explore, create, and just be human," she reflects. This perspective challenges our cultural fixation on career as identity—a relatively recent development in human history.

What strikes me most about Naomi is how she embodies this philosophy already. Beyond her day job, she finds deep fulfillment refereeing volleyball matches. Not for money (she actually loses money doing it), but for the intoxicating energy of facilitating human connection. "You feel the cheers, the energy, the camaraderie—everything beautiful about humans seeps right into your body." This passion perfectly illustrates her core belief: we're happiest when contributing to others' well-being.

As we navigate an uncertain future with AI, perhaps our greatest opportunity isn't preserving jobs but rediscovering what makes us uniquely human. "Deep down, we're all good people," Naomi reminds us—and finding ways to express that goodness might be our most meaningful work of all.

What would you do if freed from traditional work? How might we restructure society to value human connection over productivity? Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn to continue this vital conversation about our collective future.

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What happens when we bring our authentic selves to work? Rachel Arnold, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Secure Nation, reveals the power of human connection in building lasting client relationships in cybersecurity.

Rachel describes her unique role as "the human API" - connecting people, products, and possibilities through deep understanding of communication preferences and needs. Unlike traditional vendor relationships focused on transactions, Rachel builds partnerships based on trust and genuine connection. She tailors her approach to each client's preferred communication style, whether that's email, text message, or phone calls, creating experiences that feel personal rather than corporate.

The conversation explores how authenticity transforms work environments. As Rachel puts it, "How awful to spend 40+ hours a week pretending to be someone else." By bringing her whole self to professional interactions—sharing her passion for plants, discussing family challenges, and expressing genuine care for clients—she creates relationships that transcend typical business boundaries. This authenticity doesn't diminish professionalism; it enhances it by building deeper trust.

Most compelling is the discussion about workplace culture and leadership. Toxic environments stem from leaders who themselves are suffering but lack self-awareness to address their pain constructively. By contrast, when leaders demonstrate vulnerability, admit mistakes, and support teams through professional and personal challenges, everyone thrives. These supportive environments don't just benefit employees—they directly translate to better client service and business success.

Ready to transform your approach to professional relationships? Subscribe to Voices of the Vigilant for more conversations about the human side of cybersecurity, and check out Rachel's weekly livestream "Coffee Table Talks" to continue exploring authentic leadership.

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Sivan Tehila, CEO and founder of Onyxia Cyber, shares her journey from Israeli military CISO to innovative startup founder and cybersecurity educator, revealing how personal resilience shaped her multi-faceted career.

• Started as a cybersecurity officer in the Israeli military for 10 years, serving as CISO of the Research and Analysis Division
• Named her company Onyxia after a World of Warcraft character who could adapt to evolving environments, mirroring how security programs must adapt to evolving threats
• Created a governance platform that serves as the "operating system for security teams," unifying disparate security tools and data
• Developed a cutting-edge cybersecurity master's program at Yeshiva University featuring hands-on training in a Security Operations Center
• Advocates for bringing more women into cybersecurity through education initiatives and mentorship
• Lost her father at age 12, which taught her independence and resilience at a young age
• Believes in "work-life harmony" rather than "work-life balance" as the key to managing multiple professional roles
• Finds paddleboarding to be her "active meditation" and way to stay sharp and focused

Connect with Sivan on LinkedIn or at upcoming events in Boston (May 14th) and New York (May 8th).

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The battle for representation in the cybersecurity field takes center stage in this podcast episode featuring Stacey Champagne, founder of Hacker Heels.

Stacey Champagne is the Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, a pioneering organization dedicated to elevating women into positions of power within the cybersecurity industry. As an active cybersecurity practitioner and transformational coach, she continues leading from the front lines while guiding others to success. Drawing over a decade of experience securing Fortune 500 companies and startups, Stacey combines her technical expertise in insider risk, security investigations, and program management with professional coaching skills to transform women's careers.

Through carefully crafted content, specialized courses, personalized coaching, and strategic events, Hacker in Heels equips women to get paid their worth, secure promotions, and gain recognition for their contributions to the field. Stacey's innovative approach and proven track record of helping women navigate and thrive in traditionally male-dominated environments has earned industry-wide recognition, including the 2023 Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year Award from the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu.

In this episode, Stacey emphasizes the importance of leveraging diverse experiences and unique journeys, particularly how professionals from non-traditional backgrounds can add significant value to the industry. Hear her inspiring narrative of transitioning from a graphic design career to a meaningful role within cybersecurity, proving that diverse paths lead to innovative solutions.

Join us as we explore the mission of Hacker Heels, which aims to empower women to secure prominent roles across all levels of cybersecurity—not just within executive positions but as changemakers within their organizations. Discover the unique programs offered by Hacker Heels, including career transition support, community events, and resources tailored to foster personal and professional growth.

Moving beyond certification, Stacey shares impactful success stories from women who have transformed their careers through Hacker Heels. This episode encourages everyone to reflect on their own intrinsic value and how their diverse experiences shape the future of cybersecurity.

With meaningful conversations about equity and access, Stacey and Jess dive deep into the systemic challenges facing women in tech, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive industry. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and empowered. Whether you're just starting in your career or looking to make a change, this episode underscores the essential role of community support and the value of resilience in achieving success.

You won't want to miss the insights and motivation shared in this vibrant discussion. Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us amplify these important conversations!

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Clea Ostendorf, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Wolfpack Security, unveils her journey from startup highs and lows to the impactful changes in the cybersecurity field. You'll gain a firsthand account of how she's transforming the industry by addressing immediate security needs, even as businesses face budget constraints and staffing challenges. Clea shares personal reflections on leadership, drawing parallels between facing cybersecurity challenges and her own kitchen remodel, illustrating how expertise and collaboration lead to success.

Explore the groundbreaking trends in application security with a focus on collaboration rather than isolation. Clea sheds light on how integrating security with development processes fosters empowerment rather than fear. The importance of pen testing, automation, and the need for seamless collaboration between security and development teams is emphasized, ensuring that security practices propel rather than impede progress. Discover how the landscape has shifted from seeing insider threats as invasive to opportunities for innovation and integration.

In navigating the complexities of DevSecOps and work-life balance, Clea offers invaluable insights into managing the myriad tools in the security landscape. We discuss the future of application security, especially regarding legacy systems like Log4j and the dual impact of AI. Clea passionately argues for hiring former developers with security experience to foster trust and effective communication. Her reflections on leadership highlight the importance of vulnerability and openness, aiming to break down silos and leave a legacy of support and collaboration.

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