Craig Duckworth sits down with CIO and Chief Enterprise Architect Shellie D'Angelo to address why so many OT and IT modernization efforts stall out at the foundation.

Shellie explains why data governance must come before “another tool,” how inconsistent data quality quietly sabotages reporting and risk decisions, and why leadership transparency is the fastest path to maturity.

Craig and Shellie also explore the reality of shadow IT on the plant floor, the growing impact of AI as both a defensive advantage and an attacker accelerator, and the practical steps teams can take to move from reactive chaos to measurable business outcomes.

Chapters:

• (00:00:00) Why honest risk conversations are the starting line
• (00:01:00) Shellie’s background: rebuilding enterprise tech foundations
• (00:02:00) OT/IT convergence: start with business drivers and data governance
• (00:05:00) “Tools first” vs business-first security decisions
• (00:08:00) Knowing what you have before buying more tools
• (00:11:00) How far along are most organizations, really?
• (00:15:00) AI as a double-edged sword: defense vs attacker acceleration
• (00:18:00) Where to start: inventory first vs governance structure
• (00:22:00) OT tech is often easier prey: PLCs, HMI/SCADA, cameras
• (00:25:00) Partnering vs going it alone: don’t reinvent the wheel
• (00:26:00) Tech debt and why technology can’t be an afterthought
• (00:29:00) Governance should increase speed, not slow it down
• (00:30:00) Final advice: “turn chaos into cash” and own your impact

Links And Resources:

• Shellie D'Angelo on LinkedIn
• Want to Sponsor an episode or be a Guest? Reach out here.
• Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedIn
• Cybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedIn
• BW Design Group Cybersecurity
• Dino Busalachi on LinkedIn
• Craig Duckworth on LinkedIn

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