Pretty Secure

Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Technology
  • Weekly

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but sometimes the unexpected is exactly what pushes you into your next chapter. Pretty Secure, hosted by Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson, also known as Dr. Resiliency, is for anyone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, reinventing a career, or stepping into a space that feels completely unfamiliar. Through honest conversations about resilience, career pivots, cybersecurity, technology, networking, and personal branding, Dr. Natalie makes growth feel practical and possible. She breaks down topics like Linux, AWS, vulnerability management, and careers in cyber and tech in a way that’s approachable, relatable, and never overwhelming. Whether you’re changing careers, starting over, exploring the world of cybersecurity, or simply figuring out what comes next, Pretty Secure is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, grow, and create a life and career that feel more secure and aligned with who you’re becoming.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 5 - From Career Change to Cybersecurity Leadership

    What does it really take to become a cybersecurity leader, and does your career have to follow a traditional path to get there? Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson sits down with Guy Albertini, former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Rutgers University and Palm Beach State College and founder of G Sharp Security, to discuss cybersecurity leadership, risk management, and the unexpected career decisions that can lead to professional growth. Guy shares how taking a pay cut to become a network analyst ultimately helped him discover his passion for information security and build a career in cybersecurity leadership. The conversation explores what makes an effective CISO, why understanding cyber risk is essential, and how mentorship, networking, and servant leadership can shape a successful career. Guy also shares how a mentor helped him prepare for his leadership role at Rutgers and why finding your purpose matters just as much as developing technical expertise. For students, career changers, and established IT professionals, Natalie and Guy discuss transferable skills, cybersecurity certifications, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), artificial intelligence, and the growing importance of proactive threat detection. Whether you're considering a career in cybersecurity or working toward a leadership position, the message is clear: your experience has value, your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's, and sometimes moving forward means being willing to make an uncomfortable decision. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

  2. Oct 20

    Ep. 4 - Cybersecurity Careers Start With Community

    What if your next cybersecurity opportunity isn't hiding behind a job application, but waiting for you at your next community event? Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson takes Pretty Secure on location to the ISSA South Florida Conference, Hack the Flag and Chili Cook Off, at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus. Through conversations with cybersecurity leaders, students, mentors, and industry partners, she highlights the organizations and people creating opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers. From Blacks in Cybersecurity and ISSA to Women in Security and Privacy (WISP) and AWS student groups, this episode explores how networking, mentorship, volunteering, and simply showing up can make a difference. Along the way, Natalie speaks with Lorenzo White about mentorship and cybersecurity career resources, ISSA leader Yosi Attias about professional networking and job opportunities, Tracy Goodhue about building an inclusive security and privacy community, and Palm Beach State College student Priscilla Modesto about stepping into leadership through AWS. She also connects with industry supporters from Tier 4 AI and Torq to discuss community investment, AI-powered security operations, and the importance of supporting South Florida's cybersecurity workforce. Whether you're a student trying to break into cybersecurity, a career changer looking for direction, or an experienced professional hoping to expand your network, this episode is a reminder that certifications and technical skills are only part of the journey. Get involved, build relationships, volunteer, and show up. Your next opportunity might start with a conversation. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

  3. Oct 6

    Ep. 3 - How to Find Your Career Path

    What happens when you’ve earned the degree, gotten the certification, or spent years building a career and still find yourself asking, “Now what?” Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson sits down with career development expert LaChish for a conversation about workforce development, career changes, mentorship, and the importance of understanding yourself before deciding where you want your career to go. They explore why education and technical skills are only part of the equation and why knowing your strengths, interests, transferable skills, and goals can make a major difference in building a career that actually fits your life. For students, professionals facing layoffs, career changers, and anyone questioning their next move, Natalie and LaChish discuss the pressure to follow traditional career paths, whether a four-year degree is always necessary, the value of certifications and alternative training, and why changing direction doesn't mean the time you've already invested was wasted. They also dig into mentorship, networking, lifelong learning, personal branding, and the need to continue developing your skills as industries evolve. Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, pivot into an entirely different industry, or simply figure out what comes next, the message is simple: you don't need to have everything figured out, but you do have to start. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

  4. Sep 15

    Ep. 2 - Cybersecurity Leadership in the Age of AI

    What does it take to lead in cybersecurity when technology is changing faster than ever? Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson sits down with cybersecurity leader and SentiCon Security founder John Masserini for a candid conversation about where the industry is headed and what security professionals need to do to keep up. They explore why today’s CISO has to think beyond technology, how cybersecurity can drive business instead of simply being viewed as a cost center, and why mentorship and relationships matter at every stage of your career. They also dig into the rapidly changing world of AI, identity management, privacy, and quantum computing. As AI agents become more embedded in organizations, John explains why identity may become one of the most important foundations of cybersecurity and why the next few years could reshape the industry dramatically. For students, career changers, and early-career cybersecurity professionals, the conversation gets especially practical. Cybersecurity isn't one career path, and becoming successful doesn't necessarily mean becoming a CISO. Curiosity, communication, passion, and the willingness to figure things out can be just as important as degrees and certifications. The takeaway? Stay curious. Build something. Break something. Learn something new. And be able to explain what you learned. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

  5. Sep 8

    Ep. 1 - What I Wish I Knew About Cybersecurity

    Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson gets personal about the path that brought her into technology, cybersecurity, and servant leadership. From being a lifelong tinkerer in South Florida to earning her doctorate in information security and creating Dr. Resiliency, she shares the people, experiences, and unexpected opportunities that shaped who she is today. She also gets candid about what it really takes to build a career in cybersecurity. It’s not the easy six-figure career path people are sometimes promised. It takes grit, patience, technical skills, communication, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep putting in the work when opportunities don’t come as quickly as expected. Natalie talks directly to students, newcomers, and career changers about networking, certifications, soft skills, AI, and why cybersecurity continues to change so quickly. More than anything, this is the story behind Pretty Secure and the community Natalie hopes to build around it. Cybersecurity may be the starting point, but the bigger conversation is about resilience, opportunity, giving back, and helping people recognize the value they can bring to their communities. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

  6. Aug 18

    Welcome to Pretty Secure!

    Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but sometimes the unexpected is exactly what pushes you into your next chapter. Pretty Secure, hosted by Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson, also known as Dr. Resiliency, is for anyone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, reinventing a career, or stepping into a space that feels completely unfamiliar. Through honest conversations about resilience, career pivots, cybersecurity, technology, networking, and personal branding, Dr. Natalie makes growth feel practical and possible. She breaks down topics like Linux, AWS, vulnerability management, and careers in cyber and tech in a way that’s approachable, relatable, and never overwhelming. Whether you’re changing careers, starting over, exploring the world of cybersecurity, or simply figuring out what comes next, Pretty Secure is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, grow, and create a life and career that feel more secure and aligned with who you’re becoming. Contact Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson: Email: theprettysecurepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @ThePrettySecurePodcast Instagram: @theprettysecurepodcast

    Welcome to Pretty Secure!
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but sometimes the unexpected is exactly what pushes you into your next chapter. Pretty Secure, hosted by Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson, also known as Dr. Resiliency, is for anyone navigating change, rebuilding confidence, reinventing a career, or stepping into a space that feels completely unfamiliar. Through honest conversations about resilience, career pivots, cybersecurity, technology, networking, and personal branding, Dr. Natalie makes growth feel practical and possible. She breaks down topics like Linux, AWS, vulnerability management, and careers in cyber and tech in a way that’s approachable, relatable, and never overwhelming. Whether you’re changing careers, starting over, exploring the world of cybersecurity, or simply figuring out what comes next, Pretty Secure is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, grow, and create a life and career that feel more secure and aligned with who you’re becoming.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Natalie Foster Johnson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pretty Secure
  • Show Website
    Pretty Secure