Cybersixgill Podcast Series Cybersixgill

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast.

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Listen in as Blak Cyber’s George McPherson is joined by Kanika Tolver, a decorated technology Federal Government employee, author, and CEO and Founder of Career Rehab, LLC.  In her book Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work, she helps readers strip away what’s holding them back to create the career of their dreams. As an in-demand coach, consultant, speaker, and thought leader, Kanika has been featured on CNN, CNBC, CBS Radio, Yahoo, Glassdoor, Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur, and the Washington Post. Kanika shares how she started her career in technology and why she got into career coaching. Learn how the blueprint of entry into the IT industry has evolved, how certifications can help you get the job you want, and why you need to dial into a niche. Find out how you can maximize and market yourself to get ahead in your IT career.
Originally aired on April 5, 2020 
ABOUT THIS EPISODE: I sit down with Technology Professional turned Career Coach Superstar, Kanika Tolver! We discuss strategies to start or re-vamp your IT career, and how to re-invent yourself into a Brand during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Kanika has also been featured in the Washington Post, LinkedIn, CNBC, Black Enterprise, CNN, Govloop, Entrepreneur, Dice, Tech Republic, CompTIA, Glassdoor, and on the CBS Radio Network. Kanika is an extremely motivated Certified AWS Solutions Architect and ServiceNow Project Manager with agile software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity experience. Well-versed in gathering business requirements, performing security reviews, and deploying cloud applications. Prepares project timelines, design architectures, and release management plans.

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast.

Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS | Download
This week, Blak Cyber’s George McPherson sits down with Michael A. Echols, CEO and Founder of MAX Cybersecurity LLC, an 8a company whose clients include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, and Transportation Security Administration, to name a few. Michael is a senior cybersecurity executive and critical infrastructure protection strategist. He works with senior corporate leaders and government officials to make the nation more resilient through enhanced threat information sharing, CMMC requirements, and expanding cyber domain control in education, health, transportation, and government sectors. Previously, Michael managed cyber resiliency programs for the Department of Homeland Security and served as the point person for the rollout of President Obama's Executive Order Promoting Private Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing. He developed a national program for risk management and cyber education and chaired the Communications Sector Government Coordinating Council (GCC)  and the Network Security Information Exchange.
Michael discusses how he went from telecom to government work thwarting terrorists with technology. He shares why mentorship is important, how to use your skills to build yourself up, and why you need to study to excel. Learn why the average person needs to protect their digital lives and more.


Originally premiered Mar 26, 2020
ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The Blak Cyber podcast sits down to talk to Michael A. Echols, He dropped some jewels, and decoded the matrix!
Michael A. Echols is the founder on Max Cybersecurity LLC, a Washington DC 8a company with clients including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, APTA, and Transportation Security Administration. Mr. Echols is a senior cybersecurity executive and critical infrastructure protection strategist working with senior corporate leaders and government officials to make the nation more resilient. He offers cybersecurity consultation through Max Cybersecurity LLC. He is leading a revolution to stand up and support leading security practices, enhance threat Information Sharing, meet CMMC requirements and expand cyber domain control for the Education, Health, Transportation, and Government Sectors. As such, Mr. Echols leads a global effort to holistically harmonize cyber management. Previously, Mr. Echols managed cyber resiliency programs for the Department of Homeland Security while assisting in the advancement of national risk reduction practices. As the point person for the rollout of President Obama's EO 13691, he developed a national program for risk management and cyber education. Mr. Echols Chaired the Communications Sector GCC and the Network Security Information Exchange.

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast. Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS
In the latest Blak Cyber podcast, George McPherson speaks with Ken Underhill, CEO and Executive Producer of Cyber Life. A recognized and award-winning cybersecurity expert, Ken has been featured in Forbes, Reader's Digest, Medium, Tech Republic, Fox, NBC, Dark Reading, Voyage Houston Magazine, MSN Money, and more. George has known Ken for a few years now and can attest to the positive impact Ken has had on the cybersecurity community.
In this episode, Ken discusses his cybersecurity journey, finding purpose and focusing on the positives. Learn about best practices to prepare for cybersecurity certifications and the importance of empowering people with the skill sets they need to close the skills gap.
Originally premiered Mar 28, 2020
ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The Blak Cyber podcast sits down to talk to Ken Underhill, Ken has been featured in Forbes, Reader's Digest, Medium, Tech Republic, Fox, NBC, Dark Reading, Voyage Houston Magazine, MSN Money, and many more places. In Ken's own words "I sometimes do cybersecurity product and service reviews (cybersecurity influencer marketing). Reach out to me if you need that service. All my reviews will be honest feedback, good or bad." I have personally known Ken for a couple of years, and his impact on the Cybersecurity community can not be measured, he goes above and beyond expectations. 

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast.

Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS

Blak Cyber podcast’s George McPherson sits down with Yatia “Tia” Hopkins, an award-winning cybersecurity executive who is currently Field CTO and Cyber Risk Strategist at eSentire. She is also an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Yeshiva University, is pursuing her Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Management, and is the founder of Empow(H)er Cybersecurity, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing a safe space for women of color interested in or currently working in the field of cybersecurity. Tia’s mission is to help drive the growth and success of the cybersecurity industry, and she is committed to creating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are as diverse and inclusive as possible. 
Learn about Tia’s journey in the cybersecurity industry and the core values that enabled her success. She shares the importance of critical thinking, why every conversation is about positioning yourself, how to lower the perceived barrier of entry into cybersecurity, and more.

Originally premiered Nov 2, 2020

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

The Blak Cyber podcast talks with Yatia "Tia" Hopkins, the award-winning, and accomplished cybersecurity VP, about her career, teaching style, and master plan to Empow(H)er African American women in the Cyber Security field. Tia says, "I am a Cybersecurity Executive who has spent the past 20+ years of my career in various IT and IT Security roles with over a decade of experience in the managed services space. My work focuses on helping organizations achieve cyber resilience through effective and efficient combinations of people, process, and technology; as well as influencing the rapid transformation and market value of high-growth, disruptive cybersecurity start-ups through market research and education, thought leadership and evangelism, product messaging, competitive differentiation, and roadmap guidance."

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast.

Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS

This week’s Blak Cyber podcast with George McPherson presents an interview with Chelsea Pierre, CEO of Blerds Leading Technology, whose vision is to create the strongest group of minority leaders in the technology industry. At age 21, Chelsea joined the United States Airforce, where she was introduced to IT. Today, she is a sought-after speaker, cybersecurity professional, thought leader, and certification instructor. 
Listen as Chelsea discusses the lack of African-American women in cybersecurity and their challenges on issues such as barriers to entry, career advancements, and equal pay. She also shares what drew her to cybersecurity, why she wanted to be a mentor and the importance of knowing your worth.


Premiered initially Apr 11, 2020

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea Pierre, is a speaker, cybersecurity professional, and certification instructor. She talks about how to get into cybersecurity and the different adversities minorities and women face in their journey. One of the many great stories Chelsea spoke on was one where she was able to talk to another minority woman struggling to find her way into the industry. Chelsea was able to connect with her and have a positive impact on her career. We need more crusaders like her ready to be the light when security hopefuls struggle to find their way.

Cybersixgill Presents an encore episode of George McPherson's Blak Cyber podcast.

Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS
In this week’s Blak Cyber podcast, host George McPherson sits down with Keyaan Williams, founder and Managing Director of Cyber Leadership and Strategy Solutions (CLASS-LLC). A global professional services firm, the company specializes in corporate governance and cybersecurity-focused enterprise risk management solutions in financial services, defense, health technology, logistics and shipping, oil and gas, cloud services, education technology, and government. Keyaan served as President of the Information Systems Security Association’s (ISSA) International Board of Directors and is a founding member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Private Directors Association.
Keyann shares his journey in the cybersecurity industry, how he cultivates leadership skills, the evolution of the CISO, and the importance of learning through experiences and being open to every opportunity. 
Premiered initially Jan 4, 2021. 
ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The Blak Cyber podcast sits down for its first episode of 2021 to talk to Keyaan Williams, founder and Managing Director of Cyber Leadership and Strategy Solutions (CLASS-LLC), a global professional services firm that specializes in corporate governance and cybersecurity-focused enterprise risk management solutions for US-based and international customers in financial services, defense, health technology, logistics and shipping, oil and gas, cloud services, and education technology, and national and local governments. Prior to CLASS-LLC, he has dedicated more than two decades to developing and supporting programs in large, regulated enterprises. Beyond security, Keyaan established his reputation for executive leadership as President of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) International Board of Directors. He currently serves as the chair of the risk committee for a global non-profit and is a founding member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Private Directors Association.