Mission: Cyber

CyberSheath
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business

Welcome to Mission: Cyber, exploring leadership journeys behind cybersecurity, compliance, and resilience in the defense industrial base. Join host Emil Sayegh as he interviews leaders and luminaries throughout the industry, highlighting the latest insights and strategies to help navigate today's cybersecurity challenges. This is Mission: Cyber, presented by CyberSheath.

Episodes

  1. Oct 6

    Janet Grondin on Mission-Driven Leadership, National Security, and Making High-Stakes Decisions

    In this episode of Mission: Cyber, host Emil Sayegh sits down with Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. With a career spanning 26 years in the Air Force, national security space programs, and executive leadership, Janet brings a mission-driven perspective to leadership, decision-making, and protecting the systems our nation depends on. Janet reflects on her journey from aeronautical engineer to Air Force Colonel to CEO, including her work supporting GPS, launch vehicles, and other critical space capabilities. She explains how her engineering background continues to shape the way she solves problems, why space is so deeply connected to national security and everyday life, and how leaders can make sound decisions even when they don’t have all the information. She also shares lessons from her transition from military to corporate leadership and her experience rising through the ranks at Stellar Solutions. From building a culture around trust and autonomy to leading teams through difficult moments, Janet explains why strong leadership requires listening, adaptability, and a willingness to make tough decisions while keeping the mission at the forefront. The conversation also turns to cybersecurity and the Defense Industrial Base, where Janet shares why CEOs need to understand their organization’s cybersecurity architecture, why leaders need to stay engaged in protecting sensitive information, and why defense contractors should continue pursuing CMMC readiness regardless of changing implementation timelines. In this episode: How Janet’s engineering and Air Force experience shaped her approach to leadershipWhy GPS and other space capabilities are critical to national security and everyday lifeWhat Janet learned transitioning from military to corporate leadershipHow to make high-stakes decisions without having 100% of the informationWhy trust, autonomy, and relationships are central to Stellar Solutions’ cultureWhat leadership requires when teams are under pressureWhy CEOs need to stay engaged in cybersecurity and CMMC

  2. Aug 26

    Michael Gruden on CUI Protection, Legal Exposure, and Executive Responsibility

    In this episode of Mission: Cyber, host Emil Sayegh sits down with Michael Gruden, Partner at Steptoe and a leading cybersecurity and incident-response attorney. With a career spanning the Pentagon, DHS, and private practice, Michael brings a mission-focused perspective to the legal, regulatory, and operational challenges facing defense contractors today. Michael breaks down the confusion surrounding the Department of Defense’s Phase 2 CMMC pause — clarifying what has actually changed, what hasn’t, and why the obligation to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) remains firmly in place. He also explains how DOJ enforcement, inaccurate attestations, and unprivileged assessments can expose contractors to significant legal risk amid increased scrutiny across the Defense Industrial Base. Most importantly, Michael offers practical guidance for leaders on how to use this pause as a strategic opportunity, why governance and data-flow mapping matter more than ever, and how conducting assessments under legal privilege can help organizations identify and addresscybersecurity gaps with greater confidence. In this episode: • What the CMMC Phase 2 pause really means for contractors• Why protecting CUI remains a critical legal and contractual obligation• How internal assessments, SPRS scores, and attestations can become evidence• DOJ enforcement trends impacting prime contractors and small businesses• Why now is the time to strengthen governance, documentation, and data mapping• How legal privilege can reduce exposure during cybersecurity assessments Whether you’re a CEO, CIO, CISO, or compliance leader navigating the shifting CMMC landscape, this conversation delivers clarity, perspective, and actionable advice on what it takes to protect your mission — and your organization — in today’s evolving regulatory environment.

  3. Aug 10

    Fernando Machado on Cybersecurity Myths, Servant Leadership, and Securing the DIB

    In this episode of Mission: Cyber, host Emil Sayegh sits down with Fernando Machado, Managing Principal and CISO of Cybersec Investments, to explore his journey from Army infantryman to one of the most experienced voices in the CMMC ecosystem. Fernando shares how servant leadership, rooted in his military service, continues to shape his philosophy, his assessment teams, and the culture of Cybersec Investments. He also breaks down the myths and misconceptions that often mislead defense contractors—from overreliance on SSPs to misunderstandings about SPRS scores—and offers a candid look at what separates confident teams from overwhelmed ones during an assessment. In this episode: How servant leadership shapes effective cybersecurity teamsThe most common cybersecurity myths and the truths behind themEnforcement trends holding defense contractors accountable for their cybersecurity postureThe mission‑driven reasons securing the Defense Industrial Base matters nowmore than everWhether you’re a defense contractor, security practitioner, or leader navigating compliance, this conversation offers clear guidance, real‑world perspective, and a grounded look at what it truly takes to secure the Defense Industrial Base.

  4. Aug 6

    Scott Price on Entrepreneurship, Trust, and Why Cybersecurity Belongs in the Boardroom

    In this episode of Mission: Cyber, host Emil Sayegh sits down with Scott Price, Founder and CEO of A-LIGN, to discuss his journey from auditor to entrepreneur and his role in building one of the world's leading compliance firms. Scott shares lessons from his early career at Arthur Andersen, the impact of the Enron collapse on his leadership philosophy, and how those experiences shaped A-LIGN's commitment to integrity, quality, and doing the right thing. He also reflects on the challenges of scaling acybersecurity company, navigating setbacks, and building a culture centered on trust. The conversation also explores how cybersecurity and compliance have evolved from back- office responsibilities into board-level priorities, why supply chain risk has become a strategic business concern, and how organizations can build sustainable cybersecurity programs that support long-term growth. In this episode:● The leadership lessons that shaped A-LIGN's culture and values● Why cybersecurity has become a boardroom conversation● How compliance can unlock business opportunities and build customer trust● The growing importance of supply chain risk and third-party assurance● Why sustainable cybersecurity requires more than checking a compliance box Whether you're a defense contractor, cybersecurity leader, or business executive, this episode offers practical insights on entrepreneurship, trust, and building resilient organizations in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.

  5. Jul 17

    Bill Malone on Leadership, Cybersecurity Evolution, and Protecting the Defense Mission

    In this episode of Mission: Cyber, host Emil Sayegh sits down with Bill Malone, President of Coalfire Federal, to explore the leadership journey behind a nearly four- decade career spanning the U.S. Navy, national security, government services, and cybersecurity. Bill shares how his early experiences as a naval officer shaped his leadership philosophy, the mentors who influenced his career, and the lessons he learned while navigating the evolution of cybersecurity. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How military service shaped Bill’s approach to leadership, decision-making, and developing teams The importance of listening, mentorship, and continuous learning as a leader The evolution of cybersecurity from an IT function to a board-level business risk How Coalfire Federal became involved in CMMC and the opportunity to help strengthen the Defense Industrial Base The vision behind the CMMC Partner Assurance Network (CPAN) and how trusted partnerships can help organizations navigate compliance challenges The future of cybersecurity, including the shift from “clipboards to code” and the role of automation and AI in continuous complianceCybersecurity is no longer simply a technology challenge. It’s a leadership responsibility.

  6. Jul 7

    Doug Barbin on Leadership, Trust, and Building Defensible Cybersecurity Programs

    Cybersecurity isn't just a technology challenge—it's a leadership challenge. In the inaugural episode of Mission: Cyber, CyberSheath CEO Emil Sayegh sits downwith Doug Barbin, President and National Managing Principal at Schellman, for a candidconversation about the leadership decisions that shape resilient cybersecurityprograms. Together, they explore why trust is essential to building strong security cultures, how AIis creating new governance challenges, and why organizations should focus on buildingdefensible cybersecurity programs—not simply passing compliance assessments. Whether you're preparing for CMMC, leading cybersecurity initiatives, or navigating therapid evolution of AI, this episode offers practical insights for executives, securityleaders, and defense contractors alike. In this episode, you'll learn: Why cybersecurity is fundamentally a business challenge—not just an IT issueThe leadership traits that create resilient security organizationsHow AI is accelerating governance and compliance risksCommon misconceptions about CMMC readinessThe difference between being compliant and being truly secureListen to the full episode and subscribe for future conversations with the leadersshaping cybersecurity.

  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Mission: Cyber, exploring leadership journeys behind cybersecurity, compliance, and resilience in the defense industrial base. Join host Emil Sayegh as he interviews leaders and luminaries throughout the industry, highlighting the latest insights and strategies to help navigate today's cybersecurity challenges. This is Mission: Cyber, presented by CyberSheath.

Information

  • Creator
    CyberSheath
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CyberSheath