We sit down with Robert, CIO of a leading healthcare services company, to explore how non-traditional career paths, life skills, and human-centric leadership can reshape technology teams. Robert shares his journey from political-science graduate to tech executive, his work closing educational gaps with Teach For America Colorado, and candid lessons on mentorship, failure, true role of AI in our work and authentic leadership.

🔑 Top Takeaways
Non-Tech Backgrounds Drive Innovation
Fresh perspectives, from customer service, education, even music, unlock creative problem solving.

Life Skills Are Business Skills
Empathy, respect, accountability and strong communication form the bedrock of high-performing teams.

Mentors Guide, Not Dictate
The best mentors ask probing questions and share stories, helping you surface your own strengths.

Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Real-world setbacks teach resilience, sharpen listening skills, and foster adaptive leadership.

AI Empowers, but Demands Oversight
Automation boosts efficiency, but over-reliance leads to complacency and erosion of critical thinking.

True Inclusion Requires Action
Moving beyond gatekeeping certifications and degrees to open doors for underrepresented talent.

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🔐 She Built a Zoom Bot at 13 to Skip Class… and Ended Up Securing NASA.
Meet [@Bandana | Hack With Her], a rising cybersecurity force who’s not waiting for permission to shape the future.

At just 17, Bandana is:
✨ A cybersecurity researcher focused on adversarial attacks on LLMs
🌐 A UN Dynamic Team Coalition Cybersecurity Lead
🎓 A National Cybersecurity Education Ambassador
👩‍💻 A bug bounty hunter who’s helped secure NASA, the U.S. Dept. of Education & the Indian government

But what makes her story magnetic isn’t just the accomplishments — it’s how she started:
➡️ Taught herself Python through W3Schools
➡️ Built a Zoom bot to skip 7am classes during lockdown
➡️ Climbed “Cringe Mountain” to share her learning in public
➡️ Grew a personal brand on Instagram & LinkedIn from scratch

We talked about:
✔️ The fine line between personal branding and bragging
✔️ Why vulnerability is key to networking
✔️ GenAI’s dual role in good and harm — and how she’s defending against jailbreak attacks
✔️ Her mission to make the cyberspace livable for everyone

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SHOW NOTES

Instagram - Hackwithher
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackwither/

BOOKS
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook
– A comprehensive guide to web app security and penetration testing.

The Car Hacker's Handbook
– Focused on automotive cybersecurity and how to understand and exploit vehicle systems.

The 30 Ways to Make Money Hacking Ethically
– A bug bounty hunting book that explains 30 vulnerability types with real examples.

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In the latest episode of Inclusive Cyber, I had the honor of speaking with Nicole Lilly, founder of Deeply Devoted Lilly, somatic coach, and former corporate wellness strategist.

We didn’t talk tech.
We talked about what tech often ignores—how emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and inner safety are critical to sustainable performance in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity.

Nicole opens up about:

* Growing up in a culture where worth was tied to appearance—and how she reclaimed her health on *her* terms
* Her corporate wellness career and the blind spots she noticed in how we treat mental health at work
* Why we don’t ask for help, and how self-leadership shifted her relationship with discipline
* What it means to "come home to yourself" and build a life rooted in compassion, curiosity, and clarity

🧠 This conversation reminded me that no productivity hack can replace the inner work required to truly show up—at work or at home.

One of Nicole’s reflections that stuck with me:

“There’s a difference between what you want to be and who you want to be.”

🎧 If you’re in cybersecurity—or any fast-paced field—this episode is for you. It’s not about slowing down. It’s about realigning with your values so you can lead without burning out.

\#MentalHealth #CybersecurityLeadership #SomaticCoaching #WomenInTech #InclusiveCyber #BurnoutRecovery #LatinaLeadership #HumanCenteredSecurity #EmotionalWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #podcasthighlights

--------------------------
SHOW NOTES
Nicole Lilly - LinkedIn
Deeply Devoted Lilly - https://www.instagram.com/deeplydevotedlilly/

Books & Podcasts
----------------------------
1. What i know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey - https://www.amazon.com/What-Know-Sure-Oprah-Winfrey/dp/1250054052
2. We Can Do Hard Things - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things/id1564530722
3. Build with Leila Hormozi - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-with-leila-hormozi/id1663834553
4. Stay Grounded with Rai Jana - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-grounded-with-raj-jana/id1318038490

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Kylee's journey to cybersecurity is amazing.

From the Midwest to Southern California’s music and production scene, she built a foundation in audio engineering before pivoting to cybersecurity. Facing life-changing challenges, including single motherhood, Kylee earned degrees in speech, language, and hearing science, followed by a master's in cybersecurity operations and leadership.

Her success highlights curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and the immense value of mentorship. Now focused on policy, compliance, risk management, and security awareness training, Kylee emphasizes clear communication and human connection in cybersecurity.

Kylee advocates strongly for women in tech, encouraging confidence, networking, and mentorship. Her insights into generative AI and quantum computing point to exciting future opportunities tempered with necessary caution.Kylee's journey reminds us that diverse paths lead to successful tech careers.Have you witnessed unique career transitions into cybersecurity? Share your experiences!

SHOW NOTES:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleemarie/

Books

1. "Nexus" by Yuval Noah Harari
2. "Sapiens"by Yuval Noah Harari
3. "Getting the Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt
4. "The Laws of Human Nature"by Robert Greene
5. "The Art of Seduction"by Robert Greene

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In the latest episode of Inclusive Cyber, Laura shared her inspiring journey through the IT and cybersecurity world. Starting from a humble role in a school district without formal education, she quickly realized the immense opportunities available, thanks to encouragement from mentors who recognized her potential.

Laura emphasized the importance of mentors, not necessarily formal educators, as critical drivers in her career. Despite a successful five-year venture as a photography entrepreneur, she returned to cybersecurity after COVID-19. Taking a strategic step back initially allowed her to build confidence, upskill, and thrive.

Throughout the discussion, Laura highlighted ongoing industry debates around formal education versus certifications. She argued that while education remains invaluable, practical experience and certifications can open crucial doors, especially for those without traditional educational pathways.

Looking forward, Laura aims to establish a nonprofit to support single mothers and marginalized individuals in entering cybersecurity, reinforcing her belief that empowering opportunities can transform lives significantly.

Laura's story is a powerful reminder that cybersecurity is not just about technical skills—it's also about resilience, adaptability, and meaningful mentorship.

#CyberSecurity #Mentorship #InclusiveCyber #CareerGrowth #EducationVsExperience #NonprofitLeadership

Book Recommendations
The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America by Deepa Purushothaman

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-r-b3532726b/

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In this episode, I sit down with Teressa, a cybersecurity professional with a fascinating journey from art history and anthropology to technical writing and cybersecurity. Teressa shares how her curiosity led her to explore the world of network security and how her non-traditional background has become a unique asset in her career.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

How Teressa transitioned from anthropology to cybersecurity through technical writing
The importance of curiosity in professional growth
How to build supportive mentorship relationships
Why cybersecurity needs a humanistic approach
Insights into her entrepreneurial journey with PopCykol, a company focused on online safety education for families and kids
Teressa’s creative side as a singer-songwriter and how music and cybersecurity intersect in her life
📌 Key Takeaways:

The value of a non-traditional career path
Strategies for translating technical cybersecurity concepts into accessible language
How to leverage curiosity and creativity in cybersecurity
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights from cybersecurity professionals with diverse backgrounds!

#Cybersecurity #InclusiveCyber #PopCykol #TechCareers #DiversityOfThought #Podcast

-------------------------
LINKS
Popcykol - https://www.popcykol.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teressaofpopcykol/
Music - https://www.youtube.com/@qwehrke

BOOKS
We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers

MUSIC
Intro - Lazarus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsn2bS4eHp0
Outro - Pressure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ZHQ7664Pc

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Have you ever had to completely pivot your career dreams? On the latest Episode of Inclusive Cyber, I sat down with Eunice A. Golloh a cybersecurity professional with a remarkable story of determination and adaptability.

Eunice's journey began with dreams of becoming a doctor, but the financial challenges of medical school led her to explore other options. Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, she discovered cybersecurity—a field she knew nothing about at the time. Fast forward nearly a decade, and she’s thriving in a career she loves, pursuing her doctoral degree, and inspiring others to step into their potential.

💡 Key takeaways from our conversation:
Don’t fear the pivot. Sometimes life’s biggest opportunities come disguised as detours.
Certifications + determination = momentum. Eunice’s first steps into cybersecurity started with certifications, self-study, and sheer grit.

Mentorship matters. She emphasized the importance of finding mentors and a support network to push you forward when you feel stuck.

Know your "why." Eunice’s nonprofit, Impact Wave Initiative, is dedicated to helping young women discover their purpose through mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership workshops.

👉 What’s your “pivot” story? How have you reinvented yourself or supported someone on their journey? Share your thoughts below!

Show Notes

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunice-a-golloh-53b664153/
Impact Wave Initiative - https://iiwave.org

Book Recommendations
Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team By Simon Sinek
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

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In this episode, Ana Diaz takes us on her inspiring journey from physical security to becoming a cybersecurity leader. With refreshing honesty, she shares how mentorship and meaningful connections shaped her career, offering valuable insights on building organic relationships that empower growth.

Ana discusses the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities in tech and highlights the importance of raising awareness and amplifying diverse voices in cybersecurity. She also dives into the evolving role of AI in the field, emphasizing how innovation must be balanced with empathy and critical thinking to address the human side of security.

Through personal stories and practical advice, Ana reminds us that there’s no single path to success in cybersecurity—what matters most is resilience, curiosity, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about breaking barriers, building bridges, and redefining what it means to thrive in the cybersecurity space.

---------------------
Show LInks
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anakdiazl/
Queer in Cyber - Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-in-cyber/id1747832133
------------------
Books

I'm not your perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Perfect-Mexican-Daughter/dp/1524700517/

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Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/594cca7a-726d-43fe-b94e-36291566e9d8/inclusive-cyber-unlocking-dei-in-cybersecurityMusic: Music by Cryptochronica and Worlds Apart featuring Vtizzel; Song: Gunz Blazin' Music: Used with permission: Artist: Thunderwolf X Words Apart, Song: Cybernetix...