Let's Talk About (Secur)IT

Is AI your biggest security threat—or your next unfair advantage?In this episode of Secure(It), host Philip de Souza sits down with Craig Nelson, founder of GrowthIQ.ai, to unpack how AI is reshaping cyber defense, data governance, and mission critical operations for security minded organizations.🧠 Built for security and technology leaders:• Why AI adoption is accelerating now—and what’s structurally changed in the last 12–18 months for enterprise teams.• How to build secure AI knowledge bases without leaking your company DNA or violating client trust.• The gap between “defensive” security and strategic AI implementation that actually moves the revenue and risk needles.• Common data governance mistakes that quietly expand your attack surface.• How to balance innovation with compliance, privacy, and regulatory pressure in sectors like wealth management, real estate, and mortgage.• Why “we’ll secure it later” might be the most dangerous phrase in your AI roadmap.• Practical deployment patterns and guardrails for SMB and mid market environments.🔍 We also dig into:• A 21 Day AI Challenge for ingesting internal data safely.• Vector databases vs relational databases—what technical leaders really need to consider for secure retrieval.• Who should own AI governance: security, data, product, or a new cross functional group.• Real world AI agent and autonomous workflow examples—productivity breakthrough and new risk category.• How adversaries are already weaponizing AI faster than most defenders expect.🎙 About the guest:Craig Nelson, co-founder of GrowthIQ.ai, helps organizations go from random and unsecure use of AI into a secure and optimized AI operating capability. Through Navi, GrowthIQ’s AI orchestration platform, he works with companies across multiple verticals to align people, data, various AI systems and agents into repeatable workflows with strong security and governance guardrails.If you’re responsible for both innovation and risk, this conversation is for you.

In this Secur(IT) episode, host Philip de Souza talks with George Tsantes, Partner at Newport LLC, former Accenture partner, EY principal, and co‑author of Cyber Attacks: Managing the Risk and Results. They explore how boardscan turn cybersecurity into business strategy by prioritizing vigilance over pure prevention, protecting the “crown jewels,” and using business metrics instead of vanity dashboards. The conversation also covers AI‑driven threats, third‑party and “meta‑enterprise” exposure, incident readiness, and how CISOs can “prove cybersecurity” in clear board language

Is your organization treating cybersecurity as a technical issue or a strategic business imperative?In this episode of Secure (IT), host Philip de Souza is joined by two powerhouses in the tech and governance space: Tamara Gracon (Founder of TBG Consulting) and Jenny Kay Pollock (Co-Founder of Women x AI).Together, they dive deep into the intersection of Cybersecurity, AI Empowerment, and Cognitive Diversity. As AI reshapes the corporate landscape, boards and executives face the challenge of adapting governance frameworks to match the speed of innovation. Tamara and Jenny share their expertise on the AI Governance Compass Framework, the human element of digital transformation, and how to prepare leadership for the next wave of cyber risks.In this episode, you will learn:The Strategic Shift: How to move cybersecurity from the server room to the boardroom.The AI Governance Compass: A specific framework for managing the rapid pace of AI policy changes.Cognitive Diversity: Why organizational transformation fails without inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives.AI Empowerment: How to use AI for good while navigating ethical dilemmas.ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Tamara Gracon is a seasoned executive and board member with nearly 20 years at KPMG. She is the founder of TBG Consulting and a passionate advocate for bringing talented executives into board service via the Private Directors Association and How Women Lead.Jenny Kay Pollock is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of WOMEN x AI (WxAI), a global community amplifying female voices in AI. She is also the Founder of Luminizing Growth and serves as an advisor and investor in early-stage women-founded startups.

Join Roger Grimes, a data-driven defense evangelist at KnowBe4, as he dives into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. He discusses the increasing importance of phishing-resistant MFA and the pitfalls of zero trust strategies. Roger also introduces his concept of 'pervasive selective trust' for identity verification. He highlights the urgent need for post-quantum planning and offers practical advice on adopting password managers. With insights from decades in the field, his views are an invaluable guide for navigating today's cyber threats.

In this episode of Secure It, we’re joined by Phillip Privett, Senior Vice President of Vendor Management at TD SYNNEX, where he oversees strategic sales and business development for North America’s Advanced Solutions portfolio and manages the North American IBM and Red Hat executive relationships.With over three decades of industry experience, Phillip offers a deep dive into the transformation of IT distribution—from traditional logistics to sophisticated solution orchestration. He shares timely insights on the growing influence of AI in data management, the urgent need for cyber resilience, and the looming implications of quantum computing.Whether you're an IT professional, a VP of vendor management, or simply curious about the future of cybersecurity and enterprise tech, this conversation is packed with expert perspectives and actionable foresight

In this special episode of Let's Talk About Secur(IT), Philip de Souza sits down with his sister, Indira Joshi, a trailblazing technology executive with over 25 years of experience in AI, semiconductor innovation, and system architecture. From her early days studying electronics in Mumbai to leading cutting-edge initiatives in Silicon Valley, Indira shares her journey through the ever-evolving tech landscape.Philip and Indira explore AI advancements, cybersecurity threats, and the rise of quantum computing, while also touching on deep learning models, global AI competition, and the cultural dynamics of the tech industry. They discuss the challenges of gender bias, fostering innovation in organizations, and the power of curiosity in leadership.Tune in for a thought-provoking sibling conversation packed with insider insights on the future of AI, the role of Deepseek, and the next wave of computing innovations. Indira also touches on quantum computing and her passion projects focused on empowering women and promoting STEM education among girls.Listen now for a deep dive into the future of technology, AI security, and beyond!

Step into the world of artificial intelligence with Philip Topham, a seasoned AI strategist, business advisor, and principal of The Savvy Founder. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Philip has dedicated his career to helping businesses harness AI to accelerate growth and innovation. He’s also an iCorps Instructor at UC Irvine, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UC Riverside, and a holder of multiple patents in AI and data analytics.  In this episode of Let's Talk About Secur(IT), Topham dives into his journey into AI, including how he authored 100 articles in 50 weeks using AI tools, and explores the profound impact of AI on industries, society, and everyday life. The discussion revolves around, opportunities and risks of exponential technological change, ethical considerations in AI, and practical ways professionals and businesses can integrate AI into their work.  Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies, is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Known as a trusted advisor and thought leader, Nathan is dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through technology. He is also the author of The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide: A Practical Handbook to Navigating the Future. In this episode of Secure IT, host Philip sits down with Nathan to discuss his journey from founding Stimulus Technologies in his brother's garage in 1995 to becoming a leader in the MSSP space. They explore pivotal career moments, the adoption of emerging technologies, tackling data management challenges, and strategies for effective risk mitigation. Nathan also shares his insights on balancing technological advancements with operational stability, along with personal stories about his passions for endurance sports and flying. Special Offer: If you connect with Nathan and mention this podcast, he'd be happy to send you a copy of his book as a favor! Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights directly from the author.

Join us in this riveting episode as we explore Angus Chen's diverse career journey from mathematician to Director of Data Science at Binary Defense. With a rich background ranging from Johns Hopkins to the Federal Reserve and MITRE, Angus shares his insights into cybersecurity trends, AI, data privacy, and the impact of government frameworks. Hear about his experiences in China, the importance of Quality Assurance in data science, and how global travel has shaped his worldview. Beyond his professional achievements, Angus opens up about balancing work with his passions for trail running and rock climbing, showcasing the harmony between personal interests and professional life. This episode offers a thorough look at the intersections of technology and human experiences—don’t miss it!

In this episode of SecurIT, host Philip de Souza veers away from the usual cybersecurity themes to interview Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, an accomplished researcher, author, and speaker specializing in digital disruptions and 21st-century career trends. Dr. Tracey shares her career milestones, including her transition from New York's fashion industry to Silicon Valley, her role at Apple, global business travel, and her continuous education journey that led to multiple advanced degrees and a speaking business. She emphasizes the importance of staying current with technology, the challenges of leadership in a multi-generational workforce, and the significance of active listening. The conversation covers her prolific writing career, views on longevity, and insights on various global and personal experiences.