Podcast
25Minutes: Insights. Expertise. Impact.
Hosted by Eliel Mulumba · EN
In just 25 minutes, I deliver concise and thought-provoking conversations with top minds in technology, cybersecurity, business, culture and enterpreneurship. Whether you’re a technologist, executive, culture-enthusiast or someone passionate about growth, each episode explores trends, strategies and ideas that shape success.
For those with limited time but unlimited ambition, 25Minutes offers actionable insights and fresh perspectives where they matter most. Your time is valuable. Your 25 minutes. Your advantage.
Contact: eliel.mulumba25@gmail.com
X (Twitter): Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / X
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
14 - Kevin Kalinowski: Chasing the dream. Losing the game. Finding a new path.
Dec 1700:27:44Tap to summarizeCoach Kali was very close to becoming a professional footballer. He did not grow up in a Bundesliga academy or a famous youth system. Instead, he played his way into the spotlight through talent and hard work. Clubs like SV Werder Bremen, VfL Wolfsburg and Hannover 96 started to watch him closely.Then everything changed. Serious injouries ended his dream before it could fully begin. In this episode Coach Kali shares his football journey honestely and without filters. We talk about what it really takes to make it, what often goes wrong and what young players rarely get told. His biggest lessons are simple, but powerful: do not change clubs too often, stay patient and grow with your team. Listen to your coach and follow instructions. And take nutrition seriously - talent alone is never enough. After football, Coach Kali had to reinvent himself. Today, he works as a personal coach, fitness trainer and nutrition consultant.*The episode was recorded on November 7, 2025 in beautiful Dubai.Hostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezMusic: hero.created https://www.instagram.com/hero.created/Join conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Join conversation on X: Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / XSend a text
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(Bonus 2) - Exclusive Radio Interview Jean-Luyindula Mbila & Eliel Mulumba: Cyber, Technology & AI in the Heart of Africa
May 14, 202500:32:55Tap to summarizeIn this exclusive episode of 25 Minutes, we take you to Matadi in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a special radio interview with one of the countrys most influential voices - Jean-Luyindula Mbila. Together, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, technology and artifical intelligence in Africa.After visiting several universities and leading companies in DR. Congo, Eliel shares insights into how institutions are approaching the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. The conversations dives into the core principles of cybersecurity, the societal impact of AI and automation and the pressing questions: Will artificial intelligence replace humanity - or redefine it?We also discuss how African nations can prepare for the technological shift and ensure that innovation becomes an engine for growth and empowerment.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation.Hostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezMusic: hero.created https://www.instagram.com/hero.created/Join conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Join conversation on X: Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / XSend a text
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13 - Nitin Gopinath: Inside the cyber kill chain - understanding threat actors, AI and recovery readiness
May 7, 202500:25:04Tap to summarizeNitin is back! In this episode we dive deep into the mindset and methods of todays threat actors - exploring what drives them, how they target organization and the real impact of their attacks. Together with Nitin we break down the cyber kill chain and reveal why understanding each stage is crucial for building resilience. We also discuss the critical role of backup and recovery strategies in helping organizations recover fast after a breach and how AI is transforming both the threat landscape and defense capabilities.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation. Hostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezMusic: hero.created https://www.instagram.com/hero.created/Join conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Join conversation on X: Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / XSend a text
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12 - Nitin Gopinath: From CISCO CCNA to cyber resilience & inside the Security Operations Center
Apr 30, 202500:24:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode my guest takes us on journey that begins with a CISCO CCNA certification in India and leads all the way to a successful cybersecurity career in Europe. We talk about how family influence, persistence and curiosity can shape a professional path and why understanding the human side of cybersecurity is just as vital as mastering technical one. Nitin unpacks what really happens inside a Security Operations Center - from L1 to L3 and even L4 as well as why breaches cost companies millions each year. Nitin also discusses how cybersecurity professionals can adapt their language to different audiences, from boardrooms to HR and IT tams, to truly make cybersecurity reasonate. Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation. Hostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezMusic: hero.created https://www.instagram.com/hero.created/Join conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Join conversation on X: Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / XSend a text
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11 - Kristina Jovanovska: Good AI, Bad AI, Cancel Culture DEI & the AI Debate – What now?
Apr 23, 202500:24:56Tap to summarizeKristina is back on 25Minutes! In this episode, we talk about how AI has changed over the past three years and what makes AI “good” or “bad” in practice. Kristina shares how companies can use AI in a responsible way and why this is more important than ever.We explore how artificial intelligence has evolved over the past three years: What makes AI helpful or harmful? How can companies use it responsibly? And what role does human decision-making still play in an AI-driven world? Kristina explains why responsible AI isn’t just a technical topic – it’s a leadership challenge that affects us all. We also dive into a topic that’s shaped many conversations in 2025: the backlash against Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and the rise of so-called cancel culture. Kristina shares her personal view as a woman in cybersecurity and tech leadership – and why she believes diverse teams are not just “nice to have,” but essential for building better, safer solutions. 👉 Note: I was on the road while recording, so there’s a slight echo on my side. It may sound like I’m talking over Kristina in some moments – but I promise, I wasn’t! Thanks for your understanding.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation.Our Guest: LinkedIn: https://at.linkedin.com/in/kristinajovanovska25 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Join conversation on X: Eliel Mulumba (@ElielCyber) / XSend a text
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10 - Kristina Jovanovska: Take advice, but always tailor it to yourself. How AI is reshaping cybersecurity and managed security services
Apr 17, 202500:25:04Tap to summarizeIn a world where digital threats are evolving as rapidly as the technologies designed to counter them, the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) has become a critical focus for modern enterprises. In this episode of 25Minutes, Kristina - a seasoned cybersecurity leader and Member of the Global Council for Responsible AI - shares her journey from software engineering to leading managed security services and driving global conversations around responsible AI.This episode offers insights for digital transformation, regulatory pressure and the growing need for resilience. Kristina explains why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern but a core business responsibility that demands strategic attention. She offers a clear-eyed perspective on the double-edged nature of AI: how it enhances threat detection and automation, while also introducing new layers of risk when misused or misunderstood.Kristina reflects on career milestones - from discovering her passion for security, to building high-performing teams, to mentoring future leaders through initiatives like Women4Cyber Austria. Her story highlights the importance of purpose-driven leadership, authenticity, and embracing complexity in order to lead with clarity and confidence. 👉 Note: I was on the road while recording, so there’s a slight echo on my side. It may sound like I’m talking over Kristina in some moments – but I promise, I wasn’t! Thanks for your understanding.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation.Our Guest: LinkedIn: https://at.linkedin.com/in/kristinajovanovska25 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Send a text
Transcribe →9 - Adelite Uwineza Kazungu & Eliel Mulumba: Cloud smart, not just cloud first and cybersecurity moves that matter, AWS, Azure, Google, Geneva, Switzerland
Apr 10, 202500:25:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 25Minutes, we share a special recording from the Petit Déjeuner de PME & Startup event series hosted by the Canton of Geneva in Switzerland, designed to deliver actionable insights from global organizations to startups and small to medium-sized businesses.Together with Adelite, we explore the growing strategic relevance of cloud migration and cloud security. As businesses increasingly turn to the cloud again - driven by AI-driven compute demands and the need for agility - new questions arise around risk, resilience and data sovereignty. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and an evolving regulatory landscape, we discuss the renewed momentum for building European alternatives to dominant US-based cloud providers like AWS, Azure and Google.We discuss why companies are accelerating their move to the cloud, the business value they seek and the most pressing cybersecurity challenges they encounter along the way. More importantly, we highlight practical solutions and risk mitigation strategies including the role of Zero Trust Architecture in enhancing visibility, control and protection in dynamic cloud environments.Original video recording and full rights: La securite au coeur de la transition vers le cloud | Eliel Mulumba & Adelite Uwineza Kazungu, Resp: Head of Operational Technology Security -- Cyber Awareness Specialist, EY | 01.09.2023 at 09:28 | Part of Petit dejeuner des PME et Start-up Geneve - Septembre 2023 | Geneve25 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Send a text
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(Bonus 1) - Lionel Hapi Modje: IT & Cyber in Africa - the untold story about truth, growth and grit. Hannover Messe, startups, innovation and digital penetration
Apr 3, 202500:25:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Lionel again to explore the evolving landscape of technology and resilience in Africa. Together, we unpack the striking differences in market value, digital growth and investment priorities when compared to Europe and the United States. Our conversation sheds light on how digital resilience is being shaped in regions where fundamental challenges like hunger and poverty still dominate policy agendas - and how digital literacy, although still uneven, is accelerating. We dive into current investment trends in more developed economies such as South Africa, the expansion of mobile broadband access and why the continent’s increasing internet user base could mark Africa as a future innovation hub.But this isn’t just a numbers-driven discussion. Lionel shares how a simple moment - eating risotto - led him to change perspective as well as the importance of perspective in cybersecurity. We also touch on a lighter but culturally rich debate: Ghanaian vs. Nigerian Jollof rice.Our Guest:Lionel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lionel-hapi-modje-33641ba4/Lionels typical workday: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/organisation-und-informatik-stadt-z%C3%BCrich_digitaleszaesrichmitgestalten-itjobs-berufsvielfalt-activity-7290730494382489600-WG1i/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACONqncBzTmT1rca3ilVhifkpHXUs9QkM_425 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Fact Checkhttps://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/cybersecurity/africahttps://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-cybersecurity-markethttps://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/cyber-security-market-101165https://techafricanews.com/2024/10/31/africas-mobile-connectivity-has-the-internet-access-gap-narrowed-in-2024Send a text
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8 - Qusai AlRabei: How to design and run an effective OT SOC & lessons from the field that can save millions
Mar 26, 202500:25:36Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to build and operate an OT Security Operations Center (SOC)? In this episode of 25Minutes, I sit down again with Qusai - an expert with hands-on experience setting up OT SOCs, including his first major project in the Middle East. We explore the key differences between OT and IT incident response, the unique challenges of industrial environments and why traditional approaches often fall short. Qusai shares common mistakes companies still make, how to develop tailored use cases and playbooks and which parameters matter most when deciding between an OT SOC, IT SOC, or a hybrid model. If you're in cybersecurity, industrial operations or simply want to understand the nuances of securing operational technology environments, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lessons learned from the field.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation. Our Guest: LinkedIn: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/qusai-alrabei-cybersecurityhttps://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/12/why-securing-the-ot-environment-is-important/25 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Send a text
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7 - Qusai AlRabei: OT security is a business strategy - not just SCADA, DCS & PLCs. IEC, WEF, UAE, Middle East, Global Ciso Forum, Cyber AI
Mar 20, 202500:25:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 25Minutes, I sit down with Qusai, a recognized OT Security Leader and recipient of multiple 2024 awards in the Middle East, including OT Security Leader of the Year and Excellence in Cyber Risk Management in 2024. With a background in mechatronics, hands-on experience across industries and a track record that spans academia and industry, Qusai brings a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of OT security. We dive into his early days in OT and what it takes to drive impactful security initiatives in critical infrastructure. Together, we explore why OT security requires a holistic approach, how OT protocols have changed over time and whether the Purdue model still holds up in today’s environments. Qusai also shares lessons from the Oil & Gas sector in the Middle East and how we in Europe, the U.S. and the rest of the world can learn from it. Plus, a surprising story from a recent audit involving a legacy system that refuses to be decommissioned. If you're looking to improve your OT security strategy with real-world insights, this episode will provide you with a wealth of perspective and precision - all in just 25 minutes.Important note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any organization, employer or affiliation. Our Guest: LinkedIn: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/qusai-alrabei-cybersecurityhttps://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/12/why-securing-the-ot-environment-is-important/25 Minutes PodcastHostey by: Eliel MulumbaAudio editing & mastering: Michael LauderezJoin conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eliel-mulumba-133919147Send a text
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