Episode Summary:

Step inside the Torq Universe, a marketing world where the Big Hat isn’t just swag, it’s a storyline; the Sock Goblin explains why your SOC is drowning in false positives; and a falcon named Robert Girdle might swoop into the next conference booth.

In this episode, Gianna teams up with Tessa The (Senior Field Marketing Manager at Torq) and Brittney Wittfeldt-Zec (Senior Social Media Manager at Torq) to unpack how Torq turned characters and inside jokes into a real growth engine: from 4K to 29K+ LinkedIn followers, cybersecurity pros cosplaying their merch, and a community that actually asks for more lore.

Why does it matter? This isn’t marketing theater; it’s proof that buyers connect faster and deeper when your brand lives in a world they want to join.

👉 Tune in to hear how Torq bridges field and social, measures what sticks, and keeps expanding a universe that cybersecurity folks can’t stop talking about.

About guests:

Tessa The is Senior Field Marketing Manager at Torq, where she brings campaigns and characters into the real world through conferences, field programs, and the now-legendary Big Hat. She focuses on creating in-person experiences that tie seamlessly back to Torq’s brand universe.

Follow Tessa on LinkedIn

Brittney Wittfeldt-Zec is Senior Social Media Manager at Torq, leading the charge on building community and engagement across digital channels. From launching the Sock Goblin to scaling Torq’s LinkedIn following past 29K, she shows how storytelling and social media can fuel measurable growth.

Follow Brittney on LinkedIn

About Torq: Torq is a security automation platform that helps teams cut noise, streamline response, and focus on what matters most by turning workflows into a connected, automated system.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Learn more about Torq

The Big Hat Conspiracy video on LinkedIn

Subscribe & Review:

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📩 Questions, feedback, or want to be a guest? Email: podcast@cybersecuritymarketingsociety.com

Meet us at CyberMarketingCon 2025!

Want to level up your cybersecurity marketing? Join us Dec 7–10 in Austin, TX, for four days of zero-fluff workshops, real-deal networking, and maybe the best BBQ meetup you’ll ever have.

👉 Snag your ticket now!

See you in Austin, where the insights and vibes are hotter.

Follow the Hosts:

Gianna Whitver on LinkedIn
Maria Velasquez on LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Breaking Through in Cybersecurity Marketing. You can join the Cybersecurity Marketing Society on our website, main LinkedIn page, Instagram page, or podcast LinkedIn page.

See you in the next episode!

How Torq Turned Characters Into a Cybersecurity Marketing Universe