Podcast
CYBER MINDSZ PODCAST
Hosted by Mark Williams · EN
The opportunity to delve into the 'mindsz' of industry leaders in technology and cyber security.
6episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cyber Physical Threats and Securing Society: A Conversation with Sam Mackenzie
Aug 2400:35:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Cyber Minds podcast, we sit down with Sam Mackenzie —cybersecurity expert and critical infrastructure leader—to explore the real-world impacts of cyber attacks on physical systems. Sam shares compelling stories from autonomous vehicles to raw sewage hacks, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the intersection of digital threats and public safety. He also reflects on his origin story on a Victorian farm, why scarecrows don’t work (in farms or cyber), and how leaders and boards need to adapt to the rising complexity of cyber risk. This is a must-listen for cybersecurity professionals, critical infrastructure stakeholders, and anyone interested in the future of secure digital society. 👩💼 Guest Biography – Sam Mackenzie Sam Mackenzie is a driven technology and cybersecurity leader with 25 years of experience dedicated to protecting and advancing critical infrastructure. As a valued committee member of both the Australian Control Rooms Network Association and the Australian Computer Society, Sam is known for his structured thinking, his talent for simplifying complex challenges, and his ability to harness culture as a catalyst for meaningful change. Sam’s career spans leadership roles with global brands and household names in Australia, where he has built high-performance teams across sectors including health, telecoms, energy, and local government. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 🌐 Australian Control Rooms Network Association Website - https://acrna.org/ 🌐 Australian Computer Society Website - https://www.acs.org.au/ ⚖️SOCI Act https://www.cisc.gov.au/legislation-regulation-and-compliance/soci-act-2018 🚗 Waymo - https://waymo.com/ 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 Sam Mackenzie – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelmackenzie/ ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 00:47 - Introduction to Sam Mackenzie 01:50 – Experience riding in a fully autonomous vehicle with Waymo 05:00 – Cybersecurity’s role in protecting essential services like power and transport 08:09 – The evolution from automation to AI and the cyber implications 09:38 – Sam’s cyber origin story: from country farm to cybersecurity 11:50 – Balancing technology and cybersecurity leadership roles 14:44 – Boardroom cyber literacy: Do directors need deep cyber knowledge? 16:05 – Defining “cyber physical incidents” 17:40 – The Maroochy Shire sewage attack: Australia’s first cyber physical incident 19:00 – Why rare incidents still matter: real-world risk to life 21:35 – The Fire Rescue Victoria breach and its long-term impacts 22:45 – Cascading failures across critical infrastructure 26:15 – Patchability challenges in legacy operational technology 27:45 – Sam’s advocacy and the CS4CI community 29:40 – Lessons from the past: applying safety & financial risk models to cyber 31:55 – Sam’s advice to aspiring cyber leaders: compassionate leadership & prioritisation 34:30 – Closing remarks
Transcribe →
The Psychology of Cybersecurity: Beyond the Code with David Luchi
Jul 2200:44:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with cybersecurity leader David Luchi to explore his journey from IT educator in Brazil to leading enterprise security programs in Australia. David shares actionable insights on developing soft skills, fostering a culture of safe experimentation, and the critical role of mentorship in shaping the future of cyber. A must-listen for current and aspiring leaders in tech. 👩💼 Guest Biography – David Luchi David Luchi, is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with a passion for embedding security into the fabric of technology. With 13 years of experience in security engineering and leadership, his expertise spans multi-cloud environments, Kubernetes, and implementing state-of-the-art Zero Trust architecture. Beyond his corporate role, David is a pillar in the cybersecurity community, frequently speaking at national events and co-organising multiple Melbourne meetups. He is a firm believer in empowering the community, sharing his insights on his blog, DavidLuchi.com, and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of security professionals. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 🌐 David Luchi's Website - https://www.davidluchi.com/ 🌐 CISSP Certification Website - https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 David Luchi – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidluchi/ ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 00:47 - Intro: Meet David Luchi 02:06 - Racing Max Verstappen in SIM racing 04:30 - Explaining cybersecurity to a 90-year-old 06:07 – Explaining cybersecurity to a 9-year-old 07:20 - David's cybersecurity origin story (via a RAT trojan) 09:55 - Transitioning from tech to leadership 12:55 - Creating safe-to-fail environment 16:30 - Innovation, AI, and learning from Kubernetes 19:45 - Cybersecurity misconceptions 21:40 – Sharing of cybersecurity training & workshops available for family members 24:11 - Starting a cybersecurity blog and going viral 26:19 – Thoughts on how industry can do more to support the development of capability in cybersecurity 29:27 - Learning from other industries & embracing diversity 31:19 - Will AI have a fairytale ending or turn dystopian? 34:45 - Why mentoring matters in developing the next generations of cybersecurity leaders 38:21 - Breaking away from military-style cybersecurity hierarchy 40:27 - Advice to someone aspiring to become a cybersecurity leader 43:32 - Closing remarks
Transcribe →
Cybersecurity for All: Inclusion, Community, and the Mission: Jacqui Loustau on AWSN and Future Leadership
Jun 2300:35:58Tap to summarize🗓️ Episode Overview: In this powerful and inspiring episode of Cyber Mindsz, Jacqui Loustau, Executive Director of AWSN, shares her journey through the cybersecurity landscape—from help desk support in Europe to speaking on global stages and founding the Australian Women in Security Network. With passion and purpose, Jacqui discusses AWSN’s role in building an inclusive security workforce, empowering future leaders, and the dream of a world where AWSN is no longer needed. Alongside stories of challenges, laughter, and transformation, this episode explores leadership, representation, capability development, and the human side of cybersecurity. 👩💼 Guest Biography – Jacqui Loustau Jacqui Loustau is the Executive Director of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) which aims to connect, support and inspire a diverse security workforce. She brings over 2 decades of international experience in IT, Cyber Security and cybercrime. Jacqui is passionate about increasing the number of women in security in Australia, building inclusive teams and educating everyone on security. She is on several advisory committees, including the recently formed Home Affairs Executive Cyber Security Council (Workforce and small business working groups), ISC2 Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council and the Technical Advisory committee for the Future Skills Organisation. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 🌐 AWSN - Australian Women in Security Network - https://www.awsn.org.au/ 🌐 ISC² Global Diversity & Inclusion Council – https://www.isc2.org 🤝 Home Affairs Cyber Security Council – (Referenced as part of advisory involvement) 🤝 Future Skills Organisation - https://www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au/ 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 Jacqui Loustau – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiloustau/ 📝 RMIT Partnership (AWSN Research) – https://www.rmit.edu.au ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 01:50 – Introduction to AWSN 05:38 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the computing at all? 07:00 – How would you describe to a 9-year old who is digital native? 08:45 – What is your cybersecurity origin story? 11:19 – Has the world of security evolved in a way that you might have thought back then in 2007? 17:00 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception about cybersecurity that you've come across? 18:20 - What motivated you to establish AWSN? 22:08 – Will you be a happy retiree knowing your legacy? 25:07 – Is there one story that illustrates the success of or the important role that AWSN plays? 28:36 – How do you think industry itself could do more to support the development of capability within cybersecurity? 33:10 – If you give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to become a cybersecurity leader, what would it be? 35:27 - Closing
Transcribe →
From the Navy to Cyber Security: Grant McKechnie on Building Resilience and Trust in Cybersecurity
May 27, 202500:37:44Tap to summarize🗓️ Episode Overview: In this episode of CyberMindsz, host Mark Williams speaks with Grant McKechnie, founder of Cyber Resilience Group and former CISO of Endeavour Group, about his diverse journey through cybersecurity and the human-centered leadership principles he’s developed along the way. 👩💼 Guest Biography – Grant McKechnie Grant McKechnie is a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Risk Leader with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT leadership. Grant has held key positions at some of the country’s largest corporations, including Endeavour Group, Telstra Corporation, and NBN Australia. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 🌐 Cyber Resilience Group Website - https://www.cyberresiliencegroup.com.au/ 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 Grant McKechnie – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmckechnie/ 📕 Book – What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-what-got-you-here/ 📕 Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ 📝 Report – Verizon Breach Reports - https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/ 📝 Latitude Cyber Incident - https://www.latitudefinancial.com.au/latitude-cyber-incident/ 👤 Andrew Dell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dellandrew/ 👤 Pieter van der Merwe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietervandermerwe/ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 03:25 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the concepts of computing, let alone cybersecurity? 04:47 – How would you describe what you do to a 9-year old who is very well aware of what they can do with computing? 05:54 – What's your cybersecurity origin story? 10:28 – What's your go-to keep calm strategy? 12:10 – What are the most important qualities you believe a cybersecurity should possess? 15:51 – What do you think non-technical people need to focus on more to get to the top of their game? 17:47 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception someone has had about your job? 19:11 – What a must-have superpower for any cyber security leader and do you think you have it and or need to evolve it further? 21:55 – How do you keep up with new threats that are probably perhaps more relevant to an industry or a client that you're working without going through the rabbit hole? 26:00 – How companies shared cyber security breaches to the public 28:29 – What your approach to mentoring or developing future leaders? 34:40 – If you could make an employee follow one security rule without question, what would it be? 35:37 – What's the worst piece of cybersecurity advice you've ever heard? 37:10 - Closing
Transcribe →
Leadership, Trust & the Future of Cybersecurity in a Changing World with Suthagar Seevaratnam
Apr 29, 202500:46:31Tap to summarize🗓️ Episode Overview: In this premiere episode of CyberMindsz, Mark is joined by renowned cybersecurity leader and CISO Suthagar Seevaratnam, who offers an insightful and deeply human perspective on what it takes to lead in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape. The conversation blends reflections on leadership, people dynamics, emerging technology (especially AI), and how cyber professionals must evolve alongside the tools they use. Suthagar takes us on a journey through his career—from pivotal lessons learned in Defence to heading up security in high-pressure commercial environments. But the heart of the discussion? It’s all about people. Whether you're a technical practitioner, a rising leader, or a seasoned CISO, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and future-focused thinking. 👩💼 Guest Biography – Suthagar Seevaratnam Suthagar Seevaratnam is a cybersecurity and technology executive specialising in strategy, operations and organisational transformation. His career has blended experience and skills across consulting, public and higher education sectors, working in exceptionally challenging, complex and high risk operational environments. He uses human centred design combined with technical knowledge and risk based approaches to help build achievable and sustainable security outcomes. He has worked closely with C level executives and boards to help set strategy and build security culture. Suthagar is currently the CISO for Vocus, an Australian challenger telecommunications company, where he heads their Enterprise Security group and leads a security transformation programme. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 Suthagar Seevaratnam – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suthagarseevaratnam/ ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 00:50 – Introduction of Suthagar Seevaratnam 03:25 – Journey into Cybersecurity 6:51 – Origin Story 9:09 - Creating Safety & Trust in Leadership 10:25 - The Role of a CISO in Modern Organisations 16:12 - Leadership decision-making during a crisis 19:36 - Building High-Trust Teams 22:05 - Why “Soft Skills” Are the Hardest 25:36 - Tech Evolves, But People Don’t Change Easily 30:25 – Common Misconceptions about Cyber Security 33:01 - Future of Cyber Roles 41:36 - Final Thoughts on Leadership & Legacy 45:33 - Acknowledgment & Reflection 46:00 - Podcast Wrap-up & Farewell
Transcribe →
Bridging Cultures and Cybersecurity – A Conversation with Maryam Shoraka
Apr 29, 202500:38:58Tap to summarize🗓️ Episode Overview: In this episode, host Mark sits down with Marianne to discuss her unconventional path into cybersecurity, her leadership philosophy, and the power of mentorship. From growing up in Iran and dealing with cyber threats firsthand to becoming a vocal advocate for diversity in tech, Marianne’s story is both inspiring and packed with practical wisdom. 👩💼 Guest Biography – Maryam Shoraka Maryam is Head of Cybersecurity Operations (at a government agency) and a seasoned security executive with extensive experience building world-class 24/7 security operations centres. She specialises in drafting high-value cyber resilience strategies and leading organisations to swift recovery from high-impact cyber breaches. A staunch diversity advocate, Maryam is actively engaged in initiatives to accelerate women into cybersecurity and leadership positions, and has been nominated for several industry awards for her exemplary leadership. 🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/ 📖 Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk/book/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-diverse-thinking/ 👩💻 AWSN – Australian Women in Security Network - https://www.awsn.org.au/ 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/ 👤 Maryam Shoraka – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryamshoraka/ ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics: 00:08 – Welcome Message 00:50 – Introduction of Maryam Shoraka 03:37 – Marianne’s early exposure to cyber threats in Iran 06:05 – Her shift from teaching to tech, and the impact of relocation 13:21 – Challenges faced as a migrant and woman in cyber 14:32 – Building confidence, from self-doubt to security leadership 16:45 – Iranian culture and cybersecurity talent 17:37 – Advocacy for women in cyber 20:50 – Cyber crisis management: walking it off 22:44 – Common misconceptions about cybersecurity professionals 24:23 – Security vs. speed: finding the balance 25:43 – Leadership superpowers in cybersecurity 28:40 – Mentoring the next gen of cyber leaders 31:31 – Her #1 non-negotiable: Multi-factor Authentication 33:43 – Worst cybersecurity advice ever received 35:44 – Future of cybersecurity leadership 36:59 – Final advice: Why people matter most
Transcribe →