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909Exec
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The 909Exec Podcast
Hosted by Den Jones, CEO of 909Cyber, this podcast dives into real-world leadership with insights from top execs across industries.
From startups to global giants, Den brings wit, wisdom, and his signature Scottish flair to every episode—helping you lead smarter, grow faster, and avoid the pitfalls.
29episodes
Episodes
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Episode 55: From Stage to C-Suite: Transforming Executive Leadership with Kevin Simmons
Feb 2300:54:27Tap to summarizeJoin Den Jones as he explores the intersection of performance arts and executive leadership with Kevin Simmons, founder of Speak Deeply. This conversation reveals how theatrical techniques, emotional regulation, and authentic communication can transform workplace culture and build stronger, more trusting teams.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:- From Opera House to BoardroomKevin's transition from 30-40 years as an actor, director, and opera singer to executive coaching Key quote: "This is what made us human. This is how we won against the Neanderthals" - Reframing Fear as ExcitementHow to transform pre-presentation anxiety into positive energy Key quote: "Excitement and fear are felt indistinguishably and interchangeably, and they're felt in exactly the same spot in the body. So why not just call it excitement?" - Three Critical Communication Scenarios for LeadersVCs, team leadership, and customer acquisition require different communication approaches Key quote: "Those are all three distinctly different communications" - Defining Company CultureSimple framework for establishing organizational values Key quote: "What is sacred here and what is taboo here? What is the stuff we always do and what is the stuff we never do?" - The Gift-Giving Approach to PresentationsTransforming presentations from survival mode to service Key quote: "It's not about survival, it's about gift giving" - The Power of Play in Professional SettingsWhy adult play is crucial for team building and innovation Key quote: "We are the only mammal species that doesn't play as it ages" - Leadership as TeachingThe fundamental principle connecting great leaders and educators Key quote: "The best leaders are teachers. Leaders are teachers, period" - Building Trust Through Two ElementsThe simple formula for earning team trust Key quote: "Passionate devotion to whatever the hell... and the other is demonstrating care about people" - The Four-Part Apology FrameworkHow to repair trust when leadership mistakes happen Key quote: "If you lose it with one person, you've lost it with everybody who saw it"- Effective Praise FormulaMoving beyond "great job" to meaningful recognition Key quote: "When you say to somebody, great job... the person doesn't get any usable information out of it"
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Episode 54: Building AI Security Infrastructure: From Cisco Engineer to Startup Founder with Jaz Lin
Feb 1700:41:48Tap to summarizeJoin Den Jones as he sits down with Jaz Lin, founder and CEO of Skyrelis, to explore the journey from network security engineer to AI infrastructure entrepreneur. This episode dives deep into the challenges of AI agent security, the philosophy of building for security teams rather than developers, and the mindset shifts required for startup leadership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:- From Network Engineer to Security AdvocateJaz shares how being assigned to VPN projects changed his perspective on security from "preventing people from doing anything" to understanding security as "the brake on the car" that allows you to go fast safelyKey quote: "Security, like the brake on the car. So allow you to go safe, allow you to go fast safely, and it with competence" - The Problem That Sparked SkyrelisDiscussion of why current AI security solutions are built for developers rather than security operations teams Key quote: "Today's most of the solution solutions is actually built for developers, not built for security operations" - Fundraising Philosophy: Finding Partners, Not Just MoneyJaz explains her approach to fundraising as finding aligned partners rather than just selling ideas Key quote: "A lot of people kind of remind me that this is finding a partner in marriage because this you have to be in English together"- Leading Through Shared ExperienceHow the team uses their own product to understand customer pain points Key quote: "We deploy this agenda solution in our network. I have them using it. I have them feel the pain without the right tool to manage it" - Security Mindset and MindfulnessThe mental challenges of security work and the importance of meditation and mindfulness practices Key quote: "Every day I tell my teams what really kills us is what we don't know. We don't know" - AI Security Market ConcernsDiscussion of how current AI security approaches burden developers rather than empowering security teams Key quote: "Developers are developer, they don't sign up for to handle security compliance" - The AI Prototype vs. Production RealityWarning about the gap between AI prototypes and production-ready solutions Key quote: "Using AI to be a prototype is very easy. Production level is completely different" - The IP Dilemma in AI-Driven BusinessesDiscussion of business sustainability versus traditional IP protection in the AI era Key quote: "Every time that GBT have a new version come out, but now 500, the AI native app company have closed"
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Episode 53: Breaking the Trust Barrier: How 909Select is Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Freelancing
Feb 300:22:29Tap to summarizeDen Jones and cybersecurity recruiting expert Launa Rich dive deep into the broken hiring landscape plaguing the cybersecurity industry. They explore how trust issues, unrealistic job requirements, and fraudulent profiles have created barriers for both employers and talented professionals, while unveiling their solution: 909Select, a vetted marketplace designed specifically for cybersecurity freelancers.GUEST INFORMATION:Name: Launa RichTitle/Credentials: Cybersecurity Recruiter ExtraordinaireBackground: Almost 20 years of experience in staffing with 8 years specifically dedicated to cybersecurity [1:20]Connect with guest: No social media handles mentioned in transcriptEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:The Persistent Cybersecurity Hiring ProblemLauna explains that despite 8 years of trying to solve cybersecurity hiring challenges, the landscape remains largely unchanged [1:20]Key quote: "Eight years of trying to solve cybersecurity hiring still looks the same. So that's why Den and I are really passionate about putting cybersecurity recruiters in a different universe."Trust as the Core BarrierDiscussion of how lack of trust creates the primary obstacle in cybersecurity hiring [3:08]Key quote: "I think that the real barrier to entry to the market is trust. So that's what the excuse has been. We don't know who these people are. We're giving them the keys to the castle, and there's been this inherent mistrust."The Unicorn Job Description ProblemLauna identifies how budget constraints lead to unrealistic job requirements combining multiple specialized roles [5:06]Key quote: "I see that we have created unicorn job descriptions, not out of pure menace, but out of a couple of different reasons. One is we had budget constraints."AI Making Trust Issues WorseDiscussion of how artificial intelligence will exacerbate existing trust problems in hiring [8:50]Key quote: "AI is just going to make this problem worse. So you have to kind of put your foot down and stop it before it runs away completely."Introducing 909Select's Trust-Building FeaturesDen outlines the platform's verification process including identity proofing, background checks, and recruiter interviews [12:55]Key quote: "So let's do identity proofing at the start. Let's enable background checks. Let's do the interview with our trusted recruiter, that's me. And then interview with CISOs and our team."The Upwork ProblemLauna describes the overwhelming and untrustworthy nature of existing freelance platforms [17:17]Key quote: "I mean, that's the one thing that I'm on Upwork every day. It is savage out. There are every cybersecurity job I keep an eye on, they get 70 responses and they ping none of them."Community-Focused SolutionLauna's closing message about simplifying the hiring process for the cybersecurity community [20:58]Key quote: "It's not supposed to be this hard. We are a community, we are a powerful community. We don't need to compete with the other voices in the room."
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Episode 52: From VC Myths to Founder Realities: Investment Banking Insights with Shawn Flynn
Jan 1100:38:02Tap to summarizeJoin host Den Jones as he sits down with Shawn Flynn, Managing Director of SVH Capital and host of the Silicon Valley Podcast, for an eye-opening discussion about the investment landscape. They explore common founder mistakes in fundraising, the evolution of VC trends, and why networking and asking the right questions can make or break your startup journey.GUEST INFORMATION:Name: Shawn FlynnTitle/Credentials: Managing Director of SVH Capital, Host of Silicon Valley PodcastBackground: Investment banker focusing on mergers, acquisitions, growth capital and secondary transactions in lower middle market. Nearly 6 years podcasting experience with 280+ episodes featuring unicorn founders and industry leaders [1:53]Connect with guest: Silicon Valley PodcastEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Investment Banking vs. Venture Capital ExplainedClear breakdown of the differences between investment bankers, VCs, and angel investorsKey quote: "Investment bankers, we don't have our own capital, we don't have other peoples that it's designated for us to invest. We go out and we run the transactions, we run the processes" [5:26]The Funding Landscape EvolutionDiscussion of how valuations and funding cycles have changed over the past five yearsKey quote: "There was times where you'll hear this valuations five years ago were just inflated. And what happened then was it was very challenging for companies to raise their next round" [6:42]The Rise of Bootstrap ExitsTrend toward founders selling companies earlier rather than pursuing VC fundingKey quote: "Say you sell a company, you own 10% of a hundred million dollar company, or you own 100% of a $10 million company, you're walking around with a $10 million exit" [9:43]Common Fundraising MistakesThe biggest error founders make when seeking investmentKey quote: "The biggest one I want to say is they don't know who they should talk to and they waste a lot of time talking to the wrong people" [14:54]Research and Due Diligence StrategyHow founders should identify the right investors for their companiesKey quote: "You got to spend time and go, okay, let me go to this VC's website. Okay, who are their portfolio companies?" [19:38]Founder-VC Relationship DynamicsWhy entrepreneurs need to vet investors as much as they're being vettedKey quote: "You have to be vetting and screening them as they're vetting and screening you. That's how it has to be" [24:58]Wisdom from Unicorn FoundersInsights from interviewing successful entrepreneursKey quote: "It doesn't matter how many times you pivot if you're pivoting away from what your customer wants" [31:28]The Secret Sauce of Successful FoundersThe most common trait among top performersKey quote: "The number one trait is that they're able to build rapport with you instantly" [32:56]
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Episode 51: From London to Silicon Valley: AI Security for the Enterprise with Harmonic's Alastair Paterson
Dec 2900:43:45Tap to summarizeDESCRIPTION:Join Den Jones as he sits down with fellow Brit Alastair Paterson, CEO and co-founder of Harmonic Security, to explore the challenges of AI adoption in enterprise environments. From bootstrapping a cybersecurity startup in London to scaling in Silicon Valley, Alastair shares insights on securing AI workflows, the cultural differences between UK and US startup ecosystems, and why traditional DLP solutions fall short in the AI era.GUEST INFORMATION:Name: Alastair PatersonTitle/Credentials: CEO and Co-founder of Harmonic SecurityBackground: Former CEO and co-founder of Digital Shadows (acquired in 2022), cybersecurity entrepreneur who moved from London to San Francisco to scale his companies [3:03]Connect with guest: Based in San Francisco, actively hiring across 20 open positions [31:25]EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Introduction to Harmonic SecurityHarmonic enables secure AI adoption for enterprises, sitting between business teams wanting to leverage AI and security teams managing risk [1:43]Key quote: "Huge amount of tension between the business that's wanting to push forward and lean into this wave in a big way. And then the security legal and compliance teams are trying to hold the tie back a little bit" [1:59]The Evolution of Harmonic's MissionOriginally focused on data protection using language models, evolved to address broader AI governance challenges [5:32]Key quote: "We can start to use language models for data protection too... with the context and understanding around what users are doing and the intent behind the data" [5:17]Why Traditional DLP FailsTraditional DLP solutions are inadequate for modern data protection needs [7:00]Key quote: "DLP has always sucked. It's been really just a money pit of uselessness" [7:00]Harmonic's Deployment ApproachBrowser-agnostic extension that provides visibility into 6,000+ AI applications without disrupting user experience [10:52]Key quote: "The end users experience no change at all on day one at all. But the security team gets visibility now at prompt level and at intent level" [11:07]Lessons from UK to US ExpansionUK founders take too long to enter the US market, hampered by medium-sized domestic market [16:19]Key quote: "If you're losing in the US because you got here too late, you're going to lose the category. You've got to win the US, you've got to get here fast" [16:39]Cultural Differences in Startup AmbitionUK culture less supportive of startup ambition compared to Bay Area's grand planning mentality [18:05] [20:39]Key quote: "In the UK, if you've got a grand plan, people will tell you to pipe down a bit and know your place a bit more" [20:39]Talent Market DynamicsBay Area offers world-class go-to-market talent but at double the cost of London for technical roles [26:59]Key quote: "It's just half the cost in London that it is in the Bay Area for top tier engineers" [27:42]The Four Pillars of AI SecurityThreats from AI (deepfakes, phishing), AI for security (SOC automation), protecting AI applications, and workforce AI adoption [33:27] [34:12]Key quote: "I think there's only really four problems and one of them we want to own with Harmonic" [33:27]
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Episode 50 - Special Edition: In the 909Studio with Den Jones and Aaron Wurthmann
Dec 2100:42:15Tap to summarizeIntroduction SummaryThe podcast episode begins with a welcome message to "909 Exec," a source for insights in cybersecurity and beyond, hosted by Den Jones. This special edition marks the 50th episode, featuring guest Aaron Wurthmann, an advisory CISO and close associate of Den.Guest HighlightsAaron Wurthmann is an advisory CISO and key leadership figure in 909Cyber. Over the past year, the company has grown from having one or two clients to nearly a dozen, expanding its services from compliance and assessment work to include VCSO, security engineering, and placement work. Aaron highlights the importance of client renewals as a measure of success and the challenges faced by early-stage companies in managing security and compliance.Main Topics CoveredCompany Growth and Client Work: The episode discusses the company's growth over the past year, including the expansion of services and the importance of client renewals.AI and Security: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of AI on security, including the challenges of integrating AI into products and the potential risks associated with it.Reseller and Product Launches: The company has entered into reseller agreements and launched "99 Protect," a security product offering a comprehensive suite of protections.Industry Events and Mental Health: The episode highlights participation in industry events like the FBI session and DevCon, and discusses the importance of mental health in cybersecurity.Future Predictions and Challenges: The conversation touches on future predictions for AI in security, the potential for AI to be used as a defense mechanism, and the challenges of maintaining visibility over AI usage within companies.Holiday Plans and Personal Anecdotes: The hosts share personal plans for the holidays, including volunteering and family gatherings, adding a personal touch to the episode.New Initiatives: The launch of a new platform, RCS, aimed at connecting freelancers with companies, is discussed as an evolution of their previous student-focused initiative.
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Episode 49: From CSO to CEO: Tyler Farrar's Journey in Tech
Dec 1600:41:11Tap to summarizeJoin veteran chief security officer and Cyber Aficionado Den Jones as he welcomes Tyler Farrar back to the 909Exec podcast. In this episode, Tyler shares his journey from CSO at Exabeam to his current roles at Next Power and Stacking Bytes, offering insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity leadership. Discover Tyler's candid thoughts on industry challenges, including the complexities of hiring and the impact of AI on cybersecurity. Whether you're a seasoned executive or new to the field, this episode promises thought-provoking discussions and practical advice for navigating the future of cybersecurity.The main topics discussed in this episode include:The evolution and rebranding of Next Power, focusing on solar energy efficiency and the integration of AI and ML in solar power plants [2:59].The challenges and dynamics of the CISO role, including industry standards, regulatory requirements, and the differences between software and hardware-focused companies [4:09] [5:28].Tyler's opinions on industry issues such as the hiring process, the role of CISOs, and the impact of AI on cybersecurity [9:22] [10:11] [12:06].Predictions for the future of cybersecurity, including the impact of AI on attacks and defenses, and the importance of maintaining cybersecurity fundamentals [34:52].Advice for new CISOs, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the concept of extreme ownership [39:19].
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Episode 48: From Ethical Hacking to Entrepreneurship: The Chelsea Jarvie Story
Nov 1400:48:48Tap to summarizeIntroduction SummaryJoin veteran chief security officer and Cyber Aficionado Den Jones as he hosts Chelsea Jarvie, founder and CEO of Neon Guard, in episode 48 of 909Exec. Discover Chelsea's inspiring journey from studying ethical hacking in Scotland to becoming a cybersecurity leader and entrepreneur. Learn about her innovative approach to age assurance and her mission to make the internet safer for children. Chelsea shares her experiences in overcoming industry challenges, building a successful consultancy, and her exciting new venture in San Francisco. Tune in for a conversation filled with insights, advice, and the ambition driving cybersecurity forward.Guest HighlightsChelsea Jarvie is introduced as the founder and CEO of Neon Guard. She has worked in the cybersecurity field for about 10 years, holding roles such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) and vulnerability management specialist. Chelsea is currently in San Francisco seeking new customers and investors for her new company in the age assurance space.She is originally from Perth, Scotland, and studied ethical hacking in Dundee, Scotland, despite initially wanting to pursue pharmacy.Chelsea has been involved in the Women in Tech scene and has held internships at Skyscanner and Prudential. She became a CSO at 29 and has started her own consultancy business, Neon Circle, focusing on cyber strategy and transformation.Main Topics CoveredThe episode covers several main topics, including:- Chelsea's journey into cybersecurity, her educational background, and her transition from pharmacy to ethical hacking.- Her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field and the challenges she faced, including discrimination and cultural attitudes.- The founding and operation of her consultancy business, Neon Circle, and her focus on cyber transformation and strategy.- Her keynote speaking engagements and the importance of thought leadership in cybersecurity.- Chelsea's new venture in age assurance technology, aiming to anonymously distinguish adults from children online, and her efforts to secure investment in San Francisco.Video & Audio Post Production Services:SoundHaus Studiowww.soundhaus.studio
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Episode 47: From Scotland to Silicon Valley: The Mindful Path of Tethered with Karen Kerr
Oct 2700:59:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 909Exec, host Den Jones sits down with Karen Kerr, the co-founder of Tethered, a unique mindfulness app inspired by the rich heritage and serene landscapes of Scotland. Join us as Karen shares her personal journey from a creative career in Scotland to launching a groundbreaking app that connects users to mindfulness through cultural narratives. Discover how Tethered is disrupting the mindfulness industry with its high retention rates and personalized content, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of bringing a Scottish-inspired app to a global audience. Whether you're an executive seeking mental clarity or someone interested in the intersection of culture and mindfulness, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Main Topics CoveredMindfulness and Connection: Discussion on how Tethered aims to make mindfulness more accessible by connecting users to Scottish culture and heritage. Karen's Personal Journey: Insights into Karen's career path, personal challenges, and how they shaped her approach to mindfulness. App Development and Market Strategy: The challenges and successes in developing Tethered, including its high retention rates and plans for expansion. Cultural Influence: The role of Scottish culture in the app's content and its appeal to a global audience, particularly in the US.Future Plans: Expansion strategies, including introducing Tethered to other cultures and seeking investment to grow the app's reach.
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Cyber909: Episode 15 with Jake Bernardes
Jan 22, 202500:43:44Tap to summarizeIntroduction Summary: In this episode of Cyber 909, host Den Jones introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Jake Bernardes, a seasoned multi-CISO and host of the Risking It All podcast. [00:20] Den highlights Jake's extensive experience in the cybersecurity field and his involvement in the CSO Society group. Guest Highlights: Background: Jake Bernardes is a seasoned multi-CISO and host of the Risking It All podcast. He has a diverse background, having worked in various regions including the UK, US, Far East, and Middle East. Key Contributions: Hosts the Risking It All podcast, focusing on people and leadership topics. [00:53] Currently the CISO at Anecdotes, a GRC automation platform. [14:04] Holds advisory and fractional CISO roles. [31:54] Extensive experience in pen testing, consulting, and working with startups. Known for his expertise in social engineering and cybersecurity strategy. Main Topics Covered: Jake's Background and Journey: Discussion on Jake's career path, including his early interest in computers, university studies in Chinese, and various roles in cybersecurity. [03:51] Role of Compliance in Cybersecurity: Debate on whether compliance equals security, with Jake emphasizing that they are different but both important. [25:40] Cyber Insurance: Jake's critical view on the effectiveness of cyber insurance and its role in the industry. [29:44] CISO's Role and Evolution: Conversation on the evolving role of CISOs, the importance of business acumen, and the need for CISOs to demonstrate value beyond technical expertise. [33:25] Strategic Security Management: Insights into how CISOs can align security strategies with business goals and the importance of being adaptable and creative in problem-solving. [33:25]
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