The Cyber Queens Podcast
“WHERE ARE THE WOMEN IN CYBER?”
The Landscape
In 2022 the cyber security field still consists of 24% women and only 2.2% LGBTQ+ minorities. Long-perpetuated gender, age, and demographic biases held by the ‘Baby Boomer’ and Gen-X groups have led to a severe gap in the representation and advancement of women and minorities in this field. Millennials entered the workforce and attempted to forge a new way by asking for small changes; but definitely conceding others. Currently the Boomers/Gen-X accounting for more than 55% of the workforce are on their way out.
There is a new perspective shift happening industry-wide in tech because Gen-Z has arrived, and they don't ask for change - they command it. Millennials and Gen-Z currently make up only 35% of the workforce but that will grow to more than 75% by the end of 2030.
The Solution
We are not here to simply identify a diversity problem, we are here to solve it. Head-on. It is our mission to close this gap by inspiring and empowering Gen-Z women and minorities to seize their place in the cyber community. Breaking molds to choose careers inherently designated for us by gender bias. Branding cyber as lucrative and exciting. Nurturing a curiosity in tech where it was conditioned out of us. Dispelling the myths surrounding different niches and avenues into cyber and highlighting the success and fulfillment that can be achieved here. We are going to bestow strategies for navigating the mindsets we encounter on a daily basis and how to overcome the challenges they present. We're going to do this fueled by bold, raw, unfiltered insights to propel new talent forward and challenge managers to join the train of progress.
WE ARE THE CYBER QUEENS AND WE'RE BUILDING THE SISTERHOOD OF CYBER.
WHAT DO WE STAND FOR?
1) RADICAL TRANSPARENCY
We will never let ourselves, our message, or the value we give be censored or watered down to make a buck on this podcast or its audience. We will also provide truthful, value-driven insights according to our own experiences.
2) SUPPORT & EMPOWER
We advocate for women unequivocally supporting other women. Eliminating sexist mindsets, toxic competition and leadership between women and minorities. We get enough of that from everyone else.
3) SOCIAL INTEGRITY
We are not here to lift women by bashing on men. We don’t believe success is pie and that more for us means less for someone else. We're here to educate and uplift anyone with an interest in getting into this field who may be at a disadvantage to do so.
4) INSPIRING ACTION
We offer practical advice that can be implemented immediately for listeners to further themselves and gain traction in their cyber education or career. We foster mutual collaboration and give our audience a platform to take action and be supported in those pursuits.
5) CREATE LASTING IMPACT
We curate content and speakers who deliver unbridled value to our listeners and their perspectives. We do not cater to guests and influencers whose message is limited to their own agenda or whose values do not directly align with our own and our mission.
6) INVEST INTENTIONALLY
We want to invest in ourselves by paying it forward as much as we can. We will buy from, monetize with, collaborate with, and promote working with other minority-owned small businesses FIRST wherever they can fill the need.
The Cyber Queens Podcast
Breaking Barriers: Women Rising in Cybersecurity Leadership
**DISCLAIMER: All of our opinions are our own. They do not represent, nor are they affiliated with the interests and beliefs of the companies we work for. **
In cybersecurity, a remarkable transformation is taking place as women increasingly break down barriers and rise to leadership positions. Historically, this field has been predominantly male-dominated, but today, women are making significant strides in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Their contributions are not only challenging stereotypes but also enhancing the industry's diversity and effectiveness. This transformation is not just about equality; it's about recognizing that diversity in leadership brings fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a stronger defense against cyber threats.
In this episode, we are joined by Brandi Moore, the CRO of Mitiga, to talk about how women can rise to leadership positions in cybersecurity. Brandi shares her story from being the director of sales to the COO of COFENSE, what Brandi looks for in a product or a company that she wants to work with and help grow. She also advises people looking to build a career in cybersecurity and females in tech who dream of being in leadership positions. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics!
Timestamps
- [01:02] Brandi’s journey in cyber and how she got where she is today
- [02:06] The number of companies that Brandi interviewed with that do not have female leadership
- [05:29] Diversity and quality in cybersecurity
- [07:32] How the system is broken for job hunters
- [22:33] What Brandi looks for in a product or a company that she wants to work with and help grow
- [26:44] Brandi’s advice to females in tech who dream to be in leadership positions
- [31:43] Advice to people looking to build a career in cybersecurity
Notable quotes:
- “Sometimes you have a great idea and spend a lot of time explaining it to people and then the world sort of works with you. The world connects you with the right people.”
- “We need leadership in all these organizations to make diversity a genuine initiative instead of just discussing it.”
- “Tech and everything in the world changes every two years. So, you have to figure out how to follow the tech and everything else that is changing.”
- “Don’t give up on cybersecurity. Find people who have already succeeded for advice.”
Connect with Brandi Moore:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimoore/
Get in Touch:
- Maril Vernon LinkedIn
- Stacey Champagne LinkedIn
- Queens Twitter - @TheCyberQueens
- Queens LinkedIn
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