🗓️ 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
  
  

🗓️ 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

🗓️ 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