This week we chat with Bill Boston, also known as 'The Real Bilbo,' to explore his extensive journey from IT support roles to becoming a cybersecurity professional.

With over 20 years in support and a strong background in healthcare and consulting, Bill shares unique insights into overcoming mental health challenges, the importance of being fair, friendly, and firm, and how his military experience shaped his career. He also delves into the roles of generative AI in personal and professional settings and offers valuable advice for veterans transitioning into cybersecurity roles.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with real stories, career tips, and wisdom from the trenches of cybersecurity.

Connect with The Reel Bilbo!
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-boston-3860b856/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheReelBillbo
- Discord: @TheReelBilbo

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Bill Boston aka The Reel Bilbo
02:23 Bill Boston's Journey into Cybersecurity
06:08 Military Experience and Transition to IT
09:55 Advice for Veterans Entering Cybersecurity
11:59 Utilizing AI in Personal and Professional Life
16:02 Empowering IT Professionals in Cybersecurity
18:56 Creating and Sharing Knowledge through Videos
23:20 Types of Leaders and Early Career Challenges
25:54 The Three F's of Leadership
26:59 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership
27:20 Trekking as a Means of Recharging
31:48 Backpacking Logistics and Comparisons to Cybersecurity
34:40 Rapid Fire Questions
43:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquiggan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancissp
Website: https://jamesmcquiggan.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cissp
Email: James@jamesmcquiggan.com
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Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
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Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.com
YouTube Title Graphic: London Company
Video Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)
Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements
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Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
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All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

This week we have a captivating conversation with Christine Smoley, as she shares her journey from an academic background in phenomenology to a successful career in cybersecurity.

Key topics include networking at DEFCON, the importance of language acquisition and mental models, challenges of building security teams in startups, and her unique international experiences in Russia.

This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of transitioning into cybersecurity and the importance of continual learning.

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-smoley-92697358

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast
00:43 Meet Christine Smoley
01:09 Defcon Poker and EFF Fundraising
02:05 Christine's Cybersecurity Journey
03:29 From Academia to Cybersecurity
04:52 Skills and Knowledge Transfer
10:51 Challenges in Skill Acquisition
14:41 Building Security in Startups
18:12 Evaluating Vendors and Third-Party Risks
23:25 Cultural Perspectives on Cybersecurity
27:24 Rapid Fire Questions
34:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquiggan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancissp
Website: https://jamesmcquiggan.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cissp
Email: James@jamesmcquiggan.com
==========================================================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
==========================================================
Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.com
YouTube Title Graphic: London Company
Video Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)
Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements
=========================
Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

This week we chat with Brent Buch, also known as Code Brew, to explore his fascinating transition from working in the food and beverage industry to becoming a junior database administrator and aspiring cybersecurity professional.

Brent discusses the challenges he faced breaking into the cybersecurity field, the value of transferable skills from bartending, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. He also shares insights on certification, industry resources, and tips for managing burnout. Tune in to hear his compelling journey and advice for anyone looking to make a similar career leap.

Chapters:
00:00 Discovering Cybersecurity: A YouTube Inspiration
00:48 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast
01:30 Meet Brent Booth: From Bartender to Cybersecurity Professional
03:17 Brent's Journey into Cybersecurity
05:20 Challenges and Skills in Cybersecurity
12:15 Balancing Work and Family Life
21:43 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
27:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquiggan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancissp
Website: https://jamesmcquiggan.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cissp
Email: James@jamesmcquiggan.com
==========================================================
Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪
==========================================================
Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.com
YouTube Title Graphic: London Company
Video Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)
Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements
=========================
Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials