Episode 106 - Stacking the Deck of Success with AJ Yawn

Episode 106 - Stacking the Deck of Success with AJ Yawn

In this episode of the Hacker Valley Studio podcast, hosts Ron and Chris interview AJ Yawn in an episode that is a mix between a master class and a founder’s journey. AJ is the founder and CEO of ByteCheck, with a personal and company goal to “make compliance suck less.” He is a cloud security expert, and brings to the conversation a wealth of wisdom on cybersecurity, leadership, and personal growth. The episode focuses on topics surrounding a major event in the past week for AJ and ByteChek, addressing AJ’s background, the work surrounding ByteCheck’s genesis, AJ’s thoughts on compliance, and more!

The interview begins with a look at AJ’s background. AJ grew up a military brat, and eventually found himself in the Army for a time. While he did not place much consideration on technology before he entered the Army, it was during his Army career that AJ developed an interest in cybersecurity. He became passionate about cybersecurity and the cloud, and he went all in! After he left the service, he began a job in cybersecurity consulting, and he’s been in the field ever since.

This episode is recorded at another momentous shift in AJ’s career, though, and Ron and Chris invite him to share about the past week, focusing on highs and lows. AJ shares about how he and his friend Jeff just launched ByteChek days ago, choosing as their launch date the significant holiday of Veterans Day! This choice was a way to honor AJ’s family members who served before him, and Ron and Chris also thank AJ for his own service to his country.

In light of this exciting time, AJ explains what the early days of the company have been like and considers some influences that have shaped him. In this stage of his company, AJ has capitalized on LinkedIn. He had previously not been accustomed to using the site or to the more general task of business promotion, but he’s found that networking on LinkedIn is a great way to grow a new business. He also explores ways in which his background in sports and as a middle child among nine siblings have shaped him as a cybersecurity worker and entrepreneur. Such factors of his youth helped him to foster a growth mindset and competitive nature, and also taught him to stand in his power.

Next, AJ talks about the thinking behind the tagline, “make compliance suck less,” which is honest, humorous, and relevant to the problem that drove AJ to start the company. As he navigates issues of business, compliance, and the like, AJ demonstrates remarkable capacities for focus. Ron and Chris wonder how he manages to focus on a single subject and to stay intentional for months or even years at a time, and AJ answers that he focuses on the process. In order to do so, he relies on the 90-91 model (which calls for the first 90 minutes of his day to be centered on a certain thing), as well as an array of goals.

AJ is also deeply committed to an active pursuit of personal growth. One of the clearest demonstrations of this commitment came in the years leading up to the launch of ByteChek. AJ saw the need for such a company years ago and had it in mind to start his own company, knowing that he needed to take a chance to make the impact he wanted to make. However, he also knew that he was not yet ready to start a business, so he created a masterclass for himself to prepare. Since, in first forming the company, he needed to place special focus on learning the business and marketing side of things, his successful navigation of LinkedIn is just one testament to the effectiveness of his intentional training.

Even in the midst of the fear surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic (and many problems for businesses), AJ was confident in betting on himself and launching ByteChek. And he’s confident in the future of the company, as well. He invests himself in making compliance exciting for clients, and among his projections for the future of compliance, he even includes plans for a ByteChek Academy! As the conversation reaches a close, AJ provides listeners with a final nugget of wisdom pertaining to the two most prominent themes of the conversation: betting on oneself and stepping into one’s personal power.

1:35 - This episode features AJ Yawn!

2:53 - AJ and his hosts turn to background info and what AJ is doing today.

4:35 - This past week has been huge for AJ because of his company launch!

6:33 - Did AJ’s interest in cybersecurity start while he was in the Army?

8:49 - The group speaks of AJ’s family background, including the fact that he is one of nine kids!

10:00 - Has being in the middle of a big family and playing sports shaped AJ?

12:52 - AJ and his hosts consider ByteChek’s tagline.

15:21 - How does AJ focus so well?

17:18 - Why did he launch the company now, even in the midst of COVID-19?

21:21 - AJ created a masterclass for himself.

25:38 - How does AJ make compliance exciting?

29:39- AJ is asked about the future of compliance.

33:45 - What’s one nugget of wisdom AJ can offer concerning two main themes of the episode?

Links:

Connect with AJ on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Hacker Valley Studio.

Support Hacker Valley Studio on Patreon.

Follow Hacker Valley Studio on Twitter.

Follow hosts Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran on Twitter.

Learn more about ByteChek, and mention Hacker Valley Studio to receive a limited time offer!

Avsnitt(390)

The Future of Endpoint Threats and Why Zero Trust is the Only Option with Rob Allen

The Future of Endpoint Threats and Why Zero Trust is the Only Option with Rob Allen

Get ready for a SPECIAL episode! Ron Eddings will take you on an inside look at Threatlocker’s rapidly growing event, Zero Trust World, and will talk with Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at Threatlocker, to discuss what you can find out from your endpoints (hint: it’s more than remote access tools you didn’t know were running!)   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:24 - Zero Trust World Sneak Peek! 02:21 - From our Sponsor, Threatlocker 03:50 - Introducing guest, Rob Allen 05:03 - What’s Zero Trust World 10:40 - Technical Executive Leaders 16:24 - Managing from the Top Down 20:33 - More Than Allow Listing 24:38 - Rubber Ducky, You’re the One… 26:59 - Assume Breach 29:30 - Some Interesting Finds 35:55 - Where Most of the Action Happens 26:30 - One Step Better…   Links: Connect with our guest, Rob Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/  Check out https://www.threatlocker.com/  to learn more! See the Zero Trust World recap portion here on our YouTube Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

20 Mars 202443min

Slugging it Out in the SOC to Find Your Niche in Cyber with Nate Malicoat

Slugging it Out in the SOC to Find Your Niche in Cyber with Nate Malicoat

Ron Eddings sits down in-person with Nate Malicoat, Threat Intel Engineer at ContraForce, for a down-to-earth interview about entering the cybersecurity workforce from the Marines. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:20 - Introducing guest, Nate Malicoat 03:00 - Marines to Computer Life 05:13 - Importance of Mentoring & Mentors 10:04 - Participating in the Industry 12:42 - Why Aim For the CISO role? 14:40 - Be Persistent, But Not Annoying   Links: Connect with our guest, Nate Malicoat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-malicoat-58760a143/ Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

5 Mars 202416min

Creating Value in the Cyber Industry with Nick Lantuh

Creating Value in the Cyber Industry with Nick Lantuh

Nick Lantuh, CEO of Interpres Security, joins Ron Eddings on the mic at Hacker Valley’s “On the Big Screen” event to talk about how Nick’s previous career experience have given him unique insight into the cybersecurity industry. Ron and Nick discuss everything from Nick’s immigrant background and his experience with helping customers, to threat modeling and starting up companies.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:05 - Introducing guest, Nick Lantuh 03:06 - The Differentiator 06:21 - Wanting to ‘Be Your Own Boss’ 10:00 - Being the Executive Chairman 12:47 - The Go-To-Market Side 15:11 - The Turnaround 18:01 - Making the Ecosystem Better 21:20 - Bridging the Gap 24:14 - Exposure Management 29:59 - One Step Better…   Links: Connect with our guest, Nick Lantuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklantuh/ Check out Interpres Security: https://interpressecurity.com/ Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

27 Feb 202431min

AI & Phishing: Fighting Fire with Fire

AI & Phishing: Fighting Fire with Fire

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings is joined by Vishal Dixit, Co-founder & CTO at Graphus Inc., and Sven Bechmann, Senior Product Manager of Email Security at Kaseya to dig into how phishing attacks are evolving and how you can keep your business safe.   Get the ultimate email security software and stop phishing attacks that others miss! Request a demo from our friends at Graphus, today! -- and don't miss their 5-minute guide to phishing attacks and prevention.    Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:37 - Introducing guests Vishal & Sven 02:50 - The Current State of Phishing 06:40 - Phishing & Career Path 10:47 - From our Sponsor, Graphus Inc 12:07 - Phishing & Email Security 14:27 - “Security Is an Afterthought” 17:29 - What are Hackers Doing with AI? 23:08 - AI & Phishing Detection 31:30 - Phishing Evolution 35:30 - One Step Better…   Links: Connect with our guests: Vishal Dixit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dixitvishal/ Sven Bechmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sven-bechmann-product-management/ Learn more from Graphus.ai: https://www.graphus.ai/hackervalley Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

20 Feb 202437min

Andrew Forgie's Path From Apache Mechanic to Cybersecurity Sales Leader and Mastering Cyber Sales

Andrew Forgie's Path From Apache Mechanic to Cybersecurity Sales Leader and Mastering Cyber Sales

In this episode, Andrew Forgie takes us on his journey from his early days as an Apache helicopter mechanic in the military to his current role as a regional sales manager in cybersecurity.  Andrew shares his trials and challenges, the significant shift from being in a service role to mastering the art of sales in the highly competitive tech industry. His story illustrates the power of adapting to change and the critical role of personal development in achieving professional success. 00:00 - Introduction 00:42 - Introduction to the episode and guest Andrew Forgie, regional sales manager at RMS. 01:29 - Andrew discusses his transition from the military to cybersecurity sales. 02:43 - Insight into Andrew's early struggles and successes in sales. 04:13 - How "Selling for Dummies" transformed Andrew's approach to sales. 06:02 - The importance of attitude and creating a buying environment in sales. 08:09 - Andrew shares his life vision exercise and its impact on his career. 12:09 - Discussion on the value of relationships in cybersecurity sales. 24:19 - Advice for those looking to enter or excel in cybersecurity sales. Links: Connect with our guest Andrew Forgie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewforgie/ Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

14 Feb 202426min

Zinet Kemal's Journey From Ethiopian Immigrant to TEDx Speaker & Cloud Security Engineer at Fortune

Zinet Kemal's Journey From Ethiopian Immigrant to TEDx Speaker & Cloud Security Engineer at Fortune

In this episode of Hacker Valley Studio, we dive into the inspiring journey of Zinet Kamal, an immigrant from Ethiopia who has carved a niche for herself in cybersecurity. Despite starting her journey with limited access to technology and not having mentors until 2020, Zinet's resilience and passion led her to become a cloud security engineer at a Fortune 500 company. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capability to overcome barriers and make significant strides in the tech industry.   This episode is a story of personal growth, cultural transitions, and the drive to empower the next generation through education and cybersecurity awareness. As a mother of four, a multi-award-winning cybersecurity advocate, and a best-selling author, Zinet brings a unique perspective on the importance of diversity in tech and the role of mentorship in shaping future leaders. 00:00 - Welcome 01:32 - Introducing Guest, Zinet Kemal 03:09 - Growing up in Africa 07:12 - “I Never Had a Children’s Book” 12:52 - Culture Shock 16:02 - From Legal to Cybersecurity 18:50 - CCDC Competition 21:55 - Role of Community in Resetting 24:34 - “Oh No… Hacked Again!” 30:00 - Online Safety Empowerment 34:50 - Moving up in Cyber   Links: Connect with Zinet Kemal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zinetkemal/ Zinet’s LinkedIn Course:  https://www.linkedin.com/learning/cybersecurity-careers-build-your-brand-in-cybersecurity/grow-your-cybersecurity-career-with-personal-branding?course Check out Zinet's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Zinet-Kemal/author/B099P5B8FD Watch Zinet's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J61K1Gu97jM Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

6 Feb 202438min

Paving the Path for CISOs of the Future with Gary Hayslip

Paving the Path for CISOs of the Future with Gary Hayslip

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with repeat guest, Gary Hayslip, CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisors and co-author of CISO Desk Reference guide. Gary explains that the varied nature of his current CISO role contrasts with the broader industry trends. He discusses how that nature plays into the CISO hiring process and career path, as well as how his books are helping to bridge the gap among professionals.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 00:59 - Introducing guest, Gary Hayslip 01:38 - The Path to Becoming a CISO 08:04 - CSO vs CISO 10:47 - “I'm firing you…” 15:03 - Interviewing for the CISO role 17:56 - Join Our Mastermind 18:39 - Being ‘Mr. Maybe’ 21:41 - CISO- A Day in the Life 24:50 - Using Books to Pave the Way   Links: Connect with our guest Gary Hayslip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghayslip/ Check out Gary’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gary-Hayslip/author/B01IJN838A?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

30 Jan 202429min

The Untold Story of Browser Risks: Pioneering Enterprise Browser Security with Or Eshed

The Untold Story of Browser Risks: Pioneering Enterprise Browser Security with Or Eshed

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings and guest Or Eshed, CEO of Layer X, discuss how changes in IT infrastructure, employee behavior and malicious tech have created an era where browser security is a must. Or details how he is spearheading a movement to reposition browsers as our first line of defense. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 02:50 - Introducing guest, Or Eshed 05:27 - The Crime Scene: Where Employees Are 07:20 - Educating Users with a Browser Extension 10:13 - The Enablement Game 13:10 - How Malicious Browser Extensions Work 16:07 - From our Sponsor, Layer X 17:33 - Better Than EDR- Know Who Is Doing What 22:53 - Stop Account Takeovers- Stealthily 27:55 - Predictions & GPT Use Case 33:16 - One Step Better… Links: Connect with our guest : https://www.linkedin.com/in/or-eshed/ Check out Layer X: https://layerxsecurity.com/ Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/ Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord

23 Jan 202435min

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