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Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Hosted by Courageous Daring Wonderful You, LLC

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Episodes

94

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career. This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills. With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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60 recent
July 6, 2026Episode 1640 min

The Cybersecurity Talent Crisis Is Evolving — Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?

Send us Fan MailWhat if the real cybersecurity workforce problem isn’t just headcount — but how the work itself is changing? In this episode, I dig into a SANS and GIAC report that challenges the usual “talent shortage” narrative and reveals a more complex picture of AI, compliance, career progression, and the future of cyber talent.In this episode, I explore:Why skills gaps are now outranking staffing shortages in cybersecurityHow AI is reshaping entry-level cyber roles and the path to expertiseWhy incident response is being transformed behind the scenesHow regulation is creating new hiring priorities and specialist rolesWhy cybersecurity success may no longer mean climbing a traditional ladderWhat it means to build a more sustainable and accessible cyber pipelineHow the future of cybersecurity depends on a broader ecosystem of skillsKey takeaways:The cybersecurity workforce conversation is no longer just about filling open roles. It’s about capability, adaptability, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. As AI changes repetitive tasks and regulation expands the scope of the profession, cybersecurity is becoming more multidisciplinary — and more dependent on communication, governance, and business understanding.Why this matters:If the profession keeps prioritizing immediate needs over future development, we risk weakening the pipeline that creates tomorrow’s experts. The future of cybersecurity depends on creating pathways that are accessible to talented people from all backgrounds, not just those with unlimited time, money, or resources.Listen if you care about:cybersecurity careerscyber workforce developmentAI in cybersecuritycybersecurity skills gapcompliance and governancefuture of workleadership in cybersecuritySupport the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

June 29, 2026Episode 1547 min

Problem-Solving Over Pedigree: How to Break Into Cybersecurity and Succeed

Send us Fan MailThere’s a narrative in cybersecurity that’s quietly pushing good people away.And it’s a problem we need to address.In this episode, I’m unpacking a tension that doesn’t make sense on the surface:Thousands of open cybersecurity roles… and still, talented people questioning whether they belong.So what’s really going on?We talk about:The disconnect between the cybersecurity talent shortage and hiring practicesWhy the industry’s messaging may be discouraging capable professionals from entering the fieldThe reality of imposter syndrome—and why no one knows everything in cybersecurityWhy diverse career paths aren’t a weakness—they’re exactly what the industry needsThe critical role of non-technical skills like problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinkingI also challenge leaders and hiring managers to rethink how we evaluate talent:Are we prioritizing pedigree… or potential?Because if we’re serious about closing the workforce gap, we need to:Create more inclusive entry pointsValue transferable skillsBuild teams—not just check boxesCybersecurity isn’t just a technical field.It’s a problem-solving field.And there is space for more people than we’ve been led to believe.Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

June 22, 2026Episode 141 hr 14 min

The Cyber Talent Gap: Unlocking the 2026 SANS GIAC Workforce Report (Guest: Brian Correia)

Send us Fan MailWhat’s really happening in the cybersecurity workforce—and why are so many organizations still struggling to hire and retain the right talent?In this episode, I sit down with Brian Correia, the Director of Global Cyber Workforce Strategy & Engagement at SANS, to unpack key insights from the 2026 SANS GIAC Workforce Report.But this isn’t your typical workforce conversation.This report focuses on “cyber talent leaders”—the people responsible for hiring, developing, and retaining cybersecurity professionals. And what it reveals is both eye-opening and urgent.We explore:The growing mid-career and senior talent bottleneck—and why it’s slowing organizations downHow cybersecurity roles are evolving beyond technical expertise to include communication with boards and C-suitesThe real impact of AI on cybersecurity roles—and the emergence of positions like AI governance specialistsWe also get real about leadership and representation:The ongoing gap in women in cybersecurity leadership—and why it still mattersThe importance of re-skilling existing talent instead of only chasing new hiresHow cybersecurity as a profession is maturing—and what that means for career pathsBrian’s journey—from conference management to cybersecurity leader—is a powerful reminder that there’s no one path into this field. The key is finding your niche and growing into it.This conversation is for leaders, hiring managers, and anyone navigating a career in cybersecurity.Because the future of cyber isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.Get in Touch with us:Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjcorreia/Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/2026 Report: https://www.sans.org/white-papers/2026-cybersecurity-workforce-research-reportJoin Inside the 2026 Cyber Workforce: Key Trends, Talent Gaps, Strategic Shifts, and the AI Revolution live event on June 24th 1:00 PM ET Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

June 15, 2026Episode 1325 min

The Three T's That Got Me Through Career Collapse (And Will Work For You Too)

Send us Fan MailYour track record for surviving hard days is 100%. Let me prove it to you.In this deeply personal episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the three T's that have kept me grounded through 28 years in tech, multiple layoffs, career transitions, and everything in between.You'll learn:Transparency: Why vulnerability is your secret weapon—and how admitting "I'm not okay" actually heals you and everyone around youTransformation: The counterintuitive reason job loss and setbacks aren't punishment—they're your forge for becoming who you're meant to beTrust: How to stop white-knuckling control and actually go with the flow (even when your brain screams otherwise)This isn't motivational fluff. It's real talk about resilience, acceptance, and the power of showing up authentically in your professional and personal life. Perfect if you're navigating career change, burnout, imposter syndrome, or just wondering how to keep going when things get hard.Featured In This Episode:The power of honest conversation during crisisHow change and transformation work togetherMindfulness, acceptance, and releasing what you can't controlReal examples from my own layoff and career transition journeyWhy you're tougher than you thinkFor women in tech and cybersecurityIf you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can helpAsk Me Anything (AMA) — coming soonIf you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in.Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

June 8, 2026Episode 1242 min

Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Culture with Larissa Fitzhugh

Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and healthier workplace culture starts with one thing—self-awareness?In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Fitzhugh, founder of Diadem Solutions, to explore what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive—not just perform.Larissa shares how her journey in HR operations led her to focus on employee experience after realizing she couldn’t always answer one simple question honestly: “What is your culture really like?”From that moment, she chose to be part of the solution.In this conversation, we unpack:Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful career acceleratorsHow the DISC framework (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) helps you understand how you show up under pressureThe two breakthroughs that change everything: relief and compassionWhy culture isn’t built through big initiatives—but in small, consistent daily momentsThe leadership gap around difficult conversations—and how to approach them without overthinkingWhy differences on teams are not a liability—but a necessity for growthWe also talk about the reality organizations are facing:AI is reshaping the workforce, but human understanding and emotional intelligence are more critical than everMany organizations know change is needed—but aren’t taking actionCulture and leadership development are often deprioritized due to time and budget constraintsThis episode is a powerful reminder:Leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about people.And the leaders who understand themselves—and others—will be the ones who shape the future of work.Connect with us:Larissa: www.diademsolutions.co | linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhughDawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

June 1, 2026Episode 1156 min

Cybersecurity Is Personal: Protecting Leaders, Families, and the Digital Frontline with Hazel Cerra

Send us Fan MailWhat if the biggest cybersecurity risk isn’t your company - but your life?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Hazel Cerra, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent who spent 25 years protecting world leaders before stepping into the world of digital security convergence at BlackCloak.We explore how today’s threat landscape has evolved far beyond physical protection. Executives are now 12 times more likely to be targeted—not just because of what they do, but because of who they are and how visible they are online.Hazel breaks down:The convergence of physical and digital threats—and why you can’t separate them anymoreSophisticated scams like spear phishing and “pig butchering” crypto fraudWhy executives and their families are prime targetsThe psychological toll of cybercrime, from betrayal to loss of trust and relationshipsThe growing risk of sextortion targeting young peopleWe also go deeper into leadership:Navigating high-pressure, male-dominated environments like the Secret ServiceBuilding confidence through worst-case scenario thinkingThe role of mentorship in advancing into leadershipThis conversation is a wake-up call—and a reminder that cybersecurity is no longer just about systems. It’s about people.If you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone living in a connected world, this episode will change how you think about protection.Connect with us:Hazel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

May 25, 2026Episode 1017 min

Unlocking Cybersecurity: How to Pivot Without Starting Over

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bytes, Bits and Brilliance, we address common concerns for individuals looking to pivot into cybersecurity, particularly those who feel they may need to start over or obtain additional certifications. It's important to view roles not just as job titles but as signals that reflect what companies truly need. Dawn shares her insights on how to leverage existing skills and experiences, even if they don't seem directly related to cybersecurity at first glance. She encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of adaptability and to recognize that career pivots can be messy and non-linear, requiring both strategy and faith in oneself.Dawn illustrates her points by discussing a specific job role she encountered, highlighting how the language used in job descriptions can reveal opportunities that align with one's existing skills. TakeawaysCareer pivots require skill, strategy, and faith.Look at roles as signals about company needs.Pivots are often messy and non-linear.Job titles in cybersecurity can be misleading.Technical fluency is more important than technical mastery.For women in tech and cybersecurityIf you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can helpAsk Me Anything (AMA) — coming soonIf you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in.Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

May 18, 2026Episode 953 min

Mastering the Art of Authentic Storytelling in Job Interviews (Guest: Natasha Schwartz)

Send us Fan MailIn today’s evolving job market, the rules of career growth are changing—and this episode is your guide to navigating it with confidence.Dawn sits down with Natasha Schwartz, a seasoned staffing and recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, who is now pivoting into cybersecurity while leveraging her deep expertise in talent strategy.Together, they unpack what it really takes to stand out, pivot careers, and navigate today’s hiring landscape.In this episode, we explore:💡 Why transferable skills make up more of your value than you think (hint: up to 80%)🎯 How authenticity—not perfection—wins in interviews🧠 The importance of self-care and mental readiness during the job search process🔍 How to evaluate whether companies truly support inclusive hiring practices🚀 Why blending your past experience with new skills is the key to unlocking future opportunitiesNatasha also shares her journey into cybersecurity and how even non-technical topics—like performance reviews—have a place in tech spaces.If you’re navigating a career pivot, re-entering the workforce, or simply trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will remind you: you bring more to the table than you think.💡Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.Connect with us:Natasha Schwartz LinkedInDawn Butler LinkedinResources:The War of Art by Steven PressfieldFor women in tech and cybersecurityIf you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice — whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility — this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can helpSupport the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

May 11, 2026Episode 849 min

Revolutionizing Hiring: How Better Conversations Can Bridge Skills Gaps & Improve Retention (Guest: Tara Turk-Haynes)

Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into innovative approaches to hiring that focus on genuine conversations, soft skills, and strategic collaboration. Tara Turk-Haynes shares practical frameworks and insights for transforming hiring processes to better assess candidates and foster lasting talent retention, especially in technical and cyber roles.In this episode:The importance of viewing interviews as conversations, not interrogationsThe role of storytelling and soft skills in assessing fit and potentialCommon pitfalls in traditional hiring practices, especially for technical rolesStrategies for including non-traditional candidates and broadening talent pools The critical impact of organizational culture, communication, and process timing on hiring successThe significance of defining clear job descriptions and aligning expectations with performance metricsHow to leverage understanding of team dynamics to improve hiring and onboardingThe increased importance of inclusion and soft skills evaluation in the evolving cyber landscapeT. Tara Turk-Haynes is the Founder of Equity Activations that partners with organizations to embed measurable equity strategies into how they hire, lead, and grow. Tara's work spans talent acquisition systems, leadership development, organizational culture, and inclusive communications.  Tara's work and thought leadership have been featured in Fast Company, Lars Schmidt’s Redefining HR, and on stages including Culture Amp’s Culture First and RecFest. As a first generation college graduate and corporate leader turned founder, Tara works with organizations ready to take equity seriously as infrastructure. Connect with us:Tara: www.equityactivations.comDawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

May 4, 2026Episode 744 min

How a Career Fair Mistake Led to a Life-Changing Conversation (Guest: Dani Flores-Diaz)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the raw realities of career journeys, the power of authentic networking, and the importance of resilience in tech. Daniela, a college student and club president, shares her experience of overcoming insecurities at career fairs, the lessons learned from failure, and her passion for sustainability in AI and edge computing.In this episode: How first impressions at career fairs can feel disastrous but still lead to growthThe mindset shift from "getting any job" to "finding the right fit"Strategies for making authentic connections rather than performingThe role of vulnerability and resourcefulness in career progressionInsights into the environmental impact of AI and the advocacy for sustainable techThe importance of audacity in career and leadership, regardless of genderReal talk about imposter syndrome and the ongoing nature of learning Resources & Links:Her Cloud - Valencia College ClubBook: "Daring Greatly" by Brené BrownEdge Computing & SustainabilityConnect with us: Daniela: LinkedInDawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/This episode reminds us that vulnerability, resourcefulness, and a genuine desire to learn are the real keys to unlocking confidence and opportunity in the tech industry. Daniela’s story exemplifies that setbacks are just setups for a comeback. Stay ambitious, stay authentic, and keep pushing forward.Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Connect with me on LinkedInYour support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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