E. B. Spoke - The Podcast

Hosted by Erik Boemanns - talking about cybersecurity, technology, leadership, and more.

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Mar 2026

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Cybersecurity, technology, leadership, and more. ebspoke.substack.com

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March 29, 202630 min

Episode 14: DataOps is Good Business

DataOps Is Good Business: Breaking Data Silos, Building Trust, and Preparing for AIErik Boemanns interviews Simon Yost on episode 14 of the E.B. Spoke podcast about DataOps as a practical operating model that, like DevOps, breaks down silos and turns analytics into a competitive advantage. They discuss how broken dashboards and surprise metrics become business costs when data is split across departments, and argue most companies have a data integration problem rather than a data problem. Examples include disconnects between marketing analytics and operational systems (even detecting website outages), and how unconnected data can mislead key metrics like customer lifetime value and acquisition costs. They emphasize tools don’t create trust—process, shared definitions (data dictionaries), and dedicated stewardship do—often via audits/gap assessments and a data fabric approach. They also cover Simon’s background, fractional consulting at the intersection of DataOps, data engineering, and AI, and the need to slow down to speed up while avoiding security/regulatory pitfalls.00:00 Why Data Delays Hurt00:24 DataOps Meets DevOps00:50 From Firefighting to Flow01:29 Invest in Data Foundations02:09 One Off Spreadsheets Trap02:50 Where Data Silos Form03:36 Meet Simon Yost04:56 Marketing vs Ops Disconnect07:52 Lifecycle Pain and CLV11:05 Unifying Data Patch to AI12:25 Audits and the Brain Trust13:48 Data Fabric Done Right14:52 Warehouses Lakes Fabric15:23 Open Source Data Stack15:53 Data Dictionary Language17:52 Owning Customer Definitions19:11 Why Teams Can't Fix It21:39 Slow Down To Speed Up22:19 Regulation Changes Everything24:41 AI Fear And Culture26:16 Fractional Help And MVPs27:59 From Prototype To Scale29:23 Final Takeaway And Wrap Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

September 14, 202534 min

Episode 13: Experimenting at the Edge of AI

Learn more about AI Leadership Compass at www.priyasarathy.comAI Leadership Compass: Navigating AI Transformation with Priya Sarathy, PhDIn Episode 13 of E. B. Spoke - The Podcast, host Erik Boemanns interviews Priya Sarathy about her new book, 'AI Leadership Compass - Lead with Clarity: Seven Moves That Power AI Transformation.' They discuss the rapid advancements of large language models (LLMs) and their disruptive potential in the workplace, emphasizing the need for responsible experimentation. Priya shares her motivation for writing the book, which aims to guide senior leadership in balancing innovation at the edge with effective governance. She highlights the importance of AI fluency, cultural adoption, and continuous education. The conversation also covers practical advice for executives, success stories from companies like John Deere and Mod Pizza, and the necessity of having humans in the loop to ensure AI is used ethically and effectively. 00:00 Introduction: The Rapid Evolution of AI 00:44 Guest Introduction: Priya Sarathy and Her New Book 01:11 Motivation Behind Writing the Book 05:34 The AI Leadership Compass: Seven Moves 06:08 Strategic Vision and Business Value in AI 07:43 The Importance of AI Culture and Fluency 09:06 Governance and Management in AI 13:33 Innovation at the Edge: Real-World Examples 22:46 Cautionary Tales and Responsible AI 25:34 Human in the Loop: Ensuring Quality and Accountability 28:28 Practical Advice for Executives 33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

August 24, 202536 min

Episode 12: Changing the Game of Cybersecurity

Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: Lessons from 'Why Cybersecurity Fails in America' with Carter Schoenberg.In this episode of E. B. Spoke - The Podcast, host Erik Boemanns converses with Carter Schoenberg, author of 'Why Cybersecurity Fails in America.' They delve into how cybersecurity can benefit from strategic recalibrations akin to those seen in professional sports like baseball's 'Moneyball.' Schoenberg discusses the inefficiency of current cybersecurity practices, emphasizing the tendency to over-invest in underutilized technology, the impact of corporate politics, and the need for effective risk communication to C-suite executives. Based on his career in law enforcement and extensive experience in cybersecurity, Schoenberg explains the importance of a well-rounded understanding of both classic risk metrics and modern data analytics. The episode also addresses the need for continuous professional development and effective succession planning within cybersecurity teams. 00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Cybersecurity 00:53 Guest Introduction: Carter Schoenberg 01:21 The Problem with Current Cybersecurity Investments 02:12 The Overwhelming Number of Cybersecurity Products 02:48 Real-World Examples and Challenges 04:17 The Importance of Risk Evaluation 06:14 Carter's Background and Career Path 08:16 The Human Element in Cybersecurity 10:19 The Role of Math in Cybersecurity 11:20 Applying Moneyball Principles to Cybersecurity 13:01 The Cost of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities 15:40 The Human Impact of Cybersecurity Failures 19:21 The Importance of Penetration Testing 20:24 Evaluating Cybersecurity Risk 21:20 Translating Technical Findings to Business Terms 25:36 The Role of Cyber Risk Quantification 29:23 Career Development in Cybersecurity 30:55 Communication and Corporate Politics 32:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

March 29, 202536 min

Episode 11 - The Habit of Good Security

Building Secure Software Through Habit Formation and Team CultureIn this episode of 'E.B. Spoke', host Erik Boemanns and guest Daniel Scheufler delve into the importance of building secure software by forming good habits. They discuss how software security depends not only on tools and automation but significantly on human behavior and team culture. Drawing from concepts in 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear and 'Sooner, Safer, Happier', they explore the importance of integrating security into daily practices and team values.The episode also covers practical strategies for team leaders at different levels to foster a culture of security, the role of maintenance in security, and how to motivate developers to prioritize and integrate security into their coding practices.00:00 Introduction to Building Secure Software Habits00:50 Reflecting on Habit Formation and Team Culture02:43 Challenges in Writing Secure Software04:05 The Role of Habits in Secure Coding Practices06:15 Team Dynamics and Security Practices12:56 Maintenance and Security in Software Development17:27 The Challenge of Legacy Code18:12 Prioritizing Security in Development19:09 The Role of Company Culture20:03 Rewarding Security Efforts21:22 Understanding Team Pain Points22:38 Encouraging Secure Coding Practices25:43 Leadership's Role in Security31:20 Finding Security Resources and Communities34:07 Conclusion and Future Discussions Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

December 28, 202432 min

Episode 10 - Building a New You

Building a New You through Habit Formation: Insights with Daniel SheuflerIn this episode, host Erik Boemanns and guest Daniel Sheufler delve into the importance of habits at both the personal and organizational levels. As the year ends, many of us consider New Year's resolutions, aiming to form positive habits while breaking negative ones. Daniel, a software consultant with a focus on Agile and Scrum, explores how developing automatic behaviors can lead to achieving long-term goals. Using examples from 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear, they discuss habit formation, from individual routines to team-wide practices. The conversation also covers how values influence habits, the role of rituals in Scrum, and practical steps for starting team discussions on building better habits. Tune in to understand how you can pave the way for a new you—and a more effective team—in the upcoming year.00:00 Reflecting on New Year's Resolutions00:42 The Power of Habits in Achieving Goals01:43 Introduction to Daniel Sheufler02:30 Understanding Habits and Their Impact04:09 Forming and Breaking Habits14:07 Scaling Habits to Teams and Organizations17:09 Leveraging Rituals for Team Improvement17:17 Start with Yourself: The Key to Team Transformation17:44 Identifying and Changing Bad Habits17:59 Exploring Cravings and Cues18:26 Case Study: Using Atomic Habits in a Team19:57 The Role of Individual Cravings in Team Dynamics20:33 Building and Maintaining Good Team Habits23:35 The Importance of Planning and Documentation25:08 Challenges in Forming Team Habits30:32 Final Thoughts and Actionable Advice Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

October 26, 202431 min

Episode 9 - Patent Pending

Navigating the Patent Maze: Insights and Strategies for InnovatorsIn this compelling episode of E.B. Spoke titled 'Patent Pending,' host Erik Boemanns takes listeners through the multifaceted world of patents, featuring insights from Jon Hobbs, a seasoned patent lawyer based in Atlanta. The discussion highlights significant patent cases like the Stratasys vs. Bamboo Lab lawsuit and delves into different types of intellectual property. The episode sheds light on the importance of patents in the software industry and the broader business landscape, emphasizing their role in securing competitive edges and attracting investment. Key topics include the strategic value of patents, legal complexities of infringement, and the significance of patent searches before product launches. Special focus is given to the globalization of patent filings and the pivotal role of timing and confidentiality. The conversation also explores the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence in the realm of patents, with practical advice for startups and established companies on navigating the evolving patenting landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Episode 300:16 Stratasys vs. Bamboo Lab: A Patent Dispute00:54 The Power of Patents01:10 Introducing Jon Hobbs: Patent Lawyer02:18 Understanding Different Types of Intellectual Property04:01 The Value of Patents for Businesses04:55 Software Patents: An Overview06:34 The Misconceptions About Software Patents07:54 The Importance of Patents in Cybersecurity and AI09:58 Patents as a Business Asset13:06 The Role of Patents in Startups and Venture Capital16:23 Global Competition in Patenting17:13 Criminals and Patents: A Controversial Intersection17:40 International Patent Strategies18:47 The Business Decision of Patenting19:35 Navigating the Patent Timeline20:57 Provisional Patents: A Placeholder Approach21:30 The Importance of Patent Claims22:01 Patents as a Competitive Advantage24:21 AI and Patents: A Modern Dilemma27:57 The Future of AI in Patenting29:28 Reaching Out for Patent Assistance30:39 Conclusion and Contact Information Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

August 31, 202435 min

Episode 8 - Good Cyber Hygiene

Protect Your Digital Fortress: The Importance of Good Cyber HygieneIn this episode of E.B. Spoke - The Podcast, host Erik Boemanns discusses with cybersecurity expert Heather Noggle about how good cyber hygiene practices can make individuals and businesses less enticing targets for cybercriminals. They delve into the evolution of cybersecurity, from early internet vulnerabilities to modern-day threats, emphasizing the importance of practices such as strong passwords, regular backups, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and employee training. By highlighting real-world examples and discussing recent cyber incidents, they underline the necessity of building resilient systems and continuously updating cybersecurity measures to stay ahead of sophisticated attackers. They also stress the role of frameworks like the Center for Internet Security (CIS) controls and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in achieving greater cybersecurity maturity.00:00 Introduction to Cyber Hygiene00:21 Early Internet Security Measures01:28 Welcome Heather Noggle01:47 Heather's Background in Technology02:32 The Sandcastle Analogy03:23 Motivations Behind Cyber Attacks04:57 Ransomware and Double Extortion08:25 The Business of Cybercrime12:31 The Role of Backups in Cyber Defense14:53 The Cat and Mouse Game of Cybersecurity17:21 Exploring Alternative Strategies to Devalue Cyber Attacks17:51 The Role of Multi-Factor Authentication in Cybersecurity18:44 Ransomware and the Importance of Backups19:24 Basic Cyber Hygiene Practices21:54 The Invisibility of Cybercrime to the Average User24:54 Recent News: Ferrari's Foiled Cyber Attack30:19 The Importance of Resiliency in Cybersecurity34:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

March 26, 202430 min

Episode 7 - The Human Element

In today’s Episode, we discuss the human element of cybersecurity.My guest, Kayla Delcoure, heads up HR and Marketing for HanaByte, a cybersecurity consultancy.Here’s what we talk about:* The critical role of the human element in cybersecurity, including continuous training and the integration of HR and marketing in fostering a secure organizational culture.* The importance of clear and honest internal communication during security incidents, advocating for transparency and employee empowerment to enhance cybersecurity awareness.* The significance of personal privacy awareness and the strategic use of cybersecurity as a marketing tool to build trust with customers and employees. Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

February 28, 202431 min

Episode 6 - All Press Is Good Press

Episode 6 explores the relationship between the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). My guest is Todd Lessem from Diakonos Management Solutions. In our conversation, we emphasize the importance of collaboration, especially from a cybersecurity and risk perspective. We explore how these two roles can work together effectively, not only during incidents but also in routine operations.Todd focuses on helping business owners grow their businesses through a data-driven approach, emphasizing top line revenue and bottom line cash flow growth. Todd also has a data business called The Data Miners, which specializes in data analytics, visualization, data migration, data hygiene, and financial planning for organizations. Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe

February 5, 202429 min

Episode 5 - Risky Business

In Episode 5, Mark Runyon, VP of Consulting of Improving, and I talk about how to talk about cybersecurity with CEOs, founders, and other business leaders. The short answer - it’s a language of risk. Listen to this first part of a multipart series of conversations with a variety of business leaders to talk about the intersection of cybersecurity with marketing, legal, operations, technology, and more. Get full access to E. B. Spoke at ebspoke.substack.com/subscribe