The WISP Podcast

Hosted by Women in Security and Privacy (WISP)

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each month tune in to discover the stories behind amazing women in cybersecurity and privacy. Hosted by Nicole Dove, each episode features insightful conversations with members of the Women in Security and Privacy (WISP) community making waves in these emerging fields. Celebrate the achievements of these inspiring movers and shakers as they reflect on their stories of success and lessons learned along the way.

Listen to episodes

40 recent

July 27, 202623 min

Leading with Curiosity

What if the secret to success in cybersecurity sales wasn't selling at all? In this episode, Nicole sits down with Trish Cagliostro, Chief Revenue Officer at Orchid Security, to discuss her unconventional journey from a cybersecurity internship to executive leadership. Together, they explore why curiosity, relationship-building, and problem-solving have shaped every stage of her career. In this episode: How Trish Cagliostro accidentally found her career in cybersecurity Why the best salespeople focus on solving problems, not pitching products Curiosity as a career accelerator What it takes to transition from technical roles into executive leadership Why trust matters more than technology in today's sales environment The inspiration behind the Bad A$$ Lady Dinners (BALD) Whether you're in cybersecurity, sales, or exploring your next career move, this conversation is packed with practical advice and leadership insights. Subscribe for more conversations with women shaping the future of cybersecurity, privacy, and technology.

June 29, 202635 min

The Chapter In Between

Have you ever achieved a major goal and still felt like something was missing? In this episode of the Women in Security & Privacy Podcast, Nicole sits down with CIO and CSO Dr. Irene Thong to discuss her unconventional journey from receptionist to executive leadership, the power of embracing change, and what happens when your professional success no longer feels fully aligned with who you are. Together, they explore the realities of leadership, technology, identity, and the often-overlooked transition periods that shape our personal and professional growth. In this episode, you'll learn: How Irene went from aspiring hacker to CIO and CSO Why the best leaders focus on people before technology The danger of tying your identity to your job title How to navigate career transitions and uncertainty Why clarity comes from reflection, not constant achievement The importance of embracing the "chapter in between" Sometimes the most important growth happens between where you've been and where you're going next. Whether you're navigating a career change, leadership transition, or personal crossroads, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered to trust your journey. Check out Dr. Irene Thong's book, The Chapter In Between: Leadership, Identity, and the Space Between What Was and What Comes Next , here on Amazon.

June 29, 202623 min

Trust, Curiosity & Cybersecurity Careers

What if the secret to success in cybersecurity sales wasn't selling at all? In this episode, Nicole sits down with Trish Cagliostro, Chief Revenue Officer at Orchid Security, to discuss her unconventional journey from a cybersecurity internship to executive leadership. Together, they explore why curiosity, relationship-building, and problem-solving have shaped every stage of her career. They cover: How Trish accidentally found her career in cybersecurity Why the best salespeople focus on solving problems, not pitching products How curiosity can accelerate your career What it takes to transition from technical roles into executive leadership Why trust matters more than technology in today's sales environment The inspiration behind the Badass Lady Dinners Whether you're in cybersecurity, sales, or exploring your next career move, this conversation is packed with practical advice and leadership insights.

May 25, 202622 min

The Non-Technical Advantage

Nicole chats with Sarah Goode, a senior sales leader in the cybersecurity space, about her unconventional journey from managing risk for 40,000 spring breakers in Cancun to leading national sales for high-growth tech startups. Sarah shares how she transitioned into the industry pre-pandemic, overcoming the daunting challenge of entering a technical field from a non-technical background by reframing imposter syndrome into an opportunity for growth. They discuss the high-stakes world of Business Development Representatives (BDRs), the critical importance of AI governance in today's expanding risk surface, and why emotional intelligence is a secret weapon in sales. Sarah also dives into her passion for "lifting as she climbs" through the Women in Sales program she developed, emphasizing that collaboration and not competition is what happens at the top. She leaves listeners with a powerful reminder to "get comfortable with being uncomfortable" and to never wait until they feel ready to take their seat at the table. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast. Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com. 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

April 27, 202624 min

Customers, Community & Cybersecurity

Nicole chats with Shadè Alcine , Director of Renewals and Strategic Client Advisor, about her transition from retail management to cybersecurity leadership and the power of consistency over perfection. Shadè shares her journey of being recognized at the New York Stock Exchange, navigating the intersection of client strategy and business development, and how she successfully beat two challenging career moments by staying calm and leaning on her community. They discuss the importance of being a thought leader rather than a transactional salesperson, the "anti-sales" approach to closing deals, and how customer success is really about building a long-term ecosystem of trust. Shadè also offers deep insights into identity, the necessity of having Black women in the room when technology is being built, and why getting "narrow and intentional" is the best way to pivot into the industry. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast. Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com. 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

March 30, 202636 min

Stay on Your Square!

Nicole chats with Afia Phillips, Chief Information Security Officer for Little Caesars and the Ilitch Organization, about her expansive career journey from the help desk to protecting global iconic brands. Afia shares the technical and personal hurdles of building the City of Detroit’s first cybersecurity division from the ground up and navigating high-stakes leadership as "the only one" in the room. They discuss the evolution of security post-9/11, the importance of removing the security burden from the end-user, and why empathy is a non-negotiable trait for effective leadership. Afia also dives into her passion for mentorship through her "Girls Get IT" program and her future ventures into AI and the creative fashion space, reminding listeners to "stay on their square" despite the naysayers. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast. Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com. 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

February 23, 202614 min

Power Up Your Presentations

In this episode of the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast, Nicole checks in live from Black Hat MEA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she shares practical guidance on how to put together a strong, effective talk. Nicole breaks down one of the most frequently asked questions she receives across conferences, client engagements, and professional spaces: how to prepare and deliver a presentation that resonates. She covers the importance of understanding the purpose of your talk, knowing your audience, and structuring your message for clarity and impact. The conversation also explores the role of storytelling, how to design slides that support your message, why focusing on a few key points matters, and how practice helps you stay present and confident. Nicole emphasizes the value of bringing your full, authentic self to the stage and enjoying the experience. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast. Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us. 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

January 26, 202623 min

Engagement, Empathy & Execution

Nicole chats with Laura (Lala) Arcila, Development Manager and Delivery Lead at Riot Games, about her path into security and the people-centered work behind delivery leadership. Laura shares how she supports highly technical teams without being an engineer, builds trust through empathy and adaptability, and helps turn strategy into execution. They discuss navigating a male-dominated industry, balancing motherhood with leadership, and the importance of curiosity, authenticity, and owning your career growth. Lala also offers advice for women entering security, reminding them that they belong and that their perspectives matter. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast. Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com. 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

December 29, 202522 min

Truth, Trust & Transparency

Nicole chats with Alicia Lane Clark , Director of Cybersecurity at PGA Tour Superstore , about her 20+ year journey in information security and how mentorship, curiosity, and authenticity shaped her path. Alicia shares how her first mentor helped her enter the field, what it was like being one of only two women in cybersecurity spaces, and how she’s built a career rooted in leadership and people-first values. They explore the evolution of cybersecurity, the importance of creating a culture of awareness, and how living by her “Three T’s”— Truth, Trust, and Transparency —guides both her career and life. Alicia also discusses balancing work and family, the impact of positive self-talk, and how she’s preparing for the next phase of her career in strategic and board-level cybersecurity leadership. Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast . Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com . Have you heard? The WISP Podcast was named as one of the Top 10 Cybersecurity Podcasts for Women by Feedspot . 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts

November 24, 202533 min

The Cyber Boss

Nicole chats with Dr. Spicer , also known as ReeTheCyberBoss , Cybersecurity Product Manager at Johnson & Johnson MedTech and founder of Ree the Cyber Boss. They explore showing up authentically on LinkedIn, navigating imposter syndrome, and how community and mentorship help women stay and thrive in cybersecurity. Dr. Spicer shares her path to a D.Sc., how it differs from a Ph.D., what product management looks like in cyber and medtech, and the persistence it took to land her next role. She also spotlights her platform, a children’s cybersecurity book, an upcoming words-of-affirmation book for Black women in cyber, and her podcast, CTRL+ALT+REE . Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about WISP: https://www.wisporg.com • Read the Cyber Boss: https://www.reethecyberboss.com • The Adventures in Cybersecurity with Huggie Hugglesworth: Huggie Goes to Cyberspace (children’s book) • I Belong Here: Words of Affirmation for Black Women in Cybersecurity (forthcoming) • CTRL+ALT+REE podcast Like, subscribe, and share the Women in Security and Privacy Podcast . Your reviews help us reach and support more women and underrepresented communities in privacy and cybersecurity. WISP’s mission is to advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of privacy and security. Join us at wisporg.com Have you heard? The WISP Podcast was named as one of the Top 10 Cybersecurity Podcasts for Women by ⁠Feedspot⁠ . 🎙️ Hosted by Nicole Dove, Creative Director of Podcasts