The WISP Podcast

Hosted by Women in Security and Privacy (WISP)

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 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

37 recent

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 podcastLike, 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.comHave 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

October 27, 202535 min

DevSec Station

Nicole chats with Tanya Janca about her unconventional journey from software developer to pen tester to becoming a leading voice in application security. Tanya shares why pen testing wasn’t the right fit, how she built and sold her company We Hack Purple, and why input validation is the number one security lesson for developers everywhere.They discuss the gaps in university computer science programs that leave developers unprepared for secure coding, Tanya’s passion for teaching through training and mentorship, and the roadmap she recommends for anyone looking to break into application security. Tanya also highlights her entrepreneurial journey, from launching companies and writing bestselling books to building DevSec Station, her new online learning platform designed to make secure coding education more accessible.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

September 22, 202520 min

Cyber Culture

Nicole chats with Oluwadamilola "Lola" Obamehinti, founder of Cyber Culture and cybersecurity practitioner, about her journey from liberal arts to nearly 15 years of experience across domains like GRC, incident response, and security strategy. Lola shares why security training and awareness is her favorite (and most underrated) area of the field, and how it plays a critical role in preventing breaches.They discuss the challenges of breaking into cybersecurity today, the balance between certifications and real-world experience, and why networking and building a portfolio are key to landing opportunities. Lola also reflects on her path as an entrepreneur, from launching Cyber Culture to awarding scholarships for HBCU students, hosting events, and navigating the realities of building a business while managing a full-time career.RSVP to Cyber Culture's AfroTech event here! 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 Podcast

August 25, 202518 min

AI & Security Research

Nicole chats with Dr. Anmol, Senior Security Researcher at Nokia and international speaker, about her path from business major to AI security leader. Anmol shares how not seeing herself reflected in the cybersecurity world initially delayed her journey and how finding community helped her discover her place in the field.They discuss the realities of working in AI security, the power of mentorship, and why there’s space for everyone in cybersecurity, even if you don’t fit the “Hollywood hacker” mold. Anmol also reflects on recent wins, including industry awards and her upcoming Spanish-language talk at the AWS Awesome Women’s Summit in Peru.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