Elevating Cybersecurity: Importance of Relationships, Mentorship, and Honest Feedback with Ken Foster

This episode delves into the world of cybersecurity with the esteemed guest, Ken Foster. With over 30 years of experience and a career that began in the Navy, Ken has comprehensive expertise in managing firewalls and antivirus systems and addressing today’s complex cybersecurity challenges. This episode, hosted by Aaron Crow, explores the evolving cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the crucial roles of mentorship and networking. Ken and Aaron discuss the strategic importance of aligning security with business goals, the impact of leadership training and honest feedback on developing better leaders, and the necessity of balancing technical skills with effective communication. Ken shares his insights on the dangers of over-relying on AI, the essential need for disaster preparedness and business continuity, and the importance of continuously evaluating business investments to avoid unnecessary expenses. The episode highlights the value of informal networks and mentorship in overcoming industry challenges and fostering personal growth. Listeners will gain practical strategies and invaluable lessons to navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape while ensuring their personal and professional development.   Key Moments:    06:59 Translate tech leadership into business risk communication. 11:51 Integrating expertise, technical skills, and communication effectively. 18:13 No disaster recovery plan; business disrupted by flood. 25:36 Building relationships and listening are crucial successes. 31:39 Simplify explanations for effective cross-team communication. 33:53 Realized technical focus limited career growth. 42:12 Networking is crucial for finding senior roles. 44:06 Produced content led to advisory board roles. 50:06 Who supports post-handover? Security can't do it alone. 57:44 Translate work into clear business value requirements. 01:04:11 Ensure clarity and continuity for cybersecurity's future. About the guest :  Ken Foster is a cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience in risk management, global team development, and IT infrastructure. As Head of Global Architecture at Adient, Ken oversees global teams to align technical initiatives with business goals, driving innovation while managing risks. His career includes key roles at Fleetcor and Fiserv, where he built large-scale cybersecurity programs and led risk governance and cloud security efforts. With a strong focus on client trust and board-level advisory, Ken brings deep expertise in navigating regulatory landscapes and developing risk-based, business-aligned strategies. Connect Ken Foster : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethfoster/   Connect With Aaron Crow: Website: www.corvosec.com  LinkedIn: