Lost In Cyberia
Cybersecurity doesn't have to be boring or a tick-box exercise. Annie-Mei Forster and Anika Guenov sit down with the people shaping the world of cyber: founders, researchers, and the occasional DEFCON after-party regular for honest, jargon-free conversations about what's actually going on in the industry. Because behind every threat, tool, and policy, there's a human story worth telling.
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Lost In Cyberia
Ep. 26 Finding Your Place In Cyber with Dr. Vicki Gardiner and Madi Cook
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We went to Canberra Cyber Hub HQ to chat with Dr. Vicki Gardiner (COO) and Madi Cook (Engagement Manager).
Vicki has had a lengthy career in STEM but is a chemistry girl at heart. Vicki is our first guest to not only have a PhD but to have her own Wikipedia page. Did we also mention she has an award named after her called the Vicki Gardiner Advocacy Award?
Madi has also had an interesting career that started in the travel industry only to be disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. She then pivoted into recruitment and tech roles before joining the Hub. She discusses the transferable skills like communication and problem-solving that helped her get to where she is now.
They explain the Hub’s role as a not-for-profit supporting cybersecurity (and expanding into space and quantum), and promote the Cyber Career Symposium, which showcases varied cyber careers for high school students, tertiary students, and career changers through panels, expos, hands-on activities, and expert advice. They also discuss workforce demand, the Cyber Warden program, cyber hygiene, AI tool risks, and cyber’s importance to protecting people, data, and national resilience.
Canberra Cyber Hub website:
https://canberracyberhub.com.au/
Cyber Careers Symposium registration (for graduates/career changers):
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cyber-career-symposium-tertiary-students-graduates-career-transitioners-tickets-1982142697165?
Cyber Wardens:
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