Startup founders dream of success, but it's much harder than it looks. As a former founder, I know the challenges of cultivating an idea, establishing product market fit, growing revenue, and finding the right exit. Trust me, it doesn't always end well.

In this interview, we welcome Seth Spergel, Managing Partner at Merlin Ventures, to discuss how to accelerate that journey to lead to a successful outcome. Seth will share Merlin Venture's approach to helping startups tackle the largest markets in the world, including US enterprises and federal. He will also share what success looks like.

Segment Resources:

https://merlin.vc/advice-for-young-startups-eyeing-federal-what-kind-of-tech-does-the-u-s-government-need/

https://merlin.vc/we-have-liftoff/

https://merlin.vc/portfolio/

https://merlin.vc/dig-security-talon-cyber-security-acquired-by-palo-alto-networks/

https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/digital-reports/

In the leadership and communications section, Navigating Legal Challenges of Generative AI for the Board, Winds of Warning? SEC Charges Threaten to Disrupt Role of CISO, 6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When, and more!

Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes!

Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-346

In this discussion, we focus on vendor/tool challenges in infosec, from a security leader's perspective. To quote our guest, Ross, "running a security program is often confused with shopping". You can't buy an effective security program any more than you can buy respect, or a black belt in kung fu (there might be holes in these examples, but you hopefully get the point). In fact, buying too much can often create more problems than it solves, especially if you're struggling to fill your staffing needs.

In this 2-part episode, we'll discuss:

- The current state of vendor offerings in cybersecurity
- The difficulties of measuring value and efficacy in a product
- How to avoid building a security program that centers around managing products
- Shelfware
- Minimizing product overhead
- The pros and cons of buying from different types of companies
- Who to look to for product recommendations
- Is making a plan to "ditch before you hitch" a good or bad idea?
- What to do when you inherit a mess

Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes!

Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-345

Harold Rivas has held multiple CISO roles. In his current CISO role, he's championing Trellix's overall mission to address the issues CISOs face every day, encouraging information sharing and collaborative discussions among the CISO community to help address challenges and solve real problems together - part of this is through Trellix's Mind of the CISO Initiative and the Trellix CISO Council. In this interview, we do a little CISO soul-searching. Harold will bring insights from the initiative to cover some of the top challenges CISOs face in this ever-evolving role, including:

• Earning a seat at the table
• Talking the language of business
• Addressing the risks and opportunities of business evolution
• Reading the tea leaves of the future

and more! If you're a CISO or want to be a CISO, don't miss this episode.

Segment Resources: https://www.trellix.com/blogs/perspectives/introducing-trellixs-mind-of-the-ciso-initiative/ https://www.trellix.com/solutions/mind-of-the-ciso-report/ https://www.trellix.com/solutions/mind-of-the-ciso-behind-the-breach/

In the leadership and communications section, The Strategic Implications of Cybersecurity: A C-Level Perspective, Leadership Misconceptions That Hinder Your Success , "Mastering Communication: Lessons from Two Years of Learning", and more!

Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes!

Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-344