From the Navy to Cyber Security: Grant McKechnie on Building Resilience and Trust in Cybersecurity

CYBER MINDSZ PODCAST

🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this episode of CyberMindsz, host Mark Williams speaks with Grant McKechnie, founder of Cyber Resilience Group and former CISO of Endeavour Group, about his diverse journey through cybersecurity and the human-centered leadership principles he’s developed along the way.

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Grant McKechnie

Grant McKechnie is a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Risk Leader with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT leadership.

Grant has held key positions at some of the country’s largest corporations, including Endeavour Group, Telstra Corporation, and NBN Australia.

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 🌐 Cyber Resilience Group Website - https://www.cyberresiliencegroup.com.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Grant McKechnie – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmckechnie/
• 📕 Book – What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-what-got-you-here/
• 📕 Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
• 📝 Report – Verizon Breach Reports - https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/
• 📝 Latitude Cyber Incident - https://www.latitudefinancial.com.au/latitude-cyber-incident/
• 👤 Andrew Dell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dellandrew/
• 👤 Pieter van der Merwe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietervandermerwe/

Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 03:25 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the concepts of computing, let alone cybersecurity?
• 04:47 – How would you describe what you do to a 9-year old who is very well aware of what they can do with computing?
• 05:54 – What's your cybersecurity origin story?
• 10:28 – What's your go-to keep calm strategy?
• 12:10 – What are the most important qualities you believe a cybersecurity should possess?
• 15:51 – What do you think non-technical people need to focus on more to get to the top of their game?
• 17:47 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception someone has had about your job?
• 19:11 – What a must-have superpower for any cyber security leader and do you think you have it and or need to evolve it further?
• 21:55 – How do you keep up with new threats that are probably perhaps more relevant to an industry or a client that you're working without going through the rabbit hole?
• 26:00 – How companies shared cyber security breaches to the public
• 28:29 – What your approach to mentoring or developing future leaders?
• 34:40 – If you could make an employee follow one security rule without question, what would it be?
• 35:37 – What's the worst piece of cybersecurity advice you've ever heard?
• 37:10 - Closing