Ep. 8 Revenge of the Nerds: Confronting Gender Bias in Cyber Security and Cybercrime

Lost In Cyberia

#Careers #Business #Lost In Cyberia

35:24

Let’s talk about adulting— actual adulting. Not just paying bills or keeping a houseplant alive, but the kind that involves emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and conscious self-leadership. Because let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to be fully functioning adults… and it shows. Joining us is Michelle Chalfant , licensed therapist turned holistic life coach, creator of The Adult Chair® model, and author of the new book The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life . With millions reached through her podcast, coaching programs, and retreats, she’s here to walk us through the five pillars of being a healthy, grounded adult. Here’s the truth: being an adult isn’t about checking boxes or pretending you’re fine. It’s about owning your truth. Feeling your feelings. Practicing compassion without letting yourself off the hook. It’s about setting firm boundaries—with no need for justification—and recognizing that your triggers are not flaws, they’re clues. None of us were handed a guidebook for how to grow up emotionally. We inherited patterns from people who were figuring it out as they went. But what Michelle shares today is empowering: it’s never too late to unlearn what no longer serves you and become the adult you were meant to be. Whether you’re starting this work or knee-deep in your personal development era, this episode will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity, self-trust, and strength. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://theadultchair.com/ Book: https://theadultchair.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMichelleChalfant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellechalfant Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Jan & Jillian Yuhas | 297 Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 36:05

MP3•Episode home

This episode of Lost in Cyberia is what we (Annie-Mei and Anika) presented at CyberCon Canberra 2025.

We look at the evolution of nerd culture, from the dawn of the internet til now.

We also discuss:

Why the “hacker in a hoodie” stereotype is doing more harm than good 👨‍💻
The echo chamber of women-in-tech panels and why men need to be part of the convo 🧠
Toxic work culture, burnout, and the pressure to play tough 💼🔥
Cybercrime targeting women (deepfakes, harassment, etc.) and why it’s often overlooked 😡
The contrast between Kevin Mitnick and Steve Wozniak 🤖
Feminist crime theories, cyber policing, and redefining “penetration testing” (yep, we went there)

If you've ever felt like cybersecurity wasn’t built with you in mind, you're not alone. Let’s talk about changing the culture, one hoodie cliché at a time.

You can also watch this presentation on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/NVYKIugo_jM?si=LXnvDAX5z94NMJk-

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and rate us 5-stars if you like the show ⭐

Send us a text

Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals

14 episodes

Ep. 8 Revenge of the Nerds: Confronting Gender Bias in Cyber Security and Cybercrime

Lost In Cyberia

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

This episode of Lost in Cyberia is what we (Annie-Mei and Anika) presented at CyberCon Canberra 2025.

We look at the evolution of nerd culture, from the dawn of the internet til now.

We also discuss:

Why the “hacker in a hoodie” stereotype is doing more harm than good 👨‍💻
The echo chamber of women-in-tech panels and why men need to be part of the convo 🧠
Toxic work culture, burnout, and the pressure to play tough 💼🔥
Cybercrime targeting women (deepfakes, harassment, etc.) and why it’s often overlooked 😡
The contrast between Kevin Mitnick and Steve Wozniak 🤖
Feminist crime theories, cyber policing, and redefining “penetration testing” (yep, we went there)

If you've ever felt like cybersecurity wasn’t built with you in mind, you're not alone. Let’s talk about changing the culture, one hoodie cliché at a time.

You can also watch this presentation on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/NVYKIugo_jM?si=LXnvDAX5z94NMJk-

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and rate us 5-stars if you like the show ⭐

Send us a text

Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals

14 episodes

#Careers #Business #Lost In Cyberia

All episodes

Lost In Cyberia

1
Cybersecurity Without Borders: Diplomacy, Diversity & Degrees 50:20

7 hours ago50:20

50:20

In this episode of Lost in Cyberia, hosts Annie-Mei and Anika are joined by Veronika Kolek Netolická, the co-founder of Women4Cyber Czechia and current cyber attachée for the Indo-Pacific at the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. The discussion takes place at the Czech Embassy in Canberra, looking at Veronika's extensive background in cybersecurity, her education, and her various roles and initiatives. The conversation explores the importance of diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity, the foundation and growth of Women4Cyber Czechia, and the challenges of bringing more women and underrepresented groups into the fold. The episode also touches on the significance of public policy in cybersecurity and the need for greater public awareness. Veronika shares insights from her experience living in Canberra, her commitment to continuous learning, and the value of mentorship and constructive criticism. The podcast concludes with practical advice for those aspiring to a career in cybersecurity and diplomacy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:44 Veronika's Background and Achievements 01:57 Women for Cyber Czechia 02:47 Diversity in Cybersecurity 09:37 Public Policy and Cybersecurity 11:37 Role of Cyber Attache 16:22 Global Cybersecurity Perspectives 22:05 Cultural Differences and Security Mindsets 27:45 Living in Canberra: A Unique Experience 28:20 Navigating Social Life in Canberra 30:11 Balancing Academia and Work 32:16 The Importance of Communication in Academia 34:42 Diverse Perspectives and Real-World Applications 38:24 Cybersecurity Conferences and Initiatives 41:58 Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals 45:39 The Role of Criticism and Mentorship 49:55 Final Thoughts and Farewell Women4Cyber Czechia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women4cyber-czechia/ Women4Cyber Czechia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women4cyber.cz/ Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
BONUS EP: Entrepreneurship, AI Security, and Overcoming Biases with Harriet Farlow 36:58

7 days ago36:58

36:58

In this episode, Harriet and Annie-Mei have a chat over wine and ice-cream sundaes from a hotel room in Sydney before heading to a Gracie Abrams concert. They explore Harriet's journey as the founder of Mileva Security Labs, an AI security company that addresses security risks to AI systems. Harriet shares insights into the challenges of starting and running a business, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated field. The discussion delves into issues of bias, gender, and ageism in the professional world, and the importance of resilience and adaptability. The conversation also touches on public speaking, the benefits of networking, and the need for social interactions. With anecdotes from their careers and personal lives, Harriet and Annie-Mei paint a vivid picture of the entrepreneurial landscape and the personal growth that comes with it. Show links: Mileva Security Labs: https://milev.ai Harriet's AI Security podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BJiuvMBqVKKBW2XyID6Bz 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:53 Excitement for Gracie Abrams Concert 01:19 Harriet's Company: Mileva Security Labs 03:26 Challenges of Being a Female Founder 07:10 Ageism and Bias in Professional Settings 10:43 The Reality of Running a Startup 14:02 Balancing Work and Personal Life 19:25 Frustrations with Traditional Work Culture 20:05 The Potential of AI in the Workforce 20:21 Struggles with Nine-to-Five Jobs 21:54 Public Sector Work Dynamics 23:53 Starting a Company in AI Security 25:41 Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking 27:28 Building Confidence and Making Friends 31:46 The Importance of Networking 34:18 The Need for Face-to-Face Interaction 35:59 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 11 How a Simple Question Launched a Cybersecurity Career with Alaina Lawson 40:30

14 days ago40:30

40:30

In this episode of Lost in Cyberia, hosts Annie Mei and Anika are joined by Alaina Lawson, a Perth-based cybersecurity consultant. Alaina discusses her journey into cybersecurity, starting from her interest in IT during high school, influenced by her family background in IT. She shares how asking a simple question to a customer when she was working in a bakery changed her entire career trajectory. Alaina also shares her experiences navigating a male-dominated field, the encouragement she received from mentors, and her various roles in cloud engineering, technical writing, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). The conversation touches on the importance of encouraging women in STEM, the challenges in cybersecurity documentation, and the future complexities of GRC with advancing technology and data storage concerns. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Alaina's Background and Early Career 02:09 High School Experiences in IT 04:58 University and Early Work Experience 12:41 Diverse Roles in Cybersecurity 14:20 The Importance of Technical Writing 22:28 The Importance of Learning Different Forms of Writing and Speaking 23:02 Introduction to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) 23:35 Misconceptions and Realities of GRC 25:09 Challenges in GRC Documentation and Compliance 27:13 The Role of Cybersecurity in GRC 36:33 The Future of GRC and Data Management Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 10 Breaking into Cyber Project Management with Bianca Puglisi and Kathy Sisson 57:38

28 days ago57:38

57:38

In this episode of Lost In Cyberia, Bianca Puglisi and Kathy Sisson share their unconventional journeys into project management. Bianca shares her journey from hospitality and psychology to joining the Army at 30, becoming a corporate trainer in cyber, and currently serving as the Operations Manager at Solvyr. Kathy details her career path from being a photographer in the Air Force to working within New Zealand's government and defence sectors, and now tackling IT security projects in Australia. Together, they discuss their experiences and challenges in the cybersecurity field, share insights into effective project management, and emphasise the importance of strong communication and adaptability in tech roles. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:52 Kathy's Journey from Photography to Cybersecurity 05:53 Bianca's Transition from Hospitality to the Army 13:36 Project Management in Cybersecurity 18:41 Skills and Training for Project Managers 24:50 Challenges and Best Practices in Project Management 34:15 Addressing Problems and Solutions 34:31 Importance of Project Scope 35:41 Challenges in Project Management 36:52 Managing Subject Matter Experts 38:31 Skills for Effective Project Management 39:53 Gender Dynamics in the Workplace 41:53 Resilience and Risk Management 44:00 Dealing with Difficult Situations 48:02 Navigating Gender Bias 55:52 Team Dynamics and Conflict Resolution 56:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Prince 2: https://www.prince2.com/aus Project Management Professional (PMP): https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 9 From Fashion Design to Cybersecurity with Hortense Rothery 27:14

6 weeks ago27:14

27:14

In this episode of Lost in Cyberia, we’re joined by Hortense Rothery, the Relationship Manager at Volkis. Hortense shares her unique career journey from studying fashion design in New Zealand to transitioning into software development and eventually finding her calling in cybersecurity. She discusses the challenges of running a fashion business and moving back to New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hortense talks about why we need to stop saying ‘imposter syndrome’, the importance of work-life balance, and the role of mentors and managers in building confidence. She also reflects on her views regarding the impact of AI and the evolving landscape of technology. The conversation highlights how diverse experiences and resilience can lead to unexpected, yet fulfilling career paths in the tech industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:42 Hortense's Career Journey: From Fashion to Cybersecurity 05:17 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Choices 05:54 Experiences in Software Development 07:19 Fashion Industry Insights and Sustainability 09:40 Thoughts on AI and Technology's Impact 12:15 Transition to Cybersecurity 12:50 Discovering Cybersecurity 14:09 From Fashion to Cybersecurity 15:14 The Rise and Fall of a Fashion Business 16:37 Balancing Work and Life 18:53 Not using the term ‘Imposter Syndrome’ 24:51 Redefining Nerd Culture 26:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 8 Revenge of the Nerds: Confronting Gender Bias in Cyber Security and Cybercrime 36:05

8 weeks ago36:05

36:05

This episode of Lost in Cyberia is what we (Annie-Mei and Anika) presented at CyberCon Canberra 2025. We look at the evolution of nerd culture, from the dawn of the internet til now. We also discuss: Why the “hacker in a hoodie” stereotype is doing more harm than good 👨‍💻 The echo chamber of women-in-tech panels and why men need to be part of the convo 🧠 Toxic work culture, burnout, and the pressure to play tough 💼🔥 Cybercrime targeting women (deepfakes, harassment, etc.) and why it’s often overlooked 😡 The contrast between Kevin Mitnick and Steve Wozniak 🤖 Feminist crime theories, cyber policing, and redefining “penetration testing” (yep, we went there) If you've ever felt like cybersecurity wasn’t built with you in mind, you're not alone. Let’s talk about changing the culture, one hoodie cliché at a time. You can also watch this presentation on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NVYKIugo_jM?si=LXnvDAX5z94NMJk- Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and rate us 5-stars if you like the show ⭐ Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
BONUS EP March Madness, Awards and Burnout Realness (We’re Tired) 31:23

9 weeks ago31:23

31:23

March nearly broke us, but it also kind of made us . In this episode, Annie-Mei and Anika unpack a chaotic month full of firsts: our first podcast guests (shoutout to Harry from Phronesis and Hortense from Volkis 💜), first guest spot on another podcast (AISA Cyber Voices, with David!), and Anika’s first-ever conference presentation (spoiler: improv background came in handy 🎭). We chat about: CyberCon chaos 🧠 Presenting at Volkis Day in Sydney (Chinese firewalls and Aussie cybercrime ft. pig butchering scams 🐷💔) Annie-Mei winning a Cyber Security Award and calling out a toxic ex-boss in her acceptance speech (iconic 🔥) Burnout, “The Devil Wears Prada” vibes, and the search for meaning Wanting to touch grass (or dive with sharks 🦈) Glittery suits, dead fashion brands, and the emotional damage of retail closures Oh, and we hit 100 followers on Insta! Come hang out with us there and rate the pod if you’re feeling generous ⭐ SLA the Label was the fashion company labelled which unfortunately no longer exists. You can find Sarah Ashcroft on Instagram though! Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 7 How to seduce a model (large language model) with Harry Smith 38:28

10 weeks ago38:28

38:28

Harry Smith (who also goes by Harrison, Hazza or H) is our very first guest on the podcast! Harry works at Phronesis Security in the application security space but has previously done pentesting on LLMs (large language models). We spoke to Harry when he was up in Canberra for CyberCon. If you're looking to get into cybersecurity and want to know how you can practice hacking (ethically), then this is the episode for you. Harry discusses how doing capture the flag (CTF) competitions and Hack The Box challenges helped him get a foot in the industry. We also discuss how to practice prompting AI and whether Harry's four years of customer service experience at Maccas helped him psychologically to bypass an LLM’s filters. Harry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisonsmith1080/ Lakera's Gandelf: https://gandalf.lakera.ai/baseline Hack the Box: https://www.hackthebox.com/ Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 6 Red flags to look for in a job interview 41:23

12 weeks ago41:23

41:23

Have you ever been told that a team you're interviewing for are like a family? If you have it's probably a good idea to widen that job search. In this episode we discuss red flags people should look out for in a job interview, what questions you should ask in a job interview and the green flags that you can look out for. Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 5 Is IWD a Waste of Time? 50:26

14 weeks ago50:26

50:26

In this episode hosts Annie-Mei and Anika discuss whether International Women's Day (IWD) is achieving its purpose of promoting equality and diversity in the Cyber Security industry. IWD was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. This date was chosen by Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, to commemorate the 1848 revolution and a key workers' protest in Prussia. However, the date was later changed to March 8 in 1913. This shift was influenced by Russian women, who held a mass strike for “Bread and Peace” on March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the Julian calendar, which Russia used at the time). This strike contributed to the Russian Revolution and the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. After this, March 8 became the official date for International Women's Day, and in 1921, Lenin declared it an official holiday in the Soviet Union. Since then, March 8 has been recognised globally as International Women’s Day, officially adopted by the United Nations in 1977. Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 4 Top 5 Career Achievements in 2024 40:05

16 weeks ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of Lost in Cyberia, Anika and Annie-Mei recount their top five cyber security milestones from 2024, including cryptography publications, conference appearances, and hands-on digital projects. They also touch on dating apps, examining their technical and security aspects, and offer a timely reminder for everyone to spend more time offline. Tune in for down-to-earth look at cyber security successes and the balance between digital achievements and real-world experiences. Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 3 How high is your risk tolerance in life? 26:39

18 weeks ago26:39

26:39

This episode looks at how people can reach their goals by taking baby steps, whether that's for public speaking, networking or anything else in life. Annie-Mei and Anika discuss their family upbringing and how that has made them the people they are today. Annie-Mei talks about how she never had thought about being a confident person until it was pointed out to her by Anika. They discuss the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone through solo travel, improv classes and talking to strangers. Meeting people can be scary but showing vulnerability can be a great way to break down the barrier when you're in a new environment. Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 2 From Hospitality to Hackers 46:32

20 weeks ago46:32

46:32

In this episode, Annie-Mei and Anika share their personal experiences , highlighting that a technical background isn't strictly necessary and emphasising the value of transferable skills from other industries like hospitality. They stress the importance of networking and showcasing personality , advocating for proactive job applications even without fully meeting job requirements. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of work-life balance in demanding tech roles and how experience in navigating high-pressure environments can be an asset. Finally, they underscore the need for strong communication and writing skills to effectively convey technical information. Send us a text Find us on Instagram and YouTube @thecybersecuritygals…

Lost In Cyberia

1
Ep. 1 How to find a mentor that you vibe with 32:49

22 weeks ago32:49