Talking with... Steve Orrin, Federal CTO at Intel

Talking with Tech Leaders

What if your childhood hobby could propel you into a leading role in one of the world's top tech companies? Join us as Steve Orrin, federal CTO at Intel, shares his extraordinary journey from hacking on a TI-994A and Apple IIe to steering cutting-edge security initiatives at a global scale. Initially set on a path in medical research, Steve's fascination with the internet in the mid-90s led him to pivot into technology, despite family skepticism. His story is a compelling testament to following one's passion and the transformative power of staying curious.
Throughout the episode, Steve recounts pivotal moments that shaped his career, such as transforming Lockstar from a security-focused firm into an enterprise application enabler and his innovative tenure at Sanctum. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the acquisition of his startup by Intel, highlighting key projects like the Trusted Cloud Architecture and DeepSafe. Balancing innovation with security, Steve offers valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving challenges posed by AI, quantum computing, and other emerging threats.
Moreover, Steve discusses the critical importance of resilience in cybersecurity planning and the need for continuous learning. Drawing from experiences with mentors like cryptography giant Bruce Schneier, he emphasizes understanding customer needs and maintaining robust communication with stakeholders. As we wrap up, Steve also shares his thoughts on personal resilience, the joy of family time, and must-read books for tech enthusiasts. Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable advice and inspirational stories from a tech leader at the forefront of innovation.

Chapters

1. Talking with... Steve Orrin, Federal CTO at Intel (00:00:00)

2. Journey From Biology to Tech Leader (00:00:04)

3. Transitioning From Security to Enterprise Applications (00:11:14)

4. Advancing Security Through Innovation (00:17:41)

5. Innovating Security Through Hardware and Software (00:26:50)

6. Evolving in Technology and Security (00:34:18)

7. Navigating Challenges in Security Innovation (00:37:59)

8. The Impact of AI on Security (00:50:15)

9. Preparing for Quantum Computing Security (00:58:18)

10. Resilience in Cyber Security Planning (01:04:07)

11. Exploring Technology Gadgets and Book Recommendations (01:10:32)

12. Coordinating Vacation Plans and Work (01:18:11)