Beyond the Checklist CMMC with Integrity

In this episode, Cheri Hotman unpacks the real story behind CMMC—and why it’s far more than a compliance checklist. Drawing on highlights from her recent Dallas talk, Cheri emphasizes that passing an audit is never the end goal. Instead, CMMC is about protecting sensitive government data, earning customer trust, and building integrity into every layer of your security program.

Cheri breaks down the biggest pitfalls she sees—like over- or under-scoping, documentation theater, and trying to “DIY” without the right expertise. She shares why companies must approach CMMC as an ongoing cycle of protection, monitoring, and improvement—not a one-time project.

If you’re navigating CMMC, you’ll walk away with:

• Clear insight into what the DoD really expects (hint: it’s not just a perfect score).

• Strategies to scope effectively and avoid wasted effort.

• How to balance third-party support with true internal ownership.

• The importance of building trust and integrity over “just passing.”

CMMC is a chance to strengthen your security posture and stand out in the market—don’t miss it.