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In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of IT workforce development—from internships and apprenticeships to change management and inclusion.

Feevan shares her inspiring journey into tech, starting from George Washington University to discovering her passion for cybersecurity through e-commerce security and IT strategy classes.

We also explore:

• The power of sponsors and mentors in opening doors for underrepresented voices in tech.
• Why inclusive practices are critical to sustainable workforce programs.
• The ethics of unpaid internships and how trust drives long-term career growth.
• The importance of effective change management during organizational shifts.
• Reintegrating professionals into the workforce through certifications, degrees, and upskilling programs.

If you’re passionate about leading with purpose, building inclusive pathways, and shaping the next generation of tech leaders—this episode is for you.

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard! If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help. Learn more here.

Ask Me Anything (AMA)

If you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in.

Connect with us:

Feevan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feevan-megersa/

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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In this conversation, I’m joined by Rob T. Lee, Chief AI Officer and Chief of Research at SANS Institute—a globally respected voice in cyber, AI, and education who also happens to be down‑to‑earth, funny, and incredibly relatable.

Together, we unpack what the future of cybersecurity careers looks like in an AI‑driven world, and what it really means to lead through rapid, messy, exhilarating technological change.

We get into:

• Why AI feels different from past tech shifts—and why anxiety, fear, and hope all show up at once
• The “framework of no” in cyber, shadow AI, and how leaders can move to a thoughtful “default yes” instead
• Practical ways to balance innovation and cyber risk without killing creativity or pretending “risk zero” exists
• Technical authenticity, vulnerability, and collaboration as real superpowers in AI + cyber work
• AI ethics, digital avatars, family stories, and the hard questions we must ask as tech evolves
• Pathways into cybersecurity, the power of role models, and why diverse, quieter voices are urgently needed

If you’ve wondered how AI will impact your job, your leadership, and your career path—or how to lean into this wave without burning out—this episode will give you language, perspective, and a few courageous next steps.

About Rob T. Lee

Rob T. Lee is the Chief AI Officer and Chief of Research at the SANS Institute, where he advises on AI governance and security. He authored the SANS Secure AI Blueprint and led the development of the SANS Critical AI Security Guidelines. With a career spanning the U.S. Air Force, NSA, CIA, and Mandiant, Rob pioneered digital forensics (DFIR) and cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and developed the widely used SIFT Workstation. Known for his contributions to cybersecurity education, he has trained over 100,000 professionals and is a sought-after speaker and advisor.

Connect with us

Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leerob/

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 3 of Bytes, Bits, and Brilliance! 🎙️

In this solo episode, I share my vision for the season ahead.

This season is all about intention, courage, and authentic leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

We'll explore emerging themes from Season 2—leadership, growth, and well-being—and shines a light on the big questions we’re all asking:

• How do we use our voices—even when they shake?
• How do we move from visibility to positioning?
• What does belonging look like in today’s hybrid, tech-driven world?
• And how do we engage with AI in ways that still center our humanity?

As always, Bytes, Bits, and Brilliance is about connection and mentorship at scale—helping you lead, grow, and thrive through every transition.

For women in tech and cybersecurity

If you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can help

Ask Me Anything (AMA)

If you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.