Podcast: Cyber Mindsz
Host: Mark Williams
Guest: Maryam Shoraka
Episode Title: Bridging Cultures and Cybersecurity – A Conversation with Maryam Shoraka

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 📖 Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk/book/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-diverse-thinking/
• 👩‍💻 AWSN – Australian Women in Security Network - https://www.awsn.org.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Maryam Shoraka – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryamshoraka/

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Maryam Shoraka

Maryam is Head of Cybersecurity Operations (at a government agency) and a seasoned security executive with extensive experience building world-class 24/7 security operations centres. She specialises in drafting high-value cyber resilience strategies and leading organisations to swift recovery from high-impact cyber breaches. A staunch diversity advocate, Maryam is actively engaged in initiatives to accelerate women into cybersecurity and leadership positions, and has been nominated for several industry awards for her exemplary leadership.

🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this episode, host Mark sits down with Marianne to discuss her unconventional path into cybersecurity, her leadership philosophy, and the power of mentorship. From growing up in Iran and dealing with cyber threats firsthand to becoming a vocal advocate for diversity in tech, Marianne’s story is both inspiring and packed with practical wisdom.

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 00:50 – Introduction of Maryam Shoraka
• 03:37 – Marianne’s early exposure to cyber threats in Iran
• 06:05 – Her shift from teaching to tech, and the impact of relocation
• 13:21 – Challenges faced as a migrant and woman in cyber
• 14:32 – Building confidence, from self-doubt to security leadership
• 16:45 – Iranian culture and cybersecurity talent
• 17:37 – Advocacy for women in cyber
• 20:50 – Cyber crisis management: walking it off
• 22:44 – Common misconceptions about cybersecurity professionals
• 24:23 – Security vs. speed: finding the balance
• 25:43 – Leadership superpowers in cybersecurity
• 28:40 – Mentoring the next gen of cyber leaders
• 31:31 – Her #1 non-negotiable: Multi-factor Authentication
• 33:43 – Worst cybersecurity advice ever received
• 35:44 – Future of cybersecurity leadership
• 36:59 – Final advice: Why people matter most

Podcast: Cyber Mindsz
Host: Mark Williams
Guest: Suthagar Seevaratnam
Episode Title: Leadership, Trust & the Future of Cybersecurity in a Changing World with Suthagar Seevaratnam

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Suthagar Seevaratnam – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suthagarseevaratnam/

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Suthagar Seevaratnam

Suthagar Seevaratnam is a cybersecurity and technology executive specialising in strategy, operations and organisational transformation. His career has blended experience and skills across consulting, public and higher education sectors, working in exceptionally challenging, complex and high risk operational environments. He uses human centred design combined with technical knowledge and risk based approaches to help build achievable and sustainable security outcomes. He has worked closely with C level executives and boards to help set strategy and build security culture. Suthagar is currently the CISO for Vocus, an Australian challenger telecommunications company, where he heads their Enterprise Security group and leads a security transformation programme.

🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this premiere episode of CyberMindsz, Mark is joined by renowned cybersecurity leader and CISO Suthagar Seevaratnam, who offers an insightful and deeply human perspective on what it takes to lead in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape. The conversation blends reflections on leadership, people dynamics, emerging technology (especially AI), and how cyber professionals must evolve alongside the tools they use.

Suthagar takes us on a journey through his career—from pivotal lessons learned in Defence to heading up security in high-pressure commercial environments. But the heart of the discussion? It’s all about people. Whether you're a technical practitioner, a rising leader, or a seasoned CISO, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and future-focused thinking.

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 00:50 – Introduction of Suthagar Seevaratnam
• 03:25 – Journey into Cybersecurity
• 6:51 – Origin Story
• 9:09 - Creating Safety & Trust in Leadership
• 10:25 - The Role of a CISO in Modern Organisations
• 16:12 - Leadership decision-making during a crisis
• 19:36 - Building High-Trust Teams
• 22:05 - Why “Soft Skills” Are the Hardest
• 25:36 - Tech Evolves, But People Don’t Change Easily
• 30:25 – Common Misconceptions about Cyber Security
• 33:01 - Future of Cyber Roles
• 41:36 - Final Thoughts on Leadership & Legacy
• 45:33 - Acknowledgment & Reflection
• 46:00 - Podcast Wrap-up & Farewell