Episode 0x6: The Performance of Preparedness

In this episode of Hack Dissection, Mike Lisi is joined by cyber operations expert Paul Marco for a deep dive into the true purpose—and power—of tabletop exercises. From crisis simulations that reveal communication breakdowns to the uncomfortable truths leaders often overlook, Paul shares real-world stories that highlight the human factor in cybersecurity.

You’ll hear why most organizations get tabletop exercises wrong, what really matters in the heat of a cyber crisis, and how to build muscle memory that actually holds up under pressure. Plus, Paul and Mike discuss the need for chaos, iteration, and yes—even a little embarrassment—to prepare your team for the moment the alarms go off.

Whether you’re building your first incident response plan or you’ve lived through the fire, this episode offers practical insights, blunt truths, and a refreshing perspective on what real cybersecurity preparedness looks like.