How to… scrutinize cyber preparedness as a non-cyber professional

Security isn't a checkbox, it's a culture.

Former Navy Intelligence analyst and cybersecurity expert Cordell Robinson shows leaders how to embed security-by-design, strengthen compliance, and empower non-technical teams.

In this episode, host Jennifer Geary speaks with Cordell Robinson, founder & CEO of Brownstone Consulting, whose career spans military intelligence, software engineering, law, cybersecurity, and privacy. Cordell explains how non-technical executives can meaningfully shape cyber strategy, why compliance is really about culture, and how AI is being misused more than it's being mastered.

You'll learn how to:

• Shift from checkbox compliance to outcome-based security.

• Build security into your SDLC from day one.

• Ask the right questions as a non-technical leader.

• Avoid the biggest leadership mistakes in AI adoption.

• Strengthen culture, not just controls.

About Cordell Robinson:

Cordell Robinson is founder and CEO at Brownstone Consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering from Pepperdine University and a Jurist Doctor of Law from Georgetown University. He is a former Senior Naval Intelligence Analyst and is certified in C|CISO, CAP, and CRISC.

Chapters:

01:35 — Introducing Cordell Robinson

03:26 — Engineering, Navy intelligence & the pivot to cyber law

06:30 — Starting Brownstone Consulting

09:24 — What clients really ask for: compliance, AI governance & testing

11:02 — Why compliance matters beyond the certificate

13:03 — Culture change through testing & honest assessment

16:46 — Military discipline, leadership & communicating cyber risk

19:17 — Contingency planning & incident response in practice

20:37 — U.S. vs Europe: different regulatory mindsets

23:47 — Security-by-design & challenges in AI adoption

25:37 — How non-technical leaders can ask better questions

Resources & Links:

• C-suite Framework courses & books: https://csuiteframework.co.uk/

• The Cyber Security Handbook by Stephen Delahunty

• Check out Cordell's Compliance Aid app https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/compliance-aid/id6753880752
  

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