Educating for Resilience: STEM, AI, and the Future of Cybersecurity
Brad L. Mortensen, President of Weber State University joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss the evolving role of higher education in preparing the future cybersecurity workforce. Brad shares how Weber State supports students from all backgrounds through open enrollment, stackable credentials, real-world learning partnerships, and a focus on both technical training and durable human skills like communication, resilience, and problem solving. He talks about the rise of AI in the classroom, the importance of industry collaboration, and why fostering adaptability and creativity is essential to meeting growing cyber talent demands.
Resources:
View Brad L. Mortensen on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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How Microsoft Is Redefining Global Cyber Defense
Amy Hogan-Burney, Corporate Vice President of Customer Trust and Security at Microsoft joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss her unexpected journey into cybersecurity, Microsoft’s evolving approach to combating global cybercrime, and the importance of collaboration across the private and public sectors. She reflects on lessons from the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report, the growing impact of AI on security, and the challenges of regulatory complexity. Amy also shares insights on cyber diplomacy, building strong legal-technical partnerships, and the career advice that’s guided her path all while remaining optimistic about the future of cybersecurity.
Resources:
View Amy Hogan-Burney on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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The Power of Converged Security in a Connected World
Darren Kane, Chief Security Officer at NBN, Australia’s national broadband network joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to shares insights from his unique journey through law enforcement, financial enforcement, and corporate security, and how those experiences shaped his leadership of a converged security organization that unites physical and cyber defense. He discusses the challenges of securing critical infrastructure across a vast continent, the importance of collaboration between government and industry, and how data convergence and AI are reshaping resilience strategies. Darren also reflects on the evolving role of the CSO, the value of holistic risk management, and why nurturing human resilience is just as vital as technological defenses.
Resources:
View Darren Kane on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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From Silos to Solutions: Building Trust Through Transparent Cybersecurity Communications with Microsoft's Frank Shaw
Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. They discuss how transparency and trust shape effective response to cyber incidents, the importance of breaking down silos across teams, and how AI is transforming communication strategies. Frank shares insights on leadership, the power of internal communications, navigating misinformation in an era where perception matters as much as technical reality, and why building a culture of security awareness starts with clear, honest messaging—no fluff, no spin.
Resources:
View Frank X. Shaw on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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Lessons from the Frontlines of Industrial Security
Volker Wagner, Chief Information Security Officer at BASF, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to talk shop on what it really takes to defend one of the world’s largest chemical companies. From his early days in auditing to leading global cyber for high-stakes industrial and research environments, Volker shares battle-tested insights on resilience, Zero Trust, and the fundamentals that never go out of style. He dives into the hard lessons learned from ransomware, the realities of third-party risk, and how AI is reshaping everything from incident response to supply chain security. Most importantly, he makes the case for why trust, communication, and culture aren’t soft skills—they’re survival skills for modern CISOs.
Resources:
View Volker Wagner on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft, talks with cybersecurity thought leaders and influential industry experts about the trends shaping the cyber landscape and what should be top-of-mind for the C-suite and other key decision makers. Ann and her guests explore the risk and promise of emerging technologies, as well as the impact on how humans work, communicate, consume information, and live in this era of digital transformation. Please note, the opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and are not endorsed by, nor do they necessarily reflect opinions of, Microsoft or Ann Johnson.
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