The Cybersecurity Recruiter talks to Gary Piper, Marketing Director, Black Talon Security — The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast

Marketing, personal branding, and networking for cybersecurity careers with Gary Piper

Tom introduces a delayed Cybersecurity Recruiter Podcast episode with Gary Piper, Marketing Director at Black Talon Security, and outlines Gary's career from graphic design and creative leadership into cybersecurity marketing.

Gary discusses the growing need for clear cybersecurity marketing, emphasising the importance of understanding a company's story, purpose and differentiators, while learning technologies well enough to communicate them effectively.

He also shares lessons from a layoff in 2018, including the importance of keeping your CV and portfolio updated, staying aware of market opportunities, and continually building relationships with recruiters and your network.

For personal branding, Gary recommends understanding what motivates you, highlighting what makes you different, and being willing to experiment with new platforms and approaches. He also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, mentorship, communication skills and face-to-face networking.

Reading/learning recommendations from Gary:

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler which is a program focused on handling difficult conversations, conflict resolution, and communication.
Situational Leadership by Ken Blanchard, a leadership course about adapting leadership styles to different people and situations.
Co-Active coaching training developed by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth focused on active listening and professional coaching skills

00:00 Late release intro

00:49 Meet Gary Piper

02:14 From design to cyber marketing

03:36 Explaining cyber to buyers

06:03 Breaking into security

07:12 Networking that pays off

09:20 Staying job market ready

12:42 Personal branding basics

17:39 Brand building takes time

25:10 Healthy conflict at work

26:54 Communication over tech

27:42 Scaling team leadership

29:25 Should you lead?

31:00 Managing personalities

33:10 Remote work reality

36:37 Active listening coaching

38:06 Finding great mentors

40:12 Industry community vibes

41:50 Events and cyber risk

45:19 Recruiting meets marketing

47:01 Security marketing pitfalls

48:19 Final wrap up