In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay speaks with Jennifer Quaid, Executive Director of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX).

Jennifer shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity, from political science and communications to leading one of Canada’s most important cyber threat collaboration organizations. She reflects on surviving major cyber attacks in small businesses, the realities of burnout in cyber, and why nobody truly joins this field for comfort.

The conversation explores how CCTX enables over 200 member organizations across 16 sectors to collaborate on threats, share intelligence, and strengthen resilience together. Jennifer explains why cybersecurity is not simply an IT issue, but a business-wide risk that belongs within an organization’s risk function.

They also discuss the current state of the cybersecurity market, the challenges facing new entrants, the importance of certifications early in a career, and why soft skills and clear communication are critical for long-term success.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: threat actors collaborate constantly. Defenders must do the same.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay speaks with Alexandre Blanc, a cybersecurity and privacy leader with more than 25 years of experience across IT, security, and incident response.

Alexandre shares his unconventional path into cybersecurity, beginning in infrastructure, networks, and encryption work, and explains how regulation, governance, and real-world events shaped his focus on privacy and risk. He reflects on intense incident response work, burnout, and the realities of operating behind the scenes during high-profile security events.

The conversation explores governance, risk, and compliance in Canada, including the impact of privacy laws like Quebec’s Law 25, third-party risk, and the growing complexity introduced by AI, SaaS platforms, and external data processing. Alexandre offers a grounded perspective on AI in GRC, emphasizing due diligence, transparency, and understanding how data is actually used.

They also discuss cyber insurance, accountability, and the limitations of transferring risk, as well as Alexandre’s vision for the future, where individuals regain control over their digital identities and personal data.

This episode is especially relevant for cybersecurity leaders, risk and privacy professionals, policy makers, and anyone thinking critically about data ownership, governance, and long-term resilience.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay sits down with Farzia Khan, Senior Manager of Information Security at TD Bank, where she leads enterprise-wide cyber resiliency initiatives.

Farzia shares her journey into cybersecurity, from self-teaching technology skills and pursuing computer science, to building cyber literacy, awareness programs, and upskilling initiatives within a large financial institution. She reflects on the impact of mentors, sponsors, and educators, and how early exposure and community support helped shape her career.

The conversation dives into the role of community and industry engagement, including Farzia’s founding of ElleHacks, Canada’s first and largest all-women hackathon. She discusses why creating inclusive spaces and hands-on opportunities can change lives and open doors for emerging talent.

They also explore current challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, including the talent gap, the rise of AI-driven threats, and the imbalance between attackers and defenders. Farzia offers practical advice for early-career professionals, emphasizing building real expertise, engaging with the community, and using hands-on learning opportunities over chasing certifications alone.

This episode is especially relevant for students, early-career professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in cyber resilience, workforce development, and building stronger security communities.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay sits down with Neumann Lim, Manager of Cybersecurity at Odlum Brown and founder of Malware Village.

Neumann shares his path into cybersecurity, from early technical roles in software and firewall development to leading malware research and education initiatives. The conversation dives into what makes cybersecurity compelling from an investigative and adversarial perspective, and why curiosity and creativity play such a central role in the field.

They explore Malware Village’s mission to build an inclusive, hands-on learning community for students, researchers, and practitioners, and discuss the importance of making cybersecurity education accessible at conferences and beyond. Neumann also offers practical advice for those entering the industry, breaking down the different paths within cybersecurity and how newcomers can find the area that truly fits their interests.

The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on the future of the industry, the role of AI as a support tool rather than a replacement, and the responsibility established professionals have to help educate and support the next generation.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay speaks with Steve Waterhouse, a veteran cybersecurity leader with more than two decades of experience across national defence, government, education, and the private sector.

Steve shares his journey from being one of Canada’s earliest cyber soldiers to helping shape cybersecurity culture within government. He reflects on the early days of digital transformation, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and why forward-thinking security decisions matter long before threats become visible.

The conversation explores Canada’s position on the global cybersecurity stage, including lessons from countries like Israel, Estonia, and Singapore. Steve offers candid insights on why Canada continues to lag behind, how politics and fragmentation slow progress, and what needs to change to strengthen national resilience.

They also discuss commercialization, the loss of Canadian intellectual property, the challenges facing startups, and the importance of collaboration across government, industry, and academia. The episode closes with a powerful call for shared responsibility, better cyber hygiene, and citizen engagement to protect privacy, freedom, and trust in a digital world.

This episode is especially relevant for policymakers, business leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone concerned about Canada’s digital future.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay speaks with James Cairns, CISO at Bow Valley College, about building meaningful pathways into cybersecurity for students and early-career professionals.

James shares his journey into cybersecurity, from development and system administration to leading security programs, and explains why broad experience and hands-on learning matter. The conversation focuses on the growing need for tier one roles, the importance of investing in new talent, and why automation and AI cannot replace people on the ground.

Together, Francois and James explore how community involvement, mentorship, and real-world experience help bridge the gap between education and employment, and what organizations can do to better support the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners.

This episode is especially relevant for students, recent graduates, hiring managers, and anyone thinking about how to build sustainable security teams.

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In this episode of CCN Conversations, host Francois Guay sits down with Enza Alexander, Executive Vice President at ISA Cybersecurity, for a candid conversation about the human realities behind modern cybersecurity.

Enza shares her journey into the cybersecurity field, reflecting on early career challenges, lifelong learning, and what it means to build confidence in an industry that never stands still. The conversation explores how cybersecurity is not just about technology and threats, but about people, businesses, and shared responsibility.

Together, Francois and Enza discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and engagement across Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem. They also dive into emerging topics such as AI, the evolving job market, and how professionals at every stage of their career can stay relevant, resilient, and grounded.

This episode is especially valuable for those navigating career growth in cybersecurity, adapting to rapid technological change, or looking to better understand how leadership, humility, and listening shape the future of the industry.

Key themes include:

1. Why cybersecurity is ultimately a human and business problem
2. Building confidence without needing to know everything
3. The role of community in career development
4. AI, ethics, and the importance of guardrails
5. Advice for those entering or advancing in cybersecurity

Listen now and join the conversation.

Welcome to CCN Conversations, the official podcast of the Canadian Cybersecurity Network. In this trailer, host Francois Guay, founder of CCN, introduces the vision behind the show and the community it serves.

For years, Francois has had a front row seat to how Canada’s top cybersecurity leaders defend, innovate, and shape the country’s digital future. Now, those conversations come to you.

In this episode, you’ll hear what CCN Conversations is all about:

• Real stories and honest insight from practitioners, CISOs, founders, researchers, and rising talent
• A clearer view into the real world of cybersecurity and emerging technology
• Practical conversations that cut through noise and get to what actually matters
• Guidance for leaders, builders, and those starting or growing their cybersecurity careers

If you want a smarter pulse on what is coming next—and the confidence to navigate a fast moving digital world—you’re in the right place.

Welcome to CCN Conversations. Stronger together, always.

🔗 Learn more: https://canadiancybersecuritynetwork.com/ccn-conversations