S4:E44AI RECAP 🎙️ Live with Chuck Brooks

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Hey leaders, Coach BZI Twin here. Big news, we're going live with one of the most recognized names in cybersecurity, Chuck Brooks. Chuck has been named a top 5 tech person to follow on LinkedIn, a Thinkers360 cybersecurity ambassador, and has shaped cybersecurity policy, academia, and thought leadership across the globe. Join us on the Leadership and Success Podcast, Season 4, Episode 44, this Thursday, July 31st at 1 PM Pacific Time, 4 PM Eastern Time. We'll dive into AI, quantum, national security, and the future of cyber leadership.

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Well, it is really morphed, and I'd say it's really morphed mostly in the last couple years. Uh, before it was like, you know, I'm not going to be a target. No, you know, it's sure, I don't need to worry so much. Now it's that everything is a target, particularly small and medium businesses, which are half the attacks.. And you saw a really uptick in the amount of attacks against healthcare companies, educational institutions, et cetera, during COVID because they were really easy targets, easy to get into networks, you know, not well guarded, small budgets, et cetera. So that's why you realize that the game has changed. And partially the reason it's changed is because of ransomware. You know, everything in crime is usually related to financial gain. And extortion. So they said, well, we can get paid now. Before they couldn't get paid. Now they got cryptocurrencies and prepaid cards. They have ways of evading law enforcement. So it became really popular. And, you know, ransomware has been around for almost 20 years, but now it's booming as a business and being used by criminal enterprises all over the world and looking at anyone they could target. It's easy. And they're also automating it through phishing attacks. So no surprise that this has really become, you know, a really important important issue for business.

Inside Cyber: How AI, 5G, IoT, and Quantum Computing Will Transform Privacy and Our Security by Chuck Brooks. In a world where technology is reshaping everything we know, Chuck Brooks, a leading voice in cybersecurity, presents a groundbreaking book that will change the way you think about technology. Inside Cyber: How AI, 5G, Internet of Things, and Quantum Computing Will Transform Privacy and Our Security. Offers powerful insights into the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and commerce. This essential roadmap is perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and tech enthusiasts. The future is here with artificial intelligence, 5G, quantum computing, and blockchain. Understand the impact of these technologies and learn how to safeguard your business from new vulnerabilities while seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. From accessible explanations of AI and quantum computing to strategies for protecting your business in an increasingly connected world, Chuck Brooks breaks it all down. Prepare to lead in the digital age by embracing the opportunities and challenges of the future. Inside Cyber: How AI, 5G, IoT, and Quantum Computing Will Transform Privacy and Our Security by Chuck Brooks is available now. Get your copy today and secure your place in the future of technology. Available on Amazon now.

Yeah, it's really amazing how technology and hardware is getting cheaper and cheaper. I remember what the late '90s, it was so expensive to get storage. Today, storage is almost— doesn't cost anything. And yes, yeah, that's being a problem when you have adversaries use, uh, skills, no, uh, what, whatever is out there against, against you. Actually, you know, um, Matthew Rosenquist, he was a guest.

Oh sure, yeah, good friend, and very— one of the most knowledgeable people in cyber I know.

Absolutely. Uh, I I believe that is definitely true. So Matthew, don't get such a big head, okay? But yeah, it is definitely true. Because one message that I really took home when I interviewed him and then I later interviewed him for his podcast is the way a lot of CISOs right now, they just focus on being technical or patching system and vulnerability, but they don't think about the big picture, right? The business itself, but not only the business, but also the adversary. Who are they? What are the capabilities? What are their motivations? So they completely do not think about that at all. And I don't think you can be an effective cyber executive if all you are thinking about is just, you know, whatever tools you are using and being technical. I think it's much more than that in 2025. What do you think?

I agree. And really what you're talking about really is mostly resilience because you have to understand, you have to have an incident plan. You have to expect that you're going to get hacked. I mean, no one is impervious to it. And you have to have your leadership understand that it's a reputation issue too. And so you have to plan, you have to put the legal protections. I mean, companies too. I mean, there's things they could do. They could segment their data, their valuable data, and they should be doing that already, but most of them don't. But I think that there's a lot of stuff that's just logical to do and also using the cloud. For a lot of small, medium businesses, maybe the cloud is a good answer because you do get some protection there. The risks too.

Yes.

But, you know, I think it's a step that it makes them less vulnerable.

Welcome, folks. Today we're diving into Chuck Brooks' journey. Cybersecurity, emerging tech, and servant leadership all wrapped up into one dynamic package.

Yeah, absolutely. Right. Let's jump right in. How do you see Chuck's early life steering his future in cybersecurity and leadership?

Well, um, Chuck's origins in Chicago and his academic journey through DePauw University and the University of Chicago, uh, plus time at The Hague, really laid the foundation for his global perspective on security. He was exposed early on to geopolitics and the Cold War dynamics, which, yeah, deeply influenced his approach to modern cyber risk.

And it's interesting because that early exposure to international relations, combined with his meeting with General Danny Graham, really kickstarted his government work, correct?

Exactly. Ah, that chance encounter propelled him into national security, ballistic missile defense, and even presidential appointments under Reagan and Bush. It's like his career was a roadmap of learning by doing, blending policy, tech, and leadership, which is rare.

So, um, moving on to his pivot from policy to cybersecurity, what were the key motivators there?

Chuck saw that cybersecurity wasn't just another tech issue. It was inseparable from national security.

Yeah.

Think about it. Responsible for protecting critical infrastructure like energy, water, and healthcare. It all ties into keeping nations safe. And his time at Homeland Security made that crystal clear.

Right. And his insights on cybersecurity today are particularly relevant with the rise of ransomware and AI-enhanced threats. What's your take on that?

Absolutely. Chuck outlines how ransomware evolved from a niche crime tool into a global criminal enterprise. As cryptocurrencies and AI tools like generative models make phishing attacks hyper-realistic.

Exactly.

It's basically a wake-up call for businesses of every size, especially SMBs with limited security budgets.

And then there's quantum computing, that looming threat where existing encryption could be broken in an instant. How does Chuck address that?

He underscores the urgency. Yeah. Saying that when Quantum Day arrives, we'll need quantum-resistant algorithms.

Right.

It's a paradigm shift. Our encryption today might be obsolete tomorrow. So leaders, especially in tech, must prepare for a hybrid classical-quantum future, as emphasized by NIST's mandate for 2035.

That's a heavy one. And speaking of breakthroughs, Chuck also talks about AGI, the path from generative AI to fully autonomous AI systems, right?

Yes. He draws a clear line from generative AI to agentic AI, where systems operate autonomously.

Yeah, indeed.

He stresses that though AGI promises immense progress, it raises ethical stakes. Leaders must ensure there's always a human in the loop. It's a bit like having a supercharged engine. You need to keep your hands on the wheel.

I like that analogy. Supercharged, but you're still controlling it. Now, as we pivot towards leadership, what leadership lessons does Chuck impart?

Chuck's leadership blueprint centers on humility, lifelong learning, and emotional intelligence.

Mm-hmm, definitely.

He argues that technical prowess alone isn't enough. Kindness, empathy, and teamwork are the bedrocks of effective leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like cybersecurity.

Right, and that emphasis on, um, Emotional intelligence really strikes a chord. You know, in Silicon Valley, a lot of the focus is on raw IQ, but here we're reminded that EQ is crucial as well.

Exactly. It's like, uh, leading isn't only about the technical chops or the latest tech trends, but also about building lasting relationships and networks.

Yeah, absolutely.

It's about being proactive rather than reactive, thinking ahead, preparing teams, and investing in education and cyber hygiene.

And this proactive stance applies not only to technology but to leadership challenges too. How do you see his experiences from government service to academia shaping his approach?

It's all interconnected. His career, from a presidential appointee to adjunct faculty at Georgetown, reflects a journey of continuous adaptation.

Right.

He's always learning from every setback and success, which has taught him to treat each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. That's why he champions the idea of failing forward.

Failing forward, yeah, that's a powerful message for any leader struggling with the fear of failure. Now, what about his book Inside Cyber? How does that fit into the conversation about emerging technologies?

Inside Cyber is essentially a roadmap. It breaks down in accessible terms how AI, 5G, IoT, and quantum computing will redefine our privacy and security landscapes.

Exactly.

Chuck makes it practical, offering real solutions for how businesses and leaders can safeguard against vulnerabilities while also embracing technological opportunities.

And that balance between innovation and precaution is so vital, isn't it? It's like just because we can do something doesn't mean we should without the right safeguards.

Absolutely. This idea that leadership must champion ethical guardrails is a recurring theme. Whether it's in the adoption of AGI or quantum computing, he reminds us to weigh innovation against potential risks.

Now, speaking of risks, how does Chuck address the importance of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity?

He's quite forthright on that. With 85% of US critical infrastructure privately owned, cross-sector collaboration becomes indispensable. It's about breaking down silos—government, industry, and academia working together to fortify defenses and share crucial information.

That collaboration seems essential, and yet some might critique that mixing public and private interests can sometimes muddy the waters. What do you think?

That's a valid point. There's always a risk of misaligned priorities. Yeah, but in Chuck's view, the benefits far outweigh those challenges. The urgency of cyber threats necessitates a united front, and his own career is proof that bridging sectors leads to more robust solutions.

So to sum up, we're seeing a blend of high-level tech insights with timeless leadership principles.

That's pretty compelling. Precisely. Chuck Brooks shows us that cybersecurity isn't just about firewalls or threat intel. It's about leading with humility, continuous learning, and ethical responsibility. Exactly. His story is a blueprint for leaders in this ever-disruptive digital world.

And as we look ahead, his emphasis on proactive measures, embracing emerging tech like AI and quantum computing, while ensuring public-private collaboration, Sets a clear direction for both military and tech leaders.

Yep, it's like, um, combining the best of technical innovation with solid leadership fundamentals. And that, folks, is what really positions us to navigate the complexities of our digital future.

Mm-hmm, absolutely. This discussion has been incredibly enlightening, truly a masterclass in integrating vision, ethics, and technical strategy. Any final thoughts?

Just one. As we march further into the era of AI, quantum, and constant cyber threats, remember that leadership must always be about empowering and protecting our communities. Right on! Follow, learn, adapt, and, uh, always keep that human element at the forefront.

Well said. Thanks for joining us in unraveling the layers of Chuck Brooks' journey and the future of cybersecurity. I'm excited to see how these concepts continue to evolve. Thank you all for tuning in.

Keep questioning, keep learning, and as Chuck reminds us, stay vigilant because, um, in this digital age, every one of us is part of the solution. Until next time, keep leading with excellence.

Now, from the government perspective now, as you know, we are the last day of July and this month, President Trump came up with Winning the Race, America's AI Action Plan. I'm sure you've dived through it.

I've read through it, yeah.

What are some of the great highlights you think that is going to help our society? Now, for one thing, I understand with the ARS, we don't want to put too many regulations and impede progress because I know China has no regulation whatsoever. Yes, yes. But at the same time, thinking about ethics, safety, security, privacy, and those kind of things. But anyway, what are kind of like I think you hit the biggest one right now.

There's encouragement for industry to invest and participate without going through a lot of bureaucratic regulations. And part of the reason we don't know what to regulate, you know, there's— it's happening so quickly. And like I said, it's a global thing. It doesn't— you can't really regulate everything. So I think what the basis of this is to really promote huge investment from industry competition. Understanding and wide adaptation. And yesterday I think they announced that they're doing it to healthcare, where they're able to make it easier to see your records and protect them. They have some interesting perspectives on that. I mean, I think the administration before that also had a plan. Some of the stuff is in there too. But I think right now it's sort of the Wild, Wild West of AI, and we're just learning how to harness it. Really, really where the focus of the The topic is, let's harness it and understand it and build it quicker.

Terence has another question for you. It says, Chuck, with AI-enhanced phishing— no, no, that one I already read. Sorry, this one. I was a bit surprised recently. I had a conversation with the CEO of a mid-sized healthcare provider, multiple locations across the state, who felt they had no need to hire anyone for cybersecurity. They felt their MSP, provided sufficient evidence, it's not needed, no history of a breach yet. I don't think that is wise, is it, to completely rely on—

definitely have onsite expertise in anything in healthcare. I mean, you're dealing with multiple— usually, if you take a hospital or healthcare, you're dealing with multiple networks, usually use a patient network, you're dealing with the doctors and nurses, you're dealing with the information of the equipment. You need cyber expertise. Everyone should have a CISO at any kind of midsize health clinic or hospital, or whatever. And you could use managed service protection, but you need the CISO to coordinate it. You know, you have to understand what's being done. So it's not, you know, you just don't adapt something without understanding it. Absolutely.

And definitely not forget about third-party vendors as well. Yes, absolutely. Okay, very vital. Good. Actually, before I change, kind of like future outlook. What do you think is next for cybersecurity in the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Well, I think, I think what's going to happen is, is right now you're seeing it being augmented with artificial intelligence in a lot of different ways. And I mentioned Agentic Generative, but also threat intelligence and looking and monitoring for anomalies, and for automating a lot of the mundane tasks. But It's going to be augmented even further with quantum, and encryption will be the key thing. Right now, it's really more about identity management because, as we said, with the spoofing and everything like that, your identities are at risk. They use you, they get your money, they get to your bank, they can create falsehoods about you, anyone, and your privacy is as well. So I think protecting the identity is going to be the next priority for for, uh, thank you for listening to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach Beezy.

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