Okay, So Now What: Let’s Talk 2025--Influence, AI, and Cyber Careers

Yes, you read that right..."In 2025, the game will belong to those who harness influence, master AI, and build career capital."

Let's talk about it...

As a 20-year cybersecurity veteran, leader, speaker, author, and yes, influencer. I’ve been entrenched in this field, from my service in the U.S. Air Force to now leading in the defense industry, specializing in governance, risk, and compliance. And have gained some insights as a student of AI through industry-leading organizations like Carnegie Mellon and MIT, to trends shaping our industry. Now, everything that I share may not be ground-breaking, it's not meant to be, it's meant to bring awareness---to help us gear up to knock 2025 out of the park!

Transparency moment: I’ve never done this before...yes, this is my first-ever set of predictions.

Why'd I decide to do this...well, why not?!

Here's what I cover in the video...

Influence is about more than social media—it’s the key to positioning yourself as someone who creates value, leads with impact, and opens doors to new opportunities. It’s time to harness your experience, build confidence, and use influence to shape your career and your industry.

AI isn’t just transforming our tools—it’s reshaping our entire approach to cybersecurity and cybersecurity professionals...we must understand the risks AI introduces, its potential vulnerabilities, and the frameworks required to govern it effectively. Protecting data, ensuring trust, and adapting to new threats will be essential as specialized roles in AI governance and risk management emerge.

Entry-level roles remain challenging, but AI-driven opportunities are growing. The professionals who succeed in this space will be those who embrace continuous learning. Tasks once done manually are evolving, and those investing in career capital, staying ahead of AI trends and adapting to the evolving needs of the industry will position themselves as leaders in this space.

As technology advances, the importance of human connection has never been greater. People are craving authentic relationships—whether through mentorship, professional communities, or small, synergistic groups of like-minded peers. These connections are not just valuable; they’re essential for growth and innovation. In a tech-dominated world, relationships are the key to staying grounded and inspired while driving real progress. 

The merger of AI and cybersecurity is accelerating. AI is enabling us to work smarter, faster, and more strategically—but it’s also introducing new complexities and threats. In 2025, those who master AI tools and frameworks while thinking creatively about their applications will redefine the future of cybersecurity. 

You've read all this and may be asking...Okay, so now what?  

These predictions are just the start. Influence will be the key to unlocking your ability to succeed in all other areas. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and learn how to leverage influence as the key to growth, success, and impact, join my Cyb(H)er Influence email masterclass launching this January. All lessons will be delivered straight to your inbox!

Sign up here 👉🏾 Cyb(H)er Influence Master Class Series