In this episode, we sit down with cybersecurity leader David Luchi to explore his journey from IT educator in Brazil to leading enterprise security programs in Australia. David shares actionable insights on developing soft skills, fostering a culture of safe experimentation, and the critical role of mentorship in shaping the future of cyber. A must-listen for current and aspiring leaders in tech.

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – David Luchi

David Luchi, is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with a passion for embedding security into the fabric of technology. With 13 years of experience in security engineering and leadership, his expertise spans multi-cloud environments, Kubernetes, and implementing state-of-the-art Zero Trust architecture. Beyond his corporate role, David is a pillar in the cybersecurity community, frequently speaking at national events and co-organising multiple Melbourne meetups. He is a firm believer in empowering the community, sharing his insights on his blog, DavidLuchi.com, and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 🌐 David Luchi's Website - https://www.davidluchi.com/
• 🌐 CISSP Certification Website - https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 David Luchi – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidluchi/

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 00:47 - Intro: Meet David Luchi
• 02:06 - Racing Max Verstappen in SIM racing
• 04:30 - Explaining cybersecurity to a 90-year-old
• 06:07 – Explaining cybersecurity to a 9-year-old
• 07:20 - David's cybersecurity origin story (via a RAT trojan)
• 09:55 - Transitioning from tech to leadership
• 12:55 - Creating safe-to-fail environment
• 16:30 - Innovation, AI, and learning from Kubernetes
• 19:45 - Cybersecurity misconceptions
• 21:40 – Sharing of cybersecurity training & workshops available for family members
• 24:11 - Starting a cybersecurity blog and going viral
• 26:19 – Thoughts on how industry can do more to support the development of capability in cybersecurity
• 29:27 - Learning from other industries & embracing diversity
• 31:19 - Will AI have a fairytale ending or turn dystopian?
• 34:45 - Why mentoring matters in developing the next generations of cybersecurity leaders
• 38:21 - Breaking away from military-style cybersecurity hierarchy
• 40:27 - Advice to someone aspiring to become a cybersecurity leader
• 43:32 - Closing remarks

🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Cyber Mindsz, Jacqui Loustau, Executive Director of AWSN, shares her journey through the cybersecurity landscape—from help desk support in Europe to speaking on global stages and founding the Australian Women in Security Network.

With passion and purpose, Jacqui discusses AWSN’s role in building an inclusive security workforce, empowering future leaders, and the dream of a world where AWSN is no longer needed. Alongside stories of challenges, laughter, and transformation, this episode explores leadership, representation, capability development, and the human side of cybersecurity.

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Jacqui Loustau

Jacqui Loustau is the Executive Director of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) which aims to connect, support and inspire a diverse security workforce.

She brings over 2 decades of international experience in IT, Cyber Security and cybercrime.

Jacqui is passionate about increasing the number of women in security in Australia, building inclusive teams and educating everyone on security.

She is on several advisory committees, including the recently formed Home Affairs Executive Cyber Security Council (Workforce and small business working groups), ISC2 Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council and the Technical Advisory committee for the Future Skills Organisation.

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 🌐 AWSN - Australian Women in Security Network - https://www.awsn.org.au/
• 🌐 ISC² Global Diversity & Inclusion Council – https://www.isc2.org
• 🤝 Home Affairs Cyber Security Council – (Referenced as part of advisory involvement)
• 🤝 Future Skills Organisation - https://www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Jacqui Loustau – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiloustau/
• 📝 RMIT Partnership (AWSN Research) – https://www.rmit.edu.au

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 01:50 – Introduction to AWSN
• 05:38 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the computing at all?
• 07:00 – How would you describe to a 9-year old who is digital native?
• 08:45 – What is your cybersecurity origin story?
• 11:19 – Has the world of security evolved in a way that you might have thought back then in 2007?
• 17:00 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception about cybersecurity that you've come across?
• 18:20 - What motivated you to establish AWSN?
• 22:08 – Will you be a happy retiree knowing your legacy?
• 25:07 – Is there one story that illustrates the success of or the important role that AWSN plays?
• 28:36 – How do you think industry itself could do more to support the development of capability within cybersecurity?
• 33:10 – If you give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to become a cybersecurity leader, what would it be?
• 35:27 - Closing

🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this episode of CyberMindsz, host Mark Williams speaks with Grant McKechnie, founder of Cyber Resilience Group and former CISO of Endeavour Group, about his diverse journey through cybersecurity and the human-centered leadership principles he’s developed along the way.

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Grant McKechnie

Grant McKechnie is a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Risk Leader with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT leadership.

Grant has held key positions at some of the country’s largest corporations, including Endeavour Group, Telstra Corporation, and NBN Australia.

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 🌐 Cyber Resilience Group Website - https://www.cyberresiliencegroup.com.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Grant McKechnie – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmckechnie/
• 📕 Book – What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-what-got-you-here/
• 📕 Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
• 📝 Report – Verizon Breach Reports - https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/
• 📝 Latitude Cyber Incident - https://www.latitudefinancial.com.au/latitude-cyber-incident/
• 👤 Andrew Dell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dellandrew/
• 👤 Pieter van der Merwe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietervandermerwe/

Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 03:25 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the concepts of computing, let alone cybersecurity?
• 04:47 – How would you describe what you do to a 9-year old who is very well aware of what they can do with computing?
• 05:54 – What's your cybersecurity origin story?
• 10:28 – What's your go-to keep calm strategy?
• 12:10 – What are the most important qualities you believe a cybersecurity should possess?
• 15:51 – What do you think non-technical people need to focus on more to get to the top of their game?
• 17:47 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception someone has had about your job?
• 19:11 – What a must-have superpower for any cyber security leader and do you think you have it and or need to evolve it further?
• 21:55 – How do you keep up with new threats that are probably perhaps more relevant to an industry or a client that you're working without going through the rabbit hole?
• 26:00 – How companies shared cyber security breaches to the public
• 28:29 – What your approach to mentoring or developing future leaders?
• 34:40 – If you could make an employee follow one security rule without question, what would it be?
• 35:37 – What's the worst piece of cybersecurity advice you've ever heard?
• 37:10 - Closing