Guardians of the Data | Future-Proofing Cybersecurity Talent - Marlene Dehart - Guardians of the Data

Future-Proofing Cybersecurity Talent - Marlene Dehart - Guardians of the Data - Episode #28

February 5, 2026 / 42:59/E28

Are we solving the cybersecurity talent problem the wrong way?

The cybersecurity industry has no shortage of open roles, yet thousands of capable candidates still can’t land their first job. In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Ward Balcerzak sits down with Marlene DeHart, cybersecurity executive, advisor, and Air Force Reserve veteran, to explore why the problem isn’t a lack of interest or intelligence; it’s how the industry defines experience.

Drawing on more than 20 years across enterprise security, internal audit, military cyber operations, and emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, Marlene argues that cybersecurity needs to be treated more like a trade: skills-first, mentor-led, and learned through real-world practice, not just certifications and degrees.

Takeaways:

Seek Mentorship Actively: Find experienced professionals who can guide your career development and commit to mentoring others once you gain experience, creating a reciprocal learning ecosystem.
Participate in Hands-On Challenges: Join hackathons, capture-the-flag events, and collaborative technical challenges to demonstrate real-world skills beyond what certifications alone can show.
Build a Skills Portfolio: Create tangible demonstrations of your work that showcase your abilities to potential employers, moving beyond traditional resumes to include actual project examples and problem-solving evidence.
Apply Fundamentals to New Technologies: Bridge your existing cybersecurity knowledge to emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and Web3 by applying core principles you already understand to new contexts.
Establish Reskilling Pathways: Companies should build structured programs to help existing employees transition when business direction or technology stacks change, rather than leaving team members behind.
Gamify Learning Experiences: Make skills development engaging through scenario-based training, real-world simulations, and competitive challenges that mirror actual workplace situations.

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