We had the good fortune of connecting with Dewayne Hart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dewayne, what do you attribute your success to?
The cybersecurity market is a system of many elements and moving parts.  As a person who has developed a brand in cybersecurity, success comes from having a passion for 3-principles:  technology, communicating an attractive vision, and staying committed to the process.  In the past, there have been many well-to-do professionals who omitted the 3-principles and failed.  Being a military retiree and understanding how to navigate past challenges contributed as well.  While on active duty, there were many times when the “US Navy” brand and commitment to success were driven by passion.  Sailors were taught to become the best and hold themselves to a higher standard.  This wisdom followed my career after the military. No one will believe “Cyber Talk” and Semais Consulting Services if it’s not articulated and demonstrate value. Having a passion for cybersecurity means learning, inventing, and developing value.  The outcome produces a vision for listeners, business professionals, and readers to believe in “Cyber Talk” and Semais; and foresee commitment.  As a podcaster and author, these principles apply as well.  The information discussed brands into the 3-principles, simplifies cybersecurity, and builds the cybersecurity puzzle.  This alone is where the connection to listeners, being passionate and communicating a cybersecurity vision work best.  When writing “The Cybersecurity Mindset,” the 3-principles weighed heavily into the publication message:  Staying committed to cybersecurity means we must brand an attractive cybersecurity culture that follows commitment, safeguard systems, and reduce risks.

What should our readers know about your business?
My other focuses include leading my Cybersecurity consulting firm – Secure Managed Instructional Systems, LLC (SEMAIS).  The firm was formed in 2014 and provides Cybersecurity Advisory and Workforce Development to support organizational Cyber Defense and Risk Management initiatives.  The firm supports government agencies to reduce cyber exploits, mature cybersecurity, and implement safeguards across various platforms.  SEMAIS offers a comprehensive view of cybersecurity, guiding clients through security programs and implementing advanced technologies.  We believe cyber risks exist on multiple layers and can cause significant disruption if left untreated.  Affected organizations require various technologies and a systematic approach to identifying threat holes, vulnerable endpoints, and risk mitigation.  This is where SEMAIS’s expertise and security engagements become a value-centric resource.  We have developed a blueprint for addressing technology challenges and risk reduction.

I also host the Chief of Cybersecurity YouTube channel.  The channel delivers a broad range of cybersecurity content, such as Digital Parenting, Cybersecurity Maturity, The Hackers Mentality, Workforce Modernization, Cybercrime, and Cybersecurity Program Management.

In 2022, I authored “The Cybersecurity Mindset,” which addresses strategies for simplifying, operating, and connecting cybersecurity.  In today’s technology landscape, there exist cybersecurity fears; and this where “The Cybersecurity Mindset” works best – as position readers to engage cybersecurity with awareness vs. fears. It also serves as a roadmap and illustrates how proactive vs. reactive strategies advances cyber protection. You can also think of the publication as a thinking model.  If we can think proactively, we can beat hackers to the finish line!  Specific discussion points focus on building a cybersecurity culture, risk-based thinking, a hacker mentality, and transforming cybersecurity. Through “Cyber Talk,” I extract concepts from the publication to educate listeners on cybersecurity transformation, cyber engagements, hackers’ aggression, operational resilience, and best practices.

The publication follows a well-structured layout and conceptual model that addresses 20 high level cybersecurity workstreams.  By mastering the structured layout, readers can assess, reshape, and rethink their security engagements; and drive “360 Degrees” of security visibility.  The publication can also be described as a resource guide, playbook, or toolkit. College professionals can use the information for research papers to supplement their course material.  It is a playbook for technology professions – a gateway to road-mapping cybersecurity.  C-Suite professionals can use “The Cybersecurity Mindset” to build and transform cybersecurity for their organizations.  In addition, business professionals can use the publication to create value propositions, service offerings, and streamline security programs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would show my friends live music and how to have fun in Atlanta.  My passion for music stems back many years and has brought some great artists to my repository.  Jazz, neo-Soul, Afro-Cuban, Hip-Hop, and Afro-beats are a part of my listening.  Friends have said I hold great hospitality, which stems from knowing people are the best.  I can make this statement because my circle of friends is registered as friends – they should have the best!

Regarding food, I would go to Fago De Chao and feast on some great food.  I am not a steak lover, but the slow-roasted chicken has my attention.  If it’s breakfast, I’ll choose the Marietta Diner!  On the road, I would choose Vegas or Miami!  These cities are for the nights and offer a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of activities.  Since I spent 20 years in the Navy – I would have to be close to the ocean. I still enjoy the water!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The credit for my success is far more enormous than I could report! I “must” always thank my family for visualizing my future and success.  While growing up, I was always regarded as the one that must do well.  Friends came along the way and projected the same thoughts. Each saw the best and wanted to ensure I was held to a higher standard.  Still today, my family calls me “Chief.”  I was told in the military that once a “Chief,” always a “Chief.”  Gaining the rank of a “Chief” was the same – as I was always held to a higher standard by my shipmates!

Website: https://dewaynehart.com/book-cyber-talk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefofcybersecurity/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dewaynehart/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SEMAIS3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5714121112001465

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chiefofcybersecurity

Other: https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/46515 www.semais.net

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