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Aug 14, 2026
Aug 14, 2026
34 min
What happens when grit meets opportunity? Sam Brown’s path from survival to cybersecurity shows how mentorship and determination can change the trajectory of a life.
In the first official guest episode of Cyber Chronicles, Sam shares the story behind that determination. Raised in an immigrant household and navigating instability at home, she developed a relentless drive to find a way forward. That same grit would later become the foundation of her success in tech and cybersecurity.
A major turning point came through Summer Search, a nonprofit organization that provided mentorship, SAT preparation, college application support, and the kind of long-term guidance that can change the trajectory of a life.
From teaching herself web skills as a teenager, to attending Colgate University, to accidentally discovering enterprise sales through an SDR role at Imperva, Sam reflects on what it really takes to build credibility, develop technical confidence, and create opportunity when you are not starting from a place of access.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Sam’s early life shaped her “get out and build” mindset and why that grit translated directly into tech and sales success
Why Summer Search mattered so much, from mentorship and prep to college applications, exposure, and long-term support
The underrated career strategy Sam used early: optimize for relationships and networks, not a “perfect” major
What an SDR actually does and why sales felt “meritocratic” compared to the chaos she grew up with
How she leveled up quickly by becoming technically literate, shadowing security teams, learning the OSI model, and asking better questions
The real challenge of moving into a closing role: not being “too nice,” but being taken seriously, and what finally shifted that
A practical career filter: “Who would you follow?” Build a roster of leaders you trust, then track where they go
About Sam Brown
Sam Brown is a cybersecurity sales professional whose career was built through grit, mentorship, and a deep curiosity for technology. After attending Colgate University with the support of Summer Search, she entered the tech industry through an SDR role at Imperva and went on to build a successful career in cybersecurity sales.
Resources Mentioned
Summer Search: https://summersearch.org/Colgate University: https://www.colgate.edu/Imperva: https://www.imperva.com/Exabeam: https://www.exabeam.com/Menlo Ventures: https://menlovc.com/
Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
18 min
In the very first episode of Cyber Chronicles, host Lisa Jones Huff shares the personal and professional journey that led her into cybersecurity and why she created this podcast in the first place.
Lisa reflects on growing up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, being raised by a single mother, and how sports, grit, and a strong work ethic helped shape her early mindset. She walks through the unexpected career path that took her from studying accounting to building computers from scratch, working in networking and security consulting, and eventually becoming a respected leader in cybersecurity pre-sales.
Along the way, Lisa opens up about the challenges of being one of the only women in the room, the importance of confidence and active listening, and the lessons she learned about leadership, self-advocacy, and finding balance in a demanding industry.
This episode sets the tone for Cyber Chronicles: honest conversations about the people behind cybersecurity, the paths they took to get there, and the lessons they learned along the way
Cyber Chronicles: A Journey Through Cybersecurity Careers
Discussing how to get cyber security jobs, and how to get into cyber security as a professional. Welcome to Cyber Chronicles– A Journey through Cybersecurity Careers We delve into stories of how our guests began their careers and where they are now, providing a rich, narrative-driven exploration of their professional paths. Each episode will uncover the human side of cybersecurity, illustrating that behind every successful professional is a story filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. In a market teeming with numerous podcasts discussing cybersecurity from various angles—such as cyber threat perspectives, insights from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and how-to guides for starting a career in cybersecurity—our podcast stands out by focusing on the personal journeys of individuals in the cybersecurity field. Our goal is to offer listeners an intimate look into the lives of those who have successfully navigated the complex landscape of cybersecurity. By sharing these personal journeys, we aim to provide a fresh and engaging perspective that goes beyond technical discussions and industry jargon. This podcast is about humanizing cybersecurity and showing that behind every successful professional is a unique story of challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned. We believe that understanding these personal stories will inspire and motivate our listeners, whether they are aspiring cybersecurity professionals, career changers, or seasoned experts looking for new perspectives. - a podcast that provides a distinctive and engaging view of the cybersecurity world. We break down barriers for aspiring cybersecurity professionals by sharing inspiring journeys from those who have achieved success in the field. Drawing inspiration from those who’ve achieved success, we’re here to offer insights that inspire others to pursue their dreams of landing a role in cybersecurity or to find the courage to make a change for greater happiness. By featuring guests from diverse backgrounds, we hope to show that anyone, regardless of their starting point, can find a fulfilling and successful career in cybersecurity. Through our stories, we aim to break down barriers and demonstrate that cybersecurity is a field open to a variety of skill sets and backgrounds. We particularly want to encourage women and minorities to consider careers in cybersecurity by sharing stories that resonate with them and highlight the opportunities available to all. Discover the stories behind the professionals who are shaping the future of this field and gain valuable insights that can help you navigate your own career path. Together, we can break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By showcasing the diverse roles within cybersecurity—such as sales engineers, security analysts, security engineers, ethical hackers, security consultants, incident responders, security enterprise architects, forensic analysts, security software developers, security trainers, and CISOs—we aim to shed light on the myriad career paths available in this dynamic field. Each episode will feature a different professional, exploring their unique journey, the challenges they faced, and the achievements they accomplished along the way. By sharing my personal journey and those of my friends and colleagues, I hope to inspire others to think about their own paths. My story, from growing up in a challenging environment to achieving success in cybersecurity, can motivate listeners to pursue and continue to pursue their dreams. This podcast also aims to spread awareness about the various opportunities in cybersecurity, helping listeners understand that this field is not only accessible but also rewarding and fulfilling. Through candid conversations and in-depth interviews, we will explore the many facets of cybersecurity careers, from the technical skills required to the personal attributes that contribute to success. Moreover, the podcast will tackle the evolving nature of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. As technology advances and new threats emerge, cybersecurity professionals must stay ahead of the curve. Our guests will share their strategies for staying current in the field, the certifications and training they pursued, and the importance of networking and mentorship. By highlighting these aspects, we aim to provide practical advice and guidance for listeners who are eager to advance their careers in cybersecurity. Ultimately, our podcast seeks to create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about cybersecurity. Whether you are a student considering a career in cybersecurity, a professional looking to transition into the field, or an experienced practitioner seeking new insights, our podcast has something for you. Through engaging storytelling, expert interviews, and practical advice, we aim to empower our listeners to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in the world of cybersecurity.
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