EP 146: “Life as a Cybersecurity Consultant”

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-Passionate about helping young people find their professional calling-


– Life as a Cybersecurity Consultant –

May Brooks-Kempler is a cybersecurity expert whose career began in the 1990s, exploring the realms of game “cheats” and “hacks” on IRC chats. This early fascination led her through a distinguished journey in cybersecurity, from Penetration Testing to Security Architect and eventually a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).

Respected Voice in Cybersecurity

Today, she is a highly sought-after strategic consultant, speaker, and mentor, known for her dynamic involvement in developing and promoting innovative cybersecurity initiatives and guiding startups.

Highly Skilled

As a member of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium Board of Directors, an authorized Certified Information Systems Security Professional and HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner instructor, and co-author, May’s dedication to advancing the cybersecurity profession is unmistakable.

Advocacy for Online Safety

Her book, “Scams, Hacking and Cybersecurity – The Ultimate Guide to Online Safety and Privacy“, and her online courses, reflect her commitment to making the digital world a safer place for all, especially families, as underscored by her personal mission as a mother of three. 

Through her extensive experience and influential voice in the field, May Brooks-Kempler continues to shape the future of online safety, making her a pivotal figure in the world of cybersecurity education and advocacy.

Reasons to Listen

This will be a talk worth listening to for:

  • those interested in finding out more about the numerous opportunities that are available within the field of cybersecurity
  • those wanting to uncover what it takes to pursue a career within this field
  • those who are looking for inspiration in so far as hearing from a professional who spells out how she made her way to the top

Listeners will come away with insights on:

  • a nuanced look at what cybersecurity truly means
  • May’s pathway into her career
  • the biggest misconceptions about getting into cybersecurity
  • why cybersecurity career options are not limited to those with strong technical skills
  • how non-tech backgrounds can actually be really helpful when entering into this field
  • what it’s like keeping pace with all of the change taking place within the cybersecurity field
  • what it’s like being a woman within the cybersecurity space
  • advice she gives to young women interested in getting into cybersecurity
  • the degree to which passion has driven her career
  • an empowering story
  • how AI is driving change within this field
  • much more!

A Memorable Quote from the Episode:

“I think that understanding cybersecurity and online safety comes down to basic life skills much like road safety. We need to teach our kids to look left and right and we need to teach our kids to stay safe online.”


-May Brooks-Kempler

Check out the Video Conversation:

For those who desire to view video highlights of the conversation, you can do so via Youtube.

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Discover More

For those interested in learning more about May and her work, you can check out her personal website, or follow her on the following platforms:


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