William Wright

 “Degrees give you generalists. Focused training gives you employees who can actually do the job.” — William Wright In this conversation, William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, shares his journey from a sysadmin to a chartered pen tester and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of communication skills in cybersecurity, the challenges of running a business, and the significance of giving back to the community. William emphasizes the need for continuous learning and growth in the field, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges present in the UAE's cybersecurity landscape. He also reflects on his personal interests and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Journeys03:02 Transitioning from Defense to Offensive Security06:05 Understanding Chartered Pen Testing09:04 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Recognition11:48 Learning Methods in Cybersecurity14:52 The Role of CTFs in Cyber Training17:28 Communication Skills in Cybersecurity20:10 Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright27:24 Embracing the Unexpected in Public Speaking29:46 The Journey into Entrepreneurship34:47 Building Closed Door Security: Challenges and Growth39:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business44:32 Finding Purpose in Cybersecurity50:14 The Gap Between Education and Industry Needs56:23 Leaving a Legacy in Cybersecurity01:00:43 Creating a Safe Learning Environment in Cybersecurity01:02:51 Building a Talent Pipeline in Cybersecurity01:03:42 The Importance of Practical Experience Over Certifications01:07:38 Understanding the UAE Work Culture01:10:17 Navigating Job Competition in the UAE01:13:31 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Cybersecurity01:16:56 The Passion Behind Building a Business01:19:27 The Value of Learning from Others01:21:43 The Challenges of Teaching in Cybersecurity01:25:41 Closing Remarks and Future EngagementTakeawaysWilliam Wright is the CEO of Closed Door Security and has a background in both defensive and offensive security.He became a chartered pen tester through a pilot scheme in the UK, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.Learning in cybersecurity is often self-directed, and practical experience is crucial for growth.Communication skills are essential in cybersecurity roles to convey risks to non-technical stakeholders.Building a business involves embracing challenges and taking responsibility for the team's success.The UAE offers unique opportunities in cybersecurity, but competition is fierce due to a large pool of talent.Giving back to the community is a core value for William, who aims to help others in their cybersecurity careers.The future of cybersecurity in the UAE involves building relationships and focusing on trust rather than commoditization.Personal growth and learning are ongoing processes, and it's important to seek mentorship and guidance.William enjoys music, gaming, and spending time with his wife as a way to unwind from the pressures of running a business.Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter