From Silos to Solutions: Building Trust Through Transparent Cybersecurity Communications with Microsoft's Frank Shaw
Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. They discuss how transparency and trust shape effective response to cyber incidents, the importance of breaking down silos across teams, and how AI is transforming communication strategies. Frank shares insights on leadership, the power of internal communications, navigating misinformation in an era where perception matters as much as technical reality, and why building a culture of security awareness starts with clear, honest messaging—no fluff, no spin.
Resources:
View Frank X. Shaw on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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Lessons from the Frontlines of Industrial Security
Volker Wagner, Chief Information Security Officer at BASF, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to talk shop on what it really takes to defend one of the world’s largest chemical companies. From his early days in auditing to leading global cyber for high-stakes industrial and research environments, Volker shares battle-tested insights on resilience, Zero Trust, and the fundamentals that never go out of style. He dives into the hard lessons learned from ransomware, the realities of third-party risk, and how AI is reshaping everything from incident response to supply chain security. Most importantly, he makes the case for why trust, communication, and culture aren’t soft skills—they’re survival skills for modern CISOs.
Resources:
View Volker Wagner on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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Modernizing Cybersecurity with Matt Rowe
Matt Rowe, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Bank, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the future of cybersecurity. They discuss the accelerating pace of change in the industry, from AI and automation to data-driven security practices and identity management. Matt shares how Lloyds Bank is modernizing its approach by reducing friction, upskilling teams, and fostering a growth mindset, while also laying foundations for resilience and agility across the financial ecosystem. The conversation highlights why now is the moment to rethink security strategies and how optimism, creativity, and collaboration can help defenders stay ahead.
Resources:
View Matt Rowe on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: Aligning Legal and Security Teams
Erez Liebermann, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton and a leading voice in cybersecurity and data privacy joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together, they unpack how legal and security teams can act as strategic partners, aligning regulatory compliance with business priorities while preparing for and responding to incidents. Erez offers actionable insights from real-world experience on breaking down silos, building trust, and balancing transparency with legal prudence during breaches. Listeners gain practical strategies for fostering cross-functional collaboration, improving incident response, and strengthening organizational resilience in today’s evolving threat landscape.
Resources:
View Erez Liebermann on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
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The Psychology of Speaking Up with Amy Edmondson
Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School professor and psychological safety pioneer joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea. Together they discuss how creating psychologically safe environments allows teams, especially in high-pressure fields like cybersecurity, to speak up about early warnings, embrace the red, and learn from failure. Amy shares her framework for distinguishing between intelligent, basic, and complex failures, and offers practical guidance for leaders looking to build high-performing, resilient teams in uncertain, fast-moving environments.
Resources:
View Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn
View Ann Johnson on LinkedIn
Related Microsoft Podcasts:
Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast
The BlueHat Podcast
Uncovering Hidden Risks
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.
Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Microsoft, talks with cybersecurity thought leaders and influential industry experts about the trends shaping the cyber landscape and what should be top-of-mind for the C-suite and other key decision makers. Ann and her guests explore the risk and promise of emerging technologies, as well as the impact on how humans work, communicate, consume information, and live in this era of digital transformation. Please note, the opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and are not endorsed by, nor do they necessarily reflect opinions of, Microsoft or Ann Johnson.