Navigating Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity with James Leach

In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter podcast, Tom discusses James Leach's journey from a security engineer to co-founding the independent assessment and technical testing firm Fortreum.

James shares insights on his career progression, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of passion and grit in business. He emphasizes the value of being proactive, the need for company culture in remote setups, and the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity.

The episode also delves into the significance of celebrating small wins and the necessity of continuous learning. James provides practical advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, including the importance of certifications and specialized hands-on experience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 James Leach's Career Journey

01:57 Entrepreneurship and Founding Fortreum

02:23 Challenges and Rewards of Bootstrapping

04:09 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

05:50 Transition from Employee to Employer

07:27 Importance of Self-Awareness and Delegation

11:41 Building and Maintaining Company Culture

15:03 Remote Work and Company Values

17:46 Founding Principles and Company Culture

18:01 Future Plans and Innovations

19:47 Hiring Insights and Career Advice

25:49 The Impact and Challenges of AI

33:28 Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Recommendations

37:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

James suggested:

Atomic Habits by James Clear  

Getting A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman