In this episode, Cassi-Ann, interviews Octavia Howell, an experienced Security leader who specializes in Governance, Networking, Cyber Security, and building operationally excellent, motivated cross-functional, multi-cultural teams.

We learn in this episode that Octavia was into security before it became an imperative in running good business. Her passion in this space is evident as she shares her journey to becoming a CISO.

She is focused on career growth and helping everyone she encounters reach their career goals. She is a highly technical leader and prides herself on understanding, solving problems, and discovering secure solutions for her business partners. Octavia believes that a security leader should mentor, motivate trust, and lead their teams to act with integrity and openness. She often says, “A team is only as strong as their leaders and each leader casts a shadow that they will be held accountable for.”

Octavia received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Spelman College and holds CISSP, GISP, GCWN and GSLC GIAC certifications. Octavia is the Founder and CEO of Augustus Redefined, an organization focused on the advancement of Black Women in Cyber.

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), where she leads the CISO Forum, ISACA, ISC², the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF), Forte, and Cyversity (formally ICMCP).

In her spare time, Octavia enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and mentoring. She truly believes that we are placed on this earth to help each other achieve greatness (whatever that may be).

Find them online:

Cassi-Ann Hutchinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassih/

Octavia Howell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/octaviahowell/

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