# The Cyber Security Recruiter talks to Kevin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Secure Ideas

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cyber-security-recruiter-podcast-6600237/the-cyber-security-recruiter-talks-to-kevin-johnson-chief-executive-officer-secure-ideas
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cyber-security-recruiter-podcast-6600237/the-cyber-security-recruiter-talks-to-kevin-johnson-chief-executive-officer-secure-ideas.md
Podcast: [The Cyber Security Recruiter Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cyber-security-recruiter-podcast-6600237)
Published: 2025-12-01T13:28:26+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecybersecurityrecruiterpodcast/2335674
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/227325/2335674/thecybersecurityrecruiterpodcast/2025_11_19_06_52_59_7f236bfc-d0d8-4bbc-9e03-910db734cc35.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-cyber-security-recruiter-podcast-6600237/episodes/the-cyber-security-recruiter-talks-to-kevin-johnson-chief-executive-officer-secure-ideas
Duration seconds: 2141

## Resource

The Journey from Employee to Cybersecurity Entrepreneur with Kevin Johnson In this episode of the Cyber Security Recruiter podcast, the host interviews Kevin Johnson, CEO of Secure Ideas. Kevin shares his experience and insights from his career journey, including his early days as a programmer, a SANS instructor, and his transition to running his own successful cybersecurity firm. He discusses the differences between being busy and being productive, the importance of consuming and discerning information, and the ethical implications of business practices like cold calling. Kevin also emphasizes the role of a strong support network in achieving entrepreneurial success and offers advice on how to sustain long-term business growth. Additionally, he recommends Malcolm Gladwell's podcast 'Revisionist History' for its insights into understanding and solving complex problems. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 The Busy vs. Productive Debate 02:15 Kevin's Journey into Cybersecurity 04:42 The Importance of Consuming Knowledge 07:24 From Employee to Entrepreneur 14:48 The Power of Doing 18:29 The Evolution of MVPs and Security Concerns 19:10 Leadership vs. Management: A Personal Insight 20:04 The Importance of Fun in the Workplace 21:24 A Unique Approach to Customer Service 26:07 The Ethics of Cold Calling and Inbound Marketing 31:52 The Impact of Revisionist History 36:45 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Kevin suggested: Talking to Strangers book and Revisionist History podcast by Malcolm Gladwell

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