The Cavalry is Us: How Cyber Leaders are Rewriting the Future | Wired for Change — Episode 33 In this special live episode recorded at @BSidesOttawa 2025, host Amy Yee brings together leaders from across Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem — practitioners, advocates, engineers, policy voices, and community builders — to explore a message that echoed across the conference: The cavalry isn’t coming. The cavalry is us. From fragile critical infrastructure to legislative blind spots, from community-driven innovation to the power of mentorship, this episode reveals what cyber resilience really looks like when you move beyond theory and into the lived experiences of the people doing the work. Through candid conversations with keynote speakers, policy leaders, and grassroots organizers, we explore: Why Canada struggles with cohesion in cyber defence How policy and legislation shape (and sometimes derail) national readiness Why critical infrastructure is more fragile than most people realize The growing gap between retiring experts and the next generation How BSides communities create the conditions for learning, leadership & belonging Why cybersecurity professionals must learn to influence policy, not just technology How leaders can strengthen community, culture, trust, and everyday resilience If you care about national security, public policy, critical infrastructure, technology governance, or the future of Canada’s cyber ecosystem, this episode is essential listening. 👥 Featuring George Al-Koura, CD — CISO @ ruby | Principal Advisor @ Ceiba Law | Co-Host @ BKBT Podcast | Canadian CISO of the Year (2025) David Shipley — CEO & Field CISO, Beauceron Security James Troutman — Trusted advisor & architect | Co-Founder & Director, NNENIX IXP | Chief of Staff, Skytalks | Leadership Team, DC207 Cheryl Biswas — Cybersecurity Analyst & Researcher 🇨🇦 | Speaker | Mentor | The Diana Initiative | Threat Intelligence & Critical Infrastructure Advocate Katie — Organizer, Hackers on the Hill (Washington, DC) | Leader in cybersecurity, national security & intelligence operations, and cyber policy Whether you’re in security, public service, defence, critical infrastructure, tech policy, or leadership — this episode gives you a grounded, human, and strategic view of what’s changing and what must come next. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Opening & Episode Context 00:17 – George Al-Koura: Patriotism Over Profit 02:04 – Canada’s Cyber Cohesion Problem 04:00 – Innovation, Procurement & Political Will 06:00 – Tech Adoption & Data Sovereignty in Canada 08:00 – Shareholders vs Stakeholders in Cybersecurity 09:15 – Why Community Matters to Leaders 10:42 – David Shipley: Policy Village & National Legislation 13:03 – Bill C-8 & Critical Infrastructure Risks 15:00 – Interpreting Cyber Laws & Legislative Gaps 16:00 – Why Technical Voices Must Influence Policy 19:00 – Cheryl & Jim: Critical Infrastructure Is Fragile 23:00 – Talent Gaps, Training Declines & Legacy Systems 26:00 – We Are the Cavalry: Preparedness & Community Resilience 30:00 – Why BSides Creates Leaders & Belonging 32:00 – Katie: Hackers on the Hill & Policy–Tech Translation 37:00 – Building Better Policy Through Relationships 41:00 – Julien: Launching the Model in Canada 44:00 – How Everyone Can Help — Starting Local 47:00 – Looking Ahead: Scaling Policy Village in 2026 🔗 Connect With Wired for Change @wired-for-change Weekly conversations at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital transformation, defence, public service, and leadership. Subscribe on YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts Follow Amy Yee on LinkedIn for episode drops, insights & behind-the-scenes clips. #bsides #BSidesOttawa2025 #bsidesottawa #cybersecurity #cybersecurity2025