Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith

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Bites and Bytes Podcast

AnzenSage

43 episodes

6 days ago

Bites and Bytes Podcast explores cybersecurity, technology, and beyond in the food industry. Discover the exciting world where cybersecurity, technology, and the food industry converge on the Bites and Bytes Podcast. As one of the few shows focusing on cybersecurity in the food sector, we offer unique insights and groundbreaking discussions. Our interview-style chats and in-depth discussions reveal the challenges and innovations at the intersection of digital defenses, food protection, and systems thinking. Everything is interconnected, whether through technology, natural cycles, or systems. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or passionate about safeguarding our food supply, please tune in for conversations illuminating this dynamic and evolving field!

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Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith

Bites and Bytes Podcast

35 minutes 51 seconds

6 months ago

Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith

What does it take to build a cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the systems that keep the lights on and food on our plates?

In this episode, host Kristin Demoranville is joined by Nathaniel Smith, Co-Founder and VP at SR2, a purpose-driven recruitment firm. Nathaniel, who specializes in hiring OT/ICS, brings over 14 years of recruiting experience and a refreshing dose of honesty to the challenges of hiring in critical infrastructure.

Together, they explore what makes a strong Operational Technology (OT) candidate, why culture fit matters as much as technical skills, and how broken hiring processes often keep the best people out. For sectors like food and agriculture, where operational technology is directly tied to safety, production, and public trust, getting the right people into the right roles isn’t just important. It’s essential.

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Show Notes:

Mike Holcomb’s Episode (here)

SEC Ruling on Disclosure of Cyber Incidents (here)

📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here.

📖 Kristin will also be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional existential crisis over on her personal Substack

🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to speak at your conference, corporate event, or workshop.

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Episode Key Highlights

00:04:50 – OT as Public Service
00:08:27 – Recruiter Perspective in OT
00:09:42 – What Makes a Good OT Hire
00:12:04 – Trust and Floor Experience
00:13:59 – OT vs. IT Culture
00:18:09 – The Talent Shortage Myth
00:20:18 – Broken Hiring Systems
00:22:50 – Job Descriptions That Miss the Mark
00:27:00 – Current OT Hiring Trends
00:29:30 – Who’s Hiring in OT
00:32:00 – Community in OT
00:33:00 – Why Specialized Recruiting Matters
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🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:

Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.

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🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT

AnzenSage is a women-owned cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries. AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience. Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.

AnzenOT
Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple. Smart. Swift.
AnzenOT is the SaaS risk management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity. Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers.

Sign up for a free trial (here)
Explore the platform at anzenot.com
For demo requests or inquiries, email stuart@anzenot.com or kristin@anzenot.com