Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health.
With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds.
While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.
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Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health.
With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds.
While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.
Cyber threats are rising, and new government mandates like CMMC are changing how small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and local governments must protect sensitive data. In this episode, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Brian Guenther, CISSP & CCP, President of Exceed Cyber & Compliance, to explore how compliance builds trust, opens opportunity, and keeps organizations competitive.
💡 Top Takeaway
“Adopt a risk-first mindset.” – Brian Guenther
Compliance isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection.
Brian reveals why leaders who treat compliance as a strategic investment outperform those who treat it as red tape.
Listen in to learn: how CMMC helps organizations avoid misinformation, gain contract eligibility, and build customer trust—all without breaking the bank.
👤 Guest Bio
Brian Guenther, CISSP & CCP, President at Exceed Cyber & Compliance.
Brian leads a cybersecurity and compliance consultancy helping government contractors and regulated businesses meet frameworks such as CMMC, DFARS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and FTC Safeguards. With 15 years of experience, he simplifies complex regulatory requirements into practical, cost-effective security strategies that align with business goals.
❤️ Vitals (Statistics & Metrics)
• 300,000+ defense contractors must meet CMMC requirements (DoD source) → underscores the massive market impact.
• Texas Cyber Command established ($345.2 M funding) → state-level push for stronger public sector cybersecurity.
• TX-RAMP and SB 2610 Safe Harbor Law → Texas organizations gain legal protection if they meet recognized security standards.
🩹 Medical History (Summary)
This episode demystifies CMMC and compliance, helping SMB leaders and public officials see cybersecurity as a business advantage instead of a burden. Brian and Steve discuss the real costs of inaction and how a risk-first approach builds trust, reduces risk, and fuels growth.
🔬 Exam (Description & Chapters)
00:00 – Introduction What CMMC is and why it matters to more than just defense contractors.
02:31 – Misconceptions About Compliance Why most leaders think it’s technical when it’s actually documentation and discipline.
07:35 – Hidden Risks Stories of supply-chain vulnerabilities and how a single weak link can compromise national security.
14:20 – Compliance Creates Opportunity How organizations gain contracts and partnerships through certification.
18:28 – Ongoing Maintenance Why compliance is a continuous cycle of improvement, not a one-time project.
22:08 – Texas Cyber Command & Safe Harbor Laws How state policies mirror federal compliance models.
25:38 – Why the DoD Created CMMC Real-world breaches and the national security wake-up call.
34:12 – CIS Controls & Implementation Groups Roadmap for SMBs to start small and scale securely.
41:09 – Strategic Weight of Compliance Certification as a business requirement and competitive edge.
58:30 – Final Prescription “Get with a real CMMC doctor.”
💊 Treatment Plan (Resources & Links Mentioned)
• Exceed Cyber & Compliance – CMMC and risk management services
• CMMC Model Overview – U.S. DoD
• Exceed Cyber Blog: Managed Compliance & CMMC
• Related Talk To Th3 Doc Episodes:
o Turning IT into Business Outcomes with Luis Giraldo – Ep. 116
o Hidden Risks & Blind Spots in Your IT Strategy
📞 Call to Action – Guest
Connect with Brian Guenther for CMMC guidance and compliance readiness:
📧 brian@exceedcyber.io 🌐 www.exceedcyber.io
🔗 LinkedIn 📞 240-377-0504
💬 Podcast Call to Action
💻 Visit our podcast hub to book your consultation or explore past episodes: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/
🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | PocketCasts | Amazon Music
🌐 Explore More Episodes: Talk To Th3 Doc Podcast | The Fulcrum Group, Inc.
📩 Email Steve: thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/
Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek
Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health.
With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds.
While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.
