Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson

How Microsoft Is Redefining Global Cyber Defense

Amy Hogan-Burney⁠, Corporate Vice President of Customer Trust and Security at Microsoft joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to discuss her unexpected journey into cybersecurity, Microsoft’s evolving approach to combating global cybercrime, and the importance of collaboration across the private and public sectors. She reflects on lessons from the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report, the growing impact of AI on security, and the challenges of regulatory complexity. Amy also shares insights on cyber diplomacy, building strong legal-technical partnerships, and the career advice that’s guided her path all while remaining optimistic about the future of cybersecurity.

The Power of Converged Security in a Connected World

Darren Kane⁠, Chief Security Officer at NBN, Australia’s national broadband network joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to shares insights from his unique journey through law enforcement, financial enforcement, and corporate security, and how those experiences shaped his leadership of a converged security organization that unites physical and cyber defense. He discusses the challenges of securing critical infrastructure across a vast continent, the importance of collaboration between government and industry, and how data convergence and AI are reshaping resilience strategies. Darren also reflects on the evolving role of the CSO, the value of holistic risk management, and why nurturing human resilience is just as vital as technological defenses.

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From Silos to Solutions: Building Trust Through Transparent Cybersecurity Communications with Microsoft's Frank Shaw

Frank X. Shaw⁠, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. They discuss how transparency and trust shape effective response to cyber incidents, the importance of breaking down silos across teams, and how AI is transforming communication strategies. Frank shares insights on leadership, the power of internal communications, navigating misinformation in an era where perception matters as much as technical reality, and why building a culture of security awareness starts with clear, honest messaging—no fluff, no spin.

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Lessons from the Frontlines of Industrial Security

Volker Wagner⁠, Chief Information Security Officer at BASF, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to talk shop on what it really takes to defend one of the world’s largest chemical companies. From his early days in auditing to leading global cyber for high-stakes industrial and research environments, Volker shares battle-tested insights on resilience, Zero Trust, and the fundamentals that never go out of style. He dives into the hard lessons learned from ransomware, the realities of third-party risk, and how AI is reshaping everything from incident response to supply chain security. Most importantly, he makes the case for why trust, communication, and culture aren’t soft skills—they’re survival skills for modern CISOs.

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Modernizing Cybersecurity with Matt Rowe

Matt Rowe⁠, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Bank, joins Ann on this week's episode of Afternoon Cyber Tea to explore the future of cybersecurity. They discuss the accelerating pace of change in the industry, from AI and automation to data-driven security practices and identity management. Matt shares how Lloyds Bank is modernizing its approach by reducing friction, upskilling teams, and fostering a growth mindset, while also laying foundations for resilience and agility across the financial ecosystem. The conversation highlights why now is the moment to rethink security strategies and how optimism, creativity, and collaboration can help defenders stay ahead.

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