Podcast Summary
What if your biggest cybersecurity crisis could become your company’s greatest growth opportunity? In this episode, Bradley Thies CEO and founder of BARR Advisory, shares how his unexpected shift from accounting to cybersecurity shaped his view of security as a strategic investment. From Equifax’s high-profile breach to small business vulnerabilities, Bradley unpacks how transparency, education, and culture shifts can turn risk into resilience. This conversation goes beyond damage control—it’s about redefining legacy through leadership in moments of pressure.
In our conversation, Bradley also unveils the blueprint for startups aiming to partner with Fortune 500 companies, navigating the tightrope of immediate needs and long-term success. Learn how the “double vision” approach has enabled budding companies to grow into industry leaders, fortified by robust cybersecurity measures and unwavering accountability. Discover the nuances of buyer psychology and the importance of a client-focused approach in building lasting trust. Drawing parallels with a mechanic’s meticulous care, Bradley highlights phased planning and the Dunbar effect’s role in scaling relationships as businesses expand. This episode promises to equip you with strategies to not just survive but thrive in the competitive landscape of modern business.
Episode Highlights
- Strategic Career Pivot: Explore the transformative journey of Bradley, who transitioned from a career in accounting to cybersecurity. His story underscores the power of aligning personal passions with professional pursuits, driven by a pivotal internship experience that reshaped his career path.
- Cybersecurity as a Strategic Investment: Bradley reframes cybersecurity from a perceived necessary evil to a strategic investment in risk management. Using the Equifax breach as a case study, he emphasizes the inevitability of breaches and the crucial role of education, transparency, and a robust security culture in turning crises into growth opportunities.
- Navigating Startup Challenges: Delve into the dynamic world of startups striving to secure deals with Fortune 500 companies. Learn about the importance of maintaining “double vision,” balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, and the significance of strong cybersecurity practices in achieving sustained growth and client trust.
- Building Long-Term Relationships: Discover the art of phased planning and long-term relationship building, likened to a mechanic’s approach. Bradley highlights how understanding client needs and focusing on building trust can help startups punch above their weight class and foster meaningful connections, as illustrated by the Dunbar effect.
- Thriving in the Cyber Age: Gain insights into how businesses can embrace risk and opportunity beyond breaches. Bradley shares how fostering a culture of openness and shared values can lead to resilient organizations equipped to tackle both traditional and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Connect with Paul here:
Website: https://innovativewealth.com/
Instagram: https://businesslegacypodcast.com/
Connect with Bradley here:
Website: https://www.barradvisory.com/
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About Bradley:
As Founder and CEO of BARR Advisory, Brad Thies leads all aspects of the organization’s global client service delivery and security assessment services including SOC, ISO, PCI, NIST and HIPAA examinations, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) consulting services. Under Brad’s leadership, BARR has become one of the most sought-after third-party assessors and CISO advisors in the cloud computing space – serving high-growth startups to Fortune 1000 companies in the most regulated industries including technology, financial services, healthcare and government.
