🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

01:00 From Corporate Overload to Cadra CEO

Lori opens up about what led her to leave corporate life and launch her own consulting firm, and (spoiler alert) burnout played a big role. After years of managing audits and leading security teams, she hit a breaking point. But instead of staying stuck, she took the leap and started Cadra. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s helping other entrepreneurs avoid the costly mistakes that come from ignoring compliance.

02:00 Why Every Entrepreneur Needs Cybersecurity

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m too small to worry about that,” Lori is here to bust that myth wide open. From HIPAA to PCI to FedRAMP, she explains how every business needs to evaluate the type of data they handle and understand the compliance requirements that come with it. This isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about protecting your brand, your revenue, and your relationships.

“Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you’re not a target. In fact, small businesses are often more vulnerable.”

04:00 Visibility Begins with Trust

We often separate marketing from operations, but Lori makes it clear: visibility and cybersecurity go hand in hand. If your clients or partners don’t trust you to protect their data, your visibility means nothing. Cyber compliance builds credibility, and credibility builds conversion.

“Your reputation is everything. When people know their data is safe with you, they’re more likely to work with you.”

05:00 Making Security Approachable

Lori’s “no jargon, no chaos” approach is a breath of fresh air in a technical industry. She uses real-world metaphors (like traffic lights!) to break down compliance concepts and helps entrepreneurs see how security policies protect both their business and their peace of mind. The goal? Make cybersecurity feel less scary and more empowering.

06:00 Embracing Visibility as a Leader

Even though Lori is a visibility expert in her own right, she shares how internal visibility, confidence, clarity, and mindset, was her biggest challenge as a founder. As an introvert, she struggled with sales and self-promotion until she reframed it as service, not selling. That shift allowed her to show up more boldly and grow her business with integrity.

“I had to remind myself: I’m not selling, I’m helping.”

09:00 Mentoring the Next Generation of Women in Cyber

Lori also mentors women in cybersecurity through WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity), helping others navigate career growth in a male-dominated field. She talks about the unique challenges women face, from imposter syndrome to outdated perceptions of leadership, and how she’s helping the next generation lead with confidence and authenticity.

“We talk about how to lead while staying true to ourselves. That’s how change happens.”

12:00 Toastmasters, Thought Leadership & Growth

Lori is stepping into even more visibility this year by joining Toastmasters, speaking at events, and using platforms like LinkedIn to share her knowledge. For someone who once dreaded visibility, this growth is a powerful reminder that putting yourself out there is a skill you can build, and one that pays off.

14:00 Busting the Biggest Cybersecurity Myth

The myth? That cybersecurity is only for big companies. The truth? Small businesses are often the most at risk because they don’t think anyone’s looking. Lori explains how ransomware attacks and data breaches disproportionately impact entrepreneurs who aren’t prepared — and how a little proactive protection goes a long way.

15:00 Staying Grounded in a High-Stakes Industry

Cybersecurity might be high-stakes, but Lori keeps herself grounded with simple practices: walking outdoors, pursuing creative hobbies like watercolor and puzzles, and continually learning. It’s a reminder that even in technical fields, sustainability matters — and rest is part of resilience.