In this episode of the In Query, we discuss management, IT and cybersecurity with Chris Whalen. Chris is an experienced technology professional with a passion for cybersecurity and is currently the Director of IT and Cybersecurity at Solace, a Canadian high-tech company. His experience includes leading various cybersecurity programs, mentoring colleagues, performing deep technical analysis, and adopting new technologies that have consistently been proven a success.

Chris has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Ottawa and is involved in recreational hockey both as a player and a coach.

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Chris's Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswhalen7/

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Timestamps

0:00 - Intro & Background

2:00 - How did you first become interested in the field? 

University Degree 

10:02 - Why did you choose math over all the other stem programs available in university?

13:46 - What was the impact of a math degree on your career?

14:56 - Would you recommend someone interested in a role in IT to take on a math degree?

15:46 - Where did you head after graduating from university?

Career

17:53 - Did you ever consider going into video game creation?

19:38 - What were some struggles you faced throughout your career?

24:56 - Why did you choose to transition into leadership and managing roles as to software?

28:41 - What are some skills that are crucial to be successful in the tech industry?

32:08 - Why did you get interested in cybersecurity?

34:06 - What was the biggest change in the cybersecurity industry since you started?

Day to Day as the Director of Cyber Security

38:50 - How would you describe the day-to-day of a director of cybersecurity?

39:43 - What is the most rewarding part of your job?

40:36 - What advice would you give to a student that is looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity?

45:19 - What do you think is the next big thing for the technology industry?

47:00 - Outro & Ending Remarks