Dominic Vogel: from Computer Science to President at Vogel Cyber Leadership & Coaching

Social media handle(s): LinkedIn

A few words about me:

I'm a well-respected cyber security thought leader appearing on media news outlets across the world. As a veteran cyber security expert and thought leader, I hold a proven track record across multitude of industries (financial services, logistics, transportation, healthcare, government, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure).

I am a firm believer in delivering sustainable security that supports and protects business goals. Having worked within large and globally diverse organizations, I have extensive security experience that has been forged over the past two decades as an information security professional.

I'm also a 2x founder who has focused on providing unbiased actionable cyber security strategic guidance and advice to startups and small businesses across North America.

As the President at Vogel Coaching & Leadership Services, a Vancouver-based leadership advisory company specializing in cyber security, I host the Cyber Security Matters Podcast, a highly regarded podcast that explores the intersection between cyber security and business.

I'm also a self-professed positive troll and professional hype man and believes in the power of uplifting others through my high-energy coaching practice.

Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?

Nothing terribly unusual. I started my corporate career in cyber security thinking I would climb the corporate ladder. I never thought I would be an entrepreneur. But here I am 10 years into my entrepreneurial journey after burning out in corporate!

Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?

STEM related - my degree is in computer science.

Where did your professional journey start?

My professional journey started when someone took a chance on me and hired me as a junior cyber security analyst. He hired me because of my energy and passion. He took a chance on me when no one else would. That's why all these years later I do everything I can possibly do to get people their first gig in cyber security!

How did you get into tech and what motivated you?

When I was in high school, my dad who was a longtime computer science and physics high school teacher, brought home a huge stack of tech magazines.

While sifting through the pile, one magazine magically appeared.

Information Security, the title said. This was before the term "cyber security" became popular!

Having never heard the term I felt compelled to read it. After reading the magazine I was drawn to it because it was the perfect mix of technology, people, and risk.

After earning my computer science degree, I taught myself some cyber security basics, I was only able to break into the field when someone willingly took a chance on me. I am motivated by simply trying to do good in the world.

Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?

There's far too much gatekeeping happening in cyber security. We need to take a chance on new talent and diversify the workforce. We are going to solve the problem of cyber security only by inviting talent from non-technical backgrounds, different life experiences, genders, economic and geographic backgrounds etc.

"Take the time to develop your people skills! Tech skills will only take you so far. Learn how to be an empathetic communicator, learn how to be an active listener! People skills are the turbo fuel that will skyrocket your tech career!"

What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...

I wish I knew how to listen to the signs of burnout. Listen to your body, heart, and mind!

What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?

The power of investing in meaningful relationships! My career has blossomed more because of the relationships I foster more so than the new tech skills I learn.

What do you like / not like about working in tech?

I love the constant change. Always keeps me on my toes. Some days that constant change is what I don't like about tech!

"There's far too much gatekeeping happening in cyber security. We need to take a chance on new talent and diversify the workforce. We are going to solve the problem of cyber security only by inviting talent from non-technical backgrounds ..."

What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?

First day at my first job I got food poisoning and had to be driven home by a colleague hahaha.

And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?

Take the time to develop your people skills! Tech skills will only take you so far. Learn how to be an empathetic communicator, learn how to be an active listener! People skills are the turbo fuel that will skyrocket your tech career!