In this episode of the Brews and Business Podcast, Cody Rojas, the owner and CEO of T-town Tech, discusses the importance of cybersecurity for businesses. They explore the vulnerabilities that every business must address in our increasingly digital world. The conversation covers topics such as the different aspects of IT, the need for advanced security solutions, the challenges faced by small businesses in implementing cybersecurity measures, and the potential legal consequences of data breaches. The hosts also discuss their charity event, Andowiski, which raises funds for Soldiers Wish. The conversation covered various topics including vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of cybersecurity. The hosts discussed their experiences with vulnerability in their businesses and the benefits of being open and honest with their teams. They also touched on the role of authenticity in building relationships and connecting with others. The conversation then shifted to the challenges of organizing events and the need for clear communication and expectations. Finally, they emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and the need for businesses to protect themselves and their customers.


Takeaways:

• Cybersecurity is essential for every modern business, regardless of size.
• Consumer-grade security solutions are not sufficient for business needs.
• Small businesses often overlook cybersecurity due to perceived cost, but the consequences of a data breach can be far more expensive.
• The IT space is relationship-based, and trust is crucial when discussing vulnerabilities and implementing security measures.
• Charity events like Andowiski can bring together businesses and individuals to support a worthy cause. Vulnerability and authenticity are key to building trust and fostering open communication in business.
• Being open and honest with your team can create a sense of competence and encourage them to take initiative.
• Clear communication and setting expectations are crucial when organizing events to ensure a positive experience for attendees.
• Cybersecurity is essential for businesses to protect themselves and their customers from potential threats.
• Maintaining authenticity and continuously learning and growing can help you become more authentically yourself.

Sound Bites:

• "Whenever it comes to security specifically, which is our bread and butter, it's kind of multi-layered support, right?"
• "A big philosophy for me starting my company was to make cybersecurity approachable because I find that a lot of companies that are like 15 minus in terms of employee count, tend to look at cybersecurity as a huge expense that they can't overcome."
• "The United States is really behind the EU in terms of laws around data privacy. But we're catching up and within the next few years, it's gonna be on the business owner to protect their clients' data legally to a much higher degree with much higher fines than we have currently."
• "Great leaders show vulnerability by admitting when they don't have all the answers or when they've made mistakes."
• "Being vulnerable with your team can give them a sense of competence and encourage them to take initiative."
• "Building authentic connections with others is more effective than trying to sell yourself or your business."

Chapters:
00:00Introduction and Background
07:22The Importance of Cybersecurity
16:55Challenges Faced by Small Businesses
19:46Data Privacy and Legal Consequences
27:53Supporting Soldiers Wish Through Andowiski
32:15Vulnerability and Authenticity in Business
43:30Building Authentic Connections
49:24The Importance of Cybersecurity
56:29Becoming More Authentically Yourself