284 - 3:9:26 - CJ Cox, COO @ Black Hills Information Security

284 - 3:9:26 - CJ Cox, COO @ Black Hills Information Security

From Colorado = Security Podcast by Alex Wood & Robb Reck

March 9, 2026 · 1h 28m

About this episode

CJ Cox discusses the human elements of cybersecurity and the importance of internal capability to learn and adapt.

Our featured guest this month is CJ Cox, COO of Black Hills Information Security, interviewed by Frank Victory. News from City of Denver, Block, Zvelo, Lares, FusionAuth, RADICL, Ping Identity, Red Canary and a lot more! We often talk about cybersecurity as a series of technical hurdles, but CJ frames it through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. At the bottom? Paying the mortgage and surviving the 4th-quarter burnout. At the top? Self-actualization. Doing great work with cool people. But here’s the kicker: CJ argues that real security doesn't come from the name on your badge or the company you work for. It comes from your internal capability to learn and adapt. We’re experimenting with a new, long-form format on the podcast to explore these "human" elements of the industry—the leadership, the culture, and the "why" behind the "how."Check out the full episode where we discuss: Why BHIS says "No" to multi-million dollar buyouts. The "Borg" effect of corporate acquisitions. Why building a SOC is a three-year slog, not an "easy button." Come join us on the Colorado = Security Slack channel to meet old and new friends. Sign up for our mailing list on the main site to receive weekly updates…

People in this episode

Hosts: Alex Wood, Robb Reck

Guest: CJ Cox

Topics covered

  • cybersecurity
  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
  • corporate culture
  • leadership
  • human elements in security

Keywords

  • cybersecurity
  • Maslow's Hierarchy
  • Black Hills Information Security
  • corporate acquisitions
  • SOC building

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Black Hills Information Security, City of Denver, Block, Zvelo, Lares, FusionAuth, RADICL, Ping Identity, Red Canary

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