OneSharpSword

Quantum computing is closer than most people realize — and it may change cybersecurity, privacy, leadership, and digital trust forever. In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell speaks with technology strategist and post-quantum security expert Anna Murray about the rapidly approaching “Q-Day,” the future moment when quantum computers can break current encryption systems. Anna explains quantum computing in accessible language while exploring the real-world implications for business leaders, governments, organizations, and everyday people. Together, they discuss “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,” AI-driven vulnerabilities, decentralization, leadership under uncertainty, and why leaders don’t need to become technologists to ask better questions and make better decisions. If you’ve heard about quantum computing and wondered why it matters — this conversation is your starting point. Topics Covered Quantum computing explained simply Q-Day and the future of encryption AI + cybersecurity risks Leadership during technological disruption Data privacy and digital sovereignty Post-quantum readiness Organizational adaptation and decision-making GuestAnna MurrayCo-Founder, Six3ROAuthor of Quantum Computing 101Technology strategist, speaker, and systems thinker 🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FgEFrx0QiJ0 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWaynePernell#OneSharpSword #WaynePernell #AnnaMurray #QuantumComputing #Cybersecurity #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfTechnology #Innovation #TechnologyLeadership

In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with mission-driven tech founder Dekel Skoop, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who has built companies serving underserved markets—from web accessibility to cybersecurity. Dekel shares hard-earned leadership lessons on scaling organizations, hiring for adaptability and common sense, and why people always come before process and product. He also unpacks how real growth guarantees change—and why great leaders plan for it instead of resisting it. This is a grounded, practical conversation for founders, executives, and leaders navigating growth in fast-changing environments. Key Takeaways Why people—not products—are the foundation of scalable organizations How successful growth guarantees change (and why that’s a good thing) The leadership discipline of hiring people who are better than you How to assess adaptability, culture fit, and common sense when hiring Why small and midsize businesses are the backbone of the global economy How Guardz is simplifying cybersecurity for MSPs and SMBs  Connect with Dekel  ● LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dekel-skoop-469335118🎥 Watch the full episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/3bmEkAXph-g

In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Robert Beaven—human-centered culture architect and leadership coach—to explore why culture isn’t a side initiative, it is the strategy. Together, they unpack what it really takes to build trust and psychological safety in organizations, especially in a world shaped by rapid change, remote work, and increasing complexity. Robert shares hard-earned lessons from his journey through corporate leadership, consulting, and culture design—along with practical insights leaders can use immediately. This conversation dives into curiosity as the foundation of trust, the danger of perfectionism, the power of presence, and why great leaders don’t call people out—they call them in. Key Topics Discussed: Why culture is the primary driver of sustainable performance Psychological safety as a leadership responsibility Curiosity as the foundation of trust and belonging The myth of perfection and the cost of comparison Leadership presence: how you show up is the message Calling people in vs. calling people out Building trust through boundaries, grace, and consistency Supporting introverts and quieter voices on teams Why leaders must grow people—not just results Giving yourself (and others) grace in a polarized world This conversation dives into curiosity as the foundation of trust, the danger of perfectionism, the power of presence, and why great leaders don’t call people out—they call them in. Robert Beaven is a human-centered culture architect with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders design cultures where people thrive and performance follows. His work focuses on leadership alignment, psychological safety, trust, and courageous conversations. Connect with Robert:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertbeaven 🎥 Watch the full episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/nReCgtQtG3I

In this wide-ranging and deeply pragmatic conversation, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Mark Stouse—founder and CEO of Proof Causal AI—to explore what actually drives outcomes in business and life. Together, they unpack the critical difference between correlation and causation, why most patterns we notice don’t matter, and how leaders can reclaim agency in a world where 70–80% of factors are outside their control.Blending philosophy, math, leadership insight, and real-world examples, this episode challenges conventional thinking about truth, belief, intuition, and effectiveness—while offering leaders a radically practical way forward.  Key Topics & Insights • Causality vs. Correlation: Why understanding why things happen matters more than spotting patterns  • The 70–80% Reality: Most outcomes are shaped by factors outside your control—what matters is how you respond  • Three Universal Leadership Questions:     ∘ How do I get more of what matters?     ∘ How do I make it better?     ∘ How do I do it faster?  • Reality Over “Truth”: Why belief can shut down progress—and why reality is the true decision-maker  • Unlearning: Letting go of outdated knowledge as a leadership superpower  • Time Lag Effects: Why good decisions take time to show results—and bad ones don’t  • Efficiency vs. Effectiveness: Why cutting costs without direction misses the point  • Agency Without Illusion: Doing your best, acting with integrity, and releasing control of outcomes  • Intuition, Instinct, and GIGO: How flawed data sets lead to consistently bad decisions  • Radical Pragmatism: Making better decisions without over-philosophizing the processMark Stouse is the founder and CEO of Proof Causal AI, and one of today’s most thoughtful voices on causality, fiduciary risk, and executive accountability. Known for blending rigorous mathematics with radical pragmatism, Mark helps leaders make better, defensible decisions in complex, rapidly changing environments. He is also the author of an upcoming book on Unlearning.  🔗 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstouse/ 🎥 Watch now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gHnqzgQzEdk

Heather Mulligan joins Dr. Wayne Pernell for a rich, far-reaching conversation about leadership, public policy, global perspective, and shaping the economic future of New York State. As President and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, Heather has become one of the state’s most influential voices for business growth, workforce development, and smart economic policy. Drawing on a life that began in Tunisia, a fast-tracked academic journey, and a career spanning public defense, legislative work, and executive leadership, Heather offers deep insight into what it means to advocate, adapt, and lead boldly in today’s polarized climate. ✨ Key Topics & Insights • From Tunisia to New York: A Global Lens on Leadership Heather shares her early years as one of the first Peace Corps babies, her return to Tunisia as a teen, and how global exposure shaped her worldview and sense of fairness. • Accelerating Through Academics & Pivoting to Law A skipped grade, entrance into college at 16, the dream of becoming a veterinarian, and the unexpected events that led her toward political science, law school, and ultimately a career in advocacy. • Advocacy at the Core: From Public Defender to CEO Heather discusses her passion for being “the voice for the unpopular,” from defending clients who couldn’t afford representation to representing businesses statewide. • Business Climate Realities in New York State High taxes, regulatory pressures, the exodus of corporate headquarters, and what New York must do to stay competitive. Heather breaks down the economic ripple effects of policy decisions. • AI’s Transformational Impact on Workforce & Economy Heather and Dr. P explore AI not as a job-stealing villain, but as a necessary tool for productivity amid shrinking labor pools and demographic shifts. • Overcoming Partisanship & Embracing Context The danger of sound-bite culture, the importance of understanding “the rest of the story,” and how leaders must resist painting any group with a broad brush. • Leadership During Crisis: Inside the Pandemic Response Heather shares how her team became the information hub for businesses during COVID shutdowns — while managing burnout, remote-work disruption, and cultural shifts inside the organization. • The Power of Listening & Asking the Right Questions A deep dive into leadership essentials: creating psychological safety, seeking input, and giving people permission to disagree.🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_LfSgFxdLSU