Hello, I’m Jess, host of the "Meet Miss Jess" podcast! In this episode recorded on February 8, 2025, I had an incredibly authentic and unscripted conversation with the remarkable Dominic Vogel – a cybersecurity leader, dynamic coach, and an inspiring believer in the power of genuine friendship. Joined by our good friend Joshua T Berglan on the recording, our conversation effortlessly blended personal stories, industry insights, and visionary ideas about technology.
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Dominic shares his journey from climbing the corporate ladder in a high-pressure, toxic environment to embracing entrepreneurship and redefining his approach on LinkedIn. Instead of using the platform as a mere sales tool, he transformed it into a "friendship finder" – a shift that rekindled his professional passion and enriched his personal life with genuine connections.
He explains, "Amazing things that my mind can't even conceive, magic that I can't even think about, always ends up manifesting simply because I'm just trying to lead with friendship and giving friendship."
Cybersecurity: A Human-Centered Challenge
Dominic’s experience in cybersecurity spans over two decades. From managing high-stakes security issues in large organizations to advising small and mid-sized companies, he emphasizes that cybersecurity isn’t merely a technical challenge – it’s a risk management issue with deep human implications. In our discussion, he highlights that:
- Cyber crime is on the rise: Even small organizations are prime targets.
- Basic protections matter: Implementing multi-factor authentication can be a game changer.
- Humanizing security: By communicating in everyday language and fostering genuine relationships, security becomes accessible and less intimidating.
Innovative Visions: VR and the Future of Empathy
Our conversation took a creative turn when we explored the potential of virtual reality. Dominic envisions two transformative VR experiences:
- A simulation that places business leaders in the middle of a data breach – so they can truly grasp the chaos and consequences of cyber attacks.
- An immersive coaching tool for technical professionals to step away from jargon and experience firsthand the benefits of empathy and clear communication.
These ideas aren’t just about technology; they’re about using innovation to foster understanding and drive meaningful change.
Beyond Cybersecurity: Friendship, Coaching & Superpowers
Throughout our chat, Dominic’s passion for building genuine relationships shone through. He recalls the moment he first connected with me on LinkedIn – instantly recognizing a kindred spirit. We discussed how authentic conversations, built on mutual respect and positivity, can lead to groundbreaking ideas.
When asked about his ideal superpower, Dominic humorously shared that he’d choose the ability to magnify kindness – a power that would help spread goodwill everywhere. It’s this unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt authenticity that makes him such an inspiring leader.
Key Takeaways
- Friendship First: Transform your professional network by prioritizing genuine relationships over transactions.
- Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Business: Whether you’re a small startup or a large organization, basic security measures like multi-factor authentication are essential.
- Empathy in Technology: Innovative tools like VR can bridge the gap between technical complexities and human understanding.
- Be Authentic: Real, unscripted conversations can unlock insights that drive personal and professional growth.
P.S. I’m already planning a follow-up episode with Dominic to dive into the challenges of parenting and work-life balance – stay tuned!
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on a transcript of the "Meet Miss Jess" podcast and may contain minor errors or omissions.
