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Steadfast Group's General Manager Dean Hislop on Decentralized Information Assets, Governance Mindset Within an Org, Azure, PII, and the Insurance Industry

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Q&A Interview: Steadfast Group’s General Manager Dean Hislop & CEEATTLE's Founder Cee Ng
Q&A Interview: Steadfast Group’s General Manager Dean Hislop & CEEATTLE's Founder Cee Ng
Jumping live with ⁠Dean Hislop⁠ of Steadfast Group Limited to have a candid conversation on decentralized information assets in the modern workforce, governance mindset within an organization, and how Azure, PII and the insurance industry works together from his unique global perspective. Dean brings over 20 years of IT expertise, having held roles such as General Manager, National Head of Technology, and Senior Systems Administrator. He’s led large teams and overseen 100+ large-scale infrastructure projects, combining leadership, strategy, and compliance with high-level technical skills in server and application virtualization, networking, storage, and cloud technologies.
In this article

In this conversation, Steadfast Group’s General Manager, Dean Hislop, joins Cee Ng to discuss his extensive IT career, transitioning from advertising to the insurance sector, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the critical role of cybersecurity, the evolving landscape of cyber threats, and the importance of executive accountability in data governance.

Dean shares insights into implementing security frameworks, navigating new regulations, and the necessity of educating employees about cybersecurity. The discussion highlights third-party risk management, the impact of AI on data governance, and the importance of collaboration between IT and business leaders.

The conversation concludes with a metaphorical ‘moat strategy’ for cybersecurity, likening businesses to castles that must defend against external threats while ensuring internal security.

Episode 9: Steadfast Group’s General Manager Dean Hislop on The CEEATTLE Podcast with Cee Ng

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Conversation with Cee:

  1. Decentralized Information Assets
  2. Governance Mindset Within an Org
  3. Azure, PII, and the Insurance Industry

Key Takeaways:

  • Dean has over 20 years of IT experience.
  • Transitioning from advertising to insurance presents unique challenges.
  • COVID-19 accelerated IT infrastructure changes.
  • Cybersecurity incidents in Australia have affected millions.
  • Directors are liable for data breaches in Australia.
  • The Essential Eight security framework is crucial for data protection.
  • Ownership of data governance is essential for executives.
  • The landscape of cyber threats is constantly evolving.
  • IT governance must balance innovation and security.
  • Collaboration between departments is key to effective IT management.
  • Insurance is critical for understanding where money is parked.
  • New compliance regulations are reshaping the insurance landscape.
  • Education is key to preparing employees for cybersecurity challenges.
  • Third-party risk management is akin to relationship management.
  • Governance needs to be made engaging to gain traction.
  • Data governance processes must be streamlined for efficiency.
  • Effective communication is essential for successful data governance.
  • The business must take ownership of data governance, not just IT.
  • AI introduces new complexities in data governance.
  • A moat strategy can help protect businesses from cyber threats.

Connect with Cee:

  1. Book a 15-minute business transformation consultation with Cee
  2. Watch the episodes on YouTube
  3. Watch the episodes on Spotify
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  5. The CEEATTLE Podcast Instagram
  6. Follow Cee on Instagram
  7. Sign up for Cee’s personal letter 
  8. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Greetings
  • 02:58 Dean Hislop's Career Journey in IT
  • 05:57 Transition from Advertising to Insurance IT
  • 08:58 Challenges Faced During COVID-19
  • 11:55 Implementing Security Frameworks and Governance
  • 15:08 The Importance of Cybersecurity in Australia
  • 17:59 The Role of Executives in Data Governance
  • 20:54 The Evolving Landscape of Cyber Threats
  • 24:06 Conclusion and Future Outlook
  • 28:12 The Importance of Insurance and Compliance
  • 30:47 The Role of Education in Cybersecurity
  • 32:29 Understanding Third-Party Risk Management
  • 34:12 Making Governance Engaging and Effective
  • 36:41 Streamlining Data Governance Processes
  • 39:31 Communication and Collaboration in Data Governance
  • 40:19 The Business Case for Data Governance
  • 42:43 The Human Element in Data Governance
  • 45:31 AI and the Future of Data Governance
  • 50:16 Empowering Employees in Data Governance
  • 55:11 The Moat Strategy in Cybersecurity

Featured Expert:

Credits

This episode is sponsored by CEEATTLE Fine Art (CFA), a premier art gallery that curates and sources original fine art for interior designers, architects, developers, and homeowners. CFA’s art consultants transform spaces into high-performing, luxury art experiences.

Discover and collect exclusive artwork from represented artists based in Seattle, San Francisco, Florida, Vancouver, and London. Each acquisition includes a Certificate of Authenticity with the original artwork.

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Cee Ng
Dean Hislop