Cybersecurity Series E23: Building Cyber Resilience in the AI Era with Grant Thornton Ireland's Howard Shortt

Today's guest is Simon Collins, Managing Director, Head of Security & Resilience (CISO) at Allianz Global Investors. Founded in 1998, Allianz Global Investors is a leading active investment manager. As part of the Allianz Group,  the firm provides investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset and private markets for institutional and retail clients worldwide. Through research-driven strategies, a commitment to sustainability and global expertise, they helps clients achieve their long-term investment objectives.Simon is an experienced cybersecurity and operational resilience leader with more than 25 years in IT, specializing in information security, cybercrime investigation, fraud prevention, and cyber resilience. He has worked with organizations, boards and regulators to strengthen security frameworks and drive industry standards. Passionate about collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Simon regularly engages with cross-industry groups and conferences to promote best practices in cybersecurity and resilience.In the episode, Simon discusses:His journey from IT support to cybersecurity resilience leadershipBridging technical cybersecurity risks with clear business storytellingWhy AI cyber threats demand adaptation, not panic or restartHow AI accelerates vulnerability exploitation, increasing cyberattack speed and scaleA demand for faster patching and stronger cyber hygiene in the AI eraHow AI adoption is accelerating a real-time cyber arms raceWhy AI resilience risks are overlooked amid rapid adoption pressureThe need to reshape resilient teams with AI literacy and gradual adoption

Today's guest is Howard Shortt, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland. Founded in 1924, Grant Thornton Ireland is a leading professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to businesses. Combining global reach with local expertise, it helps clients navigate complex financial, regulatory and strategic challenges. Its teams work across a wide range of industries, delivering practical insights and solutions that support growth, improve performance and strengthen governance.Howard is an experienced business leader specialising in cybersecurity, governance and cyber threat risk management. He applies leading practices in security operations, forensic investigation and team leadership to address incident response, critical infrastructure protection, threat mitigation and regulatory compliance. Howard also delivers cyber security advisory services across multiple countries and sectors, and is a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable insight.In the episode, Howard discusses:His journey from retail jobs to cybersecurity and digital forensics expertHow a childhood curiosity sparked lifelong passion for cybersecurity and forensicsShaping a lifelong consulting career with a customer-focused mindsetHow AI is accelerating cyber threats and strengthening defences simultaneouslyWhy Irish businesses remain underprepared for evolving AI-driven cyber threatsCyber resilience requires leadership preparation, communication and realistic exercisesCybersecurity demands constant learning, adaptation and mastering fundamentalsHis advice to start with cybersecurity fundamentals and build knowledge step by stepTo find out more about all the great work happening at Grant Thornton Ireland, check out the website www.grantthornton.ie

Today's guest is Kedar Mate, Founder and CMO at Qualified Health. Founded in 2023, Qualified Health AI is a healthcare-native enterprise AI platform helping health systems deploy, govern and scale artificial intelligence safely across clinical, operational and financial workflows. The company provides the infrastructure, governance and expertise needed to turn AI pilots into enterprise-wide transformation, delivering measurable outcomes while maintaining compliance, trust and patient-centered care.Kedar is a recognized leader in healthcare quality, patient safety and health system transformation. He previously served as President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and is currently a Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and a Senior Scholar at Stanford University. His career spans healthcare delivery, global public health and policy, including leadership roles with Partners In Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital and the World Health Organization.In the episode, Kedar discusses:0:00 His journey from driven by inequity to founding Qualified Health 4:57 An insight into the company’s expert, multidisciplinary team8:33 Building an AI platform to solve healthcare adoption barriers with data, apps and governance13:05 How AI deployment improved workflows, revenue and saves heart patients17:17 Data and governance is key to successful healthcare AI adoption19:58 Why AI healthcare needs cross-disciplinary talent through fast-paced, mission-driven work23:56 How Qualified Health’s culture is shaped by leaders’ actions, not words

Today's guest is Chandra Sekhar Chappa, Global Head, Co-Innovation - ServiceNow at Google Cloud. Founded in 2016, Google Cloud is Google’s enterprise cloud computing platform, providing organizations with scalable infrastructure, data analytics, AI, machine learning, security and application development services. Google Cloud helps businesses modernize operations, accelerate innovation, and securely build, deploy and manage applications and data at scale across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.Chandra is a technology leader with over 16 years of experience across product management, cloud operations, IT service management, infrastructure, and governance, risk and compliance. He specializes in ServiceNow, hyperscaler partnerships, cloud marketplace integrations, and enterprise service management. Chandra has led large-scale technology initiatives that have generated significant revenue growth and cost savings, while helping more than 1,100 enterprise customers improve cloud governance and operational efficiency.In the episode, Chandra talks about:0:00 His journey from IT tutor to leader in ServiceNow innovation at Google2:08 The importance of mentors in his career and giving back4:31 How the Google Cloud - ServiceNow integration/partnership combines AI with workflow transformation5:26 Enabling enterprise-scale workflows, execution and governance8:01 How their AI control tower provides full agent visibility and governance10:26 How the Google Cloud - ServiceNow integration/partnership enables real-time data and AI-driven CRM gains13:29 His advice to leverage AI ecosystems, avoid POCs and build faster15:51 The need to use trusted partners, align leadership and balance decision-making17:58 How mentorship, self-belief and persistence through uncertainty leads growthTo find out more about all the great work happening at Google Cloud, check out the website cloud.google.com

Today's guest is Verena Liebhart, Partner Manager, EMEA Central at ServiceNow. Founded in 2003, ServiceNow is a leading enterprise cloud platform that helps organizations automate and streamline digital workflows across IT, HR, customer service and operations. It enables businesses to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and enhance employee and customer experiences. ServiceNow supports large enterprises in modernizing operations and scaling digital innovation across the organization.Verena is a Partner Manager at ServiceNow, leading strategic alliances across EMEA Central with Infosys. She drives joint go-to-market execution, pipeline growth and revenue across AI, CRM and workflow transformation. With a background in customer success supporting large DACH enterprises, she brings a strong value-realization mindset focused on measurable impact. With over 10 years of international experience, Verena builds high-performing partnerships grounded in trust, accountability and shared growth.In the episode, Verena discusses 0:00 Her Travel-driven career building perspective, growth and global mindset4:41 Building meaningful connections through genuine interest and effort7:11 Advice to understand promotion systems, build relationships and actively own your career10:37 Why confidence and authenticity make gender a strength, not a limitation12:47 Valuing curiosity, questioning norms and seeking the right fit drive growth17:29 Focus on growth, building foundations and future opportunities

Today's guest is Puneet Kukreja, Partner at EY, Resilient Nation Leader & Head of Cyber. EY Ireland is a leading professional services firm providing assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions services to organisations. EY helps businesses navigate transformation, manage risk and drive long-term value through innovation, technology and industry expertise. Guided by its purpose of “building a better working world”, EY supports clients across sectors including financial services, healthcare, government and technology.Puneet works at the intersection of cyber security, AI trust, operational resilience and critical infrastructure, advising boards, governments and regulated sectors on building resilient systems for an AI-driven world. With global leadership experience across healthcare, financial services and the public sector, Puneet focuses on engineering resilience into critical systems from the outset. He is the creator of the EY Cyber Leaders Index and a recognised thought leader on cyber resilience, AI governance and digital trust.In the episode, Puneet talks about:0:00 Why compounding global challenges demand confident, future-focused action2:46 As AI drives unprecedented change, organizations should adapt confidently4:00 Resilience must be engineered into core infrastructure investment6:12 How resilience must evolve beyond plans to real-world testing9:34 Why boards need crisis training and define minimum viable operations13:37 The need to focus on disruption, data risk, hygiene and preparedness16:18 How Mythos exposes technical debt, demanding urgent zero-day readiness

Today's guest is Lesley Whelan, Head of Risk and Compliance at HCS. Founded in 1994, HCS is one of Ireland’s leading managed IT services and cybersecurity providers, supporting organizations with digital transformation, cloud solutions, AI technologies and IT infrastructure. With offices across Ireland and a highly accredited team, HCS combines deep technical expertise with a customer-first approach, helping businesses strengthen security, improve operations and drive sustainable growth through innovative technology solutions.Lesley specializes in operational resilience, information security, governance and regulatory compliance across shared services, IT, managed services and cyber environments. Lesley supports organizations in strengthening governance frameworks, improving operational processes, and implementing standards such as ISO 27001 and ISO 20000. Her approach focuses on practical, outcome-driven solutions that enhance compliance, reduce risk and improve service quality across day-to-day operations.In the episode, Lesley talks about:0:00 Her career journey from IT engineering to cyber leadership3:01 Focus on cyber leadership, governance and management systems4:08 Emphasizing leadership’s role in embedding culture and security4:56 How ISO 27001 provides governance, accountability and decision clarity5:58 The need for pragmatic governance, decision-making and balanced AI adoption7:48 HCS as a managed IT partner offering cyber and advisory services9:11 Why investment in cyber requires practical testing, not just documentation11:14 Using LinkedIn, peers, events and courses to manage constant industry change12:30 Advice to embrace opportunities, stay open and learn from experienceTo find out more about all the great work happening at HCS, check out the website www.hcs.ie

Today's guest is Michael Sutherland, Manager of Applications for ServiceNow at Franciscan Health. Founded in 1875, Franciscan Health is a leading Catholic healthcare system dedicated to compassionate, patient-centred care. Serving communities across the Midwest through hospitals, clinics and specialist services, they combine clinical excellence with a commitment to dignity, stewardship and service. Guided by Franciscan values, they care for the whole person - mind, body and spirit - while supporting healthier communities.Michael is a technology and transformation leader focused on driving growth through ServiceNow, intelligent automation and AI-enabled solutions. He has led global teams, managed multimillion-dollar platforms, and delivered enterprise automation strategies with measurable impact, including $4.5M+ annual ROI and 95% automation of regulatory processes. Michael partners with executives and operational leaders to align technology with business strategy, streamline operations and lead high-performing teams through complex change.In the episode, Michael talks about:0:00 His journey from finance to automation, ServiceNow, management, strategy and business value3:14 An overview of his role managing extensive ServiceNow across departments5:11 Overseeing ServiceNow architecture, governance and development6:30 Replacing custom major incident processes with out-of-the-box ServiceNow functionality8:29 His excitement about leveraging AI in ServiceNow for automated fulfilment11:10 Planning AI-driven automation to auto-detect and repair medical devices13:38 Drive measurable outcomes, link team work to value and celebrate success16:17 Planning modest internal team growth, relying on expert partners for projects

Today's guest is Charlton Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at FLORA. Founded in 2024, FLORA is an applied AI company building a unified creative platform for professionals. It brings together over 50 leading text, image and video AI models into a single “infinite canvas,” allowing teams to ideate, iterate and produce creative work within one seamless workflow.Designed for designers, agencies and content teams, FLORA combines generative AI with collaborative tools and scalable workflows, enabling users to rapidly explore ideas, maintain consistent output, and automate complex creative processes. At its core, FLORA aims to redefine how creative work is done - transforming fragmented AI tools into an integrated environment that enhances human creativity and accelerates production from concept to final output.In the episode, Charlton talks about:His journey from aspiring actor to building AI tools for creativesFLORA as an AI creative canvas turning ideas into production-ready outputsThe need to differentiate beyond easily copied features in a crowded AI spaceHow FLORA stands out with intuitive canvas and AI-driven creative workflowsAdopting AI agents reshapes workflows, emphasizing structure and iterationHiring values AI use skills and fundamental understandingTheir fun, high-autonomy team focused on impactful AI creativityTo find out more about all the great work happening at FLORA, check out the website www.flora.ai

Today's guest is Stéphanie Paul, ServiceNow Consultant at Thales. Founded in 2000, Thales Group is a French multinational technology company that specializes in aerospace, defence, cybersecurity and digital identity solutions, serving governments, critical infrastructure operators and industrial clients worldwide. Thales designs and delivers advanced systems in areas such as avionics, radar, communications, space and secure information systems, with a strong focus on innovation and mission-critical technologies.For over 10 years, Stéphanie has led IT Service Management (ITSM) transformations at scale within complex international organizations. Stéphanie helps enterprises evolve ServiceNow from a ticketing platform into a true governance and operating model enabler. Stéphanie operates at the intersection of strategy and delivery: designing target operating models, building robust ITSM governance frameworks, structuring CMDB/CSDM architecture and driving adoption across large, distributed environments.In the episode, Stéphanie discusses:0:00 Her journey to becoming a people-first ITSM leader driving standardised ServiceNow transformation2:51 How excessive customization harms scalability, upgrades and long-term support4:16 Overcoming change resistance, balancing priorities and avoiding over customization6:52 Being people and culture-focused and building governance for lasting impact10:08 Encouraging women in IT, including to learn, certify, build confidence and network12:25 ITSM will evolve as foundational platform and strong data enables AI integration15:35 Plans to strengthen ITSM foundation, deepen AI expertise and improve customer impactTo find out more about all the great work happening at Thales, check out the website www.thalesgroup.com