Building Strong Foundations in the Cyber Age

What if your biggest cybersecurity crisis could become your company’s greatest growth opportunity? In this episode, Bradley Thies CEO and founder of BARR Advisory, shares how his unexpected shift from accounting to cybersecurity shaped his view of security as a strategic investment. From Equifax’s high-profile breach to small business vulnerabilities, Bradley unpacks how transparency, education, and culture shifts can turn risk into resilience. This conversation goes beyond damage control—it's about redefining legacy through leadership in moments of pressure. In our conversation, Bradley also unveils the blueprint for startups aiming to partner with Fortune 500 companies, navigating the tightrope of immediate needs and long-term success. Learn how the "double vision" approach has enabled budding companies to grow into industry leaders, fortified by robust cybersecurity measures and unwavering accountability. Discover the nuances of buyer psychology and the importance of a client-focused approach in building lasting trust. Drawing parallels with a mechanic's meticulous care, Bradley highlights phased planning and the Dunbar effect's role in scaling relationships as businesses expand. This episode promises to equip you with strategies to not just survive but thrive in the competitive landscape of modern business. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:13 - Bradley Thies' Career Shift from Accounting to Cybersecurity 00:02:45 - The Transformative Internship Experience 00:04:10 - Framing Cybersecurity as a Strategic Investment in Risk Management 00:05:55 - Education and Transparency in Cybersecurity 00:07:20 - Case Study: Equifax Breach and Cultural Transformation 00:09:15 - Importance of Strong Security Culture in Organizations 00:10:45 - Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in Large Organizations 00:13:06 - Working with Startups to Secure Fortune 500 Deals 00:14:45 - The Concept of "Double Vision" in Startup Growth 00:16:00 - Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Goals 00:17:20 - Understanding Buyer Psychology and Building Trust 00:18:50 - The Mechanic Analogy: Phased Planning and Relationship Building 00:20:15 - Dunbar Effect and Managing Relationships in Growing Businesses 00:21:45 - Excitement for the Future and Company Growth Strategy 00:23:30 - The Legacy of Barr Advisory and Personal Reflections 00:25:00 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information About Barr Advisory   Episode Resources: Find out what Bradley ans his team is up to here: https://www.barradvisory.com/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.