🔑 Unlock the conversation on cybersecurity 🔓
Are you in need of a professional speaker who can get people excited about cybersecurity? Well, you’ve found him.
I’m known for engaging audiences ranging from youth through to academics and business leaders. Below are sample topics I’ve spoken to — ranging from cybersecurity, emergency planning, and crisis response. I also keep a running list of upcoming and past events.
If you’re interested in having me speak to these topics, or explore a customized presentation, let’s get in touch.
Client Testimonials
“Brennen brings a unique blend of expertise, passion and advocacy for cybersecurity — he’s also a skilled communicator who can take a complex topic into something that gets people involved in a broader conversation on living safer and healthier lives online.”
Hon. Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services, Government of Alberta
“Brennen graciously offered to collaborate with us to speak at our Cybersecurity event. During our preparation for the event, his ideas and enthusiasm helped to set the tone for our panel. He offered a unique perspective to our third panel, The Role of the Board and Governance Professional in Managing Cyber Risk. His insights were timely and relevant to our audience. It was a pleasure to work with him, and we hope to collaborate again in the future.”
Governance Professionals of Canada
“Brennen took the time to speak at our ARMA Saskatchewan Conference and led a panel discussion on cybersecurity. It was fantastic! In addition to being very knowledgeable on the subject, he is a very energetic and engaging speaker. He kept the audience interested and wanting to hear more. We would engage him again without any hesitation.”
Sandra Bates, ARMA Saskatchewan
Speaker Reel
Short Bio
Brennen Schmidt is a leading expert in cybersecurity, emergency planning, and crisis response. As an award-winning management consultant and co-author of Cyber City Safe: Emergency Planning Beyond the Maginot Line, he has a knack for bridging the gap between business and technology.
Brennen’s rich consulting background and reputation for thought leadership make him a sought after contributor on Canadian media including Global News, CTV News, and CBC. With a talent for simplifying complex issues, he effortlessly engages audiences, delivering insights that stick.
Presentation Topics
Unlocking the AI Advantage
In an era dominated by technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of innovation, shaping industries and transforming the way we work. But how well do we truly understand AI and its implications?
From its application in ChatGPT, AI continues to influence our everyday work. It’s a disruptive force which continues shaping the way we make critical decisions.
In this talk, Brennen will demystify AI and explore its potential impact on decision making. Audiences will explore:
- How AI shapes the way we can make critical decisions
- Explore various case studies showing the risks and benefits of AI
- Predictions on the knowledge and tools teams can use to their advantage
Walk away with a clearer understanding of AI’s intricacies and a newfound ability to integrate it seamlessly into your everyday work. Armed with this knowledge, you will be empowered to make informed decisions and drive positive change within your organization.
Securing Our Digital Future
Technology has revolutionized the way we work and communicate. But it hasn’t come without issues and risks, including the spread misinformation and disinformation.
How will deepfake videos impact the way we consume information? What does the future of official news sources look like when powered by artificial intelligence?
In this talk, Brennen will explore the risks of today’s current technology landscape, along with their implications. Audiences will explore:
- Examples of case studies
- Predictions on the future of emerging technologies
- Key questions to ask our business and government leaders
Building on his book Cyber City Safe: Emergency Planning Beyond the Maginot Line, Brennen will channel your creative imagination to help envision a safer, smarter, and healthier future.
Sparking Interest in the Ones and Zeros
We claim to be living in the “sharing economy.” But it seems very little meaningful information is being shared about technology within organizations.
Why is it that we pay more attention to the ones and zeros in budgeted line items? How is it that technologies usually bubble up to the surface only when there is a cost?
In this talk, Brennen will explore some of the measures your team can put in place to help shed a spotlight on cybersecurity. Audiences will explore:
- A selection of case studies
- Stories from the field
- Actionable next steps to complete in the next 30 days
Discover how you can work across and between teams to help develop a durable and lasting competitive advantage enabled by and with the support of cybersecurity.
So many leaders are scrambling to get a proverbial “seat at the table,” whether it’s in the boardroom or corner office.
Leveraging the #CyberCoffeeChat
Why is it we have come to think that we need an official invitation at a table to engage with senior leadership? What if there was a way to engage in a meaningful conversation based on genuine interest and collaboration, rather than an attempt to influence?
In this talk, Brennen will share strategies to play a more active role within your organization to facilitate the orchestration of people, process, and technology. You will learn how to:
- Use a cup of coffee as a catalyst for collaboration
- Communicate messages which resonate with leadership
- Formulate actionable next steps to help empower others to advocate cybersecurity
Learn how a simple cup of coffee has the capability to transform your organization’s culture into a environment which embraces agility, efficiency, and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! I’ve spoken to a broad range of topics ranging from crisis communications and response, through to the risk and benefits of technology. You may find value reviewing my list of my previous talks.
My professional experience includes working in collaboration with team members representing health and human services, energy and resources, higher education, building and trades, and justice and corrections.
I’m as formal or informal as you require. I have experience presenting to audiences ranging from youth, through to senior executives and academics. I’ll work with you to develop messaging that sticks.
My clients bring me in to deliver engaging presentations either in-person, or remotely. I’m happy to work with you to find the best fit for your special event.
I’ve been called to present with a wide range of notice, ranging from one week through to three months. I prefer getting as much lead time as possible, so that I can help you make the most of your event.
What Audiences Have Said…
“Brennen, please consider this my public thank you for helping make MapleSEC a success. I got rave reviews of the panel and you were a big part of that! I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Jim Love, CIO, IT World Canada
“Normally cyber security and risk are thought of as technical or dry topics, but Brennen’s discussion ensured the audience was engaged and at the right level.”
Information Services Department, University of Regina
“Brennen brings enthusiasm, great content, and a strong visual presentation. I would happily have Brennen return to speak at future ISACA Regina events!”
Roberta Perrault, President, ISACA Regina Chapter