Empathy in Cyber with Nikki Meza

30/11/2025 1h 34min Episodio 8
Empathy in Cyber with Nikki Meza

Listen "Empathy in Cyber with Nikki Meza"

Episode Synopsis

Nikki Meza, a rising cybersecurity professional and senior at Hofstra University studying Information Systems, joins the show, bringing hands-on IT experience from SportsNet New York. Nikki shares her passion for the human side of cybersecurity, exploring how empathy and adaptability are reshaping digital ethics and security practices for the next generation.Connect with Nikki:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkimeza1025/ Have a Cup of Coffee with Us! SUBSCRIBE to the Cyber Coffee Hour wherever you get your podcasts!  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more: https://linktr.ee/CyberCoffeeHour   Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyberCoffeeHourSupport the Cyber Coffee Hour: Buy Us a Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/cybercoffeehourConnect with the Cyber Coffee Hour Team! Check out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CyberCoffeeHour  Alive Podcast Network: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/Your Hosts: Dr. Joseph J. Burt-Miller Jr.  Alfredzo B. Nash Jr.   Cyber Coffee Hour Podcast Alive Podcast Network Your Question for This Episode:What role do you think empathy and human behavior should play in shaping the future of cybersecurity? Let us know in the comments!Episode Timecodes:00:00 - Opening Monologue 03:09 - Meet Nikki Meza10:16 - The Human Element in Cybersecurity14:50 - Essential Skills for Cybersecurity21:29 - Real-World Experience vs. Academic Theory 29:15 - Building Trust Through Transparency in AI36:22 - Empathy and Adaptability in Technology Design41:16 - The Human Element in Cybersecurity48:15- Learning from Early Experiences with Technology57:04 - Time Management and Self-Awareness in Cybersecurity01:03:50 - Navigating Technical Development Plans01:04:41 - The Role of Coffee in Productivity 01:07:13 - The Connection Between Coffee and Personal Growth 01:10:15 - Superpowers in Cybersecurity 01:14:57 - Creativity in Technology and Personal Interests01:19:54 - Last Thoughts by Nikki01:21:54 - Outro About Cyber Coffee Hour:The Cyber Coffee Hour is hosted by Dr. Joseph J. Burt-Miller Jr. and Alfredzo B. Nash Jr. two cyber experts from Mount Vernon, NY, who share a passion for good coffee and insightful conversations. We believe the cybersecurity landscape needs to hear from voices at all stages of their journey. Our mission is to feature guests across the cybersecurity spectrum, with a particular focus on those navigating challenges such as gatekeeping, racism, and other biases in their path to cybersecurity. We uniquely spread the cybersecurity gospel by featuring guests with and without a cybersecurity background, always with cybersecurity as the common denominator.Disclaimer:The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed herein are solely those of the Cyber Coffee Hour and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or any personal or professional relationships.