Rich Bates shares a candid look at his 30+ year journey into cybersecurity, from early computing days to leading GRC programs and now building his own advisory practice focused on helping organizations tackle CMMC and compliance challenges. Along the way, he breaks down why these frameworks matter, the real risks businesses face if they ignore them, and how to approach security in a practical, business-focused way.

Listeners will get valuable insights into navigating regulatory complexity, making smart risk decisions, and what it really takes to succeed as a cybersecurity leader or consultant. Whether you're a business owner facing CMMC requirements or a security professional looking to sharpen your approach, this episode offers real-world perspective without the fluff