Cybersecurity expert Esther George emphasizes that in the AI age, digital safety has shifted from a technical background task to a fundamental leadership and trust challenge where human-centric management and proactive digital hygiene are the best defenses against sophisticated threats like deepfakes and organized online crime

 

Overview Episode 130

In this episode #130 of the Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life podcast, Francine Beleyi sits down with Esther George, a global cybersecurity expert and former prosecutor. They dive deep into the fragile digital foundations we rely on today and explore why cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue—it is a leadership, trust, and societal issue.

Esther shares her fascinating journey from a child who dreamed of being an astronaut or archaeologist to a lawyer prosecuting cybercrime, all sparked by a love for the sci-fi show Babylon 5.

Together, Francine and Esther unpack the realities of the “AI age,” discussing everything from deepfakes and organised online crime to practical steps for personal digital hygiene.

Crucially, they discuss why technology alone isn’t the problem or the solution. Esther argues that “AI works fast, but only purpose makes us fulfilled,” emphasising that the best defence against cyber threats is a human-centric leadership style where employees feel safe enough to question suspicious instructions.

 

Highlights

  • The Evolution of Cybercrime: We have moved from “disorganised” individual hackers to “organised online crime” and “cybercrime-as-a-service,” where criminal tools are sold like legitimate products on the dark web.
  • The Zero Trust Mindset: Assume “everything and everybody is hackable.” The goal isn’t to be invincible, but to stop being the “low-hanging fruit” by adding layers of friction for criminals.
  • Deepfakes and CEO Fraud: AI can now mimic voices and faces in real-time. Esther discusses a case where a deepfake meeting led to a $25 million loss and explains why autocratic leadership makes organisations more vulnerable to these attacks.
  • Practical Security Tips:
    • VPNs: Keep your Virtual Private Network on all the time, especially when travelling or using hotel Wi-Fi.
    • Passwords: Use a password manager and random generators (12+ characters). Never reuse passwords across accounts.
    • Sponsored Links: Avoid clicking “sponsored” results in search engines; scroll down to the organic link to avoid malicious redirects.
  • AI as a Tool: AI is neutral, like money. It requires human oversight, integrity, and compassion to ensure it is used for good.

Watch episode 130 now.

 

For privacy reasons YouTube needs your permission to be loaded.

 

Subscribe to the Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life Podcast

 

Purpose Sprint of the Week

Take a moment to reflect on this episode and apply it to your life:

  • What is one decision in your organisation that should never rely on a single person.
  • What is one assumption you make because of authority, hierarchy, or seniority.
  • What is one human check you will now formalise — a pause, a verification, a question.
  • Count how many processes now require a second human confirmation. Not because you distrust people — but because you respect them.

 Related Resources

🎁Are you curious to discover how closely you’re living your purpose?

Take the free Ikigai Quiz and get a personalised roadmap to deepen flow, energy, and impact.  

Connect with the guest, Esther George

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host of the show

 

 

 

Help Me Share this Podcast with Many More People

Use one the buttons below to share with friends and colleagues.