The Identity Jedi Show: Where Identity Meets Strategy

In this holiday-themed episode of The Identity Jedi Show, we delve into major developments in the identity security industry. Host David kicks things off with holiday greetings before diving into significant recent events, including a whopping $700 million series B funding, a billion-dollar acquisition, and an $11 billion buyout. He also emphasizes the importance of staying plugged into The Identity Jedi community. Later, David introduces special guest Lee Header for a no-holds-barred interview about the state of the identity and access management industry—discussing the persistent challenges and necessary improvements. David and Lee cover everything from the 'enterprise SSO tax' to the gaps in standards adoption, and the role of AI in the future of identity security. Don't miss this insightful and honest discussion, plus tips on how the industry can better serve both security experts and end-users. Stay tuned and let's make the most of this festive season!https://saviynt.com/press-release/saviynt-raises-700m-in-kkr-led-round-to-establish-identity-security-as-the-foundation-for-the-ai-erahttps://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-12-08-ibm-to-acquire-confluent-to-create-smart-data-platform-for-enterprise-generative-aihttps://veza.com/company/press-room/servicenow-to-expand-security-portfolio-with-acquisition-of-vezas-leading-ai-native-identity-security-platform/00:00 Holiday Greetings and Show Introduction00:24 Upcoming Topics Teaser01:55 Housekeeping and Announcements02:53 Big News in Identity Security06:37 IBM's Strategic Acquisition11:40 Interview with Lee Tschetetter14:37 Enterprise SSO Tax Discussion37:20 Exploring the Higher Ed Ecosystem38:26 The Role of Grad Students in Higher Ed Projects39:00 Shared Signals Framework and Its Importance39:38 Challenges in Information Sharing40:56 The Need for Human-Friendly Standards42:15 The Complexity of Security Standards49:58 Real-World Examples of Security Mishaps55:25 The Importance of User-Friendly Security01:09:47 The Future of Identity and Security01:11:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, David interviews Joe Palmer, Chief Innovation Officer, to discuss his journey from a developer to his current role. The conversation delves into the evolution of identity verification technology, the impact of digital transformation, and the importance of identity security in the modern era. Joe shares insights on the challenges and advancements in the identity verification industry, emphasizing the significance of detecting live identities amidst increasing digital threats. The interview also touches on the future of identity verification, including the proliferation of AI and digital identities, and what lies ahead for iPro's innovations. To wrap up, Joe discusses his personal interests and the joy of balancing work with family life.Linkshttps://www.iproov.com/https://www.theidentityjedi.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:03 Joe Palmer's Journey: From Developer to Chief Innovation Officer07:43 The Evolution of Identity and Security18:43 Challenges and Innovations in Identity Verification29:22 Entrepreneurship and Industry Insights30:40 Future of Digital Identity and AI44:47 Exciting Developments at IProov49:21 Personal Insights and Conclusion

Identity is the heart of cybersecurity.In this episode of The Identity Jedi Show, we sit down with Dutch — former senior advisor at Raytheon and AWS, now VP of Cloud Services — and Joe Palmer, Chief Innovation Officer at iProov, to unpack how identity and security are converging faster than ever.Together, we explore:🔹 Why identity is the new security perimeter🔹 How biometrics and AI are reshaping trust in digital ecosystems🔹 The challenges of vendor consolidation and what it means for enterprise defenders🔹 How leaders can build resilient, identity-first security strategiesWhether you’re an Identity Architect, Security Engineer, or CISO, this roundtable delivers real-world insights from experts shaping the future of identity-driven cybersecurity.💬 Question for You: How do you see AI and biometrics changing your approach to identity security in the next 2 years? Drop your thoughts below 👇🏾🔔 Subscribe to The Identity Jedi Show — where we talk about the future of identity, security, and everything in between.Check out our episode sponsorhttps://www.iproov.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:34 Round Table Guest Introductions01:57 The Importance of Identity in Security05:57 Challenges in Identity Verification08:19 The Rise of Biometric Solutions19:28 Account Recovery and Social Engineering21:38 Industry Trends and Consolidation27:07 Problem-Solving and Empowerment in Security28:07 Technological Advancements and Deep Fakes28:59 The Evolution of Cloud Computing and Security32:00 Identity Verification and Digital IDs38:32 Balancing Security Platforms and Vendor Management44:07 The Importance of Identity in Security49:42 Final Thoughts and Parting Shots

Welcome back to the Identity Jedi Show! In this episode, host David Identity Jedi sits down with Rich Rhodes, Chief Information Security Officer at Choice Bank, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership, team building, and the evolving world of identity security.Episode Highlights:Rich’s journey from small-town Minnesota to the CISO seatThe evolution of identity management to identity securityWhy people and process matter more than technology in cybersecurityBuilding and leading high-performing, people-first teamsLessons learned from mergers, acquisitions, and industry consolidationThe importance of empathy, mentorship, and authentic leadershipNavigating the challenges of cloud computing and disaster recoveryIndustry trends: platform consolidation, subscription models, and the rise of new playersSpotlight: Yes ID — an Okta alternative for small businessesQuick-fire questions: best advice, favorite food spots, and travel dreamsKey Takeaways:Leadership is about empowering others, not just holding a title.The biggest challenges in identity security are still about people and process, not just technology.Team success comes from trust, clear expectations, and genuine care for each member.The industry is changing fast, but the fundamentals of good leadership remain the same.Featured Guest:Rich Rhodes — CISO at Choice Bank, with decades of experience in IT, security, and team leadership.Resources & Mentions:YeshID (Okta alternative for small businesses)Identity Jedi newsletter and blogLeovici gear (discount code: IdentityJedi)Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Identity Jedi newsletter at theidentityjedi.comSend your questions for the upcoming mailbag episode: identityjedi@gmail.comFollow us on Spotify, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platformsThank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe. Be good to each other, be kind to each, love each other, and we’ll see you next time on the Identity Jedi Show.

In this episode of the Identity Jedi Show, the host welcomes Jim DeSantis for an engaging interview. They discuss their unique paths in the identity field, share experiences with Active Directory, and explore the rapid development of AI technologies. The episode highlights the challenges and misconceptions around AI implementation in enterprises, the permanence of Active Directory in certain sectors, and the complexities of data management. Additionally, the host outlines recent major acquisitions in the identity space and speculates on the future of identity management as vendors strive for platform consolidation. The episode concludes with a reflection on the inevitable disruption AI will bring to various industries and the evolving role of service companies.https://www.theidentityjedi.comhttps://leovici.com/?ref=identityjedi00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:02 Insert Intro Video/Music01:37 Housekeeping and Announcements04:11 Interview with Jim DeSantis06:19 Identity Management Challenges15:02 AI in Identity and Data Management29:44 Exploring AI Tools and Their Impact30:22 The Magic and Reality of Technology31:27 The Future of Software Development34:01 Challenges in Cybersecurity and SOC Integration35:13 The Cycles of Tech Platforms and Best Practices44:56 The Longevity of Active Directory51:43 The Year of Acquisitions in Identity56:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

In this special sponsored episode of the Identity Jedi Show Podcast, host David discusses the intersection of AI and identity with Granville, the Chief Architect at Strata.io. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI within enterprises, focusing on securing and auditing AI interactions and identity delegation. The conversation covers Strata's innovative solutions like MCP Bridge and their approach to enabling businesses to integrate AI while maintaining high levels of security and compliance. Granville shares his background in startups and security, and both he and David reflect on the evolution of AI and identity management. David also shares some of his personal thoughts and experiences, emphasizing the importance of intent-based access and future-proof identity orchestration.www.strata.iowww.theidentityjedi.com00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:34 Welcome to the Identity Jedi Show00:42 Sponsorship and Show Details01:25 Engagement and Audience Interaction02:13 Introduction to the Sponsored Interview02:34 Meet Grandville, Chief Architect at Strata04:02 Grandville's Professional Journey04:39 Personal Interests and Hobbies07:27 Ohio State Football Fandom11:05 The Importance of Technical Background in Product Management13:47 Challenges in Security and Identity Management16:11 The Role of AI in Modern Enterprises25:29 Human-in-the-Loop Approval Systems28:35 The Excitement and Challenges of AI Development30:46 Complexity of AI Agent Interactions32:59 Authentication and Authorization Challenges34:35 Intent-Based Access: A New Paradigm39:13 Product Development Insights46:55 MCP Bridge and Enterprise Integration58:13 Future of AI and Identity01:02:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for a special episode of the Identity Jedi Show! After a short break, we're back with insightful conversations featuring our friends and identity experts Jen Cox and Aubrey Turner. In this episode, we discuss the journey of becoming friends through the identity field, share surprising anecdotes and challenges we've faced in our careers, explore exciting moments in identity, and examine the future role of AI in the industry. Tune in for some fun and candid chats, and stay until the end for updates on our upcoming live event in Austin! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us. #IdentityJediShow #IdentityManagement #AIInSecurity #Podcast00:00 Welcome Back to the Identity Jedi Show 00:46 Upcoming Podcast Highlights and Special Guests 02:22 Meet the Guests: Jen Cox and Aubrey Turner 03:22 Home Renovation and Chat GPT 12:08 Surprising Customer Stories in Identity 17:11 Challenges in Modernizing Legacy Systems 24:32 Empathy in Identity Management 25:34 Favorite Moments in Identity 26:32 Community and Continuous Learning 28:47 Client Engagement and Success Stories 30:41 Funny Stories from the Field 34:31 Excitement and Concerns About AI 40:53 Future Plans and Live Events 42:15 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

In this solo episode, host David Lee delves into the complex world of identity and access management (IAM) and the impending challenges as AI becomes more integrated into business operations. David discusses alarming statistics on identity-related cyber attacks, the evolution from perimeter defense to identity-focused security, and how AI is revolutionizing access management. He offers actionable insights on governance audits, behavioral analytics, and the critical need for AI governance policies. Whether you're a CISO, developer, or business leader, this episode is a must-watch for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving IAM landscape. Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe for more in-depth analyses every Tuesday.00:00 Introduction and Shocking Statistics00:59 Podcast Housekeeping and Announcements03:00 The Current State of Identity and Access Management06:36 Challenges in Traditional Security Approaches14:33 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Identity Management19:41 Implementing Zero Trust and Future Trends23:45 Market Growth and Compliance25:00 AI Revolution and Identity25:28 AI as the New Interface30:21 AI Agents and Identity Management Challenges34:38 Governance and Policy Recommendations39:48 Future of AI in Identity Management43:00 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionKey References and SourcesMarket ResearchPrecedence Research - Global IAM market: $23B (2025) to $66B (2034), 12.4% CAGR https://www.precedenceresearch.com/identity-and-access-management-marketFuture Market Insights - IAM projected $17B (2025) to $73B (2035), MFA adoption up 50% https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/identity-and-access-management-marketVeritis - 78% had identity breaches, 30% use passkeys, 3:1 machine-to-human identities by 2025 https://www.veritis.com/blog/identity-and-access-management-trends/ Security ResearchSHI Resource Hub - 93% faced 2+ identity breaches, 84% had business impact https://blog.shi.com/cybersecurity/how-to-build-an-effective-iam-program-in-2025s-hybrid-landscape/Palo Alto Unit 42 - 5x increase in cloud security alerts in 2024 https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-cloud-security-alert-trends/Avatier - Employees manage 191 passwords, 51% reuse work/personal passwords https://www.avatier.com/blog/biometrics-ai-the-future/ Standards & AnalysisCloud Security Alliance - AI/Zero Trust integration, Shadow Access risks https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/blog/2025/02/27/how-is-ai-strengthening-zero-trustTechTarget- 70% vendor consolidation, post-quantum crypto prep https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Identity-and-access-management-trends-to-watchTrustBuilder - NIS2 requirements, FIDO2 standards, expert insights https://www.trustbuilder.com/en/identity-access-management-trends-innovations/ Recent BreachesBrightDefense - Oracle Cloud (140K+ tenants), PowerSchool (62M students) https://www.brightdefense.com/resources/recent-data-breaches/Tech.co- Yale Health (5.6M patients), Blue Shield (4.7M patients) https://tech.co/news/data-breaches-updated-list Additional SourcesForrester - 8 key IAM trends including deepfake detection https://www.forrester.com/report/the-top-trends-shaping-identity-and-access-management-in-2025/RES182132The Hacker News - Zero Trust evolution, AI implementation https://thehackernews.com/2025/07/assessing-role-of-ai-in-zero-trust.html

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Identity Jedi Show podcast! This time, David Lee is joined by Abhay the founder and CEO of Widefield Security, to delve into the evolving landscape of identity in tech and AI. Together, they discuss the critical role of identity in AI, the necessity of continuous identity monitoring, and the innovative possibilities for identity security posture management. Tune in as they explore the intersection of identity, data classification, and session management in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Plus, don't miss updates on live shows, the upcoming mailbag episode, and much more. Join us for an insightful conversation you won't want to miss!00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates00:46 Season Highlights and Upcoming Plans00:57 Mailbag and Live Show Announcements01:31 Newsletter and Mastery Program02:24 Interview Theme and Industry Insights04:46 Sponsor Shoutout and Interview Teaser05:25 Interview with Abhay: Identity Security13:51 AI and Identity Security Challenges21:09 Governance and Threat Detection in AI25:10 Understanding Threat Actors and Session Behavior26:20 The Importance of Session Control in Identity Management28:23 Challenges and Innovations in Identity Platforms30:19 The Future of Identity and AI Integration32:07 Industry Insights and Personal Reflections34:07 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events38:39 Identity Security Posture Management39:46 Data Classification and AI Challenges44:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Identity Jedi Show, we are joined once again by the incredible Ian Glazer. A recurring guest on the show, Ian shares his rich experiences and insights from the identity landscape. We relive some memorable moments, including how a dry joke about commas at a Gartner conference sparked a long-standing friendship. Ian recounts his journey over the past two years, transitioning from Salesforce to founding his own advisory firm, and eventually joining Signal for an exciting venture on the vendor side. We delve into the evolving identity landscape, the importance of community, and the growth mindset that defines our industry. Ian also introduces us to the concept of the Open IAM Data Schema (OS), which could revolutionize how we handle identity data. We explore the potential of AI in transforming identity management and discuss the broader implications of rapidly advancing technology. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about the future of identity and how we can navigate this exciting yet challenging landscape together.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Ian Glazer's Impact and Early Career02:18 Casual Catch-Up and Personal Updates05:19 Ian's Move to Signal and Career Reflections10:56 The Identity Industry and Community Insights14:14 Future of Identity and Industry Changes23:15 Modern Identity Management Principles24:16 The Boiling Pot: Rapid Changes in Technology24:56 Waking Up in a Voltron: New Tools and Reach26:52 Business Resiliency and Security29:35 The Role of Identity Practitioners32:21 AI's Impact on Business and Society41:41 The Future of Identity Data Management48:50 Open IAM Data Schema: A New Standard51:05 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Identity Jedi Show, we dive deep into the world of identity standards. Join us for a compelling discussion as our host is joined by Dean Saxe, Paul Lanzi, and Mike Kiser—three industry experts with a wealth of experience in identity and security standards. They cover the importance of standards in ensuring interoperability and security within the industry, the challenges of adoption, and share fascinating insights from their extensive careers. Plus, don’t miss out on our interesting segment about the future of AI in identity security. Like and subscribe for more! #IdentityJediShow #IdentityStandards #AI #Cybersecurity00:00 Inspiring Opening Monologue00:34 Introduction to the Identity Jedi Show01:04 Exploring Identity Standards01:33 Engage with the Identity Jedi Community02:27 AI in Identity Security04:30 Auth0's Gen AI Overview05:16 Deep Dive into Auth0's Gen AI Features06:46 Setting Up AI Authorization Flows12:31 Interview with Identity Standards Experts32:35 Divergence in Identity Solutions33:17 Consolidation and Standards in Identity34:54 Challenges in Identity Convergence35:46 The Role of Standards in Identity40:48 Passkey Ecosystem and User Experience45:03 Adoption and Implementation of Standards01:00:52 Real-World Experience and Standards Development01:05:34 Final Thoughts on Standards

Join us on this week's episode of the Identity Jedi podcast as we welcome Brent Hamilton, who shares his incredible journey to becoming a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Host David Lee and our guest have an engaging conversation about the path to the coveted C-suite position, the importance of integrating security into business, and the future potential of the Chief Identity Officer role. Discover valuable insights and passion from Brent's story. Don't forget to rate and subscribe on your favorite platform, especially on Spotify where we aim to finish in the top 10 video podcasts again this year. Stay tuned till the end for motivational advice on finding passion in your work and making the most out of your time.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:31 Welcome to the Identity Jedi Podcast01:00 Housekeeping and Listener Engagement01:47 Discussion on Chief Identity Officer03:47 Interview with Brent Hamilton29:13 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Join us for a special episode of the Identity Jedi Show live from Las Vegas, where we kick off our leadership series. Host David and a panel of esteemed guests dive into the complexities of leadership, including the importance of relationships, empathy, and authenticity. They also candidly explore the additional challenges faced by minorities and women in leadership positions, emphasizing the need for transparency, trust, and mentorship. Real stories, honest conversations, and invaluable lessons await. Don't miss this insightful discussion!00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:39 Welcome to the Identity Jedi Show00:51 Leadership Series Kickoff03:05 Panelist Introductions06:46 First Leadership Experiences25:08 Empathy in Leadership29:12 Changing Dynamics in Workplace Relationships30:37 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership31:10 The Timeless Wisdom of Dale Carnegie31:43 Audience Insights on Leadership33:54 The Role of Honesty and Trust in Leadership36:24 Transparency vs. Honesty in Leadership41:17 Challenges of Minority and Female Leaders53:59 Mentorship and Representation in Leadership55:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

On this episode of The Identity Jedi Show, host David welcomes Mohit—security and privacy expert, professor, and startup founder—for a conversation inspired by the theme of “Making an Impact,” a lesson Mohit learned during his teaching days at UT Austin.Together, they explore:How to build secure, privacy-first systems in a rapidly evolving tech landscapeThe critical connection between identity and data in modern securityThe real-world challenges of SaaS, AI, and cloud adoptionThe future of small language models and customer data ownershipActionable insights for identity practitioners, CISOs, and tech leadersIf you’re passionate about security, identity, and the future of data, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and forward-thinking ideas.

In this special live edition from Las Vegas, we sit down with Steven Washington, Head of Identity at Cargill, to discuss his 25-year journey in identity management. Steven shares insights on the challenges of app onboarding, the importance of understanding risk appetites, and the evolving demands in IAM, including the emphasis on user experience. Tune in to learn about his unique approach to creating a comprehensive identity program and the importance of adaptability and leadership in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:30 Special Guest Introduction: Steven Washington01:14 Steven's Journey in Identity03:04 Building the Perfect Identity Program07:26 The Importance of User Experience in Security11:38 Challenges in Identity Management12:14 Advice for New Leaders in Identity14:32 The Role of KPIs and Risk Management19:13 Leadership and Mentorship in Identity22:09 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Identity Jedi Show, the host welcomes Ashish Haw to discuss current hot topics in identity management. Ashish shares insights into his company's data-centric approach to solving identity issues, particularly emphasizing the importance of contextual data and AI models. The conversation covers the integration of human and non-human identities, the emergence of agentic AI, and the need for identity platforms to become more user-friendly and intelligent. Other key points include the consolidation of identity tools, the evolution of enterprise security expectations, and the necessity for agile, context-based security solutions. The discussion concludes with predictions for the future of identity management, focusing on the rise of agentic AI and the transformation of identity platforms over the next few years. LinksNewsletter → www.theidentityjedi.comLeovici → https://leovici.goaffpro.com/shop/identityjediCouponCode = IDENTITYJEDIIdentity Royale → https://saviynt.com/events/identiverse2025-identity-jedi-vip

Welcome to episode 2 of season 3 of the Identity Jedi Show! In this jam-packed episode, we dive into the complex world of authorization. Our special guest, David Broussard, CTO of Axiomatic, joins us to talk about different aspects of authorization including PDPs, PPPs, token-based access control, and the challenges of externalizing authorization. We also explore the future of identity and authorization frameworks, the role of shared signals, and how companies should balance responsibilities between vendors and customers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion!Blog by Nishant Kaushik → https://blog.talkingidentity.com/2025/05/the-innovation-we-need-is-strategic-not-technical.htmlOpen Letter by Patrick Opet ( CISO JPMorgan Chase) → https://www.jpmorgan.com/technology/technology-blog/open-letter-to-our-suppliersIDJ Newsletter → https://www.theidentityjedi.comCheck out some of my favorite Leovici Items!Leovici Identity Jedi → https://leovici.goaffpro.com/shop/identityjedi00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:15 Housekeeping and Platform Announcements02:01 Deep Dive into Authorization07:25 Interview with David Broussard14:07 Developer Insights and Authorization Models23:06 CISO Perspective on Authorization26:22 The Threat to Smaller Vendors27:20 Introduction to Shared Signals Framework28:36 Real-Time Authorization and Risk Management33:52 The Importance of User Experience in Enterprise Apps40:40 Future of Authorization and Developer Experience41:48 Magic Wand for Authorization Market43:46 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Welcome back, Identity Jedi Family! We're kicking off Season 3 with a brand new setup, fresh format, and some heavy-hitting guests lined up just for you! 🎉 Whether you've been with us since the beginning or you're tuning in for the first time, we want to say THANK YOU! 🙏 In this premiere episode, we walk you through all the exciting updates in the Identity Jedi Universe, including our revamped website, new newsletter features, and premium content offerings. Plus, we've got two brand new premium memberships – Identity Jedi Premium and the IAM Mastery membership, packed with tons of exclusive content and virtual workshops. 💥 We also dive into one of the hottest topics in identity right now: AI and its impact on digital identity and fraud. Joining us is our special guest, Jordan Burris, an expert in digital risk and fraud, to discuss the advancements in AI, machine learning, and how they're reshaping the landscape of identity verification. We're tackling everything from the rise of deepfakes to the future of identity security. 🚀 And that's not all – we've also got a brand new partnership with Leo Vici, premium athletic wear that bridges the gap between the gym and the boardroom. As a brand ambassador, we're offering an exclusive 15% discount with the code 'Identity Jedi.' 👕👖 So, buckle up for an exhilarating season full of insightful interviews, fresh segments, and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever-evolving identity industry. Don't miss out – subscribe, like, and comment to stay in the loop! 🎬📩🌟 #IdentityJediPodcast #Season3 #DigitalIdentity #AI #FraudPrevention #Technology #PodcastLeovici Store → https://leovici.com/?ref=identityjediCouponCode: IDENTITYJEDINewsletter → www.theidentityjedi.comIdentity Jedi University → https://www.iamdavidlee.com/store00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back00:50 New Season, New Format01:16 Exploring the Identity Jedi Universe02:00 Website and Premium Features04:06 Podcast Updates and New Segments05:01 Identity Jedi University05:33 Brand Partnership Announcement07:09 New Job and Its Impact08:58 Special Guest: Jordan Burris10:20 Interview: Digital Risk and Fraud23:20 The Angel Security Problem23:54 Evolution of UEBA to ITDR24:39 Identity Verification Challenges27:03 Digital Identity and DeepFakes30:13 Robotic Process Automation and AI31:30 Future of Identity Management40:53 Conclusion and Industry Predictions

Unlocking the VC Mindset with Menlo Ventures' Rama: Navigating the Identity Market Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Identity Jedi show! 🎙️ Today, we have a special guest, Rama from Menlo Ventures, who shares deep insights into the world of venture capital. Discover what it takes to secure VC funding, the importance of team and market fit, and how the cybersecurity landscape is evolving. Tune in to hear about the unique challenges and opportunities in identity management, and the shifting dynamics between VC and PE investments. Don't miss this engaging conversation full of actionable takeaways for founders and tech enthusiasts alike! 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:51 Special Guest Introduction 03:37 Rama's Background and Journey 05:15 The Role of Sales Engineers 09:00 Investment Strategies and Market Trends 17:22 Private Equity vs. Venture Capital 26:09 Investment Decisions in Cybersecurity 27:06 Evaluating Teams and Market Potential 28:20 Emerging Markets and Investment Strategies 30:47 Challenges in the Current Market 36:31 The Role of Venture Capitalists 37:38 Day in the Life of a VC 46:09 Building Successful Companies 49:49 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Welcome to the Identity Jedi Show! In this captivating episode, hosts David and Sameer engage with industry leaders to explore the multi-faceted world of identity and access management (IAM). Special guests include Mohan Gajula from Duck Creek Technologies and delve into the transformative trends and strategies in identity management. From Okta's expansion into IGA and PAM to decade-spanning career lessons, our guests share their journeys and critical insights on selecting the right IAM solutions, overcoming directory infrastructure challenges, and maximizing business efficiency through well-implemented IAM strategies. We also discuss practical advice for new managers, upcoming events like Identiverse, and the importance of community engagement. Whether you're new or seasoned in the IAM space, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable advice. Don't miss out on this deep dive into identity, security, and the passion that drives the industry forward! Like, rate, and subscribe to the Identity Jedi Show for more insightful episodes. Newsletter: www.theidentityjedi.com Identity Jedi University: https://www.iamdavidlee.com/identity-jedi-mastery-program 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:46 Guest Introduction and Background 05:03 Discussion on Identity and Access Management 07:16 Product Selection and Implementation 14:49 Challenges and Successes in IAM 19:18 Learning from Mistakes 19:49 The IAM Directory Disaster 21:45 The Importance of Identity in Business 23:11 Justifying Business Value 25:08 Phase One Implementation 33:36 Advice for New Identity Managers 35:10 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts