Shawnee Delaney Speaking Topics

• Spy vs. AI: Defending Against Artificial Intelligence's Threats to Your Life, Loved Ones and Livelihood

  Have you heard of a deep fake? Would you or your family fall for one? Dive into the dynamic world of artificial intelligence and its intricate relationship with the insider threat landscape. As AI continues to reshape industries, it simultaneously introduces new dimensions of vulnerabilities within organizations that insiders can exploit. In this engaging and insightful keynote, we’ll explore the evolving threats of AI, from deepfakes to voice cloning, and how they can impact individuals, families, and businesses. With real-world examples and case studies, I’ll break down the tactics malicious actors use and, more importantly, provide practical tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these emerging dangers. By the end, you'll not only understand the risks but walk away empowered with actionable strategies to safeguard your digital lives in an increasingly AI-driven world.

• The Art of Espionage: Understanding the Fundamentals of Spycraft

  Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Doubtful you could be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries—revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Explore the intricate realms of industrial, corporate, and foreign espionage, as we dissect their motivations, the financial stakes involved, recruitment strategies, and provide vivid case studies of threat actors. Learn about the espionage toolkit, which blends traditional human intelligence methods with cutting-edge cyber security tactics. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether you're facing a human operative or a cyber threat.

• The Human Factor: A Spy’s Guide to Social Engineering and Insider Threats

  This presentation will provide an overview on what the term "insider threat" actually encompasses, from unintentional acts to malicious acts, and everything in between. It will provide details and case studies on malicious insider acts, psychological motivations of a malicious actor, and the Critical Pathway. The Critical Pathway, as identified by Shaw and Sellers, explains how personal predispositions, stressors, and concerning behaviors can lead up to Insider Threat-like behaviors and/or malicious acts. In addition, this presentation will discuss:

  • How the human factor impacts organizations
  • How your company's culture can affect insider threat
  • How both spies and social engineers work similarly to target you and your employees to gain access to your organization's most sensitive data
  • How one's personal motivations and vulnerabilities can leave their organization vulnerable
  • How organizations can establish an employment lifecycle program in order to understand important interdependencies, touch points, interactions, and gaps in insider protection strategies

• Clean Sweep: A Spy’s Guide to Cyber Hygiene and Digital Wellness

  In this engaging keynote, taught by a former spy who knows firsthand the tactics threat actors use—because she once used them—we'll explore the vital connection between personal health care and cyber hygiene. This isn’t your typical, boring talk on not reusing passwords. Instead, you'll get actionable, practical advice on how to protect yourself and your family from real-world digital threats. From understanding dangers like phishing and ransomware to adopting strong cyber hygiene practices, you’ll learn how to safeguard your digital life. With insights such as treating antivirus software like your immune system and using regular updates as digital vitamins, this talk equips you to maintain a secure, healthy online presence. By the end, you'll understand how to protect your digital well-being, just as you would your physical health—straight from someone who knows the tricks of the trade.

• Raising Digital Natives: Protecting Kids in a Hyper-Connected World

  Every tap, swipe, and click is shaping your child’s world—are you ready to protect them?

  Today’s kids aren’t just using technology—they’re growing up in it. From YouTube rabbit holes to online gaming and social media, the digital world is their playground, their classroom, and sometimes, their greatest risk. In this engaging, eye-opening keynote, we’ll uncover:

  • The real risks of online gaming (Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, Dune)—who’s really talking to your child?
  • How social media and YouTube affect developing brains (spoiler: it’s not all bad, but it’s not all good either)
  • Online predators, cyberbullying, and digital addiction—what every parent needs to know
  • Smart strategies to keep kids safe without extreme restrictions (yes, it’s possible!)

  This talk is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. You’ll walk away with practical tools, real-world examples, and expert insights to help your child thrive safely in a world where screens are unavoidable. Because in today’s digital age, parenting isn’t just about teaching kids to look both ways before crossing the street—it’s about teaching them to navigate the online world without getting lost in it.

• The Spy’s Guide to Sales: Espionage Tactics for Closing Deals & Gaining Intel

  What if Shawnee Delaney told you the best sales pros think like spies? The world’s top intelligence operatives master the art of targeting, trust-building, and persuasion—the same skills that separate an average salesperson from a highly effective closer. In this keynote, we’ll explore how espionage tradecraft can elevate your sales game, from gathering intel on your prospects to eliciting valuable insights without them even realizing it. You’ll leave with practical, spy-approved strategies to build deeper relationships, read people like a case officer, and outmaneuver the competition like an intelligence operative on a mission.

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