Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith

Podcast: Bites & Bytes Podcast
Episode: Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith
Pub date: 2025-07-08

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What does it take to build a cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the systems that keep the lights on and food on our plates?

In this episode, host Kristin Demoranville is joined by Nathaniel Smith, Co-Founder and VP at SR2, a purpose-driven recruitment firm. Nathaniel, who specializes in hiring OT/ICS, brings over 14 years of recruiting experience and a refreshing dose of honesty to the challenges of hiring in critical infrastructure.

Together, they explore what makes a strong Operational Technology (OT) candidate, why culture fit matters as much as technical skills, and how broken hiring processes often keep the best people out. For sectors like food and agriculture, where operational technology is directly tied to safety, production, and public trust, getting the right people into the right roles isn’t just important. It’s essential.

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Show Notes:

Mike Holcomb’s Episode (here)

SEC Ruling on Disclosure of Cyber Incidents (here)

📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here.

📖 Kristin will also be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional existential crisis over on her personal Substack

🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to speak at your conference, corporate event, or workshop.

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Episode Key Highlights

00:04:50 – OT as Public Service
00:08:27 – Recruiter Perspective in OT
00:09:42 – What Makes a Good OT Hire
00:12:04 – Trust and Floor Experience
00:13:59 – OT vs. IT Culture
00:18:09 – The Talent Shortage Myth
00:20:18 – Broken Hiring Systems
00:22:50 – Job Descriptions That Miss the Mark
00:27:00 – Current OT Hiring Trends
00:29:30 – Who’s Hiring in OT
00:32:00 – Community in OT
00:33:00 – Why Specialized Recruiting Matters
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