Accomplishments

-James is disrupting traditional cyber training: James founded Immersive to fundamentally transform the way cyber resilience training is delivered. James realized that classroom-based learning doesn’t work or keep pace, he set out to create dynamic, real-life cyber simulations and labs that allow learners - including those from non-traditional backgrounds - to enter the industry. In 2024, he helped to launch Immersive’s Cyber Drills Roadshow to put participants’ knowledge, skills, and judgment to the test against simulated attacks by focusing on outcomes, not activities. He’s brought this vision to life with Cyber Million, a White House-recognized program that aims to solve the cybersecurity talent deficit by increasing access to one million entry-level jobs over the next decade.
-James creates widely-recognized programs and platforms: The Cyber Million program (mentioned above) was recognized by the White House within its larger National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy for Cyber Talent. As a result, James was invited to speak on an NSTAC panel at the White House in August. This program and its novel approach to talent recruitment have gained the support of recent partners.
-James is a forward-looking leader, paving a new path toward cyber readiness: While the industry has primarily focused on outdated cyber training and traditional hiring practices that prioritize certifications and role-based hiring, which leaves organizations more vulnerable. Instead, organizations should focus on realistic cyber drills and exercises to benchmark the workforce’s cyber skills across all roles and provide vital knowledge, skills and judgment to stop threats. James’ novel approach is the foundation of Immersives’ innovative Cyber Workforce Resilience platform, which allows organizations to continually assess, build, and prove the capabilities of their cybersecurity teams so they can prevent and respond to the latest threats.