Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Anderson.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For 21 years, I proudly served in the Navy as an intelligence officer, navigating the complexities of five war deployments, postings to the Pentagon in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, and three overseas postings. Each mission sharpened my strategic thinking and honed my leadership skills, but it was my time in Tampa with USSOCOM as an exercise planner that truly ignited my passion for operational excellence.
Transitioning to civilian life, I became a cybersecurity exercise planner at Chevron in Houston. Little did I know this would be the pivot point that propelled me into the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity. Eventually I returned to Tampa and became cybersecurity consultant for a major global consulting conglomerate.
Then, the unexpected struck. During the early months of the pandemic, I faced an unexpected layoff. Instead of allowing this setback to define me, I seized the opportunity to breathe new life into my father’s IT consultancy. With a vision to modernize and expand, I infused it with a robust cybersecurity consulting arm, transforming it into a dynamic player in Governance, Risk, Compliance and Training.
Simultaneously, I pursued my doctorate in business administration from the University of Florida’s Warrington School, a challenging yet rewarding journey that deepened my understanding of business strategy, innovation, and leadership. Today, I proudly lead a family business that empowers businesses, NGOs, and governments —large and small—to effectively strategize and fortify their cybersecurity efforts.
Through resilience and innovation, I’ve turned challenges into opportunities, crafting a legacy that honors my past while building a safer future for others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey was anything but smooth, marked by significant challenges that tested my resolve. The COVID-19 pandemic brought my career momentum to a screeching halt. An exciting job opportunity vanished overnight, and shortly after, I found myself laid off from my employer.
In a bold move to reclaim my trajectory, I acquired my father’s 20-year dormant company, determined to breathe new life into it. However, this leap came with its own set of hurdles. Attracting initial clients felt like an uphill battle, and I struggled to secure long-term projects, often juggling short-term gigs that left my family business on shaky ground. For months, I couldn’t even pay myself a wage, and each day felt like a test of my perseverance.
But then, in March 2021, everything shifted. I began to gain traction and landed several long-term clients. Although the road has continued to have its ups and downs, getting the company off the ground remains one of my greatest challenges—and triumphs. Each obstacle has only strengthened my commitment to this journey, fueling my passion for what I do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ITCI is a cutting-edge business consulting firm specializing in risk mitigation and cybersecurity, where we transform challenges into opportunities. We began our journey with Interactive Terminals, and then into exercise planning. Our expertise has since expanded into a wide array of vital services, including quantitative risk assessments, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), comprehensive documentation, and impactful training programs.
Our collaboration with innovative industry-leading accounting firms on cybersecurity audits has deepened our understanding of compliance across multiple frameworks, enabling us to tailor solutions that fit businesses, governments, and nonprofits’ unique needs. No matter the size or level, we are committed to empowering our clients to achieve their cybersecurity goals, equipping them with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape. At ITCI, we don’t just provide services; we forge partnerships for success.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is at the heart of what we do at ITCI, and it’s woven into our core offerings. We view calculated risk as a vital force that propels both cybersecurity and the broader enterprise landscape forward. It’s not just about mitigating threats; it’s about strategically embracing certain risks to unlock new opportunities.
At ITCI, we leverage cutting-edge tools and proven methodologies to help our clients visualize and quantify their risks in real-time. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s a living practice that transforms the way organizations defend themselves against common adversaries. More importantly, we empower our clients to deliberately take calculated risks that can give them a competitive edge. By understanding where to take bold steps, they can innovate and grow in ways that set them apart in their industries.
So, whether it’s helping clients reduce vulnerabilities or guiding them to seize opportunities through strategic risk-taking, we embody this philosophy in every aspect of our work. For us, risk isn’t just a challenge—it’s an invitation to excel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itci.pro
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interactive-terminal-consultants-inc
