Abstract
As quantum computing accelerates toward real-world impact, organizations must stop viewing post-quantum cryptography as a one-time technical upgrade. In this episode of Shielded: The Last Line of Cyber Defense, host Johannes Lintzen sits down with Yolanda Reid, former Associate Partner at IBM Consulting and U.S. Department of Defense leader, to explain why the PQC transition is fundamentally different from past events like Y2K. They discuss why treating PQC as a “fix-it-and-forget-it” migration is a dangerous misconception, and why organizations must instead prepare for an ongoing process of algorithm updates, policy changes, system redesigns, and cultural shifts. Yolanda shares lessons from government, financial services, and telecom industries, offering insights on how to build resilient teams, automate enforcement, and educate executives who still think “quantum doesn’t apply to us.” From crypto inventory planning to hybrid approaches and the rising convergence of AI and quantum, Yolanda delivers a clear and urgent call for awareness, preparation, and leadership. This is not just a technology problem; it’s a mindset shift. And the clock is already ticking.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why PQC is a long-term transformation, not a one-time upgrade
- The executive blind spot: why C-suites must care now
- How to identify and protect your “crown jewels”
- What crypto inventory is, and why you’ll need it forever
- Lessons from the finance sector, and why no two PQC journeys are alike
- Why “hybrid cryptography” is still debated and how to decide
- How AI and quantum are converging and why regulation must catch up
- Yolanda’s resilience framework: planning for risk, protecting what matters, and leading with clarity
Yolanda Reid is a cybersecurity leader with over two decades of experience spanning national defense, intelligence, and enterprise technology. As a former Associate Partner at IBM Consulting, her career includes leadership roles at Raytheon, BBN Technologies, EverWatch, and the U.S. Department of Defense, where she specialized in quantum cryptography, zero trust, and strategic risk mitigation. Respected for her ability to translate complex technical issues into clear, actionable strategies, Yolanda is a trusted advisor to federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and emerging tech teams navigating quantum readiness. She combines deep technical expertise with a human-first approach shaped by her journey as a cancer survivor and single mother.
Today, Yolanda champions proactive planning, executive education, and long-term resilience, helping organizations prepare for a future where cybersecurity is not just about encryption, but evolution.
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