An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
Leadership, to me, is the ability to inspire action through service, clarity, and purpose. It’s about creating a vision that others can believe in and then doing the hard work to bring that vision to life, not just for yourself, but with and through others.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Folajimi Isaac Fapohunda
Folajimi Isaac Fapohunda, CISA, CDPSE, is tackling one of America’s critical challenges: the escalating cost and impact of cyberattacks on the financial sector. With over six years of expertise in information security, he specializes in mitigating risks that threaten consumer trust and the economic stability of businesses.
By leveraging industry-leading frameworks like NIST SP 800–53 and GDPR, Folajimi designs and implements robust controls to protect sensitive data and prevent costly breaches. His expertise in secure cloud infrastructure and AI-driven security solutions helps organizations stay ahead of emerging threats, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Through his work, Folajimi is reducing vulnerabilities in the financial system, safeguarding consumer confidence, and driving meaningful progress toward a more secure and resilient digital economy.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into Information Security didn’t begin with code. It began with people.
Growing up, I saw firsthand how communities could be lifted or limited by access to information, resources, and protection. As technology advanced, I noticed something troubling: while big corporations fortified their digital walls, everyday citizens, the small business owners, the nonprofits, the elderly, the underserved were left wide open to threats they didn’t even know existed. That disparity lit a fire in me.
I spent years sharpening my skills in the financial sector, working with large corporations, leading security audits, managing third-party risks, and building frameworks that kept billions of dollars and sensitive data secure. But the more experience I gained, the more I realized that true impact wasn’t just about protecting companies, it was about protecting people.
Cybersecurity must be accessible, affordable, and understandable for the people who need it most, not just the ones who can afford it. The citizens who are the heartbeat of our communities. To me, cybersecurity is more than a service. It’s a duty to protect hope, progress, and trust. That’s why I’m here. That’s why this career path isn’t just something I do it’s something I live for.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started out in information security consulting, I made a classic mistake one rooted in good intentions but poor assumptions. Early in my career, I was brought in to assess the security posture of a small nonprofit. I approached it like I would a large financial institution with a rigorous framework, formal controls, and in-depth documentation. I walked in with an enterprise mindset, armed with all the acronyms: NIST, ISO, SOC. But I didn’t meet the organization where they were. Their systems were outdated, their staff wore five hats each, and cybersecurity was more of a “nice to have” than a line item on the budget.
They appreciated the effort, but they were overwhelmed. I could see it in their eyes. That hit me.
I realized then that technical expertise is useless if it isn’t translated with empathy. My mistake wasn’t in the assessment, it was in the delivery, in assuming that one-size-fits-all. I had to reframe everything: simplify the language, focus on achievable wins, and build trust before diving deep.
That early misstep taught me that cybersecurity is as much about communication and connection as it is about technical controls. And that’s a lesson I carry with me in every client relationship to this day.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Social impact is at the very core of my endeavors. After years of working in high-level cybersecurity roles, I saw a pattern: while large corporations were investing heavily in cyber defense, millions of small businesses, nonprofits, and everyday citizens were left dangerously exposed. They weren’t lacking motivation — they were lacking access: to resources, expertise, and tailored support. I am making a significant social impact by working on closing the cybersecurity equity gap. Information Security services should be affordable, scalable, and approachable for underserved communities — from the nonprofit food pantry that handles sensitive donor information, to the local clinic navigating HIPAA compliance on a budget.
My impact goes deeper than just technology:
· I educate elderly populations to protect them from phishing scams and online fraud, which is an increasingly overlooked issue.
· I partner with schools and community organizations to host free workshops on digital safety and privacy.
· We offer pro bono consulting to mission-driven organizations that are doing good, but lack the funds to secure their systems.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
A few years ago, I was contacted about an incident experienced by a non-profit that run programs in a low-income neighborhood. They had just received a suspicious email claiming to be from a grant provider. It looked official. It used their exact program name. Without thinking, one of the staff members clicked the link, entered credentials, and unknowingly opened the door to a phishing attack that compromised donor data, student information, and internal documents. They were devastated. Not only because of the breach, but because they feared it would damage the trust, they had spent years building with the families they served. Their entire mission keeping kids safe and supported now felt vulnerable.
When they reached out to me, they weren’t asking for high-level frameworks or buzzwords. They just needed someone to understand to help them fix it and help make sure it never happened again.
I walked them through the recovery, helped secure their systems, trained their team in basic cybersecurity hygiene, and implemented affordable, sustainable solutions tailored to their workflow. I ensured not to overwhelm them they were empowered. A few weeks later, the director told me: “We didn’t just recover our data. We regained our confidence.” That moment hit me deeply. Because yes, I work in information security. But really, I work in protection of people, missions, and peace of mind. And in that moment, I saw how a few simple tools, combined with the right approach, could prevent a crisis and restore trust.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Yes. Information security isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a community responsibility. While professionals like me are committed to bridge the digital security gap, we can’t do it alone. There are keys to a broader society, especially our communities, and policymakers can help address the root causes of cyber vulnerability among underserved populations:
1. Expand Funding for Cybersecurity Education in Underserved Areas
Many nonprofits, small businesses, and public-serving institutions like schools or clinics can’t afford cybersecurity training or infrastructure, even though they handle highly sensitive data. Local and federal governments can help by offering grants or tax incentives specifically for cybersecurity tools, training, and awareness campaigns in low-income or at-risk communities. It’s not just financial support; it’s an investment in digital resilience.
2. Make Cybersecurity a Core Part of Public Education
Today’s curriculum teaches students how to use the internet, but rarely how to protect themselves from it. Integrating basic cybersecurity and digital hygiene into school curriculums, especially in public and charter schools, could create an entire generation that is more aware, safer, and better equipped to navigate the digital world. Cyber literacy should be seen as fundamental as reading or math today.
3. Create Community-Based Tech Hubs with Free Access to Digital Support
Many seniors, and low-income individuals lack access not just to technology, but to trusted guidance. Politicians and local leaders can support the creation of community tech hubs safe spaces where citizens can get help with cybersecurity basics, report suspicious activities, and learn how to protect themselves online. This could be done through libraries, recreation centers, or mobile units in underserved areas.
If we can come together across sectors such as tech, policy, and community we can make cybersecurity accessible, equitable, and empowering for all.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership, to me, is the ability to inspire action through service, clarity, and purpose. It’s about creating a vision that others can believe in and then doing the hard work to bring that vision to life, not just for yourself, but with and through others. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the most consistent one who shows up, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. A leader is someone who listens, adapts, and never forgets who they’re leading or why.
One example that defines my approach to leadership happened during a project I led. While onboarding a vendor, and midway through the process, I uncovered critical security risks that could have derailed the entire timeline. Pressure was high everyone wanted speed, the vendor was eager to sign the contract, and the easy path was to move forward and “deal with it later.”
Instead, I made the call to slow things down, escalate the concerns, and build a secure framework from the ground up even though it delayed the launch. I brought the team together, realigned our goals, and made sure every stakeholder understood the long-term importance of getting it right, not just getting it done.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. Start small but think big.
The Lesson: You don’t need to launch with perfection, you need to launch with intention.
The Story: When I first started consulting, I was overwhelmed with the desire to offer everything every framework, every tool, every type of service. But in trying to be everything to everyone, I diluted the focus. It wasn’t until I narrowed in on small businesses and nonprofits and focused on their real, unmet needs that the business began to grow. Starting small allowed me to build trust, master delivery, and scale with purpose.
2. Your technical expertise is only half the job the other half is communication.
The Lesson: If you can’t explain it simply, it won’t matter how brilliant your solution is.
The Story: Early on, I walked into a meeting with a client and gave them a full breakdown of security controls, compliance gaps, and system weaknesses. I used all the right terms NIST, SOC 2, and encryption protocols. Their faces were blank. I had lost them. That day, I realized I needed to become fluent in translation to speak tech and human. Now, my greatest asset isn’t just knowing how to secure systems — it’s knowing how to make people feel secure in understanding them.
3. Serving a niche is not limiting it’s liberating.
The Lesson: Focusing on a specific audience builds stronger trust, deeper impact, and faster growth.
The Story: At first, I hesitated to focus my efforts on “underserved communities” I thought it
would limit me. But the opposite happened. By making my mission crystal clear, I attracted the exact audience who aligned with my values and who spread the word because they felt seen and supported. Our niche became our superpower.
4. Progress beats perfection, every single time.
The Lesson: Waiting until everything is “ready” often means never starting at all.
The Story: When I was developing my first security awareness training materials, I spent weeks obsessing over fonts, formatting, and whether the video editing was polished enough. Meanwhile, my client was waiting for help, and a phishing scam had just hit their team. I realized that done and helpful today beats perfect and late tomorrow. Now, I prioritize speed and substance and refine as we go.
5. Build your business like a movement, not just a service.
The Lesson: People don’t just buy what you do — they buy why you do it.
The Story: I’ll never forget a community leader who told me, “We chose you because you didn’t make us feel small you made us feel safe.” That was when I understood this wasn’t just a business. It was a mission. When you build something that stands for more than profit — something that fights for equity, protection, and empowerment people rally behind it. They don’t just become clients. They become champions.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be called “Cybersafe Communities” a nationwide initiative to make cybersecurity education, tools, and protection accessible to every household, nonprofit, and small business, no matter their zip code or income level.
We live in a time where a single click can destroy a life’s work. Scams targeting seniors. Data breaches crippling nonprofits. Small businesses being locked out of their own systems. And the truth is, most of these victims aren’t failing because they’re careless, they’re failing because no one ever taught them how to stay safe.
The “Cybersafe Communities” movement would train volunteers, educators, and local leaders to bring free cybersecurity workshops, support clinics, and digital safety toolkits
into schools, community centers, senior homes, libraries, the spaces where everyday people live, work, and serve. We’d turn trusted places into cyber literacy hubs.
This movement wouldn’t be about selling it, it would be about restoring trust, confidence, and control in the digital world. About showing people that you don’t have to be a tech expert to stay safe online you just need someone who cares enough to guide you.
My dream is to see a world where information security isn’t a privilege, it’s a public good. A world where protection is proactive, education is widespread, and no one is left behind because they can’t afford to be secure.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali
This quote has always grounded me.
Throughout my career from auditing major institutions to Consulting I’ve come to realize that success without service is empty. What truly matters is using your knowledge, your skills, and your platform to lift others up, especially those who’ve been left behind in the digital world.
I’ve worked in large corporations where risks were managed with precision, and in community centers where no one knew what “phishing” meant but both deserved the same level of protection. This quote reminds me that my purpose isn’t just to lead in information security, it’s to protect people, empower communities, and serve those who don’t always have a seat at the table.
Every time I educate a non-profit, train a senior to avoid online scams, or help a small business owner protect their customer data I feel like I’m paying that rent, one act of service at a time.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If I could have a private breakfast with anyone, it would be Dr. Vivek Murthy, who recently concluded his term as the 21st U.S. Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy has been a pioneering voice on public health issues that resonate deeply with me.
During his tenure, Dr. Murthy brought national attention to the “loneliness epidemic,” highlighting how social isolation poses risks comparable to smoking. He also addressed the impact of digital environments on mental health, particularly among youth.
My work focuses on making cybersecurity accessible to underserved communities, including seniors, nonprofits, and small businesses. I recognize that digital vulnerability can lead to social isolation, financial insecurity, and erosion of trust — issues closely linked to the challenges Dr. Murthy has addressed.
Over breakfast, I would seek Dr. Murthy’s insight into integrating digital safety into broader public health strategies. Understanding his perspective on how cybersecurity intersects mental, and community health would be invaluable. Collaborating on initiatives that promote both digital and mental well-being could amplify our efforts to build resilient, connected communities.
Dr. Murthy’s holistic approach to health aligns with my belief that information security is not just about protecting data but also about safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities in our increasingly digital world.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can learn more about my work and services at www.eastgemconsulting.org — it’s our digital home, where we share insights, updates, and resources for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals looking to protect what matters most.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Folajimi Isaac Fapohunda Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.