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Ryan Bergsma
Helping to educate all about best practices for security in the cloud.
Professional Background
Ryan Bergsma is a dedicated professional with a deep-rooted passion for cybersecurity and an impressive background in technology and education. Over the years, he has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices through his academic pursuits and professional experiences. Currently, he serves as the Training Program Director at the Cloud Security Alliance, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping educational programs that empower individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity effectively.
In his previous role as a Research Analyst at the Cloud Security Alliance, Ryan was responsible for gathering and analyzing data related to cybersecurity trends, best practices, and emerging threats. His analytical skills and commitment to research have allowed him to contribute significantly to the field, providing valuable insights that have helped shape training programs and industry standards. Beyond his contributions to cybersecurity, Ryan also has experience in the real estate sector, having worked as a Realtor at RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc., where he honed his communication and interpersonal skills, enabling him to connect with clients and help them navigate one of life’s most significant investments. Additionally, he has a diverse background that includes working as a snowboard instructor at Mount Baker Ski Area, a role that speaks to his ability to educate and inspire others in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Education and Achievements
Ryan's educational journey has been focused on technology and cybersecurity, beginning with his High School Diploma from Sehome High School, where he took a college preparatory curriculum. He furthered his studies by obtaining an Associate's Degree in Computer Information Systems with a focus on Cybersecurity from Whatcom Community College. This foundational knowledge provided him with essential skills in computer systems and security, laying the groundwork for his subsequent academic achievements.
He then pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, specializing in Cybersecurity, from Western Washington University. Here, he delved deeper into critical areas of cybersecurity, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are crucial in the ever-evolving tech landscape. His education has been instrumental in preparing him for his current role, where he continuously applies the principles learned during his studies to real-world challenges in cybersecurity.
Notable Achievements
Ryan Bergsma has not only excelled in his educational and professional endeavors but has also made a lasting impact within the organizations he has been part of. As Training Program Director at the Cloud Security Alliance, Ryan is at the forefront of developing training programs aimed at enhancing competency in cybersecurity across various sectors. His leadership in this role demonstrates his commitment to fostering a culture of learning and resilience in the face of cybersecurity challenges.
Being a former Research Analyst, Ryan played a critical role in analyzing and disseminating significant findings that inform best practices in the industry. His contributions have positioned him as a thought leader in cybersecurity, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions that strengthen their security posture. Ryan's ability to weave together his analytical background and training expertise underscores his versatility and depth as a cybersecurity professional.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Clay offers several powerful features including:
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- Reminders and Notes: Helps you remember important details about contacts
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- Nexus AI: An AI navigator that helps you derive insights from your network, such as finding contacts who have been to specific places or work at particular companies
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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