Blending Security, Leadership, and Cocktails at Cyber Mixology
About Me
Hi, I’m Steve Edwards, but you can call me sedward5. I’m a husband, father, and a lifelong learner who proudly embraces the n00b mindset—always curious, always growing. Currently, I’m the Director of Threat Intelligence and Detection Engineering at Expel, where I lead teams to defend against cyber threats with creativity and empathy. Before Expel, I honed my craft at Expel, Attentive Mobile, Cisco Secure, Duo Security, and Eastern Michigan University, each role adding new dimensions to my approach to security and leadership.
Beyond my career in cybersecurity, I’m passionate about storytelling, community building, and—unexpectedly but fittingly—cocktails. I started Cyber Mixology as a place to share my journey, both as a security professional and as someone who loves crafting drinks that tell a story.
About Cyber Mixology
Cyber Mixology is a unique blend of my two worlds: cybersecurity and mixology. Here, you’ll find approachable, actionable advice on staying secure in an increasingly complex digital world, as well as creative cocktail recipes inspired by classic traditions and modern influences.
Cybersecurity Insights and Leadership
I’m passionate about making cybersecurity feel accessible and empowering, not intimidating. From practical security tips to deep dives into detection and response strategies, my goal is to help readers navigate the digital landscape with confidence. I also share my experiences as a leader in the tech industry, offering insights on people management, career growth, and fostering team cultures where innovation thrives.
I believe in transparent storytelling. Whether I’m sharing a security strategy that worked (or failed), or discussing my journey as a people leader, I strive to be authentic and relatable. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about understanding people, building trust, and guiding teams through challenges with empathy and clarity. If you’re looking for leadership insights from someone who’s made plenty of mistakes along the way (and learned from them), you’re in the right place.
Cocktail Recipes and Creative Mixology
Cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re experiences, stories in a glass. I have a deep appreciation for classic cocktails, particularly those from the Prohibition era and the official IBA list. But I also love to experiment, bending tradition with modern twists inspired by video games, anime, and tech culture. Whether it’s a tribute to a beloved character or a drink themed after a nostalgic video game level, I enjoy crafting cocktails that resonate on a deeper, more playful level.
I focus on both flavor and narrative, aiming to create drinks that not only taste great but also evoke memories, emotions, or a sense of adventure. For example, my Varia Suit Cooler—inspired by the Metroid series—merges nostalgia with refreshment, while my Vincent Valentine Vampiro stays true to classic sangrita flavors but adds a moody twist.
Why Cyber Mixology?
You might be wondering, “Why combine cybersecurity and cocktails?” For me, it’s about balance and creativity. Just as a well-crafted cocktail requires a thoughtful blend of ingredients, navigating cybersecurity and leadership demands a blend of strategy, empathy, and adaptability. Both worlds are about problem-solving and storytelling, whether you’re securing a network or crafting a drink inspired by a video game character.
Cyber Mixology is my way of bringing these worlds together, celebrating the art of mixing—whether it’s a security strategy, a leadership approach, or a classic Negroni with a modern twist.
Join the Journey
I blog from time to time, using this site not only to share insights but also as a reference for myself. Whether you’re here for security tips, leadership reflections, or cocktail recipes, I hope you find something that resonates.
So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink (or mix one from the recipes), and join me on this journey. Whether you’re a fellow security professional, a curious leader, a cocktail enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, I’m glad you’re here. Cheers!