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Want a peak behind the curtain into one of the best places to work in cybersecurity and the minds of the innovators behind the industry’s leading security operations platform? Tune in to The Howler podcast!
Hosted by Chelsea Lowman, People Experience Specialist, and Mary Newville, People Experience Senior Manager, the culture duo connects with pack leaders on leadership insights, mental health and overall wellbeing, and how they lead their teams to advance our mission of ending cyber risk.
The Howler Podcast - Ilina Cashiola
Mon, Jan 05, 2026 3:07PM � 1:06:59
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
Santa Claus, New Year's resolutions, corporate marketing, Arctic Wolf, brand visibility, AI revolution, cybersecurity, leadership strategy, mental health, team dynamics, storytelling, corporate communications, executive visibility, market positioning, employee engagement.
SPEAKERS
Mary Newville, Chelsea Lowman, Ilina Cashiola
Mary Newville 00:00
Hello Howler. Listeners, before we start today's podcast, we did want to record a quick little intro, a disclaimer, if you will. At the beginning of the podcast, we do discuss a magical person, Santa Claus, as we reflect on December. So if you have little ones listening right now, I would encourage listening when they're not around with that. Enjoy the January episode of the podcast. We're so glad to have you here.
Chelsea Lowman 00:32
Hi. Welcome to the Howler Podcast. I'm Chelsea and I'm Mary, and we are at the first episode of 2026 Wow. Year. So when we were prepping to be like, what are we going to talk about in the intro, I had said, Oh, we could do like our usual, what's her new year's resolution? And Mary was like, Yeah, we could talk about Santa, and then we could talk about New Year's resolutions. And I was like, what? Why would we talk about Santa that feels so random. So what? Why tell me more funny?
Mary Newville 01:08
Because I like, started telling her, and then I was like, Wait, let's hit record on the podcast, and I'll tell you. So basically, we're recording this in December. We always record a month in advance. And so it's December 15. Christmas is right around the corner, and it came up on a meeting this morning, somebody mentioned that Santa always brought one gift and it was unwrapped, and they thought that was a good way to do it, because then their parents, their mom, did get all the credit for all the presents, because Santa only brought one and I was, it's such an you know how you just think the way you grew up is the way everybody does it, and then you realize, Wait, what? Santa only filled stockings. Santa's presents were unwrapped. You open them the night before, whatever. So, oh, I'm so sorry, yeah, Santa, of course, obviously. Oh, shoot. Should we put a put a disclaimer, like, if you're not safe for kids, I What if a kid was listening to that record?
Chelsea Lowman 02:08
A disclaimer at the beginning. Okay, so
Mary Newville 02:14
hopefully you heard the disclaimer and you didn't get to that part if you have children in the car. But Chelsea, I just, I want to know what Santa what Santa culture was at Loman household,
Chelsea Lowman 02:27
in the Loman household, okay, when I was a really young Santa, Santa didn't wrap my Santa's presence really just we'd walk into the living room and they would Be there. But that was because we were usually getting, like, a chef Tony kitchen, or like something not wrappable, you know, we're like, my brand new American Girl doll bed or something that was like, I don't know. So it was like, the excitement of like, you knew as soon as you turn that corner you were gonna see your gift
Mary Newville 03:01
and the big gift, or Yeah, Santa was
Chelsea Lowman 03:05
always the big gift. And then we would have, like, little we would also have a stocking with, like, some more stuff in there. And then, I would say, probably by like, middle school, once we were older and we weren't getting like, big toys, you know, I think then Santa's gifts were wrapped, and they just said Santa on them, and my mom just put them under the tree. Like two weeks, like, she just put them under the tree like normal presents. But my mom still, to this day, puts like, writes that our presents are from different people. Like, she'll be like to Chelsea from frosty. Chelsea from she loves to be like to Chelsea from the corporate girl in New York who goes back home to her, like she'll write out, who goes back home to her hometown to help her parents Christmas tree farm, or, like, whatever. Yeah, and we joke, there was one year a couple years ago that my mom forgot to write any of the presents were from her or my dad. So all the presents were from like, some fictional character. So my sister and I joked like, you didn't get us anything this year. We only got stuff from frosty and Mrs. Claus and gingerbread man and so, but um, I'm curious what your answer is going to be. But also, I was having a similar conversation about, do you open your presents Christmas day? Do you open your presents Christmas Eve? Because we were a we got to open one present Christmas eve before we went to midnight mass, so the day before, we got to open one and then we did the rest on Christmas morning. But my mom's family are, like, half German, and so they grew up like they do all their presents on Christmas Eve. And I was like, then what's the point of Christmas Day? I don't. Know? Well, what
Mary Newville 05:00
do you think it is about German culture? I guess we'll have to talk to our colleagues in Germany that in their folklore, because St Nick comes because it
Chelsea Lowman 05:09
fills the shoes or something. Well, and maybe I shouldn't. I don't know if I'm misspeaking. I assumed it was related to German culture, because a lot of people that I've talked to from the Midwest also open their presence even there. And, like, obviously there's big German population here, so I was assumed it was something to do with German but maybe our German um pack members can let us know
Mary Newville 05:34
weigh in. Okay, well, I will say it's interesting you say that because I also grew up in the Midwest. My dad's side is like basically 95% Norwegian, so maybe it's Eastern European. But we also always open our presents Christmas Eve. But there'd always be a couple more to open Christmas Day. I feel like Christmas Eve was the family Christmas present opening, like, I don't know like, if we were having a like family over or we, we often did Christmas with my like at one of my cousin's houses, but we'd always come home open our presents. But there still would be some to open Christmas morning. But I will say presents from Santa were always wrapped, okay, but they always were in my mom's handwriting. So I don't honestly know when I learned, you know, the essence, like, you know, I don't. I'm so scared children, I don't want to ruin somebody's Christmas. But Well, anyways, I was going to come out in January, so we're probably fine, um, but I feel like I just always knew, because I was just like, Oh yeah, it's so clear. Mom's handwriting is so distinct too. So yeah.
Chelsea Lowman 06:48
Well, I remember the I think I was suspicious, like, pretty early on, but I remember the year for sure that I knew it was the year that my sister got a Chef Tony kitchen set
Mary Newville 07:00
Tony kitchen made a memory. The
Chelsea Lowman 07:03
Chef Tony kitchen was a big moment in my life, because so and I've always I had an issue when I was young, falling asleep. So Christmas was especially Christmas Eve was like horrible, because we'd go to midnight mass, and then I would be all wrapped up. I'd be so excited, and then I just could never fall asleep. So anyway, I'm in my bedroom, like, so excited. It's probably, like, 2am or something, and I'm like, Oh my gosh, Christmas, and I can hear my my mom. I actually can't remember now, I think it was my mom, and they're in the hallway, and I can hear, like, the noise of them, like, building, this, building, this, like Chef Tony kitchen set. And so funny, because I have maybe heard my parents curse, like, can't even count, like, not even two hands. Like, I've maybe heard them count like, curse like twice of my life. But I'll never forget that night, my mom dropped something in the hallway for the Chef Tony set, and she said the S word, and she was like, and then I was like, Oh my gosh, what is that? And then I heard them all night, building it so that when I came out in the morning, I was like, I know that you guys did this. I heard you, heard you building this kitchen, and now you're saying it's from Santa. Like, the math is not math thing. And that is when I knew. But then obviously, having a younger sister, you have to like, yeah, keep the magic alive. But yeah, that was, I don't remember how old I was, but I think I was one of the first friends that knew, like I was in first or second grade. I think when I was like, Santa's not real.
Mary Newville 08:44
I will say, like, I am excited for that season of my life. Like kids are the proof they believe in the magic. And you're up late, like, yeah, building like a dollhouse or a Chef Tony kitchen. It just seems
Chelsea Lowman 09:00
like, seriously, well, I love that we spent January talking about that would have been perfect for the December podcast. But you know what it is, what it is, and it like Mary said, It's December 15, so we're like, in our prime holiday spirit right now.
Mary Newville 09:15
Yeah, we hope, as you're listening, you had a lovely holiday.
Chelsea Lowman 09:19
Yeah, exactly. But I think we can ask our guest about New Year's and New Year's resolutions and kind of how she approaches the new year.
Mary Newville 09:30
Yeah, I like it. And we can connect with we can debrief with her on ours if we can remember them from last year. Okay, yeah. So, speaking of our guests, we are so excited to have Alina casciola on the podcast today. She is a senior marketing and communications executive with 17 plus years of experience building iconic brands and global communications programs for high growth cybersecurity and technology companies. 90s. She currently serves as our senior vice president of global corporate marketing at Arctic Wolf, where she leads communications, brand analyst, relations, corporate events and investor marketing, known for shaping clear, credible narratives at moments of scale and inflection. Alina partners closely with executive leadership to align storytelling with business outcomes and market leadership. Previously, she spent time at CrowdStrike, where she played a key role in the company's hypergrowth and IPO helping establish one of the most trusted brands in cybersecurity. Her career spans both public and private companies as well as agency leadership, and she is recognized for building high performing teams, elevating executive visibility and delivering disciplined, purpose driven communications. So if you've seen Arctic Wolf on the news, which we are actually a lot, or in an article, or learned about Arctic wolf out in the wild, you probably have Alina to thank for that. So I'm so excited to get to pick her brain and learn, get to know her better, but also learn how we can level up as communicators and storytellers and brand builders. Alright, welcome to the podcast, Alina. We're so excited to have you here.
Ilina Cashiola 11:18
Thank you. I'm so excited to be here. Yes.
Chelsea Lowman 11:22
And before we were recording, we were talking about, if you're listening, not watching, Alina has a lovely background. Her husband is has really great interior design tastes, and so Mary and I were just admiring the art.
Ilina Cashiola 11:38
Thank you for giving a shout out to my husband. Often get the recognition out to
Chelsea Lowman 11:45
Phil, yeah, we've at least one listener your husband,
Mary Newville 11:51
I would hope so. Yeah, seriously. And Alina, you're in Austin, right? I'm in Austin, Texas, yes, have you How long have you been in Austin? I Is that what you guys call yourselves, or is that? What are Austin?
Ilina Cashiola 12:07
We've been here for almost 80 years now, but I tell everybody that I'm actually a southern Californian by heart, so we're exploring options to go out there and potentially move. So I feel like I always go against the green right? Like, because everybody from California is moving to Texas, doing the quite opposite, but you kind of know what's right for you and what's right for your family. And you know, to me, it feels like it's worth exploring. So stay part two of this beautiful beach house.
Mary Newville 12:48
Yeah, would be lovely. I love that dream for you. Okay, so it'd be somewhere on the coast. Like, where be your ideal place in California?
Ilina Cashiola 12:57
I mean, there's so many places, right? Like, I think Southern California is so lovely, it's really hard to end up in the wrong place, especially for young family. We have two boys, and most of southern California is master planned. It's kind of created with very kind of family centric in mind, and anywhere from Orange County to Lego county San Diego, even the South Bay of LA. I mean, there's such lovely communities and neighborhoods with so much to do and just a really beautiful way to raise a family and to have, like, a magical childhood when you can drive two hours and go skiing, like go to the beach, or like, go to the mountains or the desert. Go to Disneyland Sea World. I mean, there's just endless entertainment options for young kids. And I think it's really special. I know there are a lot of people with different opinions on that, but it's again,
Mary Newville 13:57
I mean, you're selling me on the dream.
Chelsea Lowman 14:00
Yes, yes. Like, how do I get to Southern California? Stat, well, it's funny that you're talking about a magical way to raise children, because we actually started the podcast. Mary and I were talking a little bit about our Christmas tradition since reporting in December, but we did think it would be interesting, since this is the January episode to start off, and maybe here, like, Are you a resolutions gal? Do you do affirmations? Like, obviously we're manifesting. Maybe a move in 2026, are we manifesting?
Ilina Cashiola 14:38
Anything else? I absolutely love this question. I am not big on resolutions. I feel like you kind of have to be resolute throughout the entire year, but I'm very big on manifesting, like I do believe there is power in your thoughts and pursuing your dreams and setting. Goals. And I think one of the upsides of social media nowadays is that it's there's so much accessibility of information and pictures and imagery. So say, I'm picturing myself in, like, Southern California, I can just go on Instagram and really kind of get a very good sense of, like, what life there is like. I mean, not that it's perfect, right, but it kind of channels that like idea of like manifestation. I think there's so many tools and apps that also do that and help and like to me, I believe in the power of that, because whatever you want to accomplish in life, unless you really set your mind to it, and you kind of see it happening for yourself, you're now going to be successful. So yes, I'm a big dreamer. I feel like my ambition always exceeds the reality of my current situation in one way or another. I don't know any other way to be and I feel like it's worked for me. I honestly believe that manifestation has some really serious power in kind of bringing back to destiny.
Mary Newville 16:04
Well, okay, firstly, I think quotable when you said, I'm not really big into resolutions, but it's so important that you're resolute decisions like all the time, which like that is so good, but I love too, how you just said, your visions always exceed or beyond where you're currently at, but that's like, what pulls us forward when maybe we're not there yet, or we're only like, right a little bit of the way, but we're closer than we would be had we just something that already is, you know,
Ilina Cashiola 16:37
I agree, And I do think, as I have gained birthdays and wisdom, realized that how to strike that balance, because the flip side of that is that you're always kind of anxious and unhappy and wanting more and more and more. And I really want to know where is the balance, where you are appreciative of what you have, and you are grateful, and you're living in the moment, but also knowing that there is more out there. So that's kind of something that I don't necessarily know, that I understood in my early 20s, for example, but as we age, I realize how important it is to have that balance, because you never want to be the person who is constantly unhappy or dissatisfied with where they are for one reason or another.
Chelsea Lowman 17:27
So do you have, like, certain tools or practices that you use to, like, find that balance? Because that's something I'm always super mindful of right now as well. Of like, I also used to be like, Oh, I'll be happy when I get this, when I have when I've done that, cross this off my list. And then, you know, you get there, and then you're just chasing something else and something else and something else. So like, how do you like practice gratitude for the
Ilina Cashiola 17:57
I mean, I wish I had some really special, like, pearl of wisdom to tell you here, but mainly I just like talk to my friends, if I'm being honest, like and people that are close to me in my life. And kind of it helps me to talk through decisions and pros and cons. And you know how in your life you have a certain sort of persona that of people like we have, the people who are the constant skeptics. So if I'm feeling that, hey, I need to hear like the skeptical, I need to hear like the risks here, I'm gonna call that person. If I need to hear somebody who I know is a constant dreamer and always tells me, yes, go for it, I call that person. So you kind of know a little bit. I know it's confirmation bias, but for me, it's just making sure that I'm surrounded by people who, at that moment, would give me the support that I need to make a certain decision. And I'm also also a big believer in the power of just listening to your body when you make certain decisions, or your picture change, or you're, let's say I don't hiring for a job. I feel like our bodies are very intelligent, and they will sometimes tell you, like, if you're putting yourself in the wrong situation, like you will feel like a wave of anxiety, or you'll feel like your body turns up. And I think that's a very legitimate response that we should listen to. So I've kind of learned to tune into my intuition. And honestly, can say I've never been wrong when I'm leaning to my intuition.
Chelsea Lowman 19:32
Okay, oh, sorry, Mary. Okay, we're kind of well, this is the joy of the intros. We can talk about whatever we want, but you saying that because I was like, now I feel like I'm gonna go down a rabbit hole, but I also firmly believe in everything you just said about like your body knows you have your intuition and your gut. How do you translate that into like, a business case? Face a business decision, like, if you're hiring and your gut is like, that's not the right person, that is not a valid reason to not hire them. So like, how do you turn that gut intuition into, like, corporate language?
Ilina Cashiola 20:16
I think that's a great question, and honestly, that exact scenario has happened to me before. I think it's really important at that point to really kind of dig in and understand, like, why are you concerned, right? Why are you having the response that you're having? Is it an energy, right? Like, mismatch of energy, because that happens in the corporate world, right? Like, I think that people have different work styles, different communication styles, and it's so important that everything is synergistic and compositing, so we move productively as a team. So sometimes maybe that's what setting off alarm bells. Or is it that this person is not necessarily fitting the profile of the hire that you think will be successful in the role, or that you think you need to advance organization forward. So I absolutely agree, like, you can never just say, Well, my intuition tells me this right, like, but I started doing this for almost 20 years, I feel like I've honed in to know when I have a concern about something. It's just my cue to dig in further and really understand why am I? Why do I have this perception right? And I will say again, nine out of 10, I will be right. And I also think I'm a really big believer, especially with hiring, when you know, you know, I have to swear to God, like I've had so many situations where I would talk to somebody and I just know right away, like they're the right hire, they're the right person to bring on. This is the person I want that will expand my team, that I think I can really accomplish something special. It's not every position, but often it happens because it thinks so much of what we do together in marketing, like I said, is based on shared energy, like shared understanding about the world, how marketing works, where we see opportunity, how we operate in the face of challenges. And when you meet that person that has that same mindset as you, that you think is right, the right mindset, to advance your objectives forward. You just know. So a lot of it is, I don't want to call it intuitive, but I do think there is a place in the corporate playbook for intuitive hiring and more intuitive decision making as well. And I actually think at Arctic Cove, we're very unique in that, because I see a lot of that from our leadership, and it's very heartening, right, like we have very data driven decision makers, but also I think we have decision makers who are empathetic and who are personable and kind of make decisions As people, and I think the synergy of that gives us that unique blend. And what makes art to cook, I think a very amazing and special place to work. And to me, that's really rare in the industry, and I have grown to really appreciate and value it.
Mary Newville 23:21
Yeah, I think you know, I liked how you said that your intuition, that gut is like your cue, because it was actually funny. What I was going to say earlier is when you made that joke of like, Haha, I know confirmation bias, because you were like, do I need to call my dreamer friend, or do I need to call my skeptic? I actually was thinking, wow, that is very perceptive. Or, no, I know that I am resisting this thing, and I need the person that encouraged me to go for it, or I know that I might be like pie in the sky and to and I need to call the person so everything I felt it like was the opposite. Like it was like, you know, your intuition, so then when you led into trusting your gut, right? Really interesting. And I think, don't they say the gut is there's, like, all this research coming out that our gut is the second brain, and there's so much there to
Ilina Cashiola 24:19
I believe in that, like, I will say too, I've experienced this, especially as a mother. I feel like you do have superpowers as a mom, to be really tuned into things that are happening with your children, even like sometimes, of like, I hit a, for example, with my son, like a health situation, and everybody was telling me one thing, and I just knew in my gut that wasn't right, and then as we progress, like I turn out to be right. And I've known so many people, and I've read about so many cases where, whether it's a health issue or another issue, right, like the mom intuition, or even your own intuition, right? Like about your own health, just tells you, it kind of gives you the direction and the path that. Need to take, and I do believe that that's really powerful. Yeah.
Mary Newville 25:03
I mean, we could probably spend the whole podcast talking about this, because I also feel like as women, we're often told to dismiss our feelings. I know, like for me personally, it has been a lot of like, intentional work as an adult to acknowledge my feelings, learn from them, versus just like, shut these down,
Ilina Cashiola 25:26
hire them. So I will say, I do think, broadly speaking, organizational culture has evolved quite a bit, even in the last five to 10 years, to kind of place an emphasis on, I think, the role of you as a leader and as an individual that is a lot more prominent now than I think it was even a decade ago. And I agree with you, women were kind of encouraged to be right, like you could easily get compartment wise, one way or the other, and if you were kind of more intuitive, more emotional, but I feel like there's so much emphasis on emotional intelligence in the workplace and the opportunity and the importance of connecting with your team as people, and there's research that shows that this actually creates more high performing organizations at scale, right at pretty much any role or business function. And I think leaders and CEOs are now really cherishing the power of just people leaders within the organization, which doesn't necessarily mean a manager, but just the people who are able to kind of capture that Zeitgeist and folks that rise as natural role models to others. It can lead sort of the shape the culture of an organization. And I will say, I think the intuitive and, like, the gut check. Like, that's not it used to be kind of a bad word, right? Like, it's almost like, Hey, we're expected to come to decisions based on data and be very data driven. Like, I think that's still true. But I also think more and more hear from leaders. Hey, let me gut check this with you, right? And I think that's a positive thing, because you do need the mix of both, because most decisions are a mix of art and a science, right? Like very few decisions in business are just slightly different. So I think creating that opportunity for us to leverage our experience in a different way is really powerful.
Mary Newville 27:24
Yeah. Well, thank you. Yeah.
Chelsea Lowman 27:27
I have a one more question related to, like, the intuition gut. I love everything you shared. And kind of back to the example of hiring, I just think this is such an interesting conversation. So I'd really love your perspective. So when you were sharing, you know, people have different working styles, and there's that energy piece of sometimes you can tell like, if the energy clicks or not. So then how, where does like diversity play a role in all of this, and ensuring that you're not just hiring people that are just like you? And how can you tell like, oh, that person works differently, but they're actually going to challenge the team in a good way and help innovate versus, you know, maybe it just truly isn't the right fit.
Ilina Cashiola 28:13
Oh, I think that's a really insightful question, because I think about that a lot, like in general, you really should try to build a diverse team, because then the difference of opinions makes the some greater than its parts, right? I really fully believe that. And I think as people, we have a natural tendency to hire people that we kind of recognize certain attributes or characteristics of ourselves in. And I think as leaders, it's our job to kind of be more rational about it and resist the urge, because sometimes hiring somebody of an unconventional background or maybe a different communication style, or maybe a different, you know, life path, right, like, could add incredible value to the team. And personally, I'm always open to that. I think it's really important, because you don't want to just create a one dimensional team, because the challenges you're going to face are not going to be one dimensional, right? And there's a lot of value in kind of bringing together people with different set of skills and experiences and approaches and thought processes that I think are going to overall strengthen the team while still understanding that to me, what it's really most important is to kind of March in the same direction and have a shared goal, and like, bring that enthusiasm and bring that desire to succeed and bring that desire to win on a daily basis to what you do, but What that looks like an execution and in communication is different to each individual.
Chelsea Lowman 29:46
We need another two hours for the project. Even gotten to our official questions, yet
Ilina Cashiola 29:52
love it I should cast on my next meeting.
Chelsea Lowman 29:57
Amazing. Okay, well, I. Kind of back towards manifestation. We want to go all the way back was little Alina manifesting that she was going to lead corporate communications, like, what did you want to be? What were you manifesting when you were younger? And kind of take us on a journey. How did we end up here?
Ilina Cashiola 30:16
So I absolutely love this question, because I feel like I want to speak to all the kids out there that know, don't necessarily know what to do with their life or where they fit in. So growing up, I was, I was always very good at school. I was excelled at school. That was expected of me. But in terms of, like, what drove my personal passion to do this or that, like I always felt that I was in that, like messy middle because I had friends who knew they wanted to be accountants for ground torton their entire life, and they were very set on that right like and they could live in spreadsheet land forever and ever. And that was just not me. I just needed something a little more creative, a little more sort of, you know, thought provoking, but I also wasn't the full on creative person, right? Like that was a writer, or, like, could write fiction for a living, right? Like, or paint like it just it was, I felt like I needed a way to bridge these two worlds, because I like business and I like the creative part of it. But of course, growing up as a 16 year old, like, who knows what corporate marketing is? Right? Like, you don't know what turns out that bridge right? Like, it's exactly what I do today, corporate marketing. And I swear I cannot even imagine doing anything else with my life or my career, I had an interesting moment, because, again, I struggled with that throughout my early college days, and then I did a master's degree at American University in Washington, DC, and I remember this moment. It was the first class, the first textbook that I opened in, like corporate communications, the first assignment. And I just opened it and read it, and I was like, this, is it like this? It literally was like the Newton Apple moment, right? Like I was like, This is what I want to do in my life. Like I found it and I never walked back or ever questioned it, not one bit. You know, through the highs and lows of everyone's journey and my own journey, I've never questioned that. This is what I want to do and what I'm passionate about. But if you had asked me prior to that, it felt like I was always going to be in this messy middle and could never figure it out, but I did, and I think a lot of times, especially when we're younger, we kind of think of our careers in this, like hockey stick growth trajectory, right? Like, and we feel like that happens to everybody else but you, and that's like the only acceptable trajectory, whereas, in reality, I think the careers that are the most special and unique. It's it's more like this, right? Like, there's just, it's a winding road, but that's what builds you as an individual, as a professional, and experience sometimes that you need to be in a leadership position, and that's the piece that I kind of have to switch my perception around. Is like, it's not always going to be this, like, pre chartered path, right, like, to the top, whatever the top means for you. Like, sometimes you need to be in a row or to gain skills and expertise that will serve you for the next step. But it's not always right. It's not always a ladder. I find that that ladder analogy, this is a disservice to a lot of people, just because we're so set on like chasing the next thing, and it sets us up to think of our careers and paths in life as this, like steady progression, forward, always forward, always up. And that's just not the reality of life or anyone's career, right? And I think it's helpful to understand that you can have a failure, you can have a result that's not what you expected, and you still benefit from all of that. You learn from it, and then you charter your path forward. And I do believe that if you kind of think of it in that lens, you're going to feel more fulfilled, more at peace with who you are and where you are in life, and with that present yourself kind of more strongly, and ultimately, be able to garner kind of the roles and all the titles, or whatever it is, the enrichments that you desire because you've gone through that process, versus if you put yourself in a situation where there is one only way up, I feel like you set yourself up for failure, disappointment, wow.
Mary Newville 34:52
Okay, Alina, we didn't know it, but you were the person that we needed for to kick off when. Be 26 you're bringing the energy, the passion, the encouragement,
Chelsea Lowman 35:05
seriously, I keep sitting here being like, wow, she is such a great orator storyteller. And I'm like, Oh yeah, she's literally a professional in communications. Like, this is her job. Wow, yes. So inspiring. I'm like, I don't even have questions. I just want to give
Ilina Cashiola 35:26
you those questions. I think it's such a great time to kind of reflect on our role within Arctic woof and organization, but also, you know, the role that the company plays into our world, and like how we feel fulfilled and the things that are important to us in our lives. So I've been doing a lot of that reflection. So maybe that's why you're getting some of the content, because I've been thinking about it a lot, and I feel very fortunate to be where I am right now, here with the team that I have like I think there's such a strong commitment to making articles successful, and there's so much power in the relationships that we've built. And kind of that whole old saying that one plus one equals three like I keep thinking about that because I do believe like that reflects like article to a T and certainly my team and corporate marketing, we've had an amazing year. There's a big year ahead of us, and I'm very motivated. I'm coming up on my five year anniversary. I swear to God, I blinked, and it's five years
Mary Newville 36:37
mostly, is right behind you,
Ilina Cashiola 36:41
and I feel like, in many ways, the honeymoon phase is not over yet. Like I keep waiting for the honeymoon space to be over, but I feel just as energized about Arctic Wolf and my job here as I did starting, like four and a half years ago. That's really special.
Chelsea Lowman 37:01
We talk every day on the people experience team, how fortunate we feel to be able to work not only here at Arctic Wolf, but to work together the team that we actually work so hard to, like maintain our relationships and and all the things and we're constantly dreaming big and innovating and trying new things. And, yeah, it definitely like you blink and you're like, Whoa. How have I been here so long? But I still feel the same way. I'm like, I'm so grateful to be here. Same, same.
Mary Newville 37:34
Yeah, well, and I think it dovetails really well with like, at the beginning of the call Alina, you were talking about how this is a place where, when you were talking about the gut, you were like, I see that in leaders, and what I was hearing that is that you see humanness. Like, we don't show up as these robots that are just like, holding off of numbers and data only. But there's this like magic of like, we show up as human. We generally care. We bring our ideas and dreams. We fail, we learn and grow. We make mistakes and say sorry and move on. And I think that is part of the magic of what makes I mean. Chelsea, you mentioned it to the relationships, but then Alina, you were talking about, like, five years later, still being so happy here and feeling fulfilled. And I think that's part of it too, is there's this space I feel that too, of like to evolve and grow, but there's care for me as a human being, and how you're talking about evolving and growing. And like, what does Arctic wolf bring you? And do you have fulfillment and joy, and how do you perform out of that?
Ilina Cashiola 38:37
I also think for me too, like I need to feel a deep sense of loyalty to be in a place where i i get that fulfillment, and I have that here, and what I've realized over time is people are loyal to other people, like nobody's loyal to a corporation, right? Like that sense of loyalty just doesn't exist at just the pure business level, but if I really think of like the people around me in leadership here, like, I come in, I want to show up for Nick right, like, I want to show up for that list, and I want to show up for my team every day, because that's what motivates me. And I feel that sense of royalty to those individuals. And I think that's why is really unique, because I see kind of those interconnected ties and examples of people showing up for others all the time, whether it's in a pure professional capacity, you know, kind of we're going to go the extra mile on this project, because it's important for the team, or it's important for my leader, or on a personal level as well. And I think that makes a really big difference.
Mary Newville 39:43
Yeah. I mean, so well said, and I feel like, like, whoa. Like, we could just keep talking about all this. It's so great, but I want to learn a little bit, or we want to learn too about corporate communications and some of the things. But, okay, Elaine. You mentioned that this year was an amazing, I forget the awesome word you use, fantastic, incredible year for corporate communication, so for PAC members listening that are in R and D or live across the world that may not know, tell us about the incredible year you've had. And you said there's an exciting year ahead. Like, what can you tell us? Peek into you and your world, and what you all do for Arctic Wolf, yes.
Ilina Cashiola 40:25
So I think 2025, it was another record sitting here. And the way I kind of like to explain the corporate marketing to people who may not be in marketing is that we sort of own the air war, right, like anything that has to do with building awareness, building our reputation, making sure that we're seen and heard from the right corners of the marketplace, driving executive visibility, driving that company, visibility in the industry, building the credibility of our solutions and what we offer to customers. And all of that, I think, is underpinned by the storytelling, um, and obviously, it was a monumental year for article, from the silence acquisition to a record number of new launches to us going bigger and bolder with our story and our messaging and really embracing AI to live at the core of who We are as a company in the center of our offering, like that's incredibly exciting. I've been so impressed by the product team and their ability to really understand the power of AI and new technologies and frameworks and bring that to what already was a really strong offering to make it better and always competitive. And I have the privilege of, you know, telling those stories, whether it's through a press announcement or if it is at RSA or black hat, we've built so many like, powerful content sessions and programs that really drive that brand visibility and position us at the heart of the industry. And I have to tell you, like, I get calls from colleagues all the time now, peer companies, publicly trade companies that just come and tell me, Wow, we are watching you an article, and we're amazed. And the you know, the level of like news coverage that you're getting, you're in every award, you're in every prestige list, like, your CEO is squarely positioned, like, as one of the top CEOs in the industry, and that's really what we do, is hard work, right? Like, this is a rat race, and it think for us, it's like we are built that way. Like, to me, it's always about chasing the next opportunity. What else can we do for the company? How can we uncover maybe a new reporter or new storyline or angle or new press announcement that is going to help us generate buzz like no storm is left unturned when it comes to us making sure that article is like the number one, like top company in cyber security, and I feel like we continue to set the bar really, really high. I have really high expectations, specifically from corporate communications, because that's my sort of DNA. And I absolutely love the media work, like, you know, talking to reporters, having an opportunity to tell you about the company, you know, setting up interviews for Nick. I mean, it still brings me so much joy. I've been doing it for years, but it brings me so much joy to sit on a CEO interviewer, to watch Nick on broadcast, right like to me, there's just nothing compares like that just gives me fuel. And we want more and more and more. And I am fortunate to have the team that is also kind of shares a similar DNA. When like, they want to be the best, they want to make sure like we're seen and heard by every reporter, they want to break through the really big stories. And it's a powerful energy, frankly, to be a part of that team. And I think it's a testament to how committed they are to their work, but also committed to be those tellers in chief, to bring the word out about articles. So I'm very fortunate to have them. I'm very fortunate for us to be as successful as we are with our brand. I think looking ahead to next year, you're gonna see us go bigger and bolder. Like, I will try not to spill the tea too early, but we have right. Like, we think we are absolutely a standout company in security. Like, there's no reason why every other company wouldn't be looking at artichoke and thinking, Gosh, I want to be like them. I want to look like them. I want to sound like them. I want to be recognized as they are. Wish I had their momentum in the market, and that's what I special. Is it right? Like building that groundswell and momentum, and there's so many different channels when you can really capitalize on that, from comms to really being featured analyst reports, really thinking through our. Brand, right? Like, how do we bring our brand to live in creative and unique ways, like employ new strategies like videos and reels? And obviously, there's a reason why the how our podcast exists, right? Because, you know, companies and individuals consumes hours upon hours of podcasting time, so there's all these innovative channels right now in our industry that are really giving us an opportunity to reach our consumers, to reach customers and partners and employees. And I'm always thinking about, what is the next platform? What is the next thing that is going to allow us to deepen that reach and make sure that we're driving everybody into the consideration process. I feel like we have a best in class go to market channel. We have best in class revenue marketing group here. I'm really fortunate to work with like Tom Rogers. I think he's amazing. So we're thinking about how to build a synergy model between sort of corporate marketing and his team to kind of, again, make the sum the whole greater than the sum of its parts. And I feel all of that is going to come to fruition next year. So lots, lots on the on the horizon,
Chelsea Lowman 46:13
okay, bigger and bolder, we love it.
Mary Newville 46:18
We clearly have the right leader in this energy and passion is palpable.
Chelsea Lowman 46:26
I know I'm like, looking at the questions. I don't even know where to go, because I feel like I have so many other questions. But, um, wait, sorry, I'm just gonna say this
Mary Newville 46:36
is funny, because at the beginning of the call Alina was like, There's no way this is taking
Chelsea Lowman 46:45
we made it way more we already, like, barely have any time left. Um, okay, well, one thing I'm always curious about is how, and since we were just talking about storytelling, like, how you tell stories and like, share super technical topics, but in a way that's, like, accessible for everyone, without oversimplifying it too much. Like I just I think through what my very first internship was at Volvo, and I had to write press releases about boat engines. And like, I did not understand boat engines. I didn't care about boat engines. So like, how do you, how do you make, like,
Ilina Cashiola 47:27
assume when you couldn't just plug it into chat, GPT, and you get an amazing yeah, I get it. Yeah.
Chelsea Lowman 47:36
So like, how do you tell that story and make it people centric and about our culture and our but still talking about our product and how we're best in class and all those things like, how does that all work together?
Ilina Cashiola 47:49
I get that question a lot, I think especially because cyber security right now is a very dynamic place to be right, like, we're benefiting from the AI revolution in a really big way, and all of the trends and the tailwinds that we're seeing, like, consolidation in the market, platformization. A lot of times, people ask me, So, how are you different than so and so, right? Like, because everybody's talking about, like, the same message, right? Basically. And the way I think about it, the way I approach it, is that you kind of have to really be true to going back to the main customer benefits that you deliver. Like, what is the problem that you're solving for your customer? What is the existential reason why your company is in business and exists, and then ultimately, why customers buy you? Right? And I think that companies often lose sight of that because it's so easy to get caught up in, like, the latest trend or the on the latest right, like hot topic. But I think for us, we've done a really good job in staying true to our essence and staying true to like, the value that we deliver for customers without over promising and I think that's what's kept article of Top of Mind and really relevant as a cybersecurity company, because, you know, we're in the business of trust, and I think customers trust us because we stand true to our promises. We deliver what we say we're going to deliver, and we don't overstate it, right? Like we're not gonna all of a sudden pitch ourselves as a completely different company if we're not delivering on that promise, and I think there's a tremendous amount of discipline and just kind of organizational work that happens in us being able to continue to be on the forefront of innovation and The new frontiers in cyber security without losing sight of putting the customer first. And I always like to ask, I mean, my team, or whenever I'm working on the project, or any task, really, you know, what is the problem that we're solving here? Right? Like, why are we doing this? And I think that's a really good way to approach something. It kind of. Gives you a different perspective, as it kind of forces you to think about the end result that you want. And I feel like as a company, we very much do that right, like we're very clear on what is the problem that we're solving for our customers. Why do they need us in their security stack and staying true to those promises while still messaging the fact that we are a very innovative company, right, like we are moving really, really fast. I mean, life here is fast paced. Hard to move right, like we're we're continue to grow. We continue to accelerate. We expand globally. We enter new markets almost every quarter. I mean, it's an amazingly dynamic place, right? But doing it the right way and with the right business strategy requires discipline. I think that's what our executive team really excels at.
Mary Newville 50:59
Where do we go next? I'm so I like Alina. I really could talk to you for we could talk to you for a long time. This is such an engaging conversation. Maybe here's some quick hitters before we get to wrap up. Can you give us, like, a leadership lesson or some insight into alina's leadership strategy? Clearly, you're passionate and a visionary and care about people. Tell us a little bit about maybe some like leadership tenants that are really important to you, or how you go about leading your team.
Ilina Cashiola 51:32
Yeah, I think it's a great question. I once read this quote that really resonated with me, and I think fully encapsulates myself as a leader in how I approach my programs, and basically it's written for entrepreneurs, but basically said the best entrepreneurs have a telescope in one eye and a microscope in the other. And I think that is so powerful, because as a leader, you always want to be thinking about big picture and looking ahead and understanding what the next big thing looks like, but at the same time, I do think being involved on the day to day and finding excellence even in the mundane tasks, is so important. So your team feels like you're in the foxhole with them, but you also have that vision ahead to lead them, and that, to me, exemplifies what I strive to be every day, every week, and it's how I think about leadership.
Mary Newville 52:33
I love that it's like you're alongside, like you're with and you also like forge ahead to create for folks to follow.
Chelsea Lowman 52:44
Yeah, I love that as well. Well. We also always like to talk about mental health and well being and just holistic well being in general. And we were talking about Arctic Wolf is a fast paced environment. Yes, communications is a fast paced industry. So how do you prioritize your well being? What does that look like for you? Is it routines or habits? And then, like, how do you support your team's well being as well?
Ilina Cashiola 53:14
I think for me, like this starts in kind of giving myself permission to understand that not every day is going to be 100% on every single you know, side of me, right? Like, I'm not going to be 100% the best mom, 100% the best leader, 100% the best this and that. Like that just doesn't exist, right? Like, so you as messages, we strive for perfection, excellence, and I'm very much built that way. You kind of have to understand that you're going to have great days and you're going to have days that are okay. And I feel like mental health and being able to take time for yourself kind of is the same way, right? Like, there are days when I'm loving my routines and I'm setting my routines and I get to take my dog on a walk, and there are days when I don't right, like, there are days when I just don't have the time, and that's okay. And there's another really good quote that I read once, which is kind of like, how you think about your jobs, and like, people have an expectation that everything should be giving them joy 100% of the time. And this executive was saying, actually, if that is the case, that means that you're not pushing yourself hard enough to get to that zone of being uncomfortable being challenged, where usually growth happens. So his advice was, think of it as like you have to be 30% happy, 30% okay, and 30% challenged. You know, things are hard. You're feeling pressure, and it always has to be that mix, because if you're in either right extreme all the times that's not the right place for you, right like, if you're always happy 100% of the time that you probably not get. And challenged. If you're always challenged, right? Like on the other end of the spectrum, and, you know, grinding every single minute of the day and not finding those moments of joy or happiness or light heartedness, that's also not right for you. So, but you kind of have to know to expect that full spectrum of emotion, and sometimes it happens within the same day, right? Like, so we just kind of need to understand that this is, like I said, it's a dynamic work environment, as you know, we want it to be right, and just knowing your place and how to navigate from one phase to the other, I think it's also really important, because you do have agency in the matter right, call your optimistic friend, if you I
Mary Newville 55:43
feel like this has come full circle, because when you were talking about computer girl, you were like, there's highs, there's lows, it's ups and downs, and that's life. And I think we were describing here too, is like, it's life to have. Like life happiness, the hard in between, and branding everything not good as bad. If we can see it as normal and expect it, how do we navigate through it? I think that perspective helps a lot.
Ilina Cashiola 56:08
So I agree. I used to think very black and white, right, like but I think reality is that things are shades of gray, right? Like you can be both challenged and happy, or you can be dissatisfied. But also knowing that something better is coming, so you kind of have to know how to regulate that. And ultimately, I also believe, and this isn't the last quote. I'll give you good quote, is greener where you water it. Yeah, we do believe in that. That's kind of my attitude is like, am I putting in the effort right? Like, am I watering my grass to make it as green as I want it to grow as green as it can be? And I think once you start looking at things like that, I think you kind of understand that, yes, you have agency over your day to day. You have agency over your workflows, or how you build your work day, or how you interact with your boss, or how you interact with a broader team, or how you make decisions. And I think Arctic Wolf is an amazing place that gives people that opportunity, but it's like kind of you have to bring your own agency into the equation and water your grass.
Mary Newville 57:18
Yeah, well, just
Chelsea Lowman 57:23
your grass.
Mary Newville 57:26
What a great episode to kick off this New Year with Alina. Thank you so much. Wisdom. Things to think about,
Chelsea Lowman 57:38
so good. Well, we always wrap up with our rapid fire questions. So these are just quick first thing that comes to your mind, don't think too hard. Okay, best concert of your life,
Ilina Cashiola 57:50
probably Metallica, because I took my dad, who has listened to them and worshiped them since he was a little boy growing up in a communist country when that kind of music was not allowed, you know, it was dangerous to listen to it. And for his 60th birthday, I took him to Los Angeles to see the band that he has been listening to since he was a teenager, live, which I'm sure he never imagined that he'll have that opportunity, and that was really special.
Chelsea Lowman 58:23
My gosh, I'm going to cry. I didn't care for the music that much, but experience, I know, when you first said Metallica, I was like, Oh, I would have never, never guessed, but never judge a book by its cover, you know, maybe, no,
Ilina Cashiola 58:43
I think the story is important. But no, the music was good. It was good too, the profession they've been playing for 40 years.
Chelsea Lowman 58:50
Wow, that's so special. Okay, that's the best answer we've gotten. Oh, okay, your favorite word Oof.
Ilina Cashiola 59:02
Word that's a tough one. Can you be a sentence? Yeah, sure. My favorite sentence these days is put your dirty quotes in the dirty clothes
Mary Newville 59:20
basket of that your children, or
Ilina Cashiola 59:24
that's all I'm going to say on the matter. Okay, okay, imagination.
Chelsea Lowman 59:30
You heard it here. Everyone put your dirty clothes in the you're so close. Like, why the floor when the hamper is right there? You know you do it.
Mary Newville 59:39
That is not what I heard. I heard your dirty words, no, no, no, dirty clothes.
Ilina Cashiola 59:45
It's directed to my children of our house, just in the basket. It's right there,
Mary Newville 59:56
right there. Skills you're teaching. Oh.
Chelsea Lowman 1:00:00
Yeah, seriously. Okay, what, where is a place on your bucket list, Hawaii, okay, yes. What's something that people often get wrong about you? You know,
Ilina Cashiola 1:00:14
I've heard that I'm very I could be very intimidating, and that is pretty shocking to me, because I feel like I'm such a teddy bear and I'm so open with people, and actually, it's like I've made so many friends in this industry, like folks that I work with, but I once in a while that feedback will come up, and I was like, I don't get it. It's just
Chelsea Lowman 1:00:40
because you're a strong woman, they don't know how to handle a strong woman that knows her stuff.
Ilina Cashiola 1:00:46
Good accent. I'm gonna say the accent. I feel like,
Mary Newville 1:00:50
I will say, I feel like I was a little intimidated by you when I first met you. But you're such a strong in a good way. It's because you're like, you know your stuff, you're passionate, you're strong, but you also like, once you get to know you, you are just like, this warm, kind fun person.
Chelsea Lowman 1:01:07
It's so fun. Like, the people that have this, like, intimidating aura are always like, but I'm a teddy bear. Actual teddy bears. Like, don't call you know what? I mean. It's just funny. But I will say I haven't really interacted with with you much. I think I've maybe been copied on like an email with you before, so I didn't really have much to go off of, but I was like, wow. During this conversation, I didn't know what I was expecting, but you were so much more than I was expecting, so warm and personable and intelligent and all the things. So I agree, and and a teddy bear and a teddy bear, Okay, last one. Give us a snapshot of an ordinary moment in your life that has brought you joy.
Ilina Cashiola 1:01:59
Just an ordinary I gotta say my morning coffee, like it just is such a silly thing. But I'm very people who know me know that I only drink world class coffee, and I'm very particular about world class coffee. In fact, I'll end on a funny story. My first or second time I came to Minneapolis. It was for sko two years ago. And, you know, Dan Larson knows, like, I need world class coffee whenever we go, I texted him, I was in the Uber and I was like, I'm coming to it was at the stadium, right? Like, I'm coming to the venue. Is there world class coffee around? And he's like, Yes, I'm going to free my time, I'm going to take you. So we started walking around, and we're walking around, and the coffee that he had put in his phone was a Starbucks
Ilina Cashiola 1:02:59
world class coffee. He told me you were going to take me to a world coffee place and take Starbucks
Chelsea Lowman 1:03:07
that sounds like Dan Larson,
Mary Newville 1:03:12
so many gems that he are so many.
Ilina Cashiola 1:03:14
And I figured it out, but I just thought he would know, right, like as a walker, right? Um, and
Chelsea Lowman 1:03:20
he should have at least taken you to caribou if he was going to take you to a chain, at least take you to a Minnesota,
Ilina Cashiola 1:03:26
yeah, it's a local
Mary Newville 1:03:28
chain spy house. Like,
Chelsea Lowman 1:03:32
so curious. Like, let us know. But how do you define world class coffee. Like, how are we supposed
Ilina Cashiola 1:03:44
to know? If you go to any coffee shop and you order a cappuccino, and they ask you what size leave? Okay, because sizes like, and you you go to Italy, they don't ask you what size. They just make you a cappuccino. It's an art, right? Like, there's the right proportion and balance between the espresso and the milk and the froth and like, it has to be done, right? But if anyone thinks that's a size 12 ounce or 16 ounce, like raw, just
Mary Newville 1:04:16
really collect your recommendations, like your favorite coffee roasters, and we'll put them in the we should put them in an episode. We should do that absolutely. But reach out to Alina if you want to know about world class coffee. And I'm so literally crushed that we have arrived at this topic at the end of our time, because we need a solid 10 minutes on this.
Ilina Cashiola 1:04:36
I know, but pro tip, do not ask Dan Larson
Mary Newville 1:04:41
you i He was serious. They, oh, that's so funny though, too, that he's like, Oh, I'll make time to take you there. Like, anyone can get to Starbucks. They have those globally,
Chelsea Lowman 1:04:52
like, what I have heard the cappuccino tip before, and you're definitely. Definitely European, for sure, with that tip we know, yeah, because, but not heard it here first. Heard it here first. Okay, well, like, Mary said, Truly. Like, I don't know if I've ever meant this more than I do right now that I'm so upset. Like, seriously, I think you have two like new presidents of your fan club here. It was so great getting to speak with you and learn a little bit more about you, and we're excited to manifest together into 2026
Mary Newville 1:05:35
to next year. Yeah, and thank you and your team for all you do to build our brand and appreciate all the things you were talking about. It's just incredible the curation and strategy you all bring to ensure that arctic Wolf is front and center everywhere we need to be. So kudos to you for all of that.
Chelsea Lowman 1:05:55
All right, another great episode in the books. This one was so fun. I've literally never spoken to Alina before in my life.
Mary Newville 1:06:05
Yeah, I loved the conversation. I feel like we could have kept talking for a long time. And what a strong start to 2026, 100%
Chelsea Lowman 1:06:16
so if you are a listener and you currently work at Arctic Wolf. You're part of the pack. We'd love to hear if you have any new year's resolutions, affirmations, words for the year, we'll post a little post in the Haller Slack channel. So we'd love for you to share what you're planning on focusing on in 2026
Mary Newville 1:06:41
and if you're not part of the pack, we would love to have you join us on our mission to end cyber risk. You can see our open positions at Arctic wolf com, backslash careers, we will talk to you all in February. Have a great start to the New Year.
Chelsea Lowman 1:06:56
Bye, everyone. Bye.
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