By Tammy Reese
August is National Black Business Month and we are overjoyed to feature V. Venesulia who is the CEO of Vicar Group, LLC. V sat down with us to discuss the advantages of digital media, AI, the metaverse, and cyber security regarding entertainment/media/business. V also chatted with us about her journalism work, as well as her work producing industry shows.
We love chatting with fellow media professionals like yourself. How has the journey been for you so far as a journalist? Please also tell us about the work that you do producing industry shows.
My transition into journalism has been a natural one. As a consultant, I research information and provide credible sources to my client base while maintaining an objective and unbiased standpoint. The same principles apply to journalism. I have used my production company Vicar Group Omnedia and my television show Down to Business with V. to be a source for good in the world. My Newsmax column, Infosector with V. Venesulia is the latest addition to amplify the topics I shed light on.
What sparked your interest to follow a career in cybersecurity?
My career in cybersecurity awareness began as a natural evolution. It was birthed from a desire to bring attention to what’s happening on the fraud landscape, sharing information, warning of the signs and symptoms of scams, and how people can mitigate their risk of exposure.
I saw scams and fraud happening and innocent people being victimized by those scams and wanted to help. I began sharing some of the insight I was receiving as part of my expansion for the Vicar Group LLC with teams and clients and later with the public through my television show. Down to Business with V. I aim to sound the alarm and share what can be done to keep families and businesses safe.
From your expertise, what are some advantages of digital media, AI, the metaverse, and cyber security regarding entertainment/media/business?
There are many applications of digital media, AI, and the metaverse in the entertainment and media business. However, I believe it is imperative that as AI and other technologies are implemented, they need to be weighed with the human impact in mind.
Both AI and the metaverse are game-changing, and they impact every sector of industry. Technology can improve how we do things, create process improvements, streamline what we’re doing, accelerate the speed at which we do them, create efficiencies, and help improve cybersafety. There have been expansions into the metaverse by entertainment companies, musicians, and comedians who are harnessing the technology to bring together fans and expand their platforms.
At the same time, we’re seeing valid concerns in Hollywood and other industries regarding artificial intelligence. Entertainment professionals aren’t necessarily happy about AI and some of its potential impacts on the industry, and it’s understandable. I have seen AI expertly executed in media, film, and television, on the backend of production, script writing, creating movie trailers, images for pitch decks, and movie scores. I have seen it done in an extraordinary way and can understand how professionals who typically perform these tasks would panic.
We are at a place in human history where we are experiencing a massive digital transformation. AI technology is being used, and it will be more widely used in the future. I think we all have to figure out what it can be used for, put safeguards in place, weigh the implications of when and how it’s used, and assess how the use of AI will impact the livelihoods of professionals involved in the entertainment and media process. All of this has to be weighed in a responsible way to both streamline operations and keep people gainfully employed while doing so. We will also have to find a way to make ourselves indispensable and irreplaceable in the wake of artificial intelligence as a tool.
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If someone were to say to you they wished the metaverse and AI didn’t exist, what would be your response?
If someone told me that they wished that AI and the metaverse didn’t exist, my response would be, “Tell me more.” I want to hear their perspectives, understand their concerns, and have them share their experiences. Their insight could be used for the greater good, to sound an alarm, and to impact others positively.
What are some misconceptions within your industry that you often find yourself clarifying?
One of the misconceptions is that because I have knowledge of what’s happening in the emerging technology space, that I always agree with what’s happening or that I’m in favor of what’s happening. I aim to be objective on the pros and cons of emerging technology as possible.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? How do you want to make an impact on the people you consult and service?
One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the ability to share information. When it comes to my television show Down to Business with V. and my column on Newsmax, Infosector with V Venesulia, I have a platform to not only do knowledge sharing but to sound a warning and raise a flag, when necessary. In some cases, I also get to provide valuable and actionable solutions for the wider public.
I do my best to ensure that our viewers, business clients, and readers of my Newsmax column are not blindsided. In many cases, I reveal scams or highlight topics that may be uncomfortable for people and leave them asking, “What do we do now? What do we do next?” I aim to ensure that people walk away from my column, my television show, or a consulting meeting exposed to knowledge and armed with a defense.
I also enjoy vindicating and validating people who have been victims. For example, on my show Down to Business with V., we covered Stalkerware. Victims were tracked digitally using their cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. They told others they were being watched, followed, or doxxed. In some cases, they shared what they saw and experienced and were shunned and labeled as “crazy” because those around them had no grid for what happened to them aside from seeing it in a Hollywood plot. I want to prevent these kinds of atrocities and ensure the public has heard of these practices and knows how to protect their loved ones and businesses.
What does the rest of 2023 look like for you, and what can our readers be on the lookout for from your upcoming Newsmax columns?
In October 2023, season three of Down to Business with V. will air regionally, where we have an outstanding lineup of guests coming to share their insights on fraud mitigation, artificial intelligence, and ways to combat fraud.
In a landscape of fear and concerns regarding artificial intelligence, we are looking at AI critically and with an equal spotlight on solutions.
As for my column Infosector with V. Venesulia, you can expect more eye-opening pieces where I will continue to cover cutting-edge topics that may not be hitting the airways as far as national news goes but are still crucial to the broader public. I will continue shining light in dark places and bringing awareness to topics that will impact our citizens, our nation, and the world.
You can check out my Newsmax column, Infosector with V. Venesulia, for the latest news and information, and bookmark the page for quick access!
More on Vicar Group, LLC
The Vicar Group, LLC. is a U.S.- based, American operations, management and protocol consulting firm. The Vicar Group harnesses its expertise and insight into various aspects of organizational development to aid you in achieving your goals.
Consulting services are provided to businesses, universities, government, military, and NGOs domestically and internationally.
Please visit: https://www.vicargroup.com/ for more details.
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TAMMY REESE
Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live.
Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.
Tammy is an award-winning journalist and is best known for her legendary interviews with Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Phylicia Rashad, Billy Porter, Luke Evans, Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Essie Davis, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Michael James Shaw, Ross Marquand, Merritt Wever, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Giancarlo Esposito, Meagan Good, Jennifer Connelly, Laurence Fishburne, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Nelly, Ryan Coogler, Carmen Electra, Leon, Patina Miller, La La Anthony, Britt Lower, Janet Hubert, Tom Arnold, Michole Briana White, Matt Cedeño, Raven Goodwin, Amber Riley, and many more.
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor
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By investing in cyber insurance, companies can mitigate financial risks associated with data breaches and cyberattacks. This proactive approach not only safeguards against potential losses but also demonstrates a commitment to resilience and continuity in today's digital economy.