An Inspired Chat with Thermo AZ of East Valley

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Thermo AZ. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Thermo, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Oof. If you’re sure you want to know then here we go! I work in Information Security specializing in Governance, Risk and Compliance. What does this mean? Well, I start my day with several hundred emails on average. The company I work for secures high risk PII and also partners with companies that need to secure PHI so we receive notifications frequently on trends in threat actor behaviors and on vulnerabilities in common resources. Once email is aside I review new privacy laws while researching how best to support and improve my GRC Frameworks. I also mentor my team, am the operator for our Risk Control Matrix and…well, it’s a lot of tech speak. In summary: I work hard to protect the data of employees, faculty, students, health professionals and more.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a “Jill of all Trades”. By day, I work as a GRC Manager under the Information Security division of a SAAS (software as a service) organization that provides solutions/frameworks for securing PII, PHI and critical Financial Data. In my off hours I donate my knowledge to a 501c4 writing their website framework and coding pages for their event (TusCon 52). I also work pro-bono for a local animation convention as their Audio/Visual Tech, a Web Admin, a project manager and whatever else they need assistance with on the logistical side of running a pop culture event. To add atop this, I am also active in mutual aid charities and I donate my time/money to assist local communities. I also sponsor a special event at Ashley Manor annually for folks who do not have the financial privilege to capture memories at that venue. Oh…and I like stream games online for a local podcast AND I am a DM (yes, dungeon master) for a small group of DnD players.

I am mostly known my by moniker “Thermo” as I like to create costumes using elements that require heat. That’s right, I also make costumes. I have competed regionally and nationally (placing in several contests). These days I prefer to present panels, help with the back end of conventions, sponsor financially (when I can) and explore new events. I wasn’t joking when I said I do a little bit of everything.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a very shy person. I like my quiet, I like my calm but I was far too isolated. As I made connections in the world, I took both the positive and negative interactions as lessons rather than burdens. I spent years connecting with myself through Therapy and I evolved from a hermit into a steam engine ready to transport goodwill, equity, charity, happiness and a healthy dose of geek.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I changed my mind about allowing my mistakes to keep me down. We all communicate in various ways, each of us has wants/needs and we often assume others in our sphere of influence understand that. This is where mistakes happen, when we assume we know what others think OR how something works. Information is constantly flowing, procedures change, laws change, rules change and people change. So I made sure to not let my mistakes, my assumptions, hold me back. I took accountability for mistakes when asked, I worked hard on allowing myself to stumble and it has led to growth beyond my imagination.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
You create your own peace. Others will enter your sphere of influence, others will advise and instruct you on how to live. These words should be acknowledged as they often bear weight however; true peace, your peace, can only ever be created by you.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I won’t have one. I do not need a legacy to have a fulfilled life. I do not need others to remember me. I would rather my actions influence others positively and I would rather that influence spark change that leads to true equity in this world. I am just a speck, I need no legacy to feel as though I’ve had an excellent run.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThermoAZ

Image Credits
Plaid Hippo Productions
ThermoAZ
InsomniMatt
Mission Control Photography