The Cyber Agony Aunts Return with a Focus on Resilience
Rebecca Taylor, a Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos, alongside Amelia Hewitt, the Founder of CybAid and Co-Founder and Director of Cyber Consulting at Principle Defence, have returned after a significant year in the cyber industry. Following the successful release of their first co-authored book titled Securely Yours in early 2025 and the launch of their joint podcast, The Cyber Agony Aunt Podcast, they are now introducing their second book: Resilient You: An Agony Aunt’s Guide to Keeping it Together.
This new work, blending meticulous research with lived experiences, adopts a friendly agony-aunt approach to the topic of resilience. It provides insights not only from the authors themselves but from various industry experts across multiple fields.
The Inspiration Behind “Resilience”
The choice of theme for their second book arose from an unanticipated experience during a travel mishap. Taylor humorously noted that during a much-needed getaway in Barcelona, their resilience was tested when they found themselves stranded at the airport without information. “We were stuck for hours. It was a real test of every resilient bone in our bodies!” she recounted.
Hewitt reflected on the incident, stating that the frustration served as a wellspring of inspiration. They aimed for a theme that could resonate with a broader audience compared to their first book. The adversity faced while at the airport highlighted that challenges can arise unexpectedly, emphasizing the crucial importance of managing them through resilience.
“It’s about emerging stronger from the challenges life throws at us, not being diminished by them,” Taylor added.
In writing this book, the duo discovered that many people struggle with the concept of resilience. They decided to create an accessible guide that readers could utilize to cultivate positive resiliency practices—practices that both authors have personally benefited from in their lives.
Who Can Benefit from “Resilient You”?
Hewitt emphasized that Resilient You is intended for anyone looking to bolster their personal resilience. “This should include everyone,” she asserted. The book is applicable to anyone navigating professional challenges, personal pressures, or merely attempting to build healthier habits.
Taylor echoed this sentiment, stating, “Readers may already excel in certain areas while facing challenges in others. This book aims not to incite guilt but to create a space for reflection on how one can gain better control over life when it becomes unpredictable.”
The Concept of the Resiliency Quad
A unique aspect of this new book is the introduction of the Resiliency Quad—a framework that redefines resilience. Instead of viewing resilience as merely a personal trait, the authors categorize it as an ecosystem comprising four interconnected areas: physical well-being, emotional state, relationship with technology, and personal development.
Hewitt articulated that neglecting one area adversely affects the others. “For instance, physical fatigue can diminish emotional capacity, and digital overload can impact focus,” she explained. Their research revealed that balancing these domains is crucial for sustainable resilience. The core idea lies in recognizing the need to nurture all four quadrants to be fully engaged in life.
Taylor emphasized this holistic approach, stating that the experience of burnout often stems from an unbalanced focus on certain areas. The Resiliency Quad encourages individuals to reflect on their needs across all quadrants to foster better resilience.
Collaborative Efforts and Learning Experiences
The authors have seamlessly integrated contributions from various industry professionals into the book, enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives. They expressed that this collaborative journey brought both authors immense joy and insight.
“The process was surprisingly smooth, even while collaborating remotely with contributors,” Hewitt noted. Each contributor responded to a series of ‘agony aunt’-style questions, allowing them to share their personal experiences with resilience. Taylor added that reading some of these heartfelt contributions moved them emotionally, illustrating the powerful connections formed through shared experiences.
The foreword, penned by Luke Evans, resonated deeply with both authors, marking a highlight of their writing journey. “His words hit home,” Taylor remarked, acknowledging the importance of feeling seen through shared experiences.
Key Takeaways and Future Endeavors
Through their latest book, both authors learned valuable lessons regarding transparency and self-care during the writing process. Taylor described her personal struggles over the last six months, affirming that open communication with Hewitt allowed her to write authentically. Hewitt echoed this, explaining that they prioritized creating a sustainable working pace this time around, which alleviated some stress.
Since their last interaction with readers, Taylor and Hewitt have also launched a podcast, fostering open discussions about various topics, including burnout and personal growth. They aim to normalize the difficulties many face in their professional lives, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in their struggles.
Looking ahead, the duo hinted at future projects but emphasized a current focus on engaging with their audience. They will be speaking at InfoSec in June, with plans for more training sessions and continued podcast episodes showcasing diverse voices within the community.
Resilient You: An Agony Aunt’s Guide to Keeping it Together is now available for purchase on Amazon, promising to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their resilience in an ever-changing world.