The tech industry is evolving fast, and becoming a software engineer in 2026 requires more than just learning how to code.

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Bernier Jr (@bigpoppacode), CTO, software engineer, AI builder, and entrepreneur, to discuss what it truly takes to succeed in today’s AI driven tech landscape.

Arthur shares his journey into software engineering, from writing his first lines of code to building AI powered solutions, including software designed to detect deepfakes. As a tech leader and founder, he has built and scaled products, led engineering teams, and mentored thousands of aspiring developers breaking into tech.

We explore:

• His journey into tech and major accomplishments

• The lessons he learned from challenges and setbacks

• What Dabble is and the problem it solves

• How to effectively learn a programming language

• What future software engineers must focus on in 2026

• Building deepfake detection software

• The different personality types in software engineering

Arthur also invites developers and builders to:

• Contribute to Mamascript through open source collaboration

• Explore the AI Plug Library, a collection of AI automation prompts and vibe coding tools

• Partner through white label solutions

• Collaborate on innovative AI driven projects

If you are serious about software engineering, AI, open source contribution, or building scalable tech products, this episode is packed with practical insights and real opportunities.

Connect with Arthur Bernier Jr. @bigpoppacode on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigpoppacode

Learn more about HackerproofHQ: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

Subscribe to the HackerproofHQ Podcast for more conversations with builders shaping the future of tech.

For any inquiries or suggestions, reach out to us at info@hackerproofhq.com.

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#ArthurBernierJr #Bigpoppacode #SoftwareEngineering #AI #OpenSource #TechPodcast #Programming #Deepfake #StartupTech

In this episode, we featured the founder of Cloudtechexec, a cloud engineer, cloud career coach, and IT content creator known for simplifying complex tech careers into practical, actionable steps.

From interviewing IT professionals at major industry summits to sharing real insights on certifications, salaries, and career growth, his work has helped make cloud engineering more accessible and achievable for aspiring and experienced tech professionals alike.

He opens up about his journey into cloud engineering, the challenges he faced breaking into tech, how to find the right mentor, strategies for interviewing and negotiating salary, and how he built Cloudtechexec, including the criteria he uses to select members of the community.

This conversation is packed with real-world advice you can apply immediately if you’re just getting started in IT or already working in tech and looking to level up.

• Breaking into cloud engineering
• Security+ and certifications in tech
• Finding and leveraging mentorship
• Cloud vs DevOps careers
• Interview success strategies
• Salary negotiation in tech
• Work-life balance for cloud engineers
• Building CloudTechExec & future projects

• 0:39 – Introduction
• 1:44 – Why CompTIA Security+ Matters in Tech
• 2:13 – The Importance of Mentorship in Tech Careers
• 3:47 – Smart Investment Advice for People in Tech
• 6:05 – Common Challenges When Starting a Tech Career
• 6:52 – How to Find the Right Mentors
• 7:47 – My Journey Into Cloud Engineering
• 9:39 – The Best Way to Learn New Tech Skillsets
• 11:25 – Benefits of Being Proficient in Multiple Cloud Platforms
• 14:06 – Cloud Engineering vs DevOps: Key Differences
• 14:45 – Showing Income as an IT Content Creator
• 15:31 – Full-Gaze Opportunities in the DevOps Space
• 18:00 – How to Measure Success in a Tech Interview
• 19:35 – Why You Should Ask Questions at the End of Interviews
• 21:13 – Salary Negotiation Tips for Tech Professionals
• 21:57 – Do Cloud Engineers Earn More Than Their Managers?
• 22:48 – Work-Life Balance in Cloud Engineering
• 24:45 – How CloudTechExec Started
• 25:25 – Requirements for Joining CloudTechExec
• 26:31 – HackerProof Team Introductions
• 30:21 – CloudTechExec’s Next Project
• 30:44 – Closing Remarks
• 
  

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In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, we sit down with Justice Collier, a fractional UI/UX designer, agency owner, and educator, to break down what it really takes to build a successful UX career in today’s tech industry.

Justice shares real-world insights on breaking into UI/UX design, building a tech contracting business, running a UX agency, and using automation to scale sustainably—all while designing a lifestyle that supports both career growth and personal balance.

We dive deep into:

• How UX designers actually make money
• UX salaries across industries
• The demand for UX designers in 2024 and beyond
• Entry-level UX challenges (and how to overcome them)
• What fractional consulting is and how designers can leverage it
• How to get your first UX or tech contracting experience

Whether you’re a beginner trying to break into UX, an experienced designer exploring freelance or fractional consulting, or someone interested in building a UX agency or contracting business, this episode delivers practical advice you can apply immediately.

• UI/UX career paths
• Tech contracting & consulting
• UX agency ownership
• Automation for business growth
• UX salaries & income streams
• Entry-level UX job market realities
• Fractional UX consulting explained
• Work-life balance in tech

00:41 – Opening Remarks

01:24 – Introduction

02:22 – Balancing UX Work & Agency Life

03:11 – Automating Business & Agency Processes

04:05 – Getting Started in UI/UX Engineering

06:35 – Cheat Codes for Succeeding in Tech

10:14 – Building a UX Training Academy

12:24 – Helping Others Break Into UI/UX

15:02 – Starting a Tech Contracting Business

16:38 – Getting Your First Contracting Experience

19:01 – Designing a Lifestyle Around Tech

24:06 – UX Job Market Demand

25:28 – Entry-Level UX Challenges

26:13 – UX Designer Salaries Across Industries

27:09 – What Is Fractional Consulting?

28:16 – Advice for Aspiring UX Designers

Justice Collier (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/technicallyjai/

Hacker Proof HQ is a tech-focused podcast exploring careers in tech, breaking into the industry, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

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📧 Inquiries: Info@hackerproofhq.com

How do you break into cloud engineering and build a high-impact career in GovTech?

In this episode of the HackerProofHQ Podcast, we sit down with Abdie Mohamed, Lead Cloud Governance Engineer at Lockheed Martin, to unpack what cloud governance engineers actually do, the tools they use, and how to build a sustainable, well-paid career in government and enterprise cloud environments.

Abdie shares real-world insights from his journey into tech — from landing his first role without a traditional background to specializing in cloud governance and long-term career strategy.

• Breaking into tech with a non-traditional background

• The real benefits and values of working in GovTech

• Common challenges faced in the tech industry

• Leveraging transferable skills to accelerate your career

• Balancing side hustles while working in tech

• What cloud governance is and why it matters

• Tools used to implement governance in cloud environments

• Long-term career planning and investing as a tech professional

Whether you’re an aspiring cloud engineer, a tech professional exploring cloud governance, or curious about GovTech careers, this episode delivers practical, actionable insights.

00:45 – Introduction

01:43 – Journey into Tech

04:52 – First Job in Tech

08:05 – Top 3 Values of Working in Government Tech

11:30 – Challenges Along the Journey

13:20 – Leveraging Transferable Skills

14:18 – Side Hustles as a Tech Professional

16:12 – Long-Term Career Goals

16:32 – Cloud Governance as a Tech Niche

16:43 – Top 2 Things to Know for Cloud Governance Careers

17:30 – Tools Used in Cloud Governance

19:13 – Investing as a Tech Professional

23:21 – Closing Remarks

HackerProofHQ Newsletter: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

Connect with Abdie Mohamed: https://www.instagram.com/abdiethespeaker

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Networking is one of the most misunderstood skills in career development. In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, we sit down with NexoAfrica, a career-driven community helping young professionals access real opportunities through intentional networking and strategic community building.

NexoAfrica connects individuals across Africa and globally to high-value opportunities in industries like technology, finance, and investment banking. Their approach goes beyond traditional networking, focusing on exposure, visibility, and placing talented people in the rooms where real decisions are made.

In this conversation, we break down how NexoAfrica operates, how to join their community, and what it actually takes to stand out professionally. If you are early in your career, transitioning industries, or looking to expand your professional network with purpose, this episode will give you practical insight and clarity.

• What NexoAfrica does and who the community serves
• How to join NexoAfrica and access opportunities
• The right way to network without forcing connections
• How to navigate career transitions and growth
• NexoAfrica’s five-year vision and long-term mission

NexoAfrica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexoafrica

00:31 – Episode Introduction

01:14 – What NexoAfrica Does

01:57 – Meet the NexoAfrica Team

05:27 – NexoAfrica’s Mission

06:28 – How to Join NexoAfrica

08:15 – Moving From Point A to B in Your Career

09:57 – Team Roles Explained

15:56 – NexoAfrica in Five Years

18:58 – Switching From Tech to Investment Banking

21:15 – Feedback From the Hacker Proof HQ Event

25:00 – Building Community and Vibe Curation

30:13 – How to Network the Right Way

32:44 – Questions for Hacker Proof HQ

41:49 – Episode Outro

Cloud Security Playbook (Free):

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh and Career Coaching:

https://www.hackerproof.com

Support the Podcast:

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In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a seasoned cybersecurity professional, author, and advocate for women in tech.

She shares her inspiring journey from breaking into the field to earning a PhD, and what it truly takes to thrive in cybersecurity and tech careers in 2025.

You’ll learn:

• How women can stand out in male-dominated tech spaces
• Practical entry routes into cybersecurity this year
• The real value of a PhD in advancing your career
• How AI is shaping the next generation of tech professionals
• Key takeaways from Wendy’s latest cybersecurity book

If you’re a student, cybersecurity enthusiast, or a woman looking to grow in tech, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.

Guest Links:

📚 Get Wendy’s Book → https://a.co/d/iOIm1yR

📸 Follow Wendy on Instagram → @wendyintech

Timestamps:

00:45 – Intro

01:30 – Meet Wendy

02:45 – What She Does in Cybersecurity

03:10 – Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field

08:00 – How Women Can Make Their Voices Heard

14:33 – Does Your Degree Really Matter?

17:15 – Entry Routes Into Cybersecurity

20:35 – Work–Life Balance

21:45 – The Value of a PhD

25:35 – Should Gen Z Focus More on AI?

27:10 – About Wendy’s Book

29:40 – Key Lessons

34:55 – Outro

Resources Mentioned:

🧰 Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

💼 Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

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In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, Daniel sits down with Ami, a thriving ServiceNow expert and Business Analyst, to unpack how she broke into tech — and how you can too.

We cover everything from how to become a Business Analyst to real salary expectations, top certifications, and what a BA actually does in the tech world.

Whether you’re transitioning into tech or looking to level up in your current role, this conversation is packed with career tips, tools, and insider advice that will help you succeed.

• How to start a Business Analyst career in tech
• The real day-to-day responsibilities of a BA
• Salary ranges and growth opportunities
• Top certifications and tools every BA should know
• How to transition into tech from a non-technical background

Ami – Business Analyst & ServiceNow Specialist

Instagram: @aimsterdamn_

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• Resume Refresh & Coaching: hackerproof.com
• Support the Podcast: ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

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Ready to leave entrepreneurship or another field behind and jump into a stable tech career? In this episode of the Hacker Proof HQ Podcast, host Daniel sits down with Juwon “The Techie” Isola‑Osobu, a Senior Product & Solution Design Manager who has helped more than 1 000 students land their first roles in tech juwonthetechie.com.

Juwon explains why he chose to quit entrepreneurship, how he built a successful career in tech and the strategies he recommends for beginners — including those with zero experience. You’ll hear about the biggest challenges newcomers face (like imposter syndrome and lack of mentors) and how to overcome them, plus tips on building your personal brand and networking strategically.

Key Takeaways:

– Practical steps to get into tech when you’re starting from scratch.

– Real talk on obstacles (fast‑changing tools, job‑search fatigue) and how to stay motivated.

– Why personal branding and community make a huge difference in your career journey.

– Insights from Juwon’s training program, which has supported over 1 000 aspiring technologists juwonthetechie.com.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro & Juwon’s background

3:20 – Why he left entrepreneurship

7:45 – First steps to break into tech

15:10 – Challenges & how to overcome them

24:00 – Building your brand & networking

31:00 – Closing thoughts & resources

Like what you hear? Subscribe to Hacker Proof HQ on RedCircle (or your favorite podcast app) for weekly episodes on tech careers, cloud security, cybersecurity and DevSecOps. Join our newsletter at hackerproofhq.com for free resources and job tips. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @hackerproofhq for daily insights, and feel free to rate and review the show—your feedback helps others discover it!