5 senior cybersecurity leaders sit down for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a career and a security program from the ground up.

This panel covers imposter syndrome in leadership, getting fired for integrity, transitioning from military to cybersecurity, why curiosity beats certifications, personal branding for security professionals, and how trust and relationships are the real foundation of cybersecurity.

PANELISTS:

- Jo Justice — Business Information Security Officer, Leidos :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-justice

- Dd Budiharto — Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft (Oil, Gas & Energy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dd-budiharto-cissp-cisa-cism

- Oyefunke Fayoyin — Chief Information Security Officer, Devo :https://www.linkedin.com/in/oyefunkefayoyin

- Joshua A. Dray — Chief Information Security Officer, San Jacinto College :https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-dray

- Todd Beebe — Information Security Officer, Freeport LNG : https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbeebe

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Guest Arrival & Opening Moments

1:34 – Welcome & Introduction of Panelists

5:30 – Jo Justice: Career Journey into Cybersecurity

9:47 – Joshua A. Dray: Career Journey into Cybersecurity

15:08 – DD Budinarto: Career Journey into Cybersecurity

17:24 – Oyefunke Fayoyin: Career Journey into Cybersecurity

21:39 – Todd Beebe: Career Journey into Cybersecurity

26:22 – What Does a CSO Do? (Roles & Misconceptions)

29:26 – Building Relationships with CEOs & Advancing to the C-Suite

32:35 – Do Certifications & Degrees Matter in Cybersecurity?

34:39 – Showcasing Curiosity & Readiness on Your Resume

39:14 – How Companies Decide Layoffs

41:25 – Does Being Fired Affect Your Reputation?

43:20 – How to Protect Yourself from Layoffs

49:45 – Live Q&A Session

1:06:00 – Appreciation & Closing Remarks

PRESENTED BY:

Hacker Proof HQ — Cybersecurity Consulting & Advisory

Cyber Culture

Baddies in Tech

NEED CYBERSECURITY CONSULTING?

Hacker Proof HQ helps companies build security programs, achieve compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS), and develop security strategy from the ground up. Whether you're a startup navigating your first audit or an enterprise strengthening your posture, we can help.

Book a consultation: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/#book-consultation

Website: hackerproofhq.com

🔗 Connect with Us:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof

Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/hackerproofhq

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hackerproofhq/

---

🔗 Our Team:

👨🏽 Femi – Video Editor / aye.femi : https://www.instagram.com/femiodey/

👩🏽‍🦱 Charity – Social Media Manager: https://www.instagram.com/charity.okoloeze

👨🏽 David Ewele – Digital Strategy: https://www.instagram.com/witty_welz

📧 For inquiries and suggestions: Info@hackerproofhq.com

Support the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Drop your questions in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.

#cybersecurity #CISO #infosec #cybersecuritycareers #compliance #securityleadership #SOC2 #ISO27001 #cybersecurityconsulting #hackerproofhq #TheConnect #CSuite #Cybersecurity #CyberSecurityCareers #CyberLeaders #TechCareers #CareerGrowth #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #InfoSec #CyberSecurityJobs #CareerInTech #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #CISO #CSO #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #TechIndustry #Layoffs #ResumeTips #Certifications #Upskill #Networking

Why do venture capitalists reject great startup ideas?

In this episode, we sit down with Elena Obukhova, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and Founder of Supermoon and Supermoon Ventures, to break down what actually gets startups funded and why most founders get it wrong.

With experience across quant finance, venture capital, and global growth strategy, Elena has helped scale fintech, tech, and blockchain companies while building a network of 42,000+ founders and 2,700+ investors worldwide.

We dive into what really drives startup success, from go-to-market strategy and product positioning to investor expectations and team dynamics.

If you're a founder or building in tech, this episode gives you practical insights to raise capital, grow faster, and avoid costly mistakes.

⏱️ Podcast Timeline

0:30 – Welcome

1:22 – Elena’s Journey into Crypto and the UN

4:54 – Supermoon for Founders

6:36 – Idea vs Go-To-Market

8:01 – Red Flags vs Green Flags

10:50 – Product Launch Focus

13:06 – HireHack Growth Strategy

17:51 – Working with VCs

20:38 – Revenue Before Funding?

21:16 – Early Revenue Signals

22:27 – Global Adoption Gap

26:14 – Mistakes That Shaped Supermoon

29:25 – Founder Resilience

31:05 – HackerproofHQ Challenges

32:53 – Sponsorship & Equity

35:55 – Investment Focus

37:07 – Closing

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🔗 Connect with Elena Obukhova

Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/elenaobkv](https://www.instagram.com/elenaobkv)

Supermoon: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/supermoongroup/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/supermoongroup/)

Supermoon Ventures: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/supermoon-vc/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/supermoon-vc/)

🔗 Connect with Us

Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hackerproofhq](https://www.instagram.com/hackerproofhq)

TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof](https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof)

Twitter: [https://twitter.com/hackerproofhq](https://twitter.com/hackerproofhq)

📧 [Info@hackerproofhq.com](mailto:Info@hackerproofhq.com)

Support the show: [https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8](https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8)

#venturecapital #startupfunding #startupadvice #techfounders #entrepreneurship #podcast #businessstrategy #fundraisingtips

Tech entrepreneurship is about leadership, strategy, and turning opportunities into impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Vaughan, founder of B612, to explore her journey from being a CEO at Cointelegraph to building a successful PR company.

Victoria shares insights on leadership, media strategy, scaling a business, and helping brands gain visibility in a competitive market. She also explains how she navigated crypto media, built a referral-based business model, and the difference between PR and marketing.

If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or professional looking to grow your business and media presence, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable takeaways.

Listen now for Victoria’s leadership lessons, growth strategies, and insights for building impact.

=======================

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Our newsletter has launched 🚀

Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and insider tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Click the link below to be a part of our newsletter community. Don’t miss out. 👇

🔗 [https://www.hackerproofhq.com/](https://www.hackerproofhq.com/)

====================

🔗Connect with Victoria Vaughan: https://www.instagram.com/viquilibrium

🔗 Connect with Us:

➡️ Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/hackerproofhq](https://www.instagram.com/hackerproofhq)

➡️ TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof](https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof)

➡️ Twitter: / hackerproofhq

======================

🔗 Our Team:

👨🏽 Femi – Video Editor / aye.femi

👩🏽‍🦱 Charity – Social Media Manager / charity.okoloeze

👨🏽 David Ewele – Digital Strategy / @witty_welz

📧 For inquiries and suggestions, reach out to us at [Info@hackerproofhq.com](mailto:Info@hackerproofhq.com)

Donate to Hacker Proof HQ: [https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8](https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8)...

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Drop your questions in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.

#FounderJourney #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PRStrategy #B612 #MediaPresence #TechLeadership #Hackerproof #StartupGrowth

Tech sales is one of the most lucrative paths in tech, but most people don’t know what it really takes to succeed.

In this episode, we sit down with Jarrett Albritton, entrepreneur, tech sales leader, host of the Big Tech Energy Podcast, and Chief Strategy Officer of Big Stage Energy. Jarrett shares his journey into tech sales, how he broke into IBM, and how to build a high-impact career without needing an MBA.

He breaks down practical strategies for navigating pressure, building strong client relationships, closing high-value accounts, and thriving in competitive environments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jarrett’s tech career highlights

• Transitioning into software sales

• Breaking into IBM as a Software Sales Specialist

• Whether sales is harder than the engineering side of tech

• What to look out for before accepting a tech sales role

• Networking strategies for landing major accounts

• The mindset required to succeed in tech sales

• Why you don’t need an MBA to thrive

• Handling rejection and staying resilient

• Everything you need to know about Big Stage Energy

• How AI is transforming tech sales

• The problem HackerproofHQ is solving and ways to support

If you’re exploring tech sales, already in sales, or looking to maximize your career impact and income in tech, this episode delivers actionable insights.

🎧 Listen till the end for Jarrett’s final advice!

Podcast Timeline:

0:00 – Opening Remarks

1:29 – Guest Introduction

2:04 – Tech Career Highlights

3:13 – Transition Into Software Sales

4:19 – Breaking Into IBM as a Software Sales Specialist

6:25 – Is Sales Harder Than the Engineering Side of Tech?

6:38 – What to Know Before Taking a Tech Sales Role

9:05 – The Power of Networking in Landing Big Accounts

11:46 – Mindset & Approach Needed to Succeed in Tech Sales

16:20 – You Don’t Need an MBA for Tech Sales

17:27 – Being Aggressive Without Being Annoying

21:14 – Handling Rejection in Tech Sales

28:02 – Everything You Need to Know About Big Stage Energy

35:40 – How AI Is Changing Tech Sales & Business

39:50 – The Problem HackerproofHQ Is Solving

41:38 – Inside HackerproofHQ Solutions

44:38 – How to Support HackerproofHQ

45:52 – Final Advice for Aspiring Tech Sales Professionals

Connect with Jarrett Albritton:

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

Sign up on Big Stage Energy: www.bigstage.energy

Connect with HackerproofHQ:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hackerproofhq

Support HackerproofHQ:

Donate: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8

#TechSales #SoftwareSales #CareerGrowth #AI #SalesLeadership #TechPodcast #Hackerproofhq #Podcast

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.

Donate to Hacker Proof HQ : https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8...

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! Drop your questions in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.

#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
• 
  

💡 Big News — HackerProofHQ Newsletter Is Live!

Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and insider tech career tips delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

• CloudTechExec on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudtechexec

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackerproofhq
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof
• Twitter/X: /hackerproofhq

📧 For inquiries or suggestions: Info@hackerproofhq.com

☕ Support the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8...

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.

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

📧 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

Follow HackerProofHQ:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proofhq

Twitter/X: https://x.com/HackerproofHQ

Donate & Support the Podcast:

https://app.redcircle.com/shows/6fbd8...

Business Inquiries: Info@hackerproofhq.com