Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamps:

00:00 "Mastering Real-World RMF Skills"

03:57 From Military to GRC Leadership

08:40 "Rethinking GRC Through Engineering"

12:03 "Start Small for Better Security"

14:34 "Users, Not Stakeholders"

18:05 "Career Insights on Team Dynamics"

19:29 GRC Engineering's Growing Appeal

24:58 AI Simplifies GRC Communication

25:59 Automate Data Review Processes

29:43 "Getting Started in AI Engineering"

32:18 "Mindset Shift for Life Change"

38:07 Networking for Tech Recruitment

40:52 "Security+ Grandma Test"

44:58 "Building GRC Resources and Legacy"

47:36 "GRC Engineers: A Growing Movement"

50:11 Leaving an Impact

52:26 "Obstacle Is the Way"

55:38 "Get 1% Better Daily"

Video Description:

In this episode, Christopher Okpala sits down with AJ Yawn GRC engineer, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of GRC Engineering for AWS.

AJ opens up about his journey from the military to becoming a leader in cybersecurity and compliance, sharing lessons learned from failed exams, career pivots, and the power of curiosity. Together, they dive into the evolving world of GRC, RMF, automation, and AI and what it really takes to stand out in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

If you’re breaking into cybersecurity or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with real-world advice, motivation, and actionable insights you can use right away.