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In this episode, we’re joined by Oluwadamilola Obamehinti, a cybersecurity executive with over 15 years of experience working across Fortune 100 companies like eBay and the Founder of Cyber Culture.
She shares her journey from building a successful career in cybersecurity to leaving Silicon Valley to start her own company, along with the real strategies that helped her grow her personal brand and expand her influence in the tech space.
We dive into practical insights on breaking into cybersecurity, navigating corporate environments, building a strong C-Suite network, and attracting high-value clients. Oluwadamilola also breaks down the differences between GRC and Incident Response, the evolving role of certifications in tech, and the emerging risks around AI and security.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to grow in tech, transition into cybersecurity, or build a long-term, sustainable career.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Opening Remarks & Appreciation
1:04 Meet Oluwadamilola Obamehinti
1:33 Cyber Culture & Her Entrepreneurial Ventures
3:23 Her Cybersecurity Career Journey
4:56 Transition Into Entrepreneurship
5:16 Why She Made the Leap
5:54 Biggest Challenge in Building Her Brand
6:30 How She Built Her Personal Brand
8:00 Posting on LinkedIn While Working in Corporate
9:08 Building a C-Suite Network
10:06 Navigating C-Suite Conversations
11:16 9–5 vs Entrepreneurship
12:19 GRC vs Incident Response
13:15 Breaking Into Big Tech
14:58 Do Certifications & Degrees Still Matter?
16:24 Cyber Culture Scholarships & Membership
17:20 Clients & Services
18:59 How Cyber Culture Started
19:41 Tech Exit Strategies
20:45 How to Get Clients
22:00 Cybersecurity Consulting Areas
23:15 AI Security Risks
25:22 Identifying AI Scams
26:54 Roadmap to Top Companies
28:51 Soft Skills in Tech
29:58 Future of Cyber Culture
31:05 Corporate Politics Strategies
33:51 Growing HackerproofHQ
35:00 Closing Remarks
---
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#Cybersecurity #TechCareers #WomenInTech #AI #PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth #GRC #IncidentResponse #SiliconValley #CyberCulture #SOC2 #Compliance #Infosec
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: [email protected]
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
💡 Big news Hackerproofhq Family
Our newsletter is live 🚀
Get exclusive updates and insider tips:
[https://www.hackerproofhq.com/](https://www.hackerproofhq.com/)
🔗 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)
📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
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.
=======================
💡 Big news Hackerproofhq Family
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. 👇
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====================
🔗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 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
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 [email protected].
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.
Topics Covered💡 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/
🔗 Connect With Our Guest📧 For inquiries or suggestions: [email protected]
☕ 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:
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.
Topics Covered00:41 – 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
Connect with Our GuestJustice Collier (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/technicallyjai/
About Hacker Proof HQHacker 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: [email protected]
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.
Topics Covered• 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: [email protected]
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 You’ll Learn in This Episode:NexoAfrica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexoafrica
Episode Timestamps: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
Tools & Resources:Cloud Security Playbook (Free):
https://www.hackerproof.com
Resume Refresh and Career Coaching:
https://www.hackerproof.com
Support the Podcast:
https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq
Follow Hacker Proof HQ:Instagram: https://instagram.com/hackerproofhq
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq
Twitter/X: https://x.com/Hackerproofhq
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hackerproofhq/
Join Our Mentorship Community:GroupMe RSVP:
https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE
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