Hacker Proof HQ

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

☕ Support the Podcast on Ko-fi

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_

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

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Search: Hacker Proof HQ

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• Instagram: @hackerproofhq
• TikTok: @hacker.proof.hq
• LinkedIn: Hacker Proof HQ

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!

Are product managers really paid more than influencers? In this candid chat with tech PM and content creator Ariel Marie, we break down the real numbers, including how brand deals and salary structures compare in 2025. We also explore how AI tools are transforming product management and social media, and how to balance a demanding tech career with a thriving online presence.

In this episode:

• Salary & compensation comparisons between product managers and social‑media influencers

• How communication skills and personal branding land lucrative deals

• AI tools every PM should know (and how creators use them)

• Balancing work, content creation and personal life

• Ariel’s journey from corporate tech to social media—and back

Resources mentioned:

– Ariel’s Instagram: @arielmarieg

– Hacker Proof HQ newsletter & community

– Free guide: “Tech Career & Creator Income Checklist”

Join the conversation: Share your questions or salary experiences in the comments, follow @HackerProofHQ on social and rate & review the podcast to help more listeners discover it.

#ProductManagerSalary #InfluencerIncome #TechCareers #AI #WorkLifeBalance #HackerProofHQ

In this episode, we sit down with Wale to dive deep into his career transitions as a business analyst, to eventually moving into the world of I.T. auditing.

From the truth about bootcamps to the power of networking, and interview tips, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow in tech and auditing.

🎙 Connect with Wale

Personal Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wale_baba_?igsh=cjR6c2FveXVjMXM4

Consulting Agency: https://www.instagram.com/onet_it_consulting?igsh=MWhsYWVndnplZXVjaw==

Podcast : https://www.instagram.com/codeandcapitalpod?igsh=MTdnOXVvdDA5dXZzdg==

⏱️ Timestamps

01:23 – Intro

02:19 – Meet the guest

03:08 – Breaking into Finance

07:26 – Getting into I.T. Auditing

12:09 – First steps matter most

14:41 – Day in the life of an I.T. Auditor

17:05 – What an I.T. Auditor really does

18:23 – Bootcamps: The truth

20:25 – Wale’s Bootcamp journey

21:50 – Retirement planning tips

22:20 – Why Networking is powerful

24:09 – I.T. Auditor interview hacks

27:25 – Tackling tough moments as a tutor

28:11 – Inside Wale’s Course

31:36 – How Hackerproof HQ started

32:36 – Code & Capital Pod story

35:22 – Outro

🧰 Tools & Resources

Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

📬 Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

📱 Follow HackerProof 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 Session Group

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us via Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

In this episode, retired software engineer Bukola shares how she transitioned from a full-time tech career to early retirement and how you can do the same while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

📌 What you'll learn:

Key principles to retiring early.

Smart saving strategies.

How AI can elevate your tech career.

Biggest TECH MIXER coming up AUGUST 12th, 2025.

Want to be a part of the panelist ?

Send a message to: [email protected]

🎙 Connect with Bukola

Personal Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theappqueen?igsh=a2xqOGQ2N3lxbXlu

Podcast : https://www.instagram.com/codeandcapitalpod?igsh=MTdnOXVvdDA5dXZzdg==

⏱️ Timestamps

1:22 – Intro

2:55 – Meet our guest

4:33 – Her journey before retiring

6:23 – Good vs. bad debt

8:12 – FIRE principle for retirement

10:03 – The “Retirement Fire” number

13:00 – How AI will impact software in 5 years

16:37 – Vibe coding explained

18:44 – Does AI speed up your work ?

20:15 – Advice for the next-gen in tech

20:28 – AI skills to boost your resume

21:08 – Shoutout to Black Is Tech

23:17 – Cybersecurity risks

24:14 – Upcoming Mixer: August 12

25:11 – Bukky’s passion project

28:22 – Behind the scenes at HackerProof HQ

30:51 – Connect with Bukky

31:26 – Outro

🧰 Tools & Resources

Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

📬 Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

📱 Follow HackerProof 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 Session Group

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us via Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

In this episode, retired software engineer Bukola shares how she transitioned from a full-time tech career to early retirement and how you can do the same while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

📌 What you'll learn:

Key principles to retiring early.

Smart saving strategies.

How AI can elevate your tech career.

Biggest TECH MIXER coming up AUGUST 12th, 2025.

Want to be a part of the panelist ?

Send a message to: [email protected]

🎙 Connect with Bukola

Personal Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theappqueen?igsh=a2xqOGQ2N3lxbXlu

Podcast : https://www.instagram.com/codeandcapitalpod?igsh=MTdnOXVvdDA5dXZzdg==

⏱️ Timestamps

1:22 – Intro

2:55 – Meet our guest

4:33 – Her journey before retiring

6:23 – Good vs. bad debt

8:12 – FIRE principle for retirement

10:03 – The “Retirement Fire” number

13:00 – How AI will impact software in 5 years

16:37 – Vibe coding explained

18:44 – Does AI speed up your work ?

20:15 – Advice for the next-gen in tech

20:28 – AI skills to boost your resume

21:08 – Shoutout to Black Is Tech

23:17 – Cybersecurity risks

24:14 – Upcoming Mixer: August 12

25:11 – Bukky’s passion project

28:22 – Behind the scenes at HackerProof HQ

30:51 – Connect with Bukky

31:26 – Outro

🧰 Tools & Resources

Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

📬 Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

📱 Follow HackerProof 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 Session Group

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us via Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

In this episode, we sit down with Ameena, a Business Analyst expert and Coach to explore his inspiring journey into tech and how she has been able

to pivot her way into different fields.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Ameena pivoted her way into tech.

The strategies she used to scale through her interview stages.

Practical tips and methods for handling interviews.

BIGGEST TECH MIXER happening on JUNE 14, 2025

Get your ticket here:

https://events.eventnoire.com/e/2-pm-in-atlanta

🎙 Follow Ameena

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameenathetechbae?igsh=MTZmeXFybDBsNDU5bA==

Linkree : https://linktr.ee/ameenathetechbae?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=0cc2c561-3da3-469a-baa1-11fe559541c1

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

00:11 - About Amina

00:48 - Career Journey & Transition into BA

03:42 - My Interview Strategy

07:07 - Easy Methods to Ace Interviews (STAR & CAR)

11:39 - Career Growth Tips

13:21 - BA Job Market Today

15:41 - What Does a BA Actually Do?

17:05 - BA vs Project Manager

18:29 - Other Career Paths for BAs

24:34 - How to Summarize Your Resume

26:10 - About Ameena Coaching

29:31 - How Tech Changed My Life

33:38 - Why I Didn't Choose Cybersecurity

36:17 - BA Salary Insights

38:12 - Canada 🇨🇦 vs U.S. Pay Comparison

43:09 - Mentorship & Coaching

43:39 - 2PM in Atlanta

44:02 - Outro

🧰 Tools & Resources

Cloud Security Playbook (Free):

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching:

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

📬 Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

📱 Follow HackerProof 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 Session Group

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us on Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

In this episode, we sit down with Mayowa, an IT Support Engineer, to explore his inspiring journey into tech.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Mayowa pivoted from being a medical student to becoming an IT Support Engineer

The certifications you need to start a career in IT

Practical tips for handling tech interviews

BIGGEST TECH MIXER happening on JUNE 14, 2025

Get your ticket here:

https://events.eventnoire.com/e/2-pm-in-atlanta

🎙 Follow Mayowa

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

⏱️ Timestamps

01:30 – Introduction

02:03 – About Mayowa

03:53 – Challenges of Career Transitions

05:20 – "Without the Challenge, What Would You Have Done?"

10:03 – A Day in the Life of an IT Engineer

17:09 – Certifications Needed to Start in IT

20:01 – Entry-Level IT Support Salary Expectations

21:10 – Transitioning from Project Manager to IT Support

22:33 – Thoughts on Interview Panels

25:30 – Did medical certification aid your current employment?

26:26 – Interview Tips

30:56 – Outro

🧰 Tools & Resources

Cloud Security Playbook (Free):

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching:

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

📬 Join Our Newsletter

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

📱 Follow HackerProof 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 Session Group

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us on Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

Season 2, Episode 4 – HackerProof HQ

In this episode, we sit down with Tomisin, a ServiceNow Developer, to explore his inspiring journey into tech and how he’s using his platform to uplift others.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Tomisin’s journey into ServiceNow
• Salary expectations for ServiceNow developers
• Skills and certifications to break into the field
• The power of mentorship and networking
• How he's helping others start tech careers through his content

🎙 Support Tomisin

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tommyg3780

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Tommyworks

00:08 – Introduction

01:18 – About Tomisin

04:34 – Tomisin’s journey into tech

06:55 – How mentorship sharpens your skills

08:52 – Interview tips for growth

09:40 – What does a ServiceNow developer do?

11:28 – Understanding UI policies

13:54 – Skills you need to become a developer

14:40 – What is ServiceNow?

20:16 – Base salary expectations

29:58 – Call for sponsorship

32:02 – How Hacker Proof HQ started

36:56 – Final thoughts

Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 12 PM EST

RSVP: https://groupme.com/join_group/105257731/ivbM8PpE

Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

https://www.hackerproof.com

Cybersecurity Flashcards – Use Code: HHQ25

Shopify: https://mdip0f-4s.myshopify.com

TikTok Shop: https://www.tiktok.com/@hacker.proof.hq/shop

Support the Podcast on Ko-fi

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12kGScRwedSUrh2dhPjzUb

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacker-proof-hq/id1781475724

Amazon Music: https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/f57129ed-8e53-4aaf-8cbd-14690c61f1f3/episodes/291e0bed-c4bb-49a4-980c-fceaa2951e8a

Stay updated with tools, job tips, and tech resources:

https://www.hackerproof.com

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/

Produced by: Daniel Imhans

Edited by: Femi – https://instagram.com/aye.femi

Content Strategy: David – https://instagram.com/witty_welz

Social Media: Esther – https://instagram.com/mayeblaq_

Found this valuable? Share it with a friend or support us via Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

#hackerproofhq #tech #community