The Wake UP X Podcast - With Efren L. Salazar | Securing Tomorrow, Empowering Today

🤖 Employers are already expecting 140 hours of work output from a 40 hour week — thanks to AI. Is your business ready?In this episode of The Wake Up X Solutions Podcast, recorded LIVE at RSA Conference 2025, Efren and Jorge Avila of Paleo Tech Group break down why AI is no longer optional for small businesses — and why ignoring it could cost you everything.This isn't just a buzzword. This is the biggest productivity shift in business history. 🚀🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Why employers now expect 140 hours of work output in a 40 hour week✅ Why AI is the #1 tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners right now✅ The hidden danger of implementing AI without securing your data first✅ How small businesses are losing data by skipping cybersecurity when adopting AI✅ Why if you're not using AI tools yet — you're already falling behind⚠️ Big warning for small business owners: Bringing in AI tools without securing your data first is a serious risk. Before you implement anything — make sure whoever is building it is locking it down. Your business depends on it.💬 Bottom line from Jorge: AI is not a buzzword for entrepreneurs. It is THE tool that will separate businesses that thrive from businesses that get left behind.👇 Connect with Jorge Avila:🌐 paleotechgroup.com💼 LinkedIn: Search Jorge Avila — Paleo Tech Group🎙️ Listen on your favorite platform:🟢 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKj▶️ YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFK🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-x-securing-tomorrow-empowering-today-with/id1792821643⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 The 140 hour work output expectation explained04:00 Why AI tools are a no-brainer for business06:30 The danger of AI without cybersecurity09:00 What small businesses are getting wrong with AI12:00 Why AI is the biggest tool for entrepreneurs right now15:00 How to connect with Jorge and Paleo Tech Group📲 Follow The Wake Up X Solutions:Subscribe for weekly episodes on entrepreneurship, tech, AI, cybersecurity, and empowering the Latino community to build wealth and freedom.#AIForBusiness #SmallBusiness #AITools #Cybersecurity #RSAConference #WakeUpXSolutions #PaleoTechGroup #Entrepreneurship #AIProductivity #BusinessGrowth #LatinoBusiness #Podcast2025 #FutureOfWork

At RSA Conference 2026 in San Francisco, I sat down with Jorge Avila, co-founder of Paleo Tech Group, to talk about his journey from migrant farm worker roots in Texas to building an AI and cybersecurity startup. Jorge shares how COVID sparked his career change, why he's on a mission to close the digital divide for Latino and underserved communities, and how AI can fast-track anyone into entrepreneurship — step by step.🔑 In this episode we cover:How Jorge transitioned from the California Department of Technology to startup founderWhy AI is the biggest opportunity of our generation (and how to use it TODAY)The digital divide affecting Latino communities — and how Paleo Tech Group is fixing itCybersecurity tips for small businesses using AI toolsCareer advice for breaking into cybersecurity (30,000+ open jobs in California!)The power of community — the theme of RSA 2026🌐 Connect with Jorge Avila & Paleo Tech Group:Website: paleotechgroup.comLinkedIn: Search Jorge Avila📲 Connect with Efren Salazar:LinkedIn: Wake Up X Solutions Podcast#RSA2026 #Cybersecurity #AItools #LatinoEntrepreneur #PaleoTechGroup #WakeUpXSolutions #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalDivide #Entrepreneurship #CybersecurityCareers #LatinoCommunity #AIforBusiness #SmallBusiness #StartupLife

🤖 AI is the business advisor you never knew you had — and it's FREE.In this episode of The Wake Up X Solutions Podcast, Efren sits down with Jorge Avila of Paleo Tech Group to talk about how AI is completely changing the game for entrepreneurs — especially in the Latino community.If you've ever thought about starting a business but didn't know where to begin, this episode is for YOU. 🚀🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ How to use AI as a step-by-step business advisor✅ Why people are scared of AI — and why entrepreneurs think differently✅ How to find your strengths and let AI map out your path✅ Why AI will fast forward your business like nothing else✅ How Paleo Tech Group is training Latinos to use AI for business success💬 Jorge's advice? Just go for it. Ask AI what you're good at. Tell it your goals. Let it give you the roadmap. Then take the next step.The knowledge is already at your fingertips. All you have to do is ask.👇 Connect with Jorge Avila:🌐 paleotechgroup.com💼 LinkedIn: Search Jorge Avila — Paleo Tech Group🎙️ Listen on your favorite platform:🟢 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKj▶️ YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFK🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-x-securing-tomorrow-empowering-today-with/id1792821643⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Why people are scared of AI03:00 How to use AI as your business advisor06:00 Finding your strengths with AI09:00 How Paleo Tech Group trains Latinos in AI12:00 The future of AI for entrepreneurship📲 Follow The Wake Up X Solutions:Subscribe for weekly episodes on entrepreneurship, tech, AI, and empowering the Latino community to build wealth and freedom.#AI #Entrepreneurship #HowToStartABusiness #AIForBusiness #LatinoEntrepreneur #WakeUpXSolutions #PaleoTechGroup #BusinessTips #AITools #ChatGPT #LatinoBusiness #StartupAdvice #Podcast2025

🤖 AI in Cybersecurity: Hype or Reality?At RSAC Conference in San Francisco, I asked Jonny Norris from Concentric AI a simple question:Is AI actually real… or just hype?Here’s the honest answer 👇💡 There is real power in AI, but there’s also a lot of noise.Many companies are jumping on the trend, but not all are truly using AI. Some are just rebranding existing solutions, what Johnny called “AI washing.”🔍 So what actually matters?Protecting your data and organizationSticking to strong security fundamentalsTesting solutions with real proof of valueAt the end of the day:AI isn’t fake, but the hype around it can be misleading.🎙️ Huge thank you to Jonny Norris for being a great guest and sharing real, practical insight.See more:Spotify Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKjYoutube Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFKApple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gv7reiuvWhat do you think, AI is hype, real, or somewhere in between?hashtag#Cybersecurity hashtag#AI hashtag#RSAC hashtag#DataSecurity hashtag#Infosec hashtag#ArtificialIntelligence hashtag#WakeUPX hashtag#Podcast

🎙️ Just wrapped an amazing conversation at RSA Conference with Ryan Doctor!We talked about:🔐 Breaking into cybersecurity from IT operations🤝 The power of networking (this is HUGE)🤖 How AI continues to dominate the cybersecurity space📍 And whether RSA is worth attending for beginnersOne thing that really stood out:“Networking has opened up so many opportunities, from learning to interviews.”If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, don’t overcomplicate it:Start with community. Start with conversations. Start showing up.Events like RSA, meetups like ISC2 Sacramento Chapter & ISACA Sacramento, they matter more than you think.Appreciate everyone who pulled up last minute to support The Wake UP X Solutions 🙌hashtag#Cybersecurity hashtag#Networking hashtag#RSAC hashtag#CareerGrowth hashtag#InfoSec hashtag#TechCareers hashtag#WakeUPX hashtag#Podcast

In this episode of the Wake Up X Solutions Podcast, Efren Salazar sits down with Michael Demetrius from P0 Security at RSA Conference 2026.

We dive into how Identity Access Management (IAM) is evolving with AI, cloud environments, and non-human identities.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• How to manage access across cloud, on-prem, and AI agents
• Why zero standing privilege is becoming essential
• How to reduce risk by understanding identity access visibility
• The importance of developer-friendly security workflows
• How AI is impacting cybersecurity and development

Michael also shares insights on:
🤖 Using AI tools like Claude & Cursor in development
🌐 The importance of networking and community
📈 Advice for breaking into cybersecurity and tech

If you're in cybersecurity, cloud, or software development, this episode is packed with real-world insights.

• Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKj
• YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFK
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wake-up-x-securing-tomorrow-empowering-today-with/id1792821643

Like, Subscribe, and Follow for more cybersecurity interviews and insights.

#CyberSecurity #CloudSecurity #IAM #ZeroTrust #AI #Developers #TechPodcast #InfoSec #CyberCareers #Networking #SecurityEngineering

🎧 Listen & Watch:🔔 Don’t forget:🏷️ Hashtags:

In this episode of the *Wake Up X Solutions Podcast*, I sit down with **Greg McCord**, CISO at Lightcast and founder of Keystone Advisory, to break down what cybersecurity really looks like for startups and growing businesses.We dive into:

• Why startups should think about security from the very beginning
• What a *fractional CISO* is and how it helps companies scale securely
• The biggest cybersecurity challenges companies still haven’t solved
• How AI is changing the security landscape (and why it’s still hackable)
• Greg’s journey from no tech background to becoming a CISO
• Real advice for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity

Greg also shares powerful insights on leadership, networking, and how to align security with business goals, something every future CISO needs to understand.If you're looking to get into cybersecurity, grow into leadership, or understand how security impacts business and startups, this is a must-watch.📌 Connect with Greg McCord on LinkedIn to continue the conversation📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cybersecurity interviews and insights---#Cybersecurity #CISO #StartupSecurity #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Infosec #TechCareers #CyberSecurityCareer #Leadership #Networking #RSAConference #RSAC #Podcast #TechPodcast #SecurityLeadership #FutureOfWork #EthicalHacking #BlueTeam #RedTeam #WakeUpXSolutions

🎙️ Live from RSA Conference, I sat down with Stacy to talk about her journey into cybersecurity and her first experience attending one of the biggest security conferences in the world.

Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efrenlsalazar

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-dittaIn this interview, we cover:🔹 What it’s like attending RSAC for the first time🔹 How a background in healthcare & biotech led to cybersecurity🔹 The importance of securing patient data and clinical information🔹 Why healthcare is a major target for cyber attacks🔹 The growing role of AI in cybersecurity🔹 The value of volunteering, networking, and communityStacy also shares her experience attending events like BSides and volunteering at a Global AI CISO Summit.💬 Key takeaway:Cybersecurity is evolving fast, and combining industries like healthcare, AI, and security is creating powerful new opportunities.🙌 Shoutout to her professors, especially Professor Monsi, for encouraging her to attend RSAC and explore the field.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more cybersecurity interviews and insights.#Cybersecurity #AI #RSAC #Healthcare #Infosec #Careers #Tech

Great connecting with Louis Kemp at RSA Conference 2026! 🎙️

We had an insightful conversation about his journey from help desk to cybersecurity leadership, and now building his own consulting company.

💡 Key takeaways from our conversation:

Start with the foundations, help desk experience builds real understanding

Cybersecurity is evolving toward autonomous penetration testing

Mentorship is critical for the next generation entering the field

The future of security isn’t just tools, it’s community + education

Louis is currently:

🔐 CTO of A.N.U.L Technologies

🤝 Partnered with Horizon3.ai

🛡️ Offering MSSP services including pentesting, training, and upcoming vCISO support

One thing that stood out:

👉 “Cybersecurity makes more sense when you understand the basics first.”

This is a must-watch for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity or level up.

Louis Kemp services: https://www.anultechnologies.com/

#CyberSecurity #RSAC2026 #Mentorship #ITCareers #InfoSec #Networking #CyberSecurityCommunity #MSSP #Leadership #TechCareers #WakeUPX #Podcast

🎙️ Controlling Production Access Just Got Smarter At RSAC, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about something every cybersecurity professional Gergely Dányi should care about, production access control.I spoke with the team from P0 Security, and here’s what stood out 👇🔐 What is P0 Security?P0 Security is an authorization control plane that helps organizations manage and enforce access across their entire infrastructure, whether it's:Linux systems (SSH)Windows serversCloud environments like AWS & Azure👉 The goal? Ensure users only get the access they actually need, nothing more, nothing less.⚡ Key Capabilities:Identity-based access (integrates with providers like Okta, Entra ID, etc.)Elimination of static credentialsJust-in-time (JIT) elevated access via automated workflowsCentralized policy enforcement across systems💡 What makes it different?The concept of being identity-native.This brings two major advantages:Clear audit trails, know exactly who did what (no more shared admin account confusion)Simpler deployment, API-driven integrations and lightweight connectors📊 Visibility + ControlP0 Security also:Scans environmentsMaps users, credentials, and entitlementsIdentifies over-permissioned accountsHelps guide organizations toward a more secure, least-privileged future🎧 This is what The Wake UP X Solutions is all aboutReal conversations. Real insights. No scripts.If you're in cybersecurity, IT, or cloud, this is the kind of innovation you should be paying attention to.👋 I’m Efren Salazar, and I’m out here at RSAC connecting with amazing people and sharing their stories.👉 Follow for more content on:CybersecurityAI & riskCareer growthReal-world tech insightsSpotify Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gNNknZKjYoutube Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gugPZpFKApple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gv7reiuv🎥 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and LinkedInhashtag#CyberSecurity hashtag#IdentityAccessManagement hashtag#IAM hashtag#CloudSecurity hashtag#ZeroTrust hashtag#DevSecOps hashtag#RSAC hashtag#RSAC2026 hashtag#TechLeadership hashtag#ITSecurity hashtag#CyberCareers hashtag#Networking hashtag#Podcast hashtag#WakeUpXSolutions