How KK Mookhey Built a Global Cybersecurity Company | Be Fearless Podcast EP 20

Oct 21, 2024

KK Mookhey, founder of Network Intelligence, shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to cybersecurity entrepreneur. He discusses how he landed his first client through cold-calling and shares pivotal moments, like his presentation at Black Hat. KK emphasizes the complex challenges of scaling a global cybersecurity firm, including building company culture and embracing innovation. He also offers valuable insights on channel partnerships, leadership roles in cybersecurity, and the importance of personal branding for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Journey Through Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship

05:07 • 24min

Navigating Cybersecurity Partnerships

28:48 • 20min

Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges

48:21 • 12min

Building a Personal Brand and Entrepreneurial Success in Cybersecurity

01:00:12 • 2min

Navigating Cybersecurity Careers and the Balance of Knowledge

01:02:28 • 5min

Embracing Change: Relocation, Learning, and Personal Growth

01:07:04 • 5min

KK Mookhey, the founder of Network Intelligence, shares his incredible journey from dropping out of college to becoming a pioneering cybersecurity entrepreneur. In this three-part series, KK shares stories, insights and advice with Vivek, Audrey and Aleksandra from the SquareX Team. He recounts the challenges faced in different stages of a cybersecurity company, shares his thoughts on channel partnerships and offers advice for those starting out or looking to grow in the industry.

0:00 Introduction and KK’s journey to being an entrepreneur
4:46 How KK landed his first client by cold-calling the State Bank of India
8:42 A chance encounter which set KK on the journey to presenting at Black Hat
13:26 The challenges of scaling a global cybersecurity company, such as building culture and staying relevant
18:58 Vivek’s thoughts on running a research-led product company
22:15 The problems that Network Intelligence solves and why leaders must embrace new trends such as Generative AI
28:56 KK’s insights on channel partnerships
35:08 Network Intelligence’s Center of Excellence and onboarding new products/vendors
37:56 Audrey and KK discuss channel partnership strategies and breaking into new markets
47:25 Why some channel partnerships may not work out and advice for practitioners
51:16 Why CISOs face one of the toughest roles in modern businesses and the complexity of evaluating solutions
56:28 Strategies for working with MSSPs
1:01:46 Why aspiring entrepreneurs need to build a personal brand and put themselves out there
1:05:59 On moving to the Bay Area
1:08:45 KK’s reading habit and book recommendations

🔔 Follow KK, Vivek, Audrey and Aleksandra on:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkmookhey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekramachandran/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-adeline/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-melnikova-1012/

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