Founders' Forum From Marine Officer to Cybersecurity CEO: Building Culture Through Service with Kevin Hyde
The son of a serial entrepreneur never planned to start a business. Then 21 years in the Marine Corps, intelligence community, and U.S. Cyber Command taught him something powerful—service isn't just a mission, it's a mindset.
Kevin Hyde, President of Layer 8 Security, went from defending American interests against cyber threats at the NSA to co-founding a cybersecurity firm that helps businesses stay protected and compliant. After spending decades in a world of strict hierarchy and standard operating procedures, Kevin made the leap to entrepreneurship where there's no manual—just problems to solve and clients to serve. The transition wasn't easy. Starting Layer 8 in 2014-15 meant convincing companies they needed cybersecurity before most understood the threat. Kevin and his co-founder pivoted, focusing on compliance requirements (FDA, SEC, HIPAA) as the gateway to security services. Today, with 30 employees, Layer 8 celebrates wins, invests in training, and scales quality service without dilution.
Kevin's philosophy comes straight from the Marines: What have you done today to make life better for someone around you? He balances a demanding business with parenting while his wife travels, proving that work-life balance isn't about rigid schedules—it's about being present when it matters and logging back on at 10 PM when needed.
Key Takeaways:
- Service drives everything: From military to business, leading means making life better for those around you
- Train your people: Invest in employees' growth even if it makes them marketable—keep them at their best
- Adapt to market conditions: Pivot from what you want to sell to what clients actually need
- Scale without dilution: Growth means nothing if you sacrifice service quality
- Be present in the moment: Progress over perfection, whether in business, parenting, or golf
About Kevin Hyde:
Kevin is a cybersecurity expert with more than two decades of experience building cyber operations for both private industry and the U.S. government. During his 21 years of service in the Marine Corps, Intelligence Community, and U.S. Cyber Command, he helped create and deploy cyber maturity models and training programs for allied nations. In the private sector, he has led business growth across technology, consulting, and e-commerce—bringing a rare blend of national security and business expertise to the cybersecurity world.
Connect:
Website layer8security.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/khyde/
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