S3:E5 Breaking Into Cybersecurity

May 27, 2025

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🚨 Ready to Break into Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity isn’t just a job—it’s a #mission. Whether you’re an enlisted sailor eyeing your next chapter or a security engineer hoping to lead a team, the path to becoming a cybersecurity professional is both accessible and meaningful—if you pursue it with #purpose.

In my Forbes article, “My Expert Advice On Becoming A Cybersecurity Professional” (https://lnkd.in/ebVivUCR) I shared a few timeless lessons from my journey that can help you build a thriving career in this high-demand field. Here are a few highlights:

🔐 1. Start with Why—Then Get Certified

Don’t chase cybersecurity because it’s trending. Pursue it because you’re passionate about protecting systems, people, and data. Once you’ve clarified your “why,” pursue foundational certifications like Security+, CISSP, or CEH to validate your expertise and open doors.

💡 Coaching Prompt: What’s your deeper motivation for pursuing cybersecurity—status, salary, or service?

🎯 2. Be Mission-Focused, Not Title-Focused

In both military and tech environments, the best leaders aren’t obsessed with rank—they’re obsessed with results. The same goes for cyber. Start anywhere. Learn everything. Execute with excellence. Every SOC analyst and junior engineer who thinks like a CISO will eventually become one.

💡 Pro Tip: Titles follow impact. Build trust through delivery, not ego.

🌐 3. Network Like It’s a Strategic Operation

Cybersecurity is a team sport. No one succeeds alone. From LinkedIn engagement to mentorship groups and DEFCON meetups, build relationships intentionally. Military folks—treat networking like intel gathering. Engineers—treat it like building your GitHub for people.

💬 Coaching Prompt: Who in your network inspires you to level up—and how can you add value to them today?

🧠 4. Stay Curious. Stay Humble. Stay Relevant.

Cyber is a fast-moving battlefield. Complacency is the enemy. I encourage my mentees to read industry blogs, listen to cybersecurity podcasts, and follow thought leaders on LinkedIn. Make continuous learning part of your routine like you would PT or code reviews.

📚 Call to Action: What’s one new cybersecurity topic you’ll study this week?

🎖 5. Lead with Integrity. Always.

Whether in uniform or in a hoodie, the best cybersecurity professionals hold the line with character. This field gives us extraordinary access to systems and trust. Use it wisely. The greatest credential you carry is your integrity—not your resume.

🛡 Core Value Reminder: Integrity is doing what’s right when no one is looking—especially in cybersecurity.

🚀 Final Word: Cybersecurity Needs You

We need more defenders from diverse backgrounds—those who think critically, act decisively, and lead with humility.

✅ Reflection Challenge: What will you do this month to move one step closer to becoming the cybersecurity professional the world needs?

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“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” -Dr. John C. Maxwell

“Leadership is the most critical skill. The world will always need leaders to lead others, deploy the next disruptive technology, or execute a business strategy.” -Coach BZ

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