CyberWire Daily MK Palmore: Lead from where you stand. [CISO] [Career Notes]
Jul 12, 2025
MK Palmore, Director of Google Cloud's Office of the CISO, shares his incredible journey from the US Marine Corps to the FBI and into cybersecurity. He opens up about his childhood dreams and the challenges he faced growing up in Washington, D.C. MK underscores the importance of mentorship and resilience in navigating career transitions. He passionately advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the need for leaders to uplift underrepresented voices.
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Naval Academy Prep Impact
- MK Palmore set his sights on attending the U.S. Naval Academy from middle school and achieved this goal despite initial doubts.
- He credits the Naval Academy Prep School as the most impactful educational experience of his life.
From Marine to Cybersecurity Leader
- MK transitioned from the Marine Corps to the FBI, where he found his first experience with cybersecurity investigations.
- Leading a large FBI cybersecurity team gave him exposure to the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Resilience Amid Adversity
- Resilience and focus on goals helped MK overcome economic and family challenges.
- Confidence in yourself should not be shaken by others regardless of upbringing.