Why did you choose your profession?

Choosing my profession was a journey rooted in my passion for technology, a deep-seated sense of duty, and a love for solving complex problems. Serving 20 years in electronic warfare and cybersecurity within the military honed my skills in an environment where the stakes couldn't be higher, instilling a profound commitment to protecting and securing information. This path wasn't just about embracing the ever-evolving world of technology but about being a guardian in the digital age, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of critical systems and data against emerging threats. My career reflects a professional choice and a personal mission to make a significant, positive impact on the world through cybersecurity, driven by an unwavering enthusiasm for technology and an innate desire to solve the unsolvable.

Who are your main influences?

My main influences are deeply rooted in the cornerstone of my faith, Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings guide my daily actions and decisions. God, family, country, and profession form the foundation of my life, and I am committed to staying true to all. This blend of spiritual faith, dedication to loved ones, patriotic service, and professional integrity shapes who I am and how I approach every challenge and opportunity. Each influence reinforces my resolve to lead with compassion, integrity, and excellence, positively impacting everything I do.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment involves reflecting on a journey marked by dedication, service, and continuous personal growth. Being a key stakeholder in the US Navy Reserve NMCI cutover and serving as a commanding officer before retiring from military service after 20 years are pivotal moments, showcasing my commitment to excellence and leadership in critical operations. Completing my master's degree in computer science, becoming the first in my family to do so, and achieving my CISSP in the same year underscore my relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise. Launching and running a small service-disabled veteran-owned business, obtaining HITRUST certification in less than a year, and establishing a highly profitable line of work in cybersecurity for a managed service provider (MSP) are milestones that reflect not just my entrepreneurial spirit and technical acumen but also a steadfast dedication to advancing the cybersecurity field. Throughout it all, faithfully representing all my clientele without major incidents embodies my core values of integrity, trust, and excellence. While significant, each accomplishment collectively represents my greatest achievement: a balanced and impactful career that honors my service, furthers my profession, and stays true to my foundational beliefs in God, family, country, and service.

What tools do you use?

Describing the tools I use in my profession is like explaining the recipe for a perfect Louisiana Gumbo –a unique blend that makes it exceptional. For starters, I toss in a generous helping of Kali Linux, spicing things up with the latest in cybersecurity controls to keep the threats at bay. Then, I stir in a healthy dose of business intelligence and robotic process automation (RPA) for efficiency, sprinkling in some programming to keep the code as rich and robust as a good roux. Of course, no gumbo is complete without the secret ingredients: problem-solving and critical thinking, mixed vigorously with leadership and project management, to ensure everything simmers to perfection.

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​This eclectic mix, much like the beloved gumbo of my home state, sets me apart in the field. It's a combination that not only packs a punch in terms of technical prowess but is also seasoned with the soft skills that make all the difference. The result? A cybersecurity professional who's as versatile and effective as gumbo is delicious and comforting. And just like gumbo, the longer I cook in this industry, the better I get.

What advice would you give someone starting your profession?

Based on my journey and the eclectic mix of experiences I've gathered along the way, my advice to someone just starting out in this profession is threefold:

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1. Embrace Continuous Learning: The field of cybersecurity is as dynamic as the flavors of a good gumbo – always evolving and offering new tastes. Dive into and develop skills in Kali Linux (thinking like a hacker) to the latest cybersecurity controls. Don't stop at technical skills; soak everything from business intelligence to programming, and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

2. Develop a Problem-Solver's Mindset: Cybersecurity is not just about knowing the tools but understanding the puzzles they solve. Cultivate your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Approach each challenge like a unique recipe that requires a specific blend of ingredients to perfect. Remember, the best solutions often come from thinking outside the box, or in this case, outside the pot.

3. Nurture Soft Skills: Technical prowess will get your foot in the door, but your leadership, communication, and project management skills will build the house. Like a well-orchestrated kitchen, success in cybersecurity requires teamwork, clear communication, and effective leadership. Never underestimate the power of these skills in advancing your career.

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​Finally, remember the importance of serving with integrity and excellence, like faithfully representing all clientele without major incidents. Whether you're a seasoned chef in the cybersecurity kitchen or just starting to mix your first roux, the secret to success lies in a blend of continuous learning, problem-solving, and the cultivation of both hard and soft skills. And always keep the core values of God, family, country, and service close to your heart.