I started out wrapping burritos at Chipotle, dreaming of something bigger but not quite sure where to go. Over time, that drive to learn and grow led me into cybersecurity—an industry where the stakes are high and the stories are endlessly fascinating. K.O.’s Launchpad is my way of opening the door for anyone curious about how to break in, level up, and find purpose in a field that’s shaping our digital future. In every episode, we’ll chat with experts, share practical strategies, and explor ...
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Built for Pressure: Lloyd Powell’s journey from Varsity-Athlete to NASA Cyber Leader
1:03:38
1:03:38
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1:03:38In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an amazing journey of perseverance, determination, and success. The highlight of this week's episode is a former varsity football player who earned one of LSU's most difficult degrees in computer science. Lloyd Powell, who is currently a NASA cybersecurity leader and the creative force behind the @pieta…
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From Zero to Hero: A Solutions Architect Mindset - Kyu Jin Lee
1:29:00
1:29:00
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1:29:00Kyu Lee is a Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Cisco, where she designs secure infrastructure and helps enterprises strengthen their defensive posture in an ever-evolving threat landscape. She holds an M.S. in Information Security Engineering from the prestigious SANS Institute of Technology, along with 12 GIAC certifications, a CISSP, and CompT…
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Paralympian to Cyber Sales Expert - Faizal Hamdoon
48:11
48:11
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48:11About Faizal: Faizal Hamdoon is an accomplished sales and marketing professional known for his dynamic approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. A former Eagle Scout and US National Paralympic athlete, Faizal brings a unique blend of discipline, resilience, and a competitive edge to every endeavor. With over a decade of diverse experience in s…
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From Nuke Operator to Cybersecurity Expert: MIKE MCPHEE Shows What’s Possible
1:41:54
1:41:54
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1:41:54In this episode, I sit down with Mike McPhee, a principal solutions engineer at Cisco, to explore his expansive career in cybersecurity. We delve into his early experiences in the US Navy, his journey through multiple degrees and certifications, including the prestigious GIAC Security Expert, and the lessons he learned from challenging roles in the…
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SIMEON KAKPOVI's on a Mission to Make Cybersecurity Learning Free Through KC7's Game-based Education
1:28:52
1:28:52
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1:28:52In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Simeon Kakpovi, the founder of the KC7 Foundation and a senior threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft. We discuss his transition from a network defender at Lockheed Martin to shaping a more inclusive future in cybersecurity through his nonprofit organiz…
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JIBBY SAETANG’s Unconventional Path: From Watchmaker to Cybersecurity Pro in 1 Year (No IT Background or Certifications Needed)
1:14:56
1:14:56
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1:14:56In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we explore the extraordinary journey of Jibby Saetang, who transitioned from repairing watches to becoming a security researcher on Microsoft's GHOST team. Jibby shares his path from working in a family jewelry business to joining the cybersecurity industry, with no formal IT background. We delve into his experi…
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