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 explore the gritty realities (and victories) that come with protecting data, people, and organizations in a tech-driven world. This podcast is built around real talk: the ups, the downs, and the moments when you know you’re onto something big. I believe that if you have the heart to hustle, no challenge is too big—cybersecurity included. Whether you’re aiming to get your first security gig, sharpen your offensive or defensive skills, master GRC, or lead with confidence, you’ll find the insights and inspiration here. Join me each week as we tackle the front lines of cyber and give you a roadmap to success.
From Leading NASA Teams to CrowdStrike APT Detection: Kyle Mendoza's Story
Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst Kyle Mendoza shares his journey from NASA to CrowdStrike, revealing strategies for breaking into threat intelligence.
28 Aug 2025
From Surf Shop Sales to Enterprise Sales Executive: Forrest Bowden's Journey
Host K.O. interviews cybersecurity sales leader Forrest Bowden about his journey from surf shop sales to enterprise executive, revealing keys to thriving in high-stakes conversations.
21 Aug 2025
Floral Designs, Firewalls, and Finding Her Place in Tech: Mindy’s Cyber Story
Host K.O. interviews cybersecurity leader Mindy about her journey from horticulture to tech, revealing lessons in adaptability and career pivots.
14 Aug 2025
40+ Certs and 5 Degrees Later: Elyson De La Cruz’s Rise to Cyber Leadership
Host K.O. interviews Elyson De La Cruz, Chief Information Security Officer at Imagine Believe Realize, about his journey to cyber leadership through extensive education and experience.
7 Aug 2025
From Jumping Out of Helicopters to Cisco Cyber Leader: Rob Gresham's Journey
Rob Gresham, Cisco Principal Engineer, shares his unique career path from military service to cybersecurity leadership, emphasizing structured training and operational resilience in this interview.
24 Jul 2025
Driving Security at Scale: Dave Abbott’s Path to Cyber Leadership
Cisco Security Engineering Leader Dave Abbott shares his experiences driving security at scale, navigating complex technical environments, and aligning technology with customer needs in an interview on cybersecurity leadership.
17 Jul 2025
From Building Defenders to Commanding Cyber Labs: Ismael Valenzuela’s Journey
Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Labs at Arctic Wolf, shares his 24 years of cybersecurity experience and advises on building security architectures, continuous learning, and global collaboration in this interview.
11 Jul 2025
From Pro Wrestler to Pentester: Phillip Wylie’s Wild Path
Phillip Wylie shares his unique career transition from professional wrestler to ethical hacker, discussing the skills, mentorship, and dedication needed to excel in offensive security, in this interview episode.
4 Jul 2025
From Teaching to Threat Hunting: Alena Funtikova-White’s Leap into Cybersecurity
Alena Funtikova-White discusses her transition from teaching to threat hunting at State Farm, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and mentorship in cybersecurity, in this interview episode.
17 Jun 2025
Built for Pressure: Lloyd Powell’s journey from Varsity-Athlete to NASA Cyber Leader
NASA cybersecurity leader Lloyd Powell discusses his journey from varsity athlete to cyber leader and shares insights on thriving under pressure in an interview with K.O.
29 May 2025
From Zero to Hero: A Solutions Architect Mindset - Kyu Jin Lee
Kyu Jin Lee, a Cybersecurity Solutions Architect, shares her journey of building a career in cybersecurity, offering insights on navigating challenges and empowering newcomers in this interview.
14 May 2025
Paralympian to Cyber Sales Expert - Faizal Hamdoon
About 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 sales, he has built a reputation for driving exceptional growth through innovative strategic planning, sharp business acumen, and unparalleled leadership. His expertise spans across crafting tailored solutions, building meaningful client relationships, and spearheading impactful campaigns that deliver measurable results.
A collaborative team player with a proven ability to work autonomously, Faizal thrives in high-pressure environments where creativity and adaptability are paramount. He has a remarkable ability to expand client portfolios and elevate brand visibility, consistently exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks for success.
Passionate about excellence and fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, Faizal’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic thinking. He is committed to not just meeting but surpassing goals, leaving an indelible mark on every organization he partners with.
Instagram: / astroinfosec
LinkedIn: / astroinfosec
22 Apr 2025
From Nuke Operator to Cybersecurity Expert: MIKE MCPHEE Shows What’s Possible
This conversation covers Mike McPhee’s upbringing and career journey, including his experience in the Navy, his passion for learning, and his extensive work in cybersecurity. He shares personal anecdotes, including humorous moments, insights about setting personal and professional boundaries, and the importance of aligning one’s job with personal interests. Mike also discusses his path to obtaining numerous prestigious certifications, like the GSE and CCIE, and gives advice about navigating the IT and cybersecurity fields with authenticity and passion. The value of continuous learning and the impact of maintaining a good work-life balance are emphasized throughout.
31 Mar 2025
SIMEON KAKPOVI's on a Mission to Make Cybersecurity Learning Free Through KC7's Game-based Education
Simeon Kakpovi is a senior threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft and the founder of the KC7 Foundation. The foundation aims to increase diversity in cybersecurity by providing hands-on training. Simeon shares his journey from being born in Benin Republic to working at Microsoft, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and breaking barriers. KC7 is an educational game designed to make cybersecurity accessible to all, helping people learn through interactive challenges. Simeon discusses the impact and future vision of KC7, striving for a more inclusive and prepared cybersecurity workforce.
24 Mar 2025
JIBBY SAETANG’s Unconventional Path: From Watchmaker to Cybersecurity Pro in 1 Year (No IT Background or Certifications Needed)
Jibby Saetang shares his unique path from being a watch repairman to a cybersecurity researcher at Microsoft. Despite having no formal IT background, Jibby found a passion for cybersecurity through playing KC7, a cyber detective game. He discusses his journey, including growing up in LA, living in Southeast Asia, and how he transitioned to cybersecurity. Jibby emphasizes the importance of loving what you do and connecting with a community for support. He advocates for finding what you enjoy and pursuing it relentlessly.
Who has been a guest on K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kyle Mendoza
Forrest Bowden
Mindy
Elyson De La Cruz
Rob Gresham
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
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